Part Three
By Angela Campbell
The stranger reached and brushed a strand of hair away from her eyes. “Nice hair. Blue is my favorite color.” His expression grew concerned as his own cobalt blue gaze raked over her face. “Are you hurt?”
Cat blinked, not having to fight so hard to stay conscious now. Hurt? Only her pride. She moved to push herself up, yelped at the pain in her right arm and tumbled back again. On second thought, maybe more than her pride. That thump behind her skull had turned into a full-fledged marching band stomping on her brain. She groaned and pushed Mongo away with her good arm as her dog's tongue took another swipe at her face.
“Easy.” Jed’s hands were gentle as they explored her arm and tilted her face for inspection. “What’s your name?”
“Catherine.”
“Catherine, I’m going to carry you to my cabin. I have a first aid kit. All right?”
She pursed her lips, wanting to tell him no thank you. She could walk on her own. Dizziness threatened to turn her stomach, putting an end to that idea.
So much for an empowering experience. She hadn’t been here an hour and already needed help. Fantastic.
Cat managed a nod, and Jed lifted her gracefully into his arms. As he walked, she skimmed his handsome features. Dark brown hair curled around his ears, and stubble lined a strong, square jaw. Something about him seemed familiar, but how?
Minutes later, he lowered her to a sofa and she became aware of her surroundings. Familiar surroundings. This wasn’t his cabin. This was the cabin that belonged to Makayla’s parents. This was her cabin for the weekend!
“How did you get inside?” A frisson of fear ran down her spine.
“Excuse me?” He froze where he had been rummaging through a cabinet.
He turned and considered her. Something warm and exciting sparked in her belly as their gazes met and held.
“You’re Makayla’s friend. I thought you looked familiar.”
“You know Makayla?”
A small smile played at his lips as he handed her two painkillers and a glass of water. “I’m friends with Danny. He told me I could stay here this weekend. Dropped me off a couple of hours ago.”
Danny! Makayla’s brother.
“Didn’t he know I was going to be here?” she squeaked.
“Guess not.” Neither did he seem bothered by the idea. Gently, he felt along her arm again. “I don’t think it’s broken, but we should probably get you to a doctor. Where’s your car?”
“I don’t have it. Makayla dropped me off.”
He pulled out his phone and frowned. “No signal. You?”
She gestured to the backpack she’d been carrying. He retrieved her phone from the front pouch and held it up for her to see. The faceplate was shattered. Her phone was useless--just like she was.
She gasped. “What are we going to do?” ___________________________________________________
Read Part Four next week, Feb. 25, on Zara Stonely's blog here. In the meantime, check out one of her books! Visit her website.
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