Page 103 of Crimson Love

“Sorry, I’m making you stand out here in the cold.” He beeps the locks and every light on the truck flashes. “Let’s get you in and warmed up.”

He opens the passenger door, and I juggle my decadent snacks that will surely put me into a sugar coma if I’m not careful. I climb in and sink into the plush leather seats that feel like a dream. He’s in the driver’s seat in no time, and the engine turns over with barely a hum.

I run my hand along the leather console before I pull my seatbelt across my lap. “It smells so good. Maybe we should just drive across the country and not come back until all our problems are fixed. I could go back in and get the rest of the gift basket. I don’t know what you’ll eat, but I’ll be good for at least a few days.”

He puts it in drive and pulls away from the manor. I had no idea trucks could be so luxurious. I take a bite of another cookie and settle in.

“Where do you want to go, baby?”

I lean my head back on the headrest and feel relaxed for the first time in days. I roll my head to the side and look at Jett. “I don’t care. You can take me wherever you want, and I’d be the happiest woman on earth.”

Jett reaches over and takes my free hand that’s not covered in chocolate. “Do not tempt me. I may just take you up on that.”

Jett

W e decided to throw it in four-wheel drive and head farther up the mountain to watch the sunset.

She snacked, and we talked. I promised after the board meeting tomorrow, I would take her to town so she could meet the animals.

The sun just set, and darkness clouds the cab of my new truck. This just goes to show, money makes life easy. This thing is the shit. The seats are warm, and Lennon has reclined hers so far, it looks like she might take up residence.

“The first thing on my to-do list after I fuck up the contract with Helix with my big, fat no vote is look for a place to live, and you’re coming with me. You are not going back to the library basement.”

She doesn’t argue. She also doesn’t say anything.

“Are you okay with that? I want that more than anything.” I look over and she’s asleep. I reach over and touch her cheek. “You’ve had a long day. I’ll take you back.”

She doesn’t move.

She doesn’t even flinch.

I raise my voice. “Lennon.”

I unhook my seat belt and reach over the console. I turn her face to me, but her head lolls to her shoulder in an instant.

“Lennon!” My voice vibrates through the cab. “Wake up!”

I put my fingers to her neck.

A pulse.

A weak one, but it’s there.

“Fuck,” I growl, and throw the truck into reverse. I almost spin out in the snow when I gun it to make it down the mountain.

I should call nine-one-one, but there’s no point. I can get her to the hospital faster than anyone can get to us.

I can’t lose her.

I just fucking found her.

I press my fingers to her wrist as I drive. As long as I feel her pulse under my touch, I can hang onto the hope that she’ll be okay. “Stay with me, baby. I’ll get you help, but you have to stay with me.”

CHAPTER THIRTY

MORTALITY

Jett