A man exited the driver’s side and headed her way. Handsome and wearing teal scrubs over his trim, athletic build, he could’ve stepped straight off the cover ofGQ. But despite his appeal, her past had eradicated any naivety she might’ve had as a young girl.
As if sensing her guardedness, he stopped a couple car lengths away. “You okay? Need some help?”
She glanced at her mud-splattered pants and boots. “What would give you that idea?”
One side of his mouth tipped up. “Another innocent victim of mud season?”
“It swallowed my car.”
“If it makes you feel any better, you’re not the first. Can I make a call for you?”
Feeling a bit safer since he hadn’t tried to cajole her into his vehicle, she closed the distance between him as she held up her phone. “No cell service.” As she neared she spied a hospital ID clipped to his scrubs that identified him as Carson McConnell, pediatric intern.
He checked his own device. “Yeah, me neither.”
He was even more attractive up close. His dark blond hair was clipped short at the sides and a little longer on top. His hazel eyes were deep set and he had a sharp, clean-shaven jawline. “I’m happy to give you a ride if you’d feel comfortable with that.” He nudged his badge. “I’d say you could call the hospital and verify my identity but...”
She examined his photo ID. “Your badge kinda does that for you, and I’m late for an appointment, so I’ll gladly take you up on your offer.”
A few seconds later, he assisted her into the vehicle.
“Sorry about the mud.”
“That’s what the mats are for.” He closed the door and headed around.
The inside of his SUV was clean and smelled of coffee and leather.
She glanced over as he got in. Ambitious, smart, handsome, and let’s not forget, knight in shining armor. She sneaked a peek at his left hand. No ring. She could certainly do worse.
But no. Pinehaven was just a stepping stone, and she would not be distracted by a pretty face. Even one that pretty. Career first, then home ownership (complete with her very own dog), then husband and kids. She was firm on the order.
He buckled in. “Where you headed?”
“Pinehaven Resort? My little mishap has made me late for my debut. I’m their new temporary manager from Boston.”
He started the truck and pulled onto the road. “Ah, the Landrys’ place. Good people. You’ll like working for them. We attend church together.”
“I guess thisisa small town.”
“They hired someone from Boston, huh?”
She caught a note of humor. “That surprises you?”
“Folks around here have a thing about people from Massachusetts.”
“I’ve heard, but I’m a good driver so maybe I don’t count.”
“You should get along just fine then. I’m from Boston myself.”
“Oh, really? What brought you to New Hampshire?”
“An internship at the local hospital. I’m hoping for a residency at Mass General so I can once again reside in the same state as my girlfriend, Carina. She’s currently getting her master’s degree from Boston College.”
A hopeful bubble burst. Probably for the best. “That’s great.”
He rolled through town, no doubt following the route she should’ve taken. “First time here?”
“Yeah. It’s beautiful. Quiet.”
