times. She was the one. As cliché as it sounded, there was no other way to explain how much I’d grown to love Kara in a short period of time. I had no problem ripping those assholes apart. I still meant it; Kara was mine. All the torch holding for my woman was fucking over. Those clowns deserved every time my fist met their fucking faces. I was happy to bleed for what was mine.
Kara stormed out the bar, never looking back. And without a coat. That was a good indication she was beyond pissed. One by one, the band of assholes and I called out to her.
Blood dripped from my lip.
“Collin, here.” Michelle stood beside me, holding a napkin in hand.
“Thank you.” I dabbed my busted lip.
Again, I stared at the door. Not sure why I waited to go after her. I guess I was trying to give her a minute to breathe, due to all the bullshit that just transpired, but after five minutes, I panicked. I ran out the door, scanning the streets and behind the building. Her truck was still in the parking lot. I cupped my hands on the window and peeked inside. No Kara. Where could she have gone? I darted back inside the bar. The chatter halted. I grabbed my coat and shrugged it in route to Chrissy and Michelle’s table.
“Kara’s truck is in the parking lot, but she’s gone.”
Chrissy clenched her coily black locks. “If she was dressed properly, she’d drive to the lake where she ice fishes.”
“Is there anywhere nearby.”
Michelle tugged her lip. “No.”
I grabbed Kara’s messenger bag and coat. “I’ll look for her. Where does her father live?”
“About fifteen minutes down the road to your left,” Chrissy’s dark brow’s rose.
“Here’s his address. You’ll probably see her walking as you drive in that direction. What’s your phone number? I can call you if she returns or you can call me if you find her.”
I rattled off my number.
My cell pinged. I glanced at Chrissy’s number on the screen.
“Thanks. The moment I find her, I’ll call or text you.”
She nodded.
I didn’t give Kara’s fan club a second look. My woman was all that mattered.
My silver Yukon Denali rolled over the freshly fallen snow and past the closed shops in downtown Talkeetna.
How could she walk out the door without her cell? Shit, not that she’d answer my call at the moment.
I scoured the streets looking for any one sitting outside in the cold. The diner’s open. I sighed as I parked in a space. She had to be here. After hopping out of the truck, I yanked the diner door open. The bell chimed overhead.
“Katy, that fine specimen of a man you have the hots for is back. Looks like he was in a scuffle.”
The short brunette’s blue eyes roved over me.
I scanned the dining room. No sign of Kara.
My eyes fell on the waitress’s name tag. “Hello, Mandy.”
She popped her gum and stared at me. “You all right, hun?”
“Fine thanks.”
“Where would you like to sit tonight?”
I smirked in an effort to be polite. “Nowhere, I’m actually looking for my girlfriend, Kara. Have you seen her?” I peeked at my watch. “In the last eight minutes?”
“Kara’s your girlfriend?” a woman said from behind.
She stepped beside Mandy.
She palmed her chin, resting her elbow on the podium. “How did she get lucky to get a handsome man like yourself? Even with a busted lip and bruised cheeks, you’re gorgeous.”
I was two seconds from biting their heads off. Through barred teeth, I framed a smile. “Thanks. I’m the lucky guy.”
Their jaws slacked.
“Have you seen Kara?”
“Nope.” Katy continued staring.
“Thanks for your time.” I ran out the door, peering down the low-lit streets lined with decorative black street lamps.
“Where are you, baby?”
I climbed back into my truck and drove toward her father’s house.
My heartbeat thudded my ribcage. I had to find Kara.
The sexy, rugged woman owned my heart. I didn’t know if she owned heels, let alone knew how to walk in them. California would be a culture shock to her. Between me and my assistant Ruby, we’d get her settled in to her new life.
I parked in Mr. Riley’s long driveway. One light was on in the house. She had to be here. His truck must’ve been in the garage. Don’t tell me she walked here.
I stood on the porch and rang the doorbell.
Another light popped on before the door opened. “Collin, what are you doing here? Come in.”
I stepped inside and closed the door behind me.