Page 42 of Hell on an Angel
Walking along the shoulder, she needed a minute to compose herself. Glancing at Cree still sitting on the bike, she continued walking until she turned around and headed back.
Kennedy climbed back on the bike, tapped his shoulder, and hung on as he pulled back onto the highway. At the next exit, Cree pulled off the highway and into the parking lot of a hotel. Evidently, they were done for the day, and she wouldn’t argue. When he shut the bike off, Kennedy got off and waited for Cree.
“You good?”
“Yeah.”
“Cross your fingers this place has an opening.”
“I’ll cross my toes too.”
Heading inside, they saw the place was buzzing with people. It looked like a business conference, and they might not get a room with as many people were meandering in the lobby. “Can I help you?” came a pleasant voice from behind the counter.
Kennedy peered over the counter to see a young girl sitting in a chair. “Hi, there. Would you happen to have a room available?”
“Let me check. We did have a few people check out early.”
“Thanks.” Kennedy looked over at Cree, who was discreetly scanning the area. “Everything okay, Cree?”
“Yeah.”
He didn’t sound convincing. “We don’t have anything, but give me one second.” the receptionist said. Giving her a minute, she continued watching Cree. Something had him on edge.
“Okay, there’s a room available at the little inn down the road. My girlfriend works there. She can hold it for you.”
“That would be great. Could you give me directions?” Kennedy listened as the girl gave directions. “Who do I ask for?”
“Mandy.”
“I’ll make sure to ask for her. And thank you again.” Resting her hand on Cree’s back, she nodded toward the door. She didn’t ask him what the problem was. She’d do that later, when he wasn’t on edge. Giving him the directions, they loaded back onto the bike and headed down the two-lane road.
The little inn was just that—a little inn. It was a quaint two-story house with a half-dozen cottages along the back side sitting on a pristine piece of property. Kennedy was sure it was gorgeous in the warmer months.
After checking in, Cree pulled the bike around to one of the cottages. Kennedy chose to walk, which she regretted halfway to the cottage. Her boot hit ice, which sent her flying feet first in the air. When she landed, it was on her hip, knocking the wind out of her. Pain radiated through her as she tried to catch her breath. The sound of running feet had Kennedy rolling onto her back as she sucked in a breath.
“Kennedy, are you okay?”
Sleet began to fall, making the situation more miserable. “I’m not sure.”
“Can you get up?”
“I’m not sure.” It was the honest answer.
“Give me your hands.” Cree pulled her toward him so she wasn’t on the ice. “Tell me if it hurts for me to move you.”
Before she could register any discomfort, Cree had her off the ground and in his arms. “Cree, I’m too heavy to carry.”
“Are you calling me weak?”
“No, I’m simply stating a fact.”
“I’ve carried you before and you didn’t protest.”
“I plead the fifth.”
Cree put her down outside the cottage door. “Key?”
Patting her pockets, Kennedy couldn’t find the key. “I must’ve dropped it when I fell.”
