Page 67 of Edged

“Sure.” Kaley turned the music off, and Jordan moved onto one of the stages.

“Attention,” he yelled. “I was just informed there is a major accident on the main road, and it will be closed for a little bit, then open with one way traffic. The club will be closing in fifteen minutes so everyone can get home.”

“Good thing it’s a light night,” Anthony said.

“Yes. I hope those involved are okay.” Kaley began putting things away and wiping down the bar.

“May I drive you home?”

“Yes. I’d appreciate that.” The second Jordan finished his announcement, the sub she’d caught a ride with ran out of the club. “I’ll be done here in a minute, then I can change.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

His ‘I’ll be waiting’ warmed her heart. The conversation with her therapist today had hit home. They talked not only about her fears but how Anthony made her feel, and why she was flipping between fighting against being with him and wanting to be with him. There was no easy fix. It was all up to her. She finished cleaning up and then changed. Anthony was lounging next to the front door when she walked out.

“All ready.”

“Be careful,” Jordan said.

“I will. I have precious cargo.” Anthony slipped his arm around her waist and guided her outside to his vehicle. “I’m glad I brought the SUV tonight.”

“You have more than one vehicle?”

“The SUV and a car. Sometimes it’s not practical to drive the SUV.” He held open the door and helped her up into the SUV.

“I’ll turn the heat on once the engine warms up,” he said.

“I’m fine.”

“I saw that shiver. Our summer is over, and temps are starting to fall.” He pulled out onto the main road.

“True, but I’m not cold. I hope we don’t have a bad snow season this year.” She gazed out the window.

“Last year was unusual. Did it affect your business?”

“Yes. I couldn’t drive to see clients.” She laughed. “Pleasant Valley is just in the right spot to get caught in some of those darn snow storm. I was snowed in for two days before the plows got to my neighborhood, and even then, it was too icy to drive.”

Anthony frowned. “I don’t like to think of you driving in those conditions.”

“I do my best not to. If it’s a little dusting, I’m okay, but I really do hate the ice.” She noticed the red taillights ahead of them as Anthony slowed down. When he stopped, he turned off the engine. Kaley glanced at the line of waiting vehicles. “I wish there was a way around this.”

“One of the issues with Max having his club out here,” he said. “The road dead ends at the campground.”

“Yes, it’s never been a problem before?”

“Not that I’ve seen. I’m not sure how long we’re going to be here.” He opened his door. “Be right back.” Kaley saw him talk to a couple drivers in front of them and then walk back. But instead of climbing in, he went to the back of the SUV.

The tailgate opened and then closed. When Anthony opened his door, his arms were full. “Good thing I’m prepared.” He tossed several blankets onto the center console and then placed several bags on the dashboard.

He closed his door and made sure the locks were engaged. “I know it’s early, but the temps are predicted to drop to forty tonight. We have blankets to keep warm, water in the back seat, and some snacks if we need them.”

“You’re the perfect boy scout.”

“I might be prepared, but trust me, there is nothing boy scouty about me.” He wiggled his eyebrows, and Kaley burst out laughing. If she had to be stuck with someone, Anthony was a great choice.

“You talked to the other drivers; what did they say?”

“The car in front of us is Dane and Regina. They arrived shortly before us, but the driver of the other car said he’d already been here for thirty minutes.” Anthony pulled out his phone. “I’m going to check the traffic app and see what it says.”

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