"So who is this woman you are helping?" Culver asks as we descend Ravenhart Mountain toward Corvid Valley.
"I told you, she had an accident in front of my place and was snowed in with me for a little bit," I grumble.
"Yeah. Okay. But why exactly are you doing all the legwork to get her car fixed?" Culver says, looking over at me pointedly.
"Because I'm a nice guy," I say, making him snort. "Are you saying I'm not a nice guy?" I add defensively.
"No, man. You are pure of heart and an angel among men," he quips with a snort, then adds, "I just see you more as someone who'd give your left arm to help a friend, but not a stranger, is all."
I don't know what to say to that, so I just stare out the window, watching the trees and the snowy ground blur past.
A couple of hours later, I stand in Conrad's shop signing the bill.
"Thanks for doing this so fast," I tell him, and the orc grins at me.
"I could tell this woman was important to you," he says, and Culver chuckles behind me.
"I knew it," my annoying coworker says.
"Shut it," I say gruffly and shrug my shoulders. "The woman was escaping a shitty situation in Vegas, and I just felt like she's here in an unknown place, and I wanted to be helpful," I grumble.
I catch Conrad and Culver giving each other a knowing look. I ignore it, rolling my eyes.
The orc mechanic walks the two of us out front, handing me the keys to the red compact.
"Alright, man. You're all set to return the car to this runaway bride," he teases.
I give him a look but say, "Thanks, buddy."
Culver says goodbye and heads off in his truck. I follow him at first but take a turn into downtown Corvid Valley. Stopping in front of the Saucy Girl's shop, I head inside to grab a few of my favorite sauces. As I do, I also pick up a couple for Petula to try.
After paying, I step outside and look across the street, seeing a sign that advertises pre-lit trees for sale. Checking both ways, I jog across and find a six-foot-tall one along with a few boxes of generic ornaments. After purchasing them, I make my way back to the car and wrangle the items into the tight back seat.
Behind the wheel, I shake my head, wondering what's gotten into me. Buying a tree and ornaments for some random woman who I'm a hundred percent sure has zero interest in my old ass. I consider running back over and returning everything, but instead, I turn the key and the engine comes to life.
Turning onto Petula's road, my heart begins to pound under my ribs. Crap. I have to finally admit it to myself: I have it bad for this woman.
I pull into her driveway, and a gasp tumbles out of my mouth as I park the car. Petula is standing out front of the house with several snowy tornadoes dancing around the front yard as she spins with a huge smile on her flushed face. Stepping out into the chilly air, I stare at her for a long moment before she notices me.
"You're a witch," I blurt out, and she nods, a look of worry flashing behind her eyes, so I quickly add, "So was my mother."
Petula's arms relax by her side as she smiles at me while the snowflake tornadoes tumble to the ground.
"I didn't know that," she says.
The curvy beauty runs over, looking at the front of her car. "Holy crap, your friend did this so fast! How much do I owe you?"
I shake my head, and she puts her hands on her hips, squaring her shoulders at me.
"No way, Flint Bosch. I am paying for the repairs," she says firmly, and I know she means business.
"Alright. Fine," I say, giving up quickly. "But you're not paying for any of this," I add, opening the trunk.
Petula walks over and gasps. "A Christmas tree? Seriously?" she says, beaming up at me, and it takes every ounce of willpower not to scoop her up in my arms and cover her beautiful face with kisses.
I help her carry in the groceries, tree, and ornaments and offer to set up the tree for her. As I do, she unpacks the food. When she's done, the tree is set up much easier than the used one Sheila and Nancy gifted me.
"I guess you need a ride home," she says.
