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Her cheeks burned, and she wished they’d drive on.
But the driver just said, “You really don’t want to get yourself in any deeper, and a tow truck would cost a small fortune. Hang on, and we’ll get you out.”
Jenni shrugged and nodded. She thought she heard a few crass comments coming from the guys in the truck, but it was already positioning itself in front of her.
The driver hopped out and reached into his truck bed, pulling out a sturdy rope. He walked over to the car and grinned.
“When you travel down here, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. You know you shouldn’t pull off the side of the road along here. I’m Caleb, by the way,” he said all in one breath.
Jenni looked at him and felt at that moment that next to Compy, she’d never seen such a handsome man. Then she realized he was still talking.
“…and I’ll attach this rope to something sturdy on the front of your little car, and then when I get back to the truck, you startthe ignition and put it in neutral, and we’ll get you right out. Are you here for the big fishing tournament?”
It took a moment for Jenni to realize he’d asked a question unrelated to her current predicament.
“God, no.” She almost shuddered. “I’m the last person on earth you’d find at a fishing tournament.”
“Huh.” He shrugged. “Me and the boys never miss this one. It’s called the “Hook, Line, and Sinker” tournament, and it’s a big one. So, why are you here?”
She stiffened a bit at his incessant questioning, but she realized he was helping her out, so she decided to be as polite, but as brief, as she could. “I’m just spending some time with my college roommate. You know, a girls’ weekend. Books, wine, that sort of thing.”
She was interrupted by a voice from inside the truck, “Come on, Romeo. We’ve got shrimp baskets waiting for us for dinner if we ever get there.”
Raucous laughter followed.
“Ignore them.” Caleb grinned. “They’ve already started in on the beer, and they’re ready for their guys’ weekend, I guess you’d call it.”
Jenni looked at him. Had he started too?
As if reading her mind, he quickly added, “Not me. I don’t drink and drive.”
Jenni nodded and placed her hands firmly on the steering wheel. “Well, let’s see if you can get me out. What do I owe you?”
Caleb shook his head. “You don’t owe me anything.” Then he cocked his head to the right. “Well, maybe just the pleasure of knowing your name.”
“Ah, I’m Jenni, and thanks for this. It was very nice of you. Good luck with your tournament and all.”
“OK, Jenni.” Caleb grinned again. “You know, just a few miles away there’s a parking lot at the Pea Island Visitor’s Center. You can park there and send your text or whatever.”
Caleb jumped back in the truck and signaled out the window for her to start her ignition.
She placed the car in neutral and felt the tug of the rope. Then slowly, she was moving, and in a matter of seconds, she was back on the highway.
Thankfully, there was very little traffic as Caleb re-emerged to undo the rope. He turned and waved slightly, got back into the truck, and headed on down the road, fishing rods saluting her as he departed.
Chapter Two
She put her car in gear and headed out as well, her heart beating just a bit too fast for her liking.
She never believed those stories of instant attraction but along with her racing heart, her palms were sweaty, and her mouth was dry.
She knew she was attracted to this “hero” who’d just saved her time and probably several hundred dollars, but she also knew men couldn’t be trusted; not in matters of love, anyway.
But maybe she should give him the benefit of the doubt about giving directions, because, just as he had said, the Pea Island Visitor’s Station was just a few minutes south.
She pulled in and grabbed her phone to text Caitlin.
Hey! I’m at Pea Island. Bit of an adventure but it’s all good. I’ll be there in about 45.
