Paradise Peak (New Americana 5)

Hannah opened her eyes, seeking his handsome smile and comforting expression, but he’d already turned away. The door thudded shut on his exit, and she watched through the window as he jogged through the heavy rain and into the motel office.

Sighing, she rolled her window down an inch to air out the smell of smoke in the cab. Rain sprinkled through the open crack, and she tilted her head back, letting the cool drops mist her overheated forehead and cheeks.

Blondie whimpered and she smoothed her hand across the puppy’s fur. “Does your leg hurt, baby?” She touched the injured leg gently, brushing aside blood-coated fur to examine the wound. “It’s not too bad. Travis took good care of you, didn’t he?”

The puppy snuggled closer to her belly and Hannah leaned down and kissed the top of her head, saying a silent prayer that Red and Margaret were safe in that hotel just as Travis had said. And that Liz, Zeke, Gloria, and Vernon had somehow made it to a safe haven, too.

Ten minutes passed, the smoke in the cab aired out, and cool, late-February air trickled in with the sprinkles of rain. Water sloshed as heavy footsteps approached, and Hannah, shivering, straightened as Travis opened the truck door and stuck his head in out of the rain.

Rain had soaked his hair and shirt, and drops of water rolled down his lean cheeks. “We’re in luck,” he said, holding up a key. “The room’s ours, free of charge, for as long as we need it. The manager’s offering rooms to everyone who had to evacuate.”

“What about Red and Margaret? Or Liz and—”

“No.” Travis shook his head. “They aren’t here.” He reached over and squeezed her shoulder. “We’ll check around again in the morning. Right now, let’s go inside, clean up, and get some sleep. Cell service is down and power’s out, but the manager said there’s running water.”

Hannah gathered Blondie close to her chest. “There are first-aid supplies in the tool kit in the truck bed. I’ll need it to bandage her leg.”

Travis nodded. “I’ll open the door for you, then bring that and our bags in.”

Hannah took Blondie inside the motel room and stood by the dresser, holding the dog as she waited for Travis. The interior was dark, and out of habit, she tried turning the lamp on, only to sigh with renewed disappointment when it didn’t light up. She could make out the shapes of one double bed and a chair in the darkness.

It took Travis two trips to bring in the first-aid kit, all of their bags, and a potted lantana plant. The blooms bounced as he jogged through the rain and shut the door.

“Gloria’s gift?” Hannah asked.

A car passed by the window, its headlights flooding the room with light, and she caught a glimpse of his smile before darkness fell between them again.

“Yeah. I didn’t have a chance to take it out of the truck.” Bags rustled as he set them on the dresser beside her. “My new clothes were still in there, too, and I have something in my other bag”—a zipper rasped open—“that I think will come in handy.”

Something clicked, and light glowed in all directions.

Travis lifted the camping lantern and grinned. “Gloria didn’t give me this.”

Hannah smiled back. “Oh?”

“No. Another woman gave it to me.” His grin widened, his sexy dimple denting. “She can be a bit bossy sometimes” —the teasing light in his eyes dimmed, and his voice softened—“but she’s the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Inside and out.”

His brown eyes darkened even further as his gaze roved over her face.

Face heating, Hannah looked away, noticing their reflection in the mirror on the dresser. “Well, I doubt you feel that way now.”

She studied the black streaks of ash and soot on her forehead, cheeks, and nose. Her clothes were soaked from the rain and rumpled from the drive, and water dripped slowly from the hem of her jeans, making a puddle on the carpeted floor.

Travis, she noticed, had fared better. Rain had washed away the ash from his face, neck, and forearms. His black hair, wet, was slicked back from his face, revealing his thick lashes and the strong angles of his handsome features. Dark stubble lined his jaw, and his soggy shirt and jeans clung to his muscular frame, adding to his masculine appeal.

“You’re always beautiful, Hannah,” he said quietly.

His deep voice sent a delicious shiver through her. She cradled Blondie closer and smiled. “Thank you, but I think I’ll feel better after a hot shower.”

Travis picked up the camping lantern, eased past her, and entered the bathroom. Something squeaked and then the sound of running water filled the room.

He returned from the bathroom and motioned for her to enter. “Water’s warming up.” He walked over, holding out his arms. “While you shower, I’ll take a look at Blondie’s wound.”

Hannah passed the puppy to him gently, grabbed her overnight bag, and entered the bathroom. The shower was small, but clean and serviceable, with a thick, opaque shower curtain. She turned around and peered into the dark room where Travis’s and Blondie’s silhouettes were visible in front of the window. Travis spoke in low, soothing tones to Blondie, who raised her head from his broad chest and nuzzled his chin.

“You won’t be able to see well without the lantern,” she said. “Once I’m in the shower, I’ll let you know so you can come in and get her bandaged up.”

Travis turned his head and faced her, his expression unreadable in the dark. “Okay. Thanks.”