Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 437(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 437(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Yep, still curious.
“If you’re trying to get out, you’re going to need to do some digging first. Got a shovel?”
“Um…” Silas swiped at falling snowflakes as he glanced toward the house. “There might be one in the garage, but I don’t want to impose.”
“I’m happy to help. Check to see if you’ve got a second shovel. If not, I’ll get one from home.”
He seemed ready to argue, but another peek at his trapped tires changed his mind. Silas strode to the house, fumbled with the lock, and disappeared inside. The garage door slid open and a short search yielded two brand-new, never-been-used shovels hooked on a peg against a wall.
I wordlessly grabbed one and tackled the rear wheels while Silas took the front.
He gave a self-deprecating half laugh, stabbing at the snow with a grunt. “I wish I’d put the car in the garage last night.”
“Rookie move,” I agreed.
“Bingo.” Silas shot a playful dirty look my way and continued working.
“Where are you from?” I asked, shoveling under the carriage.
“LA. Well, the Bay Area originally, but LA for the past ten years.”
Called it.
“Big move from Los Angeles to Wood Hollow.”
“This is—I’m not moving here.” He motioned to the beautiful modern-style log cabin behind him, shaking his head. “The place belongs to a buddy of mine. I’m in town for a week, maybe less. Got in last night, and the roads were totally clear. Then…I woke up to this. No wonder the rental agent was trying to sell me on the SUV.”
I moved to the other side of the car. “It’s not coming down too hard now, but we’re supposed to get another nine to twelve inches.”
“That’s what she said,” he muttered.
I snort-laughed. “If you got errands to run, I’d do it now, funny guy.”
Silas skirted the hood and took aim at the front tire, his head bent in concentration. “I was going to check out Main Street and get some groceries. I read somewhere that the coffee shop in town is amazing.”
“Yep. You’re gonna need chains, though.” I finished at my end, then gestured for him to step aside. My Good Samaritan deed of the day was cutting into my morning, and I really had to get to the office.
Silas straightened and leaned on the handle of the shovel. “Chains?”
“Mmhmm.”
“Isn’t Main Street like five blocks from here?” He scratched his head, his features sharp with comical desperation.
My gaze lingered on the hint of gold on his stubbled jaw and the thin scar at the top right corner of his full lips. Silas was a handsome man. Very handsome. The stylish haircut, Canada Goose jacket, designer boots, and Rolex on his wrist contrasted with the callouses and the bruising near his slightly crooked nose.
Shit. I was staring.
I kicked snow from the shovels and hung them back on the peg in the garage.
“Up the mountain pass on Belvedere. Nice scenic route, but the road twists and in these conditions, your Lexus might hydroplane into a tree or off a cliff.” I snickered at his groan. “Haven’t had a drop of caffeine yet, have you?”
Silas tilted his chin at the gray sky. “Is it obvious?”
“Just a guess.”
“Well, I have no idea where the chains are. I’ll have to take a chance.”
“You can’t do that, man. It’s dangerous, and trust me…you don’t want an accident on that road. The nearest hospital is twenty minutes away in Pinecrest, and it’ll take thirty in these conditions.”
He snorted. “What do you do in an actual emergency?”
“We have a clinic with good docs on staff. Anything serious gets heli-vacced to the hospital. Crappy ride in a snowstorm, I’d bet.”
His sigh was laced with irritation and resolve. “Great. I’ll walk.”
“In those boots?”
“What’s wrong with my boots?” Silas groused, looking at his feet.
“Nothing at all. They look brand-new and real nice. You’ll have blisters on your heels before you reach Belvedere.” I dug into my pocket and jingled my keys. “Lucky for you, I’m going that way. I can give you a ride if you want.”
“That’s nice of you, but I’m not sure how I’d get back.”
“We have a new taxi service. I’ll get you Jed’s number. Give him a call, and he’ll drop you off here with your groceries.”
Silas narrowed his eyes. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Don’t overthink it. If you’re coming with me, you might want to stick your car in the garage and change into waterproof boots. Blister or no blister…those fancy ones you’ve got on aren’t gonna last an hour in Wood Hollow.”
I didn’t give him a chance to reply. I retraced my steps through the snow, hopped into my truck, and blasted the defroster and heater. I drove to the bottom of the steep driveway next to mine and idled there. The car was in the garage, which I assumed meant Silas had decided to take me up on the ride. I scrolled through emails while I waited and checked my messages. Nothing new.