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Dex straightened. “I noticed it evolving but didn’t want to say anything. Look, I think we’re pretty safe here. The snow around the car will protect us from the worst of the wind.”
“Can this be a tornado?” Jasmin shuddered, her eyes appearing larger. “I’m terrified of them. I’ve always been thankful for never having suffered through one.”
“They do happen. I remember a military buddy who lives near Seattle talking about an experience he had last year. Besides, with the kinds of climate situations we’re having all over the world, I guess we can’t be surprised when Mother Nature decides it’s our turn.”
“Except, we never think it’ll happen to us. I hate that vicious sound. It’s like a freight train out of control.” She grabbed his reaching hands, lowering her face over them.
Pretty Girl, sensing her disquiet, roamed around the back, moving from side to side. Suddenly, she leapt onto the console and into Dex’s arms just in time before a random flying branch broke through the back passenger window.
“Oh, my God.” Jasmin’s terrified voice could be heard over the sudden roar now filling the car.
Passing over Pretty Girl, Dex moved fast. “Here take her. She’s shaking bad. Must have sensed the problem. I need to put something up to stop the wind and snow getting into the car. Any ideas?”
Breaking out of her trance, pushing the fear away, Jasmin calmed her squeaky voice as best she could. “I-I have a small carry-on suitcase in the back that might work. Let’s unpack it and see if it’ll fill the gap.”
“Good idea. First, I think we better put our coats back on. I don’t want to warm up the car in this.” Taking a few minutes to zip back into their jackets, they helped each other as best they could.
“Okay, I’ll fix the window.” Dex struggled to free himself from his seat only to fall back in pain. “Jesus. My leg won’t let me move. Can you swivel over the seat? Here give me the big baby.” He motioned Pretty Girl to come to his side.
Jasmin hugged the dog who’d ended up in her lap. “He doesn’t mean it, sweetheart. You’re a big, strong, beauty.” Getting her face washed for her soothing tone, she finally pushed the dogover to Dex and swiveled herself in such a way so she could get into the back.
Once there, she emptied out the cosmetics, underwear, and other small objects she’d packed for her visit. Twisting to clean away as much of the glass as possible, easier with Dex turning on the inside lights, she pushed the offending branch outside. Then struggling against the elements playing havoc with their sanctuary, she quickly took the suitcase and shoved it against the opening.
Letting the wheels catch on one side, she pulled open the handle to stop it from dropping out the opening. Dealing with the wind wasn’t easy but she knew there was no choice. They needed to close off the breach or heating the car would be impractical. And they needed those periodic bursts of warmth.
Thankfully, the case stuck, though leaving a few inches on the bottom open to the weather. Using two of her fleecy hoodies, she folded them to shove into those areas and tied the sleeves around the suitcase and the door handle. Eventually, she stopped most of the wind getting into the car.
“There. I think we’ve solved the problem as best we can.”
“Good thinking, lady; you’re a genius.” Dex’s face glowed with admiration.
Jasmin smiled shakily and promptly burst into tears.
Chapter Eleven
Painful or not, Dex had her over the seat and into his arms faster than either of them knew it could be done. By forcing Pretty Girl over to the passenger side, he slipped Jasmin onto his lap with bare inches to spare.
“Come here.” His husky voice made tingles of warmth burst all over her body. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her like one would a baby. Then he pulled the quilt over them both, cuddling her close.
His first kisses mopped up the tears and the next one landed smack dab on her mouth. By the time he’d finished exploring her lips, she’d regained her equilibrium, and they’d both become warmer.
“Your plan with the suitcase is working. You did good, Jasmin. I’m proud of you and so glad we found each other.”
She reached up to run her hand over his cheek, caressing his face gently. “Me too.” She sniffed to stop more tears. “I know you might find this hard to believe but I’ve never felt so comfortablewith any man before. It’s like we’ve known each other forever.” She gazed up into his face, and in the darkness, she saw his teeth gleaming white in a big smile. “What?”
“Your big eyes are all globby with tears and very sincere. It’s such a turn-on, and there’s very little I can do about it right now. So you know, I intend to take care of it as soon as possible.”
“Good.” Catching her breath after his kisses, she murmured, “I believe you, because that’s how I feel.”
“I can’t imagine life without you being a part of it now. And I’m not even sure I have the right to tell you that. Lordy, we just met. I’ll soon be fathering an eight-year-old runaway, and I have no idea what I’m facing.”
“Whatever it is, don’t worry. I’ll have your back.” She kissed him one last time, and then snuggled her face against his chest. Thankful that the worst of the storm seemed to have passed, she closed her eyes and drifted into a dream.
Dex held her tenderly, pushing her hair away from her face so he could kiss her skin. He’d never felt this way before… so involved with another or soft-hearted towards them. Even the few times he’d had breakthroughs with Dillon where the boy had shown his vulnerability, it hadn’t been this powerful. Not that he didn’t love the boy, of course he did. But in a responsible way one does when faced with one’s duty.
Over the years, he’d spent as much time as possible with his brother’s family. They’d managed get-togethers for some holidays and had even vacationed on a ski trip last winter. Yet he couldn’t say he knew Dillon well.
During those days, Dillon tended to be more of a mama’s boy. Probably because he spent more time with women. Max had a lot of assignments that took him away from the family so the male influence had been lacking. It didn’t help things when Dex moved to Carlton Grove. That separation just divided them even more.
