A Vampire for Christmas(27)
Charlotte was soon back in the Volvo, heading to Rainier Falls. Would Trace be around now? she wondered as she stared at the late-afternoon sky. A few light snowflakes hit the windshield. Given the short daylight hours and the low UV light, he’d told her that this was a favorite time of year for his people. They could come and go a little more freely.
In the week since she’d arrived at the mansion, every night she’d stared at the door adjoining their rooms and wished Trace would knock. But he hadn’t. She’d even tiptoed over to put her ear against the door, like a naughty schoolgirl doing something she shouldn’t, but all she’d heard was the tap-tap-tapping of his keyboard. Early in the morning, when she’d gotten up to get a drink of water, she’d still heard it. She’d known he was dedicated to his work, but did he ever sleep?
She knew he was giving her the time and space to sort out this new reality, but she’d sorted it out enough in her mind. She cared about him. Maybe even— Well, she wanted to spend the rest of the time they had with him, not apart. Tonight, she made up her mind to go into his room. Invitation or not.
By the time she got close to Rainier Falls, it was snowing hard. The flakes were wet and heavy, making it difficult for the wipers to keep the windshield clear. With both hands on the wheel, she slowed down and concentrated on the road in front of her. As she came around a bend, two giant headlights showed up in her rearview mirror, barreling straight for her.
Crap. He was right there. Inches from her back bumper. What an ass.
She hugged the side, giving the driver room to pass. But before she knew what was happening, her outside tire went off the edge of the road and the car started sliding. She gripped the wheel, holding the vehicle steady, and eased up on the gas. The rig behind her zoomed past just as her car came to a halt. She caught a glimpse of large tires and chrome wheels before the snow it threw off sprayed her windshield. She revved the Volvo’s engine, but there was no forward movement. The tire was stuck. A quick check of her cell phone confirmed she had no coverage, either.
That’s just great.
Thank goodness she’d worn boots today and had on her heavy coat. The mansion wasn’t more than a mile or two away. She’d make the trek and have Trace come help her with the car so it wouldn’t sit stranded on the side of the road all night.
As she was grabbing her things, a loud rap made her jump. She jerked her head up to find a man standing outside the driver’s window.
Holy shit. Her heart did a flip-flop in her chest.
With dark eyes and his collar turned up against the weather, he looked almost like a—
Come on,” he said through the window, indicating for her to roll it down.
Had he come from the rig that passed her? Through the windshield, she could just make out red taillights in front of her that she hadn’t noticed before. Evidently, he had. She opened it just a crack.
Jesus,” he said. “You practically ran me off the road.”
Given that he was the one driving what amounted to a street-legal Sherman tank, she highly doubted it, but then again, she hadn’t been able to see the center line, either. It was very possible that she had been driving in the middle of the road. “Sorry. I couldn’t see much.”
Well, who do we have here?” Something flickered behind his eyes as he smiled and his expression softened somewhat. A few snowflakes dusted his dark hair. With a cruel set to his jaw and a soul patch under his lower lip, he was good-looking, devilishly so.
She chose not to answer him. He gave her the creeps. “Would you be able to give me a little push?” she asked. “If I can just get that tire back onto the road again, I think I’ll be fine.”
Sorry. I’d like to help, but I’m afraid I’m not dressed for it. This snow is ruining my shoes as it is and I’m freezing my ass off standing here.” He glanced in her backseat. “Can I…give you a lift?”
Like hell was she going to get into a car with him. That night in the parking lot with Trace was the only time she’d gotten into the car with a stranger, and he’d turned out not to be a stranger after all. “No, I’m fine.”
Let me guess. You’re heading to the Westfalen place.”
She scrutinized his face. He didn’t look familiar and yet— “Yes, I am. How did you know?”
Call me clairvoyant.” He laughed, but she didn’t find it comforting. “We’re heading there, too.”
How convenient. “We?”