Page 23 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

“Darn it.” She pulled out her phone, taking note of the time. It was after ten. She didn’t know if the poker game was still going on or if her father was asleep. She hated to call, but Jake’s garage was closed by now and she’d dropped her emergency roadside service six months ago to save money.

She dialed the home number, clenching her teeth. The phone rang four times and then it was picked up. “Hello, Papa?”

“It’s not your papa. It’s Sam.”

“Sam?” What was he doing answering their phone? “Where’s Papa?”

“He went to bed half an hour ago.”

She paused. So why was he still there? Her brows creased with worry. “Is he feeling okay?”

“Yep. He’s doing just fine. We tired him out, is all. Where are you? You sound like you’re in a cave.”

“More like,I’m in a ditch.”

“What?” Sam’s voice elevated. “You’re in a ditch, out in this weather? What happened? Are you hurt?”

“First of all, I’m not hurt. But my car seems to be stuck in a washed-out patch of road. I’m a mile away, on Willow Road.”

“Hold on. I’m coming. Be there in five. Less than five.”

“But what about my dad?”

“I’ll leave him a note. Just stay in the car. I’m coming.”

She hung up the phone grateful help was on the way.

*

She was hardlya wilting flower, but the storm raged, lightning shocked the night sky and thunder exploded. It was one thing driving toward home in the rain with the heater on, but just sitting in her car defenseless, watching nature have a tantrum was quite another thing. Fear and cold invaded her body and she shivered uncontrollably. When Sam drove up in his truck, she’d never been happier to see anyone in her life.

A flashlight lighting his way, he held his hat down and raced to her car. She unlocked the passenger door and he slid into the seat, his slicker dripping wet.

“T-thanks for c-coming,” she said.

The tone in her voice must’ve shocked him. She was usually snarky with him but all she could voice tonight was gratitude.

“Are you okay? You look shaken up.”

“I’m… fine. I must look like something the cat dragged in.” She touched her hair and Sam shot her a sweet smile.

“Maybe we both do.”

At least he didn’t try to deny it. Although, he looked pretty darn good to her, considering water was dripping down the brim of his hat and his slicker was soaked. “What happened?” he asked.

“It was coming down really hard and the wipers couldn’t keep up. By the time I saw the headlights of an oncoming car, it was either swerve off the road, or crash. I ended up in this ditch.”

Sam nodded and blew out a breath. “At least you’re safe now.”

She felt safe with Sam. He always made her feel that way.

“Well, we can’t do anything about your car now. We’ll have to leave it until the storm lets up. Stay in your seat and I’ll come around to get you.”

She nodded.

He got out and she followed the beam of his flashlight until he was at her door. He pulled it open and she angled her body to get out. “No way,” he said, glancing at her high heels. “You’ll sink into the mud in those shoes.”

“Can’t be helped. I didn’t bring my boots.”

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