Page 11 of Someone I Chose

Neha laughed. “This late in spring?”

Jay cocked an eyebrow. “You don’t get much weather where you’re from, do you?”

CHAPTER SEVEN

The following morning, Neha woke to bright sunlight streaming into her room. On looking out of the window, she saw the trees in the large backyard covered in glistening ice. Everything was bright and beautiful. She got dressed quickly and ran downstairs. As she hurried to make a coffee, Jay came into the room, wearing pajama pants and a T-shirt. “What’s your emergency?” He ruffled his hair and yawned.

Neha’s mind jumped to the memory of how he’d opened the door that first day. That had been one massive erection. She made sure not to look anywhere in his crotch area. Her stomach was uneasy, like having drunk too much carbonated water in too short a time. That fizzle might indicate she had unlocked another degree of desire. Or maybe she’d caught a stomach bug. Who was she to keep them apart anymore?

“Have you looked outside?” she asked. “It’s beautiful! I’m going to drive to Boulder. I want a computer of my own to do research anyhow, and the trip will be so pretty!”

“No.” Jay was wide awake now. He shook his head.

“Are you trying to forbid me or something?” Neha squinted at him.

“No, I’m not. And, just for the record: I’m glad that you will let no one decide anything for you. But this outside—” He waved to the window. “is not only pretty. It’s dangerous, too. And in that little car of yours, it’s suicide.”

“Just because the car is small—”

“Because it doesn’t even have winter tires.”

“Well, it’s not even winter anymore. It’s spring, almost summer.” Neha triumphantly raised her mug of coffee and took a sip. She scalded her lips and spit the coffee into the sink. Jay handed her an ice pack from the refrigerator.

“Ssank you,” Neha lisped.

“Listen, I’m not trying to be a wisenheimer,” Jay said. “But driving summer tires on icy roads lands you in the hospital real quick. They’re going to be busy enough. I’ve got an idea though that will get you to Boulder safely—providing you drive carefully.”

Neha nodded and turned the ice pack, so that a fresh, cold patch touched her lips. A few minutes later, Jay returned, dressed and combed. “I’ve arranged everything.” He tossed her the keys to his truck. “I’ll take that disaster on wheels.” Neha wanted to protest, but he cut her short. “I know the roads and will be much safer to drive that car. Just follow me.”

They drove into town. After only a few yards, Neha blew her cheeks in exasperation. She had to concentrate hard not to bump into the car Jay was driving, because he was going insanely slow to not lose her. Neha was a little miffed at his speed, or lack thereof. Apparently, he thought she had no driving experience at all. She would talk to him about it, once—

In a sharp turn, just before they reached downtown, the rental car in front of her slowly slipped sideways, on and on, until it collided with the guardrail. She stopped the truck easily and ran towards the compact car. “Jay!” she screamed. She lost her footing on the slippery road and skidded a few feet before she found traction. By the time she reached the car, Jay scrambled out of it. Neha pulled him into her arms and hugged him fiercely, only to instantly push him away to check on him. “Are you hurt? Is everything okay?” she yelled.

“Everything but my eardrums,” Jay said softly.

“Oh, good!” Neha exclaimed and sank against him. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. After the first shock subsided, another feeling took hold of her. And it was definitely not friendly. Stepping into his arms had been a mistake.

Jay’s chest vibrated. Was he laughing at her? Neha took a step back. Indeed, there was a smile around his lips, but it looked genuinely amused rather than belittling.

“I was scared for you,” Neha exclaimed.

“I appreciate that. Now let’s get down and exchange cars.”

Just a minute later, they arrived at Falls Garage. Jay greeted the owner, Marcus, and introduced Neha. The men went to the far side of the lot and Neha had difficulties following, slipping and sliding several times. She needed better boots, too. Once she got to the men, they shook hands. Marcus handed her a set of car keys and said goodbye. Neha looked at Jay pryingly.

He shrugged and said, “I bought it.”

“You bought it? You bought me a car?!” Neha stammered.

Jay nodded and opened the door for her. “Marcus will get your rental into town once the weather allows it. You can just leave it here and enjoy driving this beauty.” He put an arm on the truck’s roof.

Neha shook her head to clear it. He actually had bought her a car. Not being able to come up with words, she let her shoulders sink in defeat. “You bought me a car.” This time, it was a statement.

“You needed one. It’s used, but in good shape. The aux jack is broken, and the windshield is chipped in a couple of places. But those are no security-related issues.” He sighed. “Don’t look at me like that. Once you leave Hallow Falls, I can sell it back to Marcus. It’s cheaper than your rental.”

“I…” Neha couldn’t come up with words. Finally, she nodded. She climbed into the car and started it. The motor made a low, reassuring sound. This was way safer than the subcompact she had been driving. Turning to Jay, she said, “Thank you.”

He tapped the roof. “Drive safely. Slowly into the bends. Be home in daylight.”