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She didn’t have any trips planned for a bit because she was waiting for her editor to let her know about the one story she’d really wanted. Being on the move so much, she had no connections with people who would be worried for her.
But this group, these women especially, made her think that if she went missing now, say after a car crash, they would call and search for her.
“We will stay in touch,” Wendy said, squeezing her tight.
“Of course.”
“I don’t want this to sound weird but I’m glad your car flipped and you got to stay here with us.”
She understood and nodded. “I couldn’t have asked for a better place to land. Or better friends to make.”
“I bet. That hard body would be a great place to settle.”
A bark of laughter escaped and Hope rolled her eyes. “I was talking about the inn.”
“I was talking about the hot Viking you were sharing a bed with.”
“I got that.”
Wendy chortled. “I know you did. More than once!”
Another hug and Wendy pushed a sheet of paper into her hand. “My number for you to put in your phone when you get it back.”
Damn it! Actual tears burned her eyes and she furiously blinked them away.
“Thank you, Wendy.”
Her new friend drew back. “For?”
“Being my friend.”
“Awww, honey. You’re a fucking incredible woman. Anyone with half a brain would be your friend.”
This time their hug was joined by Sonya.
“I’m too cute to be left out of this love circle.”
Hope and Wendy laughed before holding her tight. I have friends. I made new friends. João is going to be so proud of me.
After the trio split up, she got hugs from Erick and Alistair. All the while, Mitchell’s gaze burned into her.
“You and me and a ride in my Stingray when the weather permits,” Alistair whispered in her ear.
“Sounds like fun.” She brushed her lips over his cheek, stepped back, and found herself plastered against Mitchell’s side.
“We need to go.” His low rumbled words pushed over her skin and she nodded.
“Of course.”
At his SUV, he opened the door, and she nearly purred at the warmth welcoming her. After another round of hugs, she climbed in and buckled her belt while Mitchell shut the door and strode around the hood to the driver’s side. The short time he was in the glow of the headlights was more than enough for her to moan and shift on the seat.
Control. I need to have control.
When he climbed in and got them headed out of the parking lot, she cut her gaze to the left and stared at him.
Then again, do I really need it?
Chapter Fourteen
Hope sat in silence beside Mitchell as he cautiously navigated the winding mountain road back to Rock Falls. The roads hadn’t been passable until nine at night and he’d turned down the chance to stay one more night in order to head home. And take Hope with him.
“Warm enough?” He reached over and settled a hand on her leg ever so briefly before returning it to the wheel.
“Fine, thank you.” She wasn’t looking at him, her head was angled away and he hated it.
This wasn’t the woman who had played in the snow, laughing and joking with everyone. Engaging in snowball fights. Nor was it the woman who had taken a walk with him around the property, stopping off in the barn for some deep kisses and heavy petting. And it certainly wasn’t the one who’d hugged the group they’d been with like she missed them already and they’d not even left the parking lot.
“Hope, talk to me.”
He didn’t want to be shut out. Before they’d left the B and B, he’d called his friends to let them know he was fine and that he was coming home tonight. In doing so, he was well aware they’d make sure his place was warm and had food. He hadn’t told them he would be bringing a guest.
She’s so much more than that, isn’t she?
Yeah, he needed to not be having conversations with his subconscious while he was driving.
“Just thinking.”
God, he wanted to hold her hand. Stroke his thumb along it while their fingers were intertwined.
“About?”
“Everything.” He caught her shrug in his periphery. “Nothing.”
“I’ll have a new phone for you at the house. I also asked the State Patrol to bring your things there when they locate the car. It’s not going to be a high priority since you’re safe, but they’ll get it eventually and return your items. Tomorrow, I’ll take you shopping so you can get some clothing of your own until they bring yours.” He adjusted his hold on the wheel. “Is there somewhere I can take you?”
He didn’t want to take her anywhere other than his place.
Damn it, she continued to keep her gaze away from him. Unease rose in his gut. Then she reached for his hand, head still averted, but she reached for him. Much as she’d done when hanging upside down in her car, she squeezed him briefly.
