by Sable Hunter
When she pulled into the busy parking lot, Delaney could see this was a full-service truck stop with a small grocery store, a diner called Rosie’s, and a filling station. She was just about to climb from her car when she saw a big cowboy exit the store holding a glass bottle of RC cola and what looked to be a scratch-off ticket. He ambled up to a wrecker parked next to one of the gas pumps and proceeded to prop one booted foot on the concrete base beneath the pump to stare at the rolling numbers as the fuel flowed into his tank. After taking a big swig of his drink, he set the bottle on top of the pump and pulled a coin from his pocket to rub over the lottery card in his hand. Delaney indulged herself by checking him out from head to toe. “Dang.” The man was built. Impossibly broad shoulders. Long, strong legs with thighs bigger than her waist. His ass looked good in his jeans too. She wished she could see his face, but his hat cast a shadow over his features. He was a working man, obviously. The thought didn’t bother Delaney. Working men was all she’d ever known. Besides, she’d rather look at a man in a pair of jeans any day than one in a suit.
The clanging of a tire iron on the concrete caused her to glance away. A man with a blue chambray shirt and a name tag was wiping grease from his hands. “Ah, there’s my mechanic.” Grabbing her purse, she stepped out of the Camry to hurry across the parking lot. “Excuse me. Could you help me?” She read his name tag. “Roy?”
“What’s up, lady?”
By his tone, she surmised Roy’s day had been a difficult one. “I have a flat tire.”
“Sure, I can help you.” He met her gaze levelly. “First thing in the morning.”
“No!” Delaney protested. “Tomorrow won’t do. I need help now.”
Even as she followed him, the man walked to his office. “Sorry, lady. Today’s my wife’s birthday. I have reservations at the nicest restaurant in town. If I’m late tonight, I’ll be headed to divorce court tomorrow.”
As badly as she wanted to, Delaney couldn’t argue with his logic. “What time do you open tomorrow?”
“Eight a.m.,” he called out as he shut the door in her face.
“Well, heck.” Frustrated beyond belief, Delaney returned to the Camry when a movement at the side of the building near a dumpster drew her attention. When she looked closer, an unexpected sight met her eyes. The cowboy hunk was squatting next to a tiny kitten who was about to walk into his outspread hand. Seeing the tenderness from the mountain of a man touched her heart in ways few things ever could. She stood mesmerized as he rose to cradle the little cat to his strong chest. “What is he doing?” To her amazement, he moved to his truck and opened the door. Unable to look away, Delaney edged close enough to hear what he was saying.
“You sit right here, little bit. Ole Jonah is in a good mood. I just won five hundred dollars. I’m going to go find a little box to make you a bed. After I get some supper, I’ll take you home with me. How does a nice bowl of milk sound? If I have any scraps left, I’ll bring those out to you too.” He gave the kitten one final pat, then closed the door.
As he returned to the garbage dumpster to hunt a box, Delaney retreated to her broken down vehicle. “Great. The stray cat will do better than I will tonight.” She couldn’t help but think what a nice man this Jonah seemed to be.
Once she was behind the wheel, she weighed her options. Glancing around the truck stop, Delaney didn’t see a motel. She didn’t really know why she was looking, even if there was one she couldn’t afford to stay there. Any funds she’d allocated for emergencies would now go toward fixing the tire. “Looks like I’ll be sleeping in my car tonight.”
When her stomach growled, a more immediate necessity made itself known. She needed food. Before she left the Camry, Delaney counted her money and did some quick figuring. Okay. She’d have to be careful, but she could eat.
After checking her face in the rearview mirror, she stuck her tongue out at her reflection. “Sometimes I forget how plain I am.” Oh, well. She was a nice person with a good attitude. Anyone who didn’t like Delaney Ellis could just take a hike.
After locking the car, she made her way across the parking lot toward the onsite diner. Her path led past the fuel station. Something on the ground drew her attention, causing her to take a second look. A step or two more revealed the big cowboy’s scratch-off ticket. Bending down she picked it up, thinking how disappointed the man would be when he realized he’d lost it. Glancing around, she was relieved to see his wrecker was still parked in the lot. Determined to find him, Delaney intended to return the ticket to its rightful owner ASAP.
As she walked around a mud puddle, a car horn on the road behind her caused Delaney to jerk around. When she did, the sight of a black sports car driving slowly by made her heart drop. Was that the same car? As dusk settled over the land, it was hard to tell. Fear forced adrenaline through her blood stream. Speeding up her pace, she hurried toward the diner.
Pushing inside the entrance, she let out a long breath, taking comfort in the welcome bell. Hugging herself tightly, she tried to calm down.
“Table, ma’am?”
Turning to greet the hostess, she nodded. “Thanks, yes.” As she moved into the modestly appointed dining area lined with booths and tables for two, she saw there were just a handful of customers. A few other women with children and an elderly couple. There was also a long bar and who she saw seated at the end made her smile with absolute joy. There he was – the kitten rescuing cowboy.
Hearing an engine rev outside, she turned to see a dark car pulling up. Making a split-second decision, she pointed to the bar. “I’ll sit there, if that’s okay.”
“Oh, sure. Fine.” Placing a menu on the counter, the woman left Delaney to choose her seat. Chewing on her lower lip, she eased next to the big man. Since he’d removed his hat, she could see his dark hair was shoulder length, his eyes were a deep blue, and his handsome face was covered in sexy scruff. All in all, the man was an absolute doll.
When he didn’t acknowledge her presence, she debated what to do. Speak to him or just use him as a muscular buffer without his knowledge. Ah, yes. How could she forget? She had an ice breaker! Slipping the ticket from her purse, she pushed it toward him. “Uh, sir? Is this yours?”
Lost in thought, Jonah jerked his head around to see who was speaking to him. “What?” He blinked as he stared into a pair of big amber gold eyes framed with dark lashes. Damn. His gaze lowered to a pair of luscious pink lips. “Can I help you?” Out of your clothes? Into my bed?
“I believe this is yours.” She swallowed nervously. This guy was mega intimidating. His voice was so deep, she felt her heart vibrate in response. And his face was handsome – but hard. She thought his perfect chiseled jaw might crack if he smiled.
When she pushed something toward him, Jonah was almost scared to look. What was she offering? Her telephone number? A room key? Tearing his eyes from hers, he glanced down. “A scratch-off?” He slapped his back pocket where he thought he’d stuck the one he’d just bought. Focusing on the card more closely, he saw it was indeed his – worth five hundred smackaroos. “Well, I swear. Where did you get this?”
“I guess you dropped it. I found it lying on the ground where you’d been standing.”
“Why didn’t you keep it?”
Delaney shrugged. “It’s not mine. It’s yours.”
“I’m much obliged.” He gave her a dazzling smile. “You’re very kind. Surprisingly kind.”
“You’re welcome.”
When he didn’t say anything else, Delaney wondered if she should move. After another second or two, she began to feel awkward.
For Jonah’s part, he felt as tongue-tied as an adolescent still wet behind the ears. When he saw her pick up her handbag and start to slip off the stool, he realized she was about to walk away. “Don’t go,” he blurted out. “Unless…you’re meeting someone else.”
“Uh. No. I’m alone.”
“Well, please. Sit beside me.” He motioned the woman at the
counter over. “Rosie, I don’t believe this young lady has been waited on.”
“Sure, Jonah.” Pointing at the menu on the wall, she asked, “What would you like, ma’am?”
Scanning the list, the prices as much as the items, Delaney made a quick decision. “A cup of vegetable soup, please.”
“Soup? Is that all?” Jonah allowed himself a look at her petite, perfectly curved body. “Forget counting calories. You need more than soup.”
“I’m okay.” She shifted on the hard stool, not wanting him to know it wasn’t calories she was counting – it was pennies.
The waitress nodded and set off to fill the order.
“Jonah Callan, nice to meet you.”
She accepted his gesture of greeting by slipping her small hand into his much larger one. Her breath caught in her throat at how right it felt. “Jonah. That’s a nice name.” It fit him. “I’m Delaney. Delaney Ellis.”
Jonah held onto her fingers a little longer than proper he suspected. As he reluctantly dropped her hand, he asked another question, “Are you from around here?”
“No. I was headed to a small town near El Paso.” Did she imagine seeing a look of disappointment flit across his face? “I’m not continuing my journey. Unfortunately, the job I thought was awaiting me there fell through.”
“Oh, tough. Sorry.” He couldn’t help but notice how the pretty woman kept rubbing her back. “Hey, let’s move to one of the booths where we’ll have more room. After a hard day’s work, this stool isn’t the most comfortable seat in the world.” He grabbed his plate and glass. “Hey, Rosie. Bring me another burger and a big plate of fries. And fix Daddy a chicken fried steak plate to go too, please.”
“Will do, Jonah.”
Delaney picked up her water and followed him across the room to one of the booths by the window. As she took a seat she glanced outside to see if she could see the black sports car but the glare on the window marred her view. “This is better. Thank you.”
As he folded his big body into the seat, Jonah followed up on her comment. “What kind of work do you do?”
“I have my teacher’s certificate in special education. I was supposed to have a position for the upcoming year, but the vice-principal called today to say they couldn’t use me after all. Something about the contract.” She shrugged.
“Sorry. Work is hard to come by. So you’re turning around and going home, I guess?”
Did she detect a hint of interest in his voice? “Not until I can get my car fixed and the mechanic is off duty until tomorrow.”
“Oh, what’s wrong with your car?”
“Uh, I have a flat.”
“Oh, really? Well, I can fix your tire.” He patted the scratch-off in the front pocket of his shirt. “I owe you.”
Delaney waited to say more while the waitress placed a steaming cup of soup and four packets of Saltine crackers in front of her. “Thanks,” she told the woman, then spread a napkin on her lap. Raising her eyes to Jonah, she smiled hesitantly. “I appreciate that, but I think I messed up the wheel. I drove on it for some distance.”
Jonah frowned. “You shouldn’t ever do that.”
“I know. I…didn’t have much choice.”
“Well, I’ll look at it when we finish here. If it’s fixable tonight, I’ll take care of it.” He dredged the last fry on his plate in ketchup before popping it in his mouth.
As Delaney waited for her soup to cool a bit, she ventured a question of her own. “I see you drive a tow truck. Do you own a wrecker service?”
“I do, but most of my business is fixing cars. I’m a mechanic.” He held out his rough hands. “Just a grease monkey.”
“I wouldn’t say that. What you do is very important. I bet you’re good at it.” His broad strong hands made Delaney shiver. She could only imagine how they would feel on her skin. “This would’ve been my first teaching job. I’ve been helping my family at home until now.”
Jonah nodded. “I understand.” How well he understood.
“Are you married?” This next question slipped from Delaney’s lips before she could call it back.
“Uh, no,” he answered quickly and succinctly. “Not in the cards for me.”
“Huh.” She gave him a quick smile. “I get it. Most marriages don’t last anyway.” She thought of her own father whom she’d never met. “So, do you live nearby?”
“You’re just full of questions, aren’t you?” Jonah wanted to pinch himself. He hadn’t been this close to a woman who looked like her in a long time. Not since Tressie. Shaking his head, he dispelled the uncomfortable thought.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.” Delaney lowered her eyes. “It’s none of my business. I was just making conversation.”
“No. Please. I’m kidding. I asked you a bunch of questions. Turnabout is fair play.” He couldn’t stand to see the light die in her eyes. “I live between Comfort and Kerrville off Highway 27, just a few miles from here.”
“I’m not familiar with those places. I’m from north Louisiana, just over the Texas line.” She ate a spoonful of her soup. “I live near the big reservoir called Toledo Bend.”
“Hmmm, my Dad was stationed at Fort Polk years ago. Is that close by?”
“Yea, not far. Fort Polk is near Leesville and that’s about an hour’s drive south of where I live…used to live.” She really didn’t have anything to go home to.
“Well, our spread is small. I have a shop next to the house and I live with my dad. He’s sick…early onset Alzheimer’s.” Gee, when he started talking, he didn’t seem to be able to hush.
“Wow, I’m sorry. That’s rough. I can certainly relate. I lived with my folks too. No shame in that. Sometimes it’s necessary.”
“True.” He let her eat in silence for a few moments. When the rest of the food came, he pushed the burger toward her. “Here, eat this. I don’t think I can hold it.”
“Yea, right.” She realized he’d bought it for her because he didn’t figure she had enough money. Giving him a grateful smile, she pulled the plate even nearer. “How kind. Thank you. I was just being careful with my money, after the job fell through and all.”
Jonah grunted. He wasn’t comfortable with gratitude.
Delaney dove into the burger. It tasted so good. “I drove all day, didn’t take time to stop,” she said between bites, taking a sip of water to wash it down. “Thanks again.”
“Don’t mention it.” After watching her eat for a few minutes, he glanced at his watch. “As soon as you finish, let’s check on your tire. I need to get on the road.”
Delaney gulped down one more bite. Seeing a few meat scraps lying on a napkin, she handed him the rest of her burger. “Here is my contribution for the kitten.”
Jonah’s eyes widened. “You saw that? And me dropping the scratch-off? I’m feeling a little stalked.” And a lot turned-on.
Blushing, Delaney shrugged. “Sorry, I was stuck in the parking lot with nothing else to do but people watch. When I saw you be nice to the cat, I knew you were a good man.”
“Oh.” He felt a funny twinge in his chest. “Makes sense.”
Standing up, Delaney gathered her purse and her keys. “Let me pay. My part at least.”
“I’ve got it.” He stood and ambled over to the cash register to take care of the ticket and to pick up the to-go plate.
“I’ll get the tip at least.” Delaney left a tip and joined him. “I appreciate you, this is very kind. I’m paying for the tire change, so don’t even think about saying no.”
“I won’t.” Even with the winnings from the scratch-off and the extra work from Libby McCoy, he was still up against it. “Let’s go.”
As soon as they stepped out of the door of the restaurant, the bottom fell out of the sky. Rain began falling in heavy sheets. “Oh, no. I’m sorry. This is gonna suck.”
Jonah chuckled. Suck. Damn. Just hearing her say that simple word in her sexy husky voice gave him goosebump
s. Good thing this woman was just passing through. He’d be drawn to her like a honeybee to a flower – and that would be a mistake. “I won’t melt. I’ve got a rain poncho in my truck. If you want to give me your keys, you can stand under the awning.”
Delaney pulled her hoodie up over her head. “I’ll be fine. I won’t melt.”
“Suit yourself.” He headed to his wrecker. “Where are you parked?”
“On the other side of the fuel station.” She followed him to the tow truck. “I bet the kitten is going to love those scraps.”
“I don’t doubt it.” He opened the door and found the small ball of fur curled up asleep in the box. “Wake up, little fella. I’ve got you a snack.” He placed the white bag of food next to the basket of Libby’s brownies, then spread the napkin holding the scraps in front of the kitten.
“It’s a boy?” Delaney edged a bit closer.
Jonah picked up the kitten to make sure. “Yep, a little tomcat. My dad will love it. He’s partial to kittens. Never liked grown cats too much, but kittens make him laugh.”
Delaney hovered close, waiting for him to finish feeding the cat and to slip his poncho on. “Put your scratch-off someplace safe.”
Jonah laughed. “Yes ma’am. Good call.” He did as she suggested, then picked up a rain hat and turned to plop it on her head. “There. Now, you won’t get waterlogged.”
“Thanks.” Since the hat was big and came down over her eyes, she pushed it back a bit so she could see him. “You’ve got a big head.”
“I do.” He couldn’t help but grin, thinking of his two oversize heads. “I’d like to brag it’s because of my big brain, but my father always said it was due to my thick skull.” After gathering his tools, he gestured for her to lead the way. “Let’s get this show on the road. I need to get home.”
“Of course.” She had no desire to keep him from his business.