Ma’am?
“Uh, yes,” I stuttered out.What is wrong with me?“Our car is stuck.”
He looked down at the tires. “I’m not surprised. It’s muddy season, and two-wheel drive won’t cut it.”
I crossed my arms. “Well, I apologize for not buying a new car for the trip.”
Something like amusement flashed in his gaze, which I didn’t expect. Normally when I spoke to people like that they shied away, but it seemed as if he almost pushed closer. “I’ll help you out.”
He shut his truck off and got out, approaching me easily.
My eyes widened when he came around and I realized he towered over me. I knew I was a short woman, just barely hitting five feet, but he was a foot and then some taller than me. His body was also massive. Muscles built from what I assumed was a lifetime of hard work covered him everywhere. He was wearing a red flannel and jeans, but I could see his hooves sticking out from the bottom.
I was again surprised by my reaction. This guy wasn’t my type at all. I normally went for slimmer men with dark hair and a stoic attitude, which he didn’t seem to have. Still, there was something so… captivating about him.
He ran his fingers through his hair before bending over to check my tires.
“Wow, you’re really stuck. I think I’m going to need to call one of the tow guys. How many times did you spin yourself down?”
“You think I counted?” I spit back.
His smile stayed in place, even with my harsh tone. “Once you’re in the mud, you’re better off staying still and getting help.”
“I don’t deal with a lot of mud, so I wouldn’t know.”
He snorted. “I can tell.”
My eyes narrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothin’,” he said. “I’ve just never seen you around here before. Whyareyou here?”
I straightened my blazer. “I’m Sydney,” I said, holding my hand out for a shake. “We’re here for an organic certification audit at Hoffman Farm.”
“Well, you’re in luck, I happen to be the owner. I thought you weren’t supposed to be here until tomorrow.” He gripped my hand back, and they were so different from mine—rough and calloused, but warm. I was also shocked that he was the owner. I had been expecting someone older, with white hair and maybe a pitchfork.
“We weren’t. We decided to get settled at the inn tonight, but I think I took a wrong turn. The GPS stopped working miles back.”
“That’s Hallow’s Cove for ya,” he said. “The perfect destination because it’s so remote. Anyway, how about I take you to the inn, and we can call the tow?”
I looked around. I knew getting into a car with a strange man probably wasn’t the best decision, but I wasn’t fully alone, and he was who I was here to see. If he killed me and buried me in his field, he wouldn’t get his certification.
“That’s fine,” I said. “I just need to tell my partner and grab our things.”
I opened Matilda’s door, and she jumped as I woke her once again. “Mr. Hoffman is going to take us to the inn so the car can get towed.”
“Oh, that’s nice,” she replied as she wiggled her way out.
“Hello, ma’am,” Brooks greeted. “I’m sorry about your car.”
“Oh, my.” She sounded as taken aback as I felt. “No problem, young man. If we get a ride with you, it’s all worth it.”
My mouth fell open. Was Matilda always like this?
Brooks helped her through the mud and into the truck while I grabbed our bags. Once he was done, he also helped me sling all of them in the back, save for my camera bag. I made sure to hold onto that.
When I first got this job, I went out and bought myself a used camera. It wasn’t fancy, but it took pretty good photos. I’d been able to splurge on a few new lenses in the meantime, which had really improved my output. I loved it and knew this would be my first opportunity to take photos out of the city.
With that bag in hand, I followed him around the truck. When I opened the door, Matilda was already sound asleep in the passenger seat.Seriously?I looked at her and back at Brooks.
