Eden lifted her phone from her lap. "I checked mine while you were fiddling with the engine. I don't have any either."
"Eden, I am so sorry. This is all my fault. I take full responsibility. I won't blame you for hating me."
She clasped his hand and rotated toward him the best she could. "I don't hate you, Rudy. I love you. One more reason I can't blame this on God. If he didn't want me to fall in love with you, he wouldn't have allowed me to develop these feelings for you."
Rudy cupped her cheek. "Have I ever told you what an amazing woman you are?"
She grinned. "Not yet."
"You are amazing and beautiful. And I'm so in love with you."
He pressed his lips to hers. Rudy had never felt quite so complete and alive as when he kissed Eden. He hoped he got the chance to kiss this woman every day for the rest of his life.
When they finally broke apart, Eden sighed. "Okay, what are our options?"
"I can walk until I get service then call Scott and hope he's not dead to the world and will actually answer my call."
"How far would you have to walk?"
"Probably a couple miles."
"Should I come with you?"
"It'd probably be safer for you to stay here. You're less likely to twist an ankle on a rock or pothole."
She looked out the window into the darkness. "I don't want to stay here alone. Besides, what if something happens to you?" She chewed on her lip for a moment. "Are there skunks out there?"
"They're nocturnal, so probably." The thought of walking in the dark appealed less and less to Rudy.
"What are our other options?"
"We spend the night in the truck and start walking first thing in the morning."
Her nose wrinkled. "It doesn't sound very comfortable, but I think it's our safest option. So, how do we do this? You take the back seat and I take the front?"
"We could do that. Or..." He hesitated to finish the sentence because he didn't want her to think he was trying to take advantage of the situation, even though he kind of was.
"What?"
"Well, it's likely to get pretty chilly tonight, and we only have one blanket."
"Are you suggesting I sleep snuggled up with you?" Her voice was full of faux shock.
"Only if you want to."
"I want to stay warm and my chances of doing that are probably higher in your arms. So I guess a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do."
He reached over the seat and grabbed the blanket. "I see how it is. You just want me for my hot body."
"Definitely." There was a hint of huskiness in her voice that sent his hormones raging.
Laughter filled the cab of the truck as they repeatedly rearranged themselves for optimal comfort and snuggle capability. Finally, Rudy leaned back against the passenger door with one leg across the seat, and Eden sat in front of him with her back against his chest.
It wasn't comfortable by any means, but when she laid her head against his shoulder, he decided he could definitely think of worse ways to sleep.
"You know," she said, "we could totally consider this situation as more bad luck, but I feel pretty lucky right now."
"Me too." He tightened his arms around her.
