Her Hometown Hero (Page 25)

As she turned back toward the hospital, unable to even see the building through the thick snow that was falling, she squared her shoulders. Yep. It looked like she was.

After scraping the snow away from the door with her gloved hands, she was nearly a Popsicle by the time she was able to unlock the car. She sat down in the seat, shivering uncontrollably, and missed the ignition on her first try.

Using one hand to steady the other, she finally got the key in. Once the vehicle warmed up, this situation wouldn’t look so bleak. She cranked the key, and her car groaned. “Come on, baby. You can do this. Just start for me now and I swear I’ll get you to the shop for a full tune-up.” She didn’t care even remotely that she was speaking to a blasted car.

She turned the key again, and the car coughed but refused to start. “Come on!” she snapped, and slammed her palms against the steering wheel in a mini tantrum. Her fury was suddenly interrupted by the opening of her door, and Spence leaning into her space.

“Well, this is interesting. First, you cajole the car, make promises you most likely aren’t planning on keeping, and then you beat it when you don’t get your way.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to see if you really were foolish enough to try to drive your little death trap in this weather. I was hoping you wouldn’t be so stubborn as to risk your life, but I was sadly mistaken.” He propped the door open, allowing a torrent of wind and snow to fall over her lap.

“Spence, you’re letting the snow soak the inside of my car,” she said as she tried to get hold of the handle and pull the door closed.

He stuck out his hand. “Then grab your purse and let’s get out of the cold.”

“I told you I could get home, and I can,” she replied, refusing to budge. Yes, she knew she wasn’t going anywhere, but he didn’t have to know that. If she could get the car started, she’d warm up and then figure out a respectable plan B.

“Well then, it will be a long, cold walk, because as of twenty minutes ago, they closed the road that leads home.”

“Okay, if that’s the case, then how in the heck were you planning on getting home, much less getting me there?”

It looked as if she’d be stuck in the on-call room tonight. That would be almost as pleasant as freezing to death in her car. She weighed her options.

“Luckily, I have a brother who loves me,” he said matter-of-factly.

“What does that have to do with anything?” This was a ridiculous conversation.

“Camden just so happens to own a couple of snowmobiles,” he said, looking triumphant as he presented the ace up his sleeve.

“Well, they can only carry two people, so unless Camden can tow one behind him, you won’t be able to take me anyway,” she said, hiding her disappointment. The smidgen of hope of getting home quickly deflated.

“Since Michael is driving one, there will be two extra seats,” Spence said. “They should be here within ten minutes. If you don’t mind the cots in the on-call room, be my guest. I’m heading home, where it’s warm and quiet.”

When he turned to walk away, she was filled with panic. It wasn’t really so bad to get a ride. It would be a very cold ride, but tomorrow was the start of her first full two days off in months. She really didn’t want to be at this hospital when she didn’t have to be. Besides, she could ride behind Camden or Michael—she didn’t have to be snuggled up to Spence for the ride.

“Wait!” she called out, and he turned. It was probably a good thing she couldn’t see his expression. Any smugness she detected there would probably make her change her mind—and she had no doubt he was feeling pretty smug right now.

“Did you need some help back inside?”

His feigned innocence disgusted her. How could she ever have thought that he’d make this easier on her?

“I would . . . um . . . well, if there’s an extra seat . . .” The words practically choked her.

“Let’s go into the hospital and warm up. I told Michael to bring extra snow clothes so you won’t freeze during the ride.”

Sage gazed at his blurry image. That was it? No gloating, no dancing in circles of victory? He wasn’t going to rub it in a bit that she’d ended up doing what he wanted? Maybe he was just waiting to gloat later because it was so cold out here right now. Sage climbed out of her car and then quickly followed Spence back inside.

It seemed no time at all had passed when she heard Cam call out, “Taxi service is here.” He was standing in the doorway holding a large bag and smiling.

“Glad to see you. I’ve spent enough time on these hospital cots. Don’t want to do it if I don’t have to,” Spence said.

“I couldn’t leave you here,” Camden said. “The sound of your pleading voice was incentive to come and pick you up.”

“Damn, it’s colder than a witch’s—”

Spence broke in. “That’s enough, Michael.”

“Here are your clothes, Sage,” Camden said. “Get changed so we can head on out of here.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it,” Sage said, taking the bag and quickly scooting away.

When she came back out, she felt like the Abominable Snowman, and she was already sweating. Maybe she wouldn’t end up feeling so cold after all.

“Let’s head out,” Michael told them, and they all braved the thickly falling snow.

Camden climbed onto one of the snowmobiles, and before Sage could join him, Michael was on behind him.