Page 48 of A Billionaire's Cabin Love

I smirked in an effort to be polite. “Nowhere, I’m actually looking for my girlfriend, Kara. Have you seen her?” I peeked at my watch. “In the last eight minutes?”

“Kara’s your girlfriend?” a woman said from behind.

She stepped beside Mandy.

She palmed her chin, resting her elbow on the podium. “How did she get lucky to get a handsome man like yourself? Even with a busted lip and bruised cheeks, you’re gorgeous.”

I was two seconds from biting their heads off. Through barred teeth, I framed a smile. “Thanks. I’m the lucky guy.”

Their jaws slacked.

“Have you seen Kara?”

“Nope.” Katy continued staring.

“Thanks for your time.” I ran out the door, peering down the low-lit streets lined with decorative black street lamps.

“Where are you, baby?”

I climbed back into my truck and drove toward her father’s house.

My heartbeat thudded my ribcage. I had to find Kara.

The sexy, rugged woman owned my heart. I didn’t know if she owned heels, let alone knew how to walk in them. California would be a culture shock to her. Between me and my assistant Ruby, we’d get her settled in to her new life.

I parked in Mr. Riley’s long driveway. One light was on in the house. She had to be here. His truck must’ve been in the garage. Don’t tell me she walked here.

I stood on the porch and rang the doorbell.

Another light popped on before the door opened. “Collin, what are you doing here? Come in.”

I stepped inside and closed the door behind me. “Sir, have you seen Kara?”

His eyes widened as he ran his hand over his brown and blond hair. “No, she’s not. Who did you get into a fight with? I’ll grab an ice pack.”

“I’m fine, Mr. Riley. Eric and the other guys who have a thing for Kara approached me at the bar.” I swiped my hat off my head.

“I was in my first bar brawl.” My first in the U.S. The other happened in Dublin, Ireland.

“Have a seat.”

I sat on the sofa across from him. He sat on the arm of the chair, wearing flannel pjs.

“Kara was upset. Said a few choice words and left the bar without a coat or a phone. Her truck is still in the bar parking lot.”

“Kara, knows not to stand out in the elements too long without outerwear.

Her house is too far.” He rubbed his brow.

“She’s somewhere warm near the bar.”

“I checked the diner. She wasn’t there.”

“I’ll change. I think I know where she is.”

“Ok.”

Twenty minutes later, he unlocked the front door of his shop. He flipped on a low beam light. “Follow me,” he whispered.

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