Work calls, but more importantly, I don’t want to stay in a hotel. It always kind of weirds me out. I’m a simple man with simple tastes. I like my home, my dog, Rufus, and my hometown. Of course, I’d love someone to share it all with me, but I like simplistic women, too. My ex-wife came with a hefty side of pure drama. If all women are like that, you can count me out. Living alone with Rufus is fine with me.
As expected, the airport is pandemonium. I follow the signs down to the rental car area and wait in line. To my surprise, Lacey stands in front of me, chewing on her thumbnail.
“Next!” The woman behind the counter calls, and Lacey steps forward. I nearly bite my fist at how sexy she looks in her tight skirt and silky blouse, her coat hung over her arm. The worker shakes her head; her mouth pressed into a thin line. “I’m sorry, we don’t have any cars left.”
“What do you mean you don’t have any cars left?” She slams her palm on the counter. “You’re a car rental company. That’s what you do.” I take a step forward, listening to their interaction.
“Ma’am—“
“Stop calling me that.”
“There’s nothing I can do. If I were you, I’d check with the airline and see what they can do for you.”
“I’ll tell you right now.” Lacey leans closer to the woman but pulls back before she speaks. “Nothing.” She grabs her things and briskly turns in my direction, but she’s too busy wiping the tears from her cheek to see me.
In an instant, my heart breaks. It shouldn’t. I don’t know this woman from anyone, but something about the desperation in her bright hazel eyes makes me want to help her. That is if she’ll let me.
The woman behind the counter hands me my paperwork and verbally directs me to the cars parked outside. I thank her and grab my carry-on, but I don’t head outside right away. A few paces away, Lacey sits slumped in the ticketing area.
Now, I know this is none of my business, but I can’t just sit back and let this woman fall apart. My heart races as I make my way over to her. With her head buried in her phone, fingers texting a million miles a minute, she doesn’t see me.
“Hey,” I say, as softly as I can so I don’t scare her. Her head snaps up to me, and she sniffles. A stand of her cornsilk hair sticks to the corner of her lip, and it takes all of my strength not to brush it away. “Are you okay?”
“No,” she says and runs her hand through her hair. The stray strand remains stuck to her lip. “I mean, yes, I’m fine.”
“No cars, huh?”
She shakes her head. “Not even a fucking minivan.”
I accidentally let out a little laugh, then play it off as a cough. “Where are you headed?”
“Oh, it’s a little town in Minnesota. You’ve probably never heard of it.” My ears perk up. What would the chances be?
“I’m from Minnesota. Try me.” I don’t knowhow, but I’m certain what’s going to come out of her mouth.
“Thunder Mountain.” I don’t know what to say. Fate must have a significant plan for both of us on this snowy December evening. She takes in a gulp of air, trying to calm herself down.
“I’m actually headed that way myself.”
Her eyes narrow at me. “No.”
My hand flies to my chest. “I know it sounds weird, but I swear to you. My cousin works downtown at Thunder Ink, and my favorite cup of coffee in town is at Sugar Buns.” I hold out my hand. “I’m Bond McVeigh.”
“Oh my God.” Lacey rises from her seat, her eyes locked on mine. “Lacey Mills.” When she takes my outstretched hand, a strange tingling sensation rushes up my arm, and the overwhelming urge to pull her close to me and tell her that I will take care of her tonight and always washes over me. “My fucking sister and her husband own that place!”
“Your fucking sister, huh?” Again, for some reason, this angelic creature’s cursing cracks me up.
“She’s having a baby tonight.” Lacey shakes her head. “Right now! That’s why I’m so desperate to get back to her.” Her shoulders slump, and she takes a step toward me, placing her soft hand on my shoulder. Such a simple gesture shouldn’t turn me on like it does. I have to will myself not to stiffen in my pants. “Do you think maybe I could…”
“I’d be the biggest jerk on earth if I didn’t offer.” For the first time, Lacey’s lips spread into a warm smile that sets the goddamn room on fire. A relieved laugh escapes her lips, and before I know what’s happening, she throws her arms over my shoulders and presses herself against me, holding me in a tight embrace.
“Thank you, Bond.” Her coconut shampoo fills my nostrils. “You have no idea how much this means to me.” A beat passes between us where I don’t know what to do with my hands. As if sensing the moment, Lacey pulls away.
“Sorry.” Lacey clears her throat and tosses her hair over her shoulder. “Which way to the rental car?”
CHAPTERTHREE
LACEY