Page 2 of My Guarded Valentine

At the end of the day, I glanced at Nadia as she stopped at my desk. I tapped the desk in excitement. I might have found the one flaw in O’Brien Industries. “I think I could have an amazing story. I think it might be groundbreaking.”

Nadia made a face. “What do you mean?”

“What if there was a coverup with the O’Brien wreck?? I’m going to try to meet him at his company. Isn’t it suspicious he disappeared after the wreck? Maybe they switched places!” I rambled.

Nadia froze with her tablet in her hands. “What?” Nadia’s brows furrowed as she looked at me. “How? What do you mean?”

Picking up my tablet, I tapped the screen. “Lots of digging. Something sketch has to be going on there. I sent some emails. I’ll badger them till they let me meet him. Simple.”

A confused look crossed her face. “I don’t believe that because I’m sure better reporters have looked for him and never found him,” Nadia said hesitantly. “He’s probably in, like, Aruba drinking mai tais or whatever. I’m not saying you're a terrible journalist. I’m…worried about you. And they will call security on you.”

I smiled weakly and looked away. Overwhelmed, I blinked back the tears that threatened to spill. “They’ve never met a girl that needs anamazingarticle to prevent getting fired. I need this.”

“Well, I’m not putting on the tin foil hat with you. I just want you to be careful. Love you and all. Then again, I haven’t spent the last few hours deep diving into Connor O'Brien. Maybe you did find something. Saw a pattern no one else did. You’re good and that’s why I don’t want them to fire you.” Nadia slammed her tablet into her bag and shrugged. “Well, good luck then. When do you leave?”

“Tonight. Got a hotel and I made sure it was expensive too. If I get fired, I’ll have a nice few days.”

Nadia sighed as she looked at me in pity. “When’s your next article due?”

“Two weeks. But I need to get most of it done in a week, ya know?”

Nadia nodded as she fiddled with the strap of her bag. “Did you get your oil changed yet? You complained about that a few weeks ago. My mom always said to make sure your car has a checkup before long trips.”

I waved my hand. “It’s fine!” I lied.

Nadia’s brows furrowed as she shot me a concerned look. “Well, good luck!” Nadia exclaimed. “Text me or something when you get to your hotel.”

“Thanks!” I said as I grabbed my items. As I stepped away from the desk, I paused. I shook my head and gathered any of my personal effects. Writing this article was my last chance. If I failed, I didn’t want to come back. It would be like the worst walk of shame in the entire world. At least a one-night stand could end with an orgasm. Being fired would be like being fucked in the ass without lube. No, thank you. I hefted my bag over my shoulder and left.

Chapter 2

Buck

“Well boys, it’s time for me to meander home,” I said as I stood up.

“See ya later, Buck,” one local, Jim, said. We’ve been meeting up to play cards and darts for the last few years. They didn’t know my past like Mitch or Curtis, but they were good and honest men. “Next time, I’ll beat ya at darts.”

I laughed. “Good luck with that.”

A few other people were leaving when I stepped outside. I walked to my truck and slid into the seat. The cold air bristled with the hint of snow. The last vestiges of the last snowfall peeked around all corners of the city and mountain. I loved this time of year. Others may complain about the cold and snow, but it was my favorite. As my truck trudged up the mountain, I tapped the radio to blast my favorite rock music. The bass rumbled through my body as the growly screams filled the vehicle. The night was shaping up to be perfect. A figure emerged in the middle of the road, startling me. I careened to a stop, grateful there was no black ice on the small road. I jumped out and ran up to the woman.

“What on earth are you doing here?!” I screamed.

The plump woman turned around, her hand pulling her thinjackettighter against her body. She waved her phone above her head. “Hello. Sorry! I’m trying to find reception. My car broke down a few yards back and I figured this little hill could help.”

I laughed. “You’ll find no service on this part of the mountain. What are you wearing? It’s gonna snow soon.”

She looked up at the sky. “I don’t see anything.”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s about to start. I have a guy in town that can fix your car. It’s late. We can’t call him in the morning. He has a newborn and his husband will kill me if I call at this time.”

“Your guy?” she asked in a light tone. She tried to hide a smile behind her hand.

“A friend of mine. He fixes everything for me. He’s had a hard lot the last few years, and he has a baby. Whenever I can send him more work, I send it his way. Where’s your car? You can stay with me for the night.”

“What about the other mechanics?”

“Small town. There aren’t many. Oh, my guy’s not officially a mechanic. Plus, the snow is coming in. The one tow truck company—which is only a father and son—will be prepping all their trucks with snow plows since the city ignores the smaller roads at first. We could call from one of the bigger towns, but it would be longer.”

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