Page 29 of Auctioned to the Devil

“I’ll push furniture against it.”

“No power.”

“I have blankets.”

“Someone just broke into your house.”

Her chin lifts.

There she is.

Stubborn as hell.

“I am not abandoning my grandfather’s lodge because somebody wants to scare me.”

“Good.”

That surprises her.

“Good?”

“Don’t abandon it.”

I stand.

“Pack a bag.”

Her expression goes blank.

“What?”

“Pack a bag.”

“No.”

“Road closes, you’re trapped here. Windows are out, door’s broken, temperature’s dropping, and somebody knows you’re staying alone.”

“I can get a hotel.”

“Town’s full from the auction.”

“I’ll call Sally.”

“She’s staying with Margie. Pipes burst at her place.”

“Then I’ll sleep at the diner.”

“No.”

She plants both hands on her hips. “Do you have any word besides no?”

“Pack A. Bag.”

Her eyes narrow.

“You’re enjoying this.”

“A little.”