Page 2 of Scarlett's Mountain Man
“Almost there,” I whisper to myself. “Almost there. I can make it.”
But I don’t know if I can.
I lean forward to see out of the front windshield better. Trees are on both sides of the road, closing us in. But what is on the other side of them? Is it the side of the mountain, or is it sea ground? Maybe if I drove in the daytime, I would be able to tell.
I wanted to leave during the day when I would be able to see properly, but he didn’t leave until late in the day, making me wait until it was already getting dark. That’s why I called Thorin and told him I would be late.
First, I asked if I needed to come tomorrow or if tonight would work. I held my breath as I asked that because I wouldn’t have anywhere to go tonight if he told me tomorrow. But thankfully, he said he would wait until I arrived.
I don’t know if that is a good thing or not, though. Will he require me to get out of my car? My seat and I are covered in blood. I know he is going to look at it and freak out.
Any logical person would do it.
A sign appears ahead, and I slow down.
Whiskey River Mountain Lodge.
I let out a sigh of relief and slowly press on the gas. I’m heading in the right direction. After seeing the first sign, I grow worried as I continue to go up a winding path, not knowing if I am heading in the right direction.
I know I could use my the maps app on my phone, but I don’t have a charger to plug into my car, and I didn’t want to waste any battery in case something happened.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
“Shit,” I curse, picking up my phone and answering it without looking.“Hello?” My voice is weak.
“Is this Scarlett?” a deep voice rumbles through the phone. “I’m Thorin.”
I clench my thighs together and grip the steering wheel tighter. I will never forget the sound of Thorin’s voice. Deep, smooth, and sexy. I could fall asleep listening to him talk. Which isn’t good right now since I’m exhausted, in pain, and driving my newborn baby to safety.
“Scarlett?” he calls out, bringing my attention back to him.
“This is she,” I reply.
I hold the phone away from my face as I take a deep breath and slowly let it out, grimacing as pain makes its way through my body. When will this end?
I don’t have a clue since Juniper is my first child. I don’t have anyone to turn to for advice. “Scarlett, are you all right?” His voice holds a concerned tone. “Did you groan?”
I pull the phone back to my ear and plaster a smile on my face. I know he can’t see it, but it helps me believe that I am okay while reassuring others.
“I’m okay,” I gently say. “What can I help you with?”
I need to change the subject because, deep down, I have a feeling Thorin isn’t as easily distracted or fooled as the people I usually have to placate.
“Are you sure? I can come and get you.”
I shake my head.
“Scarlett?”
“Sorry, I shook my head, thinking you could see me, but clearly you can’t.” I chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. “I’m fine.”
I’m anything but fine. I am lightheaded, exhausted, and hurting. Everything in me wants to fall asleep right here, but I need to get to safety. Not only for me, but mostly for Juniper.
I can’t let him sell her.
I curse as I slow down, almost hitting a pothole. That could have been really bad. What would I have done if Juniper started to cry? I can’t stop on the side of the narrow road and try to calm her down.
“Scarlett? Are you driving and talking on the phone, or have you pulled over?” he asks.
