Chapter Nine

Liam had driven up the narrow lane to the Jarretts’ cabin a dozen times, but this was the worst to date. The light snowfall had turned into a whiteout as soon as they turned off the main highway, slowing them to a crawl as he fought to keep on the road.

“Is this the big one that’s going to shut the town down?” Kara asked, her nose pressed to the window. He caught a glimpse of her wide-eyed expression in the reflection and couldn’t help smiling.

“No, believe it or not. Takes a lot more than an inch or so to make that happen. This is mostly blowing snow. The big one won’t be for another month or two, before Christmas.” Liam waved at the whiteness enveloping them. “When the wind stops, you’ll see. Hardly enough to cover the ground.”

That earned him a disbelieving snort, but she stayed silent as he maneuvered up to the cabin. It took a bit longer than usual, but he wasn’t complaining—it was a welcome change not to be traveling alone.

The wood in the truck bed rattled as they pulled into the driveway, tires spinning a bit on the icy gravel. He spotted Mark Jarrett at the window, tugging on a parka to help unload the firewood.

“Why don’t you go inside and stay warm? Let me and Mark do the hard work.”

She eyed him as if he’d told her to hop in a shark tank. “What?”

“Mark’s going to insist in helping, and he won’t let you lift a finger—he’s old-fashioned like that. You can either sit here in the truck and get cold or go be sociable. Do that friendly thing like you did with Geraldine.” Liam opened the door, letting a cold breeze sweep in over them. “I’d go inside.”

“You just want me to see the sex swing,” she muttered as she got out on the other side.

He chuckled as he pulled his work gloves out of his pocket.

Mark approached and shook her hand before turning to Liam. The tall, thin man was deceptively strong, able to keep up when it came to unloading the wood.

“Thanks,” he said. “Lisa’s a bit paranoid about having enough wood. We usually don’t worry until November, but according to the Farmers’ Almanac we’re due for another bad winter.”

“Hey, better safe than sorry,” Liam replied. “I can always get more.”

It took the better part of an hour to unload the truck and stack it against the side of the single-floor cabin, adding it to the pile already there.

“You called it right. Not the big one. Not yet.” Mark shook some snow off his jacket. “As long as it holds off until after Thanksgiving.” He handed over the payment. “Thanks again for the last-minute delivery. Take care going home.”

The drive down the mountain was much easier, the heat blasting up from the vents in the truck. Liam glanced at the woman beside him.

She wasn’t the nervous bundle he’d hauled up the rough road earlier—if anything, she was too calm and collected.

“How did you like the cabin?”

She let out a light chuckle. “I’m curious about some of the towel racks in the bathroom. Interesting placement.”

Liam couldn’t hold back a laugh.

She shifted closer, moving over the seat until her leg pressed up against his. “So I’m curious. What would you have done if they’d invited me to stay, spend a few days with them?”

Liam resisted the urge to step down on the gas pedal, hard. Instead he turned and stared at her. “I wouldn’t have let you. I don’t like to share.”

The firm tone froze her in place for a few seconds, her eyes going wide at his declaration.

He turned his attention back to the road, resisting the urge to pull over, his pulse pounding in his ears.

After a long moment, an eternity of waiting, Kara slid back to her side of the truck.

“What’s next?” Kara watched the light snowflakes trickling down.

“Helping winterize some gardens, close down some rental properties. Along with the usual chores.” He gave her a wide smile. “Now I bet you regret eating all those cookies at the library.”

A few hours later Kara dragged herself over to Liam’s couch and collapsed on it.

“There can’t be much more to do in the Ridge,” she said, draping her legs over the edge. “You nailed up boards, you covered flower beds, you helped put up a car on blocks. Is there anything left?”

He laughed as he hung his jacket up. “Not really. But I’d rather do it now while the weather’s holding than rush to do it tomorrow.” The pistol came out of the small of his back and came to rest on the coffee table. “I go back to work tonight at the warehouse.”

“Wait. What?” She rose and advanced on him. “You have a regular job?”

“Sure. This place costs rent, and I can’t pay it in cherry pie and hugs. Morgan’s Mountain Spring Pure Water.”

“But doesn’t it all taste the same?” Kara shrugged off her leather jacket and hung it up on one of the pegs set in the wall by the front door.

He grabbed his chest as if she’d stabbed him. “Don’t let my boss hear you say that. I drive a forklift, load up the trucks. Midnight shift. You’ll have the place to yourself tonight.”

Kara frowned. “You’re going to leave me here?”

“Unless you want to come and sit in the break room for eight hours, sure. Got to leave you alone at some point, and now is as good a time as any.” He stripped off his shirt and headed for the shower. “My place, first dibs on the hot water.”