Caught Between Three Billionaire Tycoons - Willa Hart Page 0,15
much restraint as I could manage.
“Oh, no. I’m not married. He’s the father of the children. I’m just his nanny and personal assistant.”
“He left you to find your own way out here. There are no hotels nearby. Where exactly did he send you?”
“To his holiday cabin. I just assumed there might be a hotel or diner or something nearby.”
“Not on this hill. It would take us hours to get anywhere near civilization like that. The roads aren’t safe enough. It would be too much of a risk for you and your kids.”
“What about AAA? If I got to a spot with better reception, they could tow me to town—”
“They don’t come out this far.” I stood at the back of her car with the wire in my hand, ready to attach it to her back axle. “The only help you have is me, unfortunately. Or fortunately, depending on your perspective.” I gave her what I hoped was a soft, nonthreatening smile.
She smiled back, but not with much enthusiasm.
I stuck my head near the window to wave at the kids. One of them cracked the window open and waved, yelling a ‘Hi’. I smiled back, pulling a few funny faces to make them laugh.
Now that I was up close, I could tell by the smell these kids were not hers. There was something vaguely familiar about the scent, but I couldn’t place it. None of that mattered right now. The only thing that did matter was getting them somewhere safe.
“So, what am I supposed to do?” Her voice was so soft that I didn’t feel like she was asking me the question at all.
“The best I can do is invite you to my place.” I tried not to look up as I examined the back of the car, holding my hook and wire. “My cabin isn’t far from here. You could get dry and rest before you contact your… ah, boss.”
She shot me a look that I didn’t even want to comprehend. I stood quietly in the rain with the hook in my hand, waiting for her answer.
“I really don’t want to go to your place… I’d be imposing, I’m sure.”
Her answer was a thin veil across her fear and uncertainty. I understood, I really did. She had the kids to think about. This was all out of the blue.
“You wouldn’t be imposing at all. You can get some dry clothes and warm up. I have reception at some places around my house, so you’ll be able to call out.”
“Can’t you just tow the car back on to the road? It will still go, won’t it?”
I drew a breath through my teeth, hissing. From what I could see of the car, the underside was ripped up. I doubted it would run.
“I can try. I’ll pull it up on to the road and you can try to start it, if you like. I’ll stick around in case you change your mind.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
I could sense a fair amount of hesitation in her voice. She was giving me some very appreciative looks, but she wasn’t ready to trust me yet.
I leaned down with the winch hook and attached it to the car. Before I go back to get it powered up, I stop by her side.
“Honestly, I’m perfectly harmless. I’m not trying to put moves on you. My cousin is staying with me and both of us are used to kids. You’ll be perfectly safe.”
She gives me a beautiful smile that seemed more relaxed than any she has given me so far.
“Okay. Well, get this hunk of junk out of the ditch and see how we go.”
“First thing tomorrow when the storm lifts a little, I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”
She just nodded as her eyes swept over the ruined car.
I gave the kids a thumbs up and told them to hang on. I made sure the winch was nice and tight, then jumped in my truck and moved it a little, then turned on the winch. Whitney’s car slowly rose out of the mud.
Once I got it back up on the road, Whitney had a try of starting it. The car just clunked apologetically and refused to awaken.
“Okay guys.” I tried to sound as cheerful as possible. “Looks like it’s my chariot for now.”
The kids were happy enough to run into my truck, yelling excitedly to each other as they hurled themselves against the wide seats. Whitney smiled politely for me, but she looked lost still. I hated that look in