Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 32426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 162(@200wpm)___ 130(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 162(@200wpm)___ 130(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
The cinnamon flavor sugar cookie with the chewy center is exactly what I needed. I didn’t even stop for breakfast this morning. I just got on the road with Danny as soon as I finished putting everything in order at the apartment.
Nate lets me finish my snack without peppering me with questions. The radio plays soft instrumental Christmas music as the icy rain pelts the truck, and I can’t remember the last time I felt this safe or cozy.
I finish the last bite of cookie and wash it down with a sip of hot chocolate. My voice is soft when I ask, “So, what did you do to get on the naughty list?”
“I don’t know what I did to get on the naughty list. But since you’re on it, I’m glad I am too,” he says with a conspiratorial smile like we’re partners in crime.
I don’t need to be noticing how beautiful his smile is or how much I like the spicy scent of his cologne. I need to stay focused. He’s just here as a favor. “Thank you for doing this, picking me and Danny up.”
“I’d do anything for Mary and Christopher.” The note of conviction in his tone tells me this cowboy is loyal. The type of person you can call in a crisis, and he’ll be there. It doesn’t matter whether you’re family or a perfect stranger, this cowboy shows up.
“Have you known them a long time?” I pick the crumbs from my blue jeans. I ate my cookies so quickly I’m surprised there was anything left.
“I was a troubled teen with a chip on my shoulder. I thought life had given me a raw deal, so I acted like the world owed me something.” He shakes his head. “I was headed down the wrong path fast. Thankfully, I got sent to the Naughty List Ranch with Mary and Christopher. They helped me turn my life around. Gave me a family in more ways than one.”
I smile at the fondness in his voice. It’s obvious he loves the Maas family. “Do you go home often?”
“I used to go every other year.”
“What happened?” I ask, detecting the slight change in his tone. I learned to monitor someone’s tone after living with Corey for so long. It was important to read his mood before I approached him about anything.
Nate takes a deep breath and squeezes the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turn white before he eases his grip. “It’s a long story.”
We drift into silence for a few minutes before he starts talking again. “What about you? Where are you from?”
“Well, as you’ve figured out, I’m a single mom. Silver Bell Hollow sounded like a brand new start, which is exactly what we need right now.”
He nods. “Some great people live there. You’ll fit right in. It’s like a big extended family. All of the towns within Havenstone are like that.”
“Havenstone?” I repeat. Other than looking up a few facts about Silver Bell Hollow, I didn’t do much research. I knew this was the right decision, and I needed to move fast before I talked myself out of it.
“Havenstone is the county that Silver Bell Hollow is in. There are several other small towns including Clover Canyon. Got some good friends up that way, too. The Suttons are friends of mine.”
As he talks, I watch the dashed lines on the road, fighting back a yawn. He has a soothing voice. Now that I’ve eaten a snack and I’m warm again, the sleepy feeling is stronger.
My eyes start to drift close, the exhaustion of the past few months catching up to me. But I’ve barely had them closed when I shake myself awake again and glance at the back seat where Danny is resting comfortably. Rudy is next to him, having clambered onto the seat. He has his head pressed against the car seat as if he’s watching over his new buddy.
“You go ahead and sleep. If he needs you, I’ll wake you,” he says.
“Promise?” I yawn loudly. Sleeping in a stranger’s car probably isn’t the smartest idea, but Mary has my location pin. She can see the truck moving on her app but more than that, I trust Nate.
“Promise,” he says the word softly and it’s the last thing I hear before sleep finally claims me in its sweet embrace.
Nate
I glance over at my passenger seat again. The blonde strands of Callie’s hair have come loose from her braid, and I want so badly to lean over and tuck it behind her ear. They’re both sleeping so hard, and it makes me proud that I’ve provided an environment that makes them feel safe enough to rest.
Callie ate those cookies too fast, like maybe she hasn’t been getting enough to eat. She’s curvy, full-figured and beautiful. I love her body, the way she fills out her blue jeans. Didn’t care much for the threadbare coat she’s wearing.