Savannah's Secrets

Outside the window, increasingly dark clouds loomed overhead. The steady, gentle rain that had fallen throughout the day was now a raging downpour.

Another flash of light illuminated the sky. It was quickly followed by a peal of thunder that made Savannah’s heart race.

It was lightning that posed the real danger. Savannah knew that better than most. The thunder was just sound and fury.

She loathed driving in inclement weather. Tack on the steep hills, narrow roads, one-lane bridge and her vague familiarity with the area, and it was a recipe for disaster.

One wrong turn, and she could end up in a ditch, lost in the woods, undiscovered for months.

Stop being a drama queen. Everything will be fine. Just take a deep breath.

Savannah took a long, deep breath.

She’d hoped to wait out the storm. Her plan had backfired. Engrossed in her work, she hadn’t noticed that the rain had gotten much heavier. And it didn’t appear to be letting up anytime soon.

After composing and sending one final email, Savannah signed off her computer. She gathered her things and headed for the parking lot, as fast as her high-heeled feet could carry her.

Shit.

She was without an umbrella, and it was raining so hard the parking lot had flooded. No wonder the lot was empty except for her car.

If it stalled out, she’d be screwed.

A flash of lightning lit the sky like a neon sign over a Vegas hotel.

Jaw clenched, Savannah sucked in a generous breath, as if she were about to dive into the deep end of the pool. She made a mad dash for her car before the next bolt struck.

Despite the warm temperatures, the rain pelted her in cold sheets as she waded through the standing water. Her clothing was wet and heavy. Her feet slid as she ran in her soaking-wet shoes.

Savannah dropped into the driver’s seat and caught her breath. Her eyes stung as she wiped water from her face with the back of her hand, which was just as wet.

She turned her key and gave the car some gas, grateful the engine turned over.

There was another flash of lightning, then a rumble of thunder, followed by a heavy knock on the window.

She screamed, her heart nearly beating out of her chest.

A large man in a hooded green rain slicker hovered outside her window.

She was cold, wet, alone and about to be murdered.

But not without a fight.

Savannah popped open her glove compartment and searched for something...anything...she could use as a weapon. She dug out the heavy tactical flashlight her grandfather had given her one Christmas. She beamed the bright light in the intruder’s face.

“Blake?” Savannah pressed a hand to her chest, her heart still thudding against her breastbone. She partially lowered the window.

Even with his eyes hidden by the hood, she recognized the mouth and stubbled chin she’d spent too much time studying.

“You were expecting someone else?”

Smart-ass.

If she didn’t work for the Abbotts, and she wasn’t so damned glad not to be alone in the middle of a monsoon, she would have told Blake exactly what she thought of his smart-assery.

“What are you doing here? And where’d you come from?”

“I’m parked under the carport over there.” He pointed in the opposite direction. “Came to check on the building. Didn’t expect to see anyone here at this time of night in the storm.”

“I didn’t realize how late it was, or that the rain had gotten so bad. I’m headed home now.”

“In this?” He sized up her small car.

She lifted a brow. “My flying saucer is in the shop.”

Savannah knew she shouldn’t have said it, but the words slipped out of her mouth before she could reel them back in.

Blake wasn’t angry. He smirked instead.

“Too bad. Because that’s the only way you’re gonna make it over the bridge.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You’re renting from Kayleigh Jemison in town, right?”

“How did you know—”

“It’s Magnolia Lake. Everyone knows everyone in this town,” he said matter-of-factly. “And there are flash-flood warnings everywhere. No way will this small car make it through the low-lying areas between here and town.”

“Flash floods?” Panic spread through her chest. “Isn’t there another route I can take?”

“There’s only one way back to town.” He pointed toward the carport. “The ground is higher there. Park behind my truck, and I’ll give you a ride home. I’ll bring you back to get your car when the roads clear.”

“Just leave my car here?” She stared at him dumbly.

“If I could fit it into the bed of my truck, I would.” One side of his mouth curved in an impatient smile. “And if there was any other option, I’d tell you.”

Savannah groaned as she returned her flashlight to the glove compartment. Then she pulled into the carport as Blake instructed.

“Got everything you need from your car?” Blake removed his hood and opened her car door.

“You act as if I won’t see my car again anytime soon.”

“Depends on how long it takes the river to go down.”

“Seriously?” Savannah grabbed a few items from the middle console and shoved them in her bag before securing her vehicle. She followed Blake to the passenger side of his huge black truck.

She gasped, taken by surprise when Blake helped her up into the truck.