Page 3 of A Very Merry Mistake

I’d never hear the end of it.

Everyone within a hundred-mile radius is preparing for the impending weather we’ve been warned about since last week. I’m the only idiot on the road right now because I had to make a tree delivery that couldn’t wait.

“Ma’am, I’m sorry, but I can’t leave you out here like this,” I insist, watching her, expecting some sort of reaction but getting none.

I can only imagine the drama if she shows up to the inn soaked and half frozen. Or worse, never makes it there. My reputation, which I’ve been working hard to repair since I was publicly humiliated a few years ago, will be ruined once again.

I can’t allow that.

But I’m also wondering, Why me?

Why did I have to be the one to find her out here alone?

“So you’re headin’ to Merryville? It’s a pleasant time of year to visit.”

I put the truck in reverse to keep up with her, which isn’t difficult since she’s walking like a slow poke.

“Not sure if you’re aware or not, but there’s a bitch of a storm rollin’ in right at this very moment. Unless you enjoy a first-hand kind of experience, I’d strongly advise you to let me give you a ride into town.”

No comment.

Considering I’m the outdoorsy type, and she’s obviously not, maybe I need to explain.

“Ever heard of frostbite?” I ask. I’m almost at a loss for words, but I don’t give up yet. “Will make your nipples and toes fall off.”

I’m pretty sure I hear her groan.

The temperatures are dropping, and I know she’s cold. Her cheeks and nose are bright red. She’ll have wind burn on her face from the frigid blasts continuously slamming against her. It doesn’t take much in these elements. Also, she has no water, so dehydration is a possibility, too.

The search-and-rescue part of my brain goes into overdrive.

Each time she lets out a warm breath, it mixes with the cold air and immediately evaporates. The wind violently blows and whips her hair around. Luckily, she’s wearing a hat, which will help regulate her body temperature, but her hands are bare, so it’s a lost cause.

I look up at the clouds—it’s sprinkling, but a downpour is coming—then I stare at her.

This woman may seem like she’s got her shit under control, but I can see right through it.

This is pure desperation.

No one in their right mind would walk that far in those clothes in these temperatures without it.

I chuckle as she keeps her steady pace.

She glares at me like she’s ready to kick someone’s ass, that someone being me. But I’m undaunted.

“I’m Jake Jolly. My friends call me JJ. What’s your name?”

She lets out a harumph.

“Guess I’ll just have to call you Stubborn Susan, then. Fine with me. I don’t need to know your name. I don’t need to know nothin’ about you, but I can’t leave ya out here like this.”

I keep my tone friendly and light. I’ve heard over the years that you get more bees with honey than vinegar.

Her head whips around, and her blue eyes pierce straight through me. “I’m not stubborn.”

I furrow my brows. I’m not sure if she’s trying to convince me or herself. Regardless, I don’t believe a word of it.

“Hate to break it to you, darlin’, but your actions are speakin’ much louder than your words right about now.”

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