Just Enough Light Read Free Page A

tried not to laugh. “Sorry to hear that, but first things first. Do you have a spare? And by chance, is it a real tire, or is it one of those wretched space savers?”
    Her words drew the woman closer to the window, allowing Kellen to see her more clearly. Fair hair pulled back in a simple ponytail emphasized the structure of her face, feminine and flawless. She had slashing cheekbones, a dusting of freckles, and a distractingly nice smile. And her eyes—a warm, espresso brown—sparked with humor.
    “Yes, I’ve a spare in the trunk. And it happens to be a real tire. I made sure of that before I hit the road.”
    “Good thinking, because quite frankly, trying to drive on anything less in these conditions would be quite dangerous, and you don’t look particularly crazy.”
    “I’m not. At least I don’t think so.”
    “Good to know.” Kellen knew from experience the storm would get worse before it was done and, with little time to spare, she quickly cobbled a plan together. “Okay, here’s what I’d like to suggest. Let’s get you out of your car and into my Jeep. That way, you can stay warm and dry while I deal with your tire. In spite of the conditions, it shouldn’t take me all that long and I can have you on your way before you know it.”
    The smile faded, which was really too bad, in Kellen’s opinion. In its place, she saw an expression she couldn’t quite read. But she could hazard a guess. “I’m not a maniac,” she assured the woman mildly even though, to the best of her recollection, no one had ever viewed her as strictly harmless.
    “Oh, it’s not that,” was the quick response. “Okay, maybe it’s a little that. But it’s also…can’t I just stay here and try to help you? I may not be able to do much, not physically, but the least I can do is keep you company. It seems only fair since it’s my tire that’s flat.”
    Snowflakes scattered as Kellen shook her head. “I appreciate the thought.” She added a smile for emphasis. “But it’s really not necessary and there’s no point in both of us being cold and wet. So why don’t you grab your coat and let’s get you settled in my Jeep. I promise I’ll change your tire as quickly as I can. And if you need an added incentive, I’ve got a thermos of really good coffee in the Jeep.”
    The brief change in her expression indicated the woman was still prepared to argue, but at that moment a shiver visibly ran through her. In the next instant, she shrugged into her jacket, opened the door, and denim-covered legs came into view as she stepped out of her car.
    That they were nearly the same height came as no surprise. Kellen had already noted legs that went on forever and filled the faded denim to perfection. What did come as a surprise was the fact that she’d noticed.
    What the hell was that?
    The direction her thoughts had just taken—well, it had been a long time, a very long time, since she’d noticed much of anything.
    Annie would be thrilled, she mused, assuming she told her about this. Annie had all but given up on her. Had told her on a number of occasions to stop brooding and get back into the game—only more bluntly.
    The bastard that hurt you didn’t kill you, but you’ve withdrawn so much he might as well have.
    Kellen didn’t take offense at the harsh-sounding words. That was simply Annie’s approach. Blunt and direct if she felt it was called for.
    As with most things in life, Kellen knew it would happen when it happened. Without any pushing and prodding from others, no matter how well-intentioned or caring the friend might be. But who knew her first sign of interest in anything beyond work in over a year would come on a snow-covered road in the middle of nowhere? Let alone with a complete stranger.
    When the woman slipped and almost went down on one knee, Kellen quickly reached for her. “Keep this up and I’m going to think you’re accident-prone.”
    “And I’ll think you’re the proverbial Good Samaritan.