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She shifted uncomfortably on the clothes stacked beneath her bottom and even considered going back inside for more Jenga blocks but decided to make do with what she had.
Be there in three hours. It had to be a Yukon, huh?
She waited for a response, her eyes fixated on the screen as the three dots danced, teasing her with anticipation before disappearing, only to reappear once more.
I knew better than to get the Mini Cooper.
She set her phone down and headed off the lot toward Aspen Cove. This would be her first trip there since her brother left the business. Val invited her to the wedding, but she was on assignment in Rome and missed it. Today she was coming to meet the baby. Little Natalie Armstrong had entered the world only a few days ago, and although her mother was an award-winning actress, the baby was taking center stage. Once she got her fill of Auntie Viv time, she needed to clear things up with Val. He’d asked her to take over as the head of the company. It was an odd request since she was the youngest and had five older brothers who could step in to fill Val’s shoes. She’d like to think it was because she was the most level-headed, and he considered her the best option. Still, deep inside, she knew it was because her name started with a V. She could almost hear him say, “You can’t spell Vortex without a V at the beginning.” The firm’s name came from the boys’ initials in the family. The V was for Valery, first for her father; when he passed, it was her brother. Next were Odin, Ramsey, Torren, Easton, and Xander. Without a V at the start, it was Ortex, which made no sense.
As she drove through the city, she kept her eyes on the mountain range ahead. She marveled at the stunning scenery before her when she got to the turnoff that guided her toward Mount Meeker. Towering peaks, lush forests, and sparkling streams passed by her window in a blur of green and blue and turned to white as she climbed to higher elevations. The winding road was steep and treacherous in places, but Vivian was an experienced driver and navigated it easily despite everything.
About an hour from town, she came across a man and a dog standing on the side of the highway next to a broken-down truck. She didn’t usually stop for strangers. It wasn’t wise, but she felt terrible for the dog. The temperature had dropped twenty degrees since she’d left Denver, so she pulled over and lowered her window.
“Do you need some help?”
“We could use a ride.”
She glanced into the back of the SUV. She had the room. “I can take you as far as Aspen Cove.”
“It’s my lucky day, then. That’s exactly where I’m headed.”
“Climb on in.” She unlocked the doors and waited for the man to get his shepherd situated in the back seat before he took the passenger’s seat for himself.
She pointed to the bag on the console. “I don’t have much to offer but gummy worms and chocolate. You’re welcome to it.”
“I appreciate the lift.” He opened the bag and pulled out a candy bar. “And lunch. My truck petered out about an hour ago. Several people slowed down, but they kept going.”
“What about your dog?”
He chuckled. “He’s not a lover of sweets.” He pointed to his rucksack. “I always carry his water and food. He’s like my kid. He comes first.”
She liked that he had priorities. She’d met a lot of selfish men who didn’t consider others first. “Are you from Aspen Cove?” She reached into the Sour Patch Kid bag and took a handful. The first one always gave her the shudders, but the rest went down smoothly.
“No, but I’ve got friends there. Buddies from the army.”
“Oh, it’s nice to have friends.” Viv thought about her life. Growing up with all brothers in a big family, she didn’t need a lot of friends and had to be careful in choosing them. Her brothers were all handsome, and she found out early on that many of her “friends” were only there to get closer to the Armstrong boys.
“What about you?”
She grinned. “My brother just had a baby.” She laughed. “I mean, his wife did. I’m an aunt.”
“Exciting stuff. How long will you be in town?”
“Not too long, just until I get a new assignment.” She’d be out of there when she got called to work. Small-town living might be great for her brother, but she appreciated things like 2:00 a.m. Taco Bell runs and all-night liquor stores. She’d almost bet her weapon that a Starbucks wouldn’t be within an hour’s drive.
“Military?”
“Nope.” She sat taller. “Bodyguard.”
He stared at her. “Seriously?”
She quickly took her eyes off the road to give him a once-over. He wasn’t her type. He was too tall, too beefy. Men like him were born protectors, meaning they’d forever fight for dominance in a relationship. She liked strong men but with a soft side. Looking at him, she could see that army life had hardened him.
“Yep.” She took one hand off the steering wheel and offered it to him to shake. “Vivian Armstrong, head of Vortex Security.”
“I’ve heard of your company. I’m Jackson Knight.” He glanced into the back seat at his dog, who’d been quiet since he came aboard. “That’s Gunner.”
“Nice to meet you, Jackson, and Gunner. You know, I almost joined the Marines.”
