THE ACCIDENT

Brady's back lot is eerily dark tonight. The weak lights barely make a dent in the gloom, and the thick forest at the edge of the parking area adds a creepy vibe as the wind chills me to the bone. Wishing I'd grabbed a thicker jacket, I hurry to my car, parked close to the exit. My breath forms clouds of smoke as I clumsily drop my keys in my rush to get inside. From somewhere in the distance, wild howls cut through the night, probably just animals, but the icy wind makes me too cold to wonder for long.

I jump into the driver's seat and slam the door shut, trying to block out the cold. I rub my hands together, start the engine, and count to ten, waiting for the heater to kick in. The day started off mild, but it's turned downright sinister, like winter's just around the corner. While Black Mountain is always cold this time of year, it feels like I'd need snow tires if I were staying longer.

As I reverse out of my parking spot and navigate the winding roads of the Spur, my thoughts drift to Liam. There’s something about him, with his undeniable charm and those deep, chocolatey eyes that stir something deep within me. Too lost in thought about Erin’s suggestion for a casual fling, I take a corner too sharply and nearly miss the black shape that darts onto the road. My heart leaps to my throat as I slam on the brakes, the tires screeching in protest against the cold asphalt. The car stops with a jolt, but not before a dull thud confirms I’ve clipped something with the front right guard.

With my heart pounding, I pull over and shut off the engine, stepping out into the crisp night air. How did I miss that? Desperately hoping that whatever I hit isn’t seriously hurt, I grab my phone to use its light, scanning the surrounding foliage, but my search turns up empty, adding to my anxiety.

A groan to my left startles me, and I hurry toward the sound. Another groan, now from my right, leads me to a human foot illuminated by my phone’s light. I rush over to find the foot attached to a naked body lying face down. Panic spikes as a barrage of questions flood my mind: Is he alive? How do you handle a dead body? Please let him be okay.

I reach out tentatively to check for a pulse. The moment our skin touches, a jolt shoots through me, making my nerve endings ignite. However, that's immediately forgotten when I feel a steady heartbeat. A sigh of relief escapes as I carefully turn him over to find a man with a robust ribcage, alive but unconscious.

Edging closer, I shine the light on his face, his eyes suddenly snapping open. Startled, I lower the torch and gently wipe debris off his face, murmuring an apology, "My name is Ava, can you hear me?" I check my phone—no signal. My frustration mounts as he tries to sit up. I assist him, and he nods in acknowledgment, laboriously pushing his massive frame into a kneeling, then standing position, swaying slightly.

Instantly, I wrap my arms around his waist to steady him, looking up; my head only reaches his chest. This man must be around 6’4”. He’s huge. What on earth is a very naked, very tall man doing out here in the middle of nowhere? My mind races, spinning out a thousand scenarios, but none make any sense.

Once his body stabilizes, I guide him toward the passenger side of the car, letting him lean against the rear panel while I unlock the door. After it swings open, I carefully help him inside and then go back to check the area for any personal belongings. Finding nothing, I return to the car, slip into the driver's seat, and start the engine. The car's engine hums softly as I turn to him, noticing his eyes closed and a hand resting on his ribs. I swallow hard, my throat dry, and place a hand gently on his exposed chest to get his attention.

"I’m going to get you to a hospital. Hang on, okay?"

"No hospital," he mumbles in reply, his head drooping forward onto his chest.

"Are you sure? You look pretty banged up. I mean, it won’t take me long to drive back—"

"NO hospital!" He growls this time, making me flinch. I'm surprised not by his tone but by my own lack of fear.

"Okay, big fella," I say soothingly, thinking on my feet and turning the car towards the cabin. If he won't go to a hospital, the least I can do is take him to my place until I’m sure he’s okay. "I have a place not too far from here. We’ll go there, and I can at least check out your injuries?"

I'm fully aware that this could be the opening scene of every horror movie ever, but adrenaline is funny like that—it makes you toss common sense right out the window. His only response to my plan is a grumbled "humph," which I take as consent as we continue down the road. Thankfully, the entrance to the cabin is just around the bend.

Turning off the main road, I navigate down the long driveway, casting worried glances at my passenger. He's slumped against the window but still breathing. Thank you, baby Jesus! As I pull up near the porch, I quickly unbuckle and rush out to assist him. He’s already opening the door, stumbling out. I grab my bag and hurry to his side, guiding him up the porch steps—which he manages with a bit of effort—and unlock the door. Warmth floods over us as I help him inside and shut the door behind us.

"Think you can make it upstairs?" I ask, gesturing toward the staircase. He lifts his tangled mane of hair and grunts affirmatively, then shuffles towards the stairs, pulling himself up one step at a time. After several tense seconds and only two stairs conquered, I decide to help. I slide my left arm around his waist and drape his right arm over my shoulders. His face nestles into my hair as we slowly ascend to the second landing.

I can feel his body pressed against mine, and he takes a deep breath. Is he sniffing my hair? Do I smell? But then he shudders against me, his arms tightening and pulling me closer, dispelling my doubts.

Finally reaching the top, I lead him into my bedroom and straight to the bed. He's still leaning heavily on me as I pull back the covers and help him lie down.

Once I'm sure he's settled and secure, I head to the bathroom to grab a washcloth and warm water. As I return, soft snores signal his deep sleep. Gently cleaning off the dirt, I find only minor bruises on his rib cage. My task takes me further down, and I blush slightly as I encounter a more intimate area; Erin's teasing remarks about such situations echo in my mind. Hastily, I shift focus to inspect his legs, which are long, sculpted, and tanned.

Attempting to maintain my professionalism, I try not to dwell on his physique, despite its impressive form. As I clean his legs, my eyes can’t help but appreciate how well-built they are — this man must be carved from stone. After confirming there are no serious injuries on his lower half, I gently brush aside his long, tangled dark hair and wipe his forehead clean.

As I stroke the cloth over his skin, I find myself admiring his features: the long curling eyelashes, a perfectly proportioned nose, a strong jaw dusted with stubble, and thick, plump lips. "Definitely something in the water here," I muse to myself, smiling slightly at the thought of what Erin would say.

With no life-threatening injuries found, I place the washcloth on the bedside table and sit down beside him on the bed. Slipping off my jacket and shoes, I settle back, feeling the weight of exhaustion as the adrenaline starts to fade. I snuggle down into the pillow next to him, deciding to close my eyes just for a moment—just until he wakes. I feel unexpectedly safe, the steady rhythm of his breathing a comforting lullaby that eases me into a much-needed rest.

................................................................................................................

Cocooned, encased in warmth, the smell of pine and spiced musk flowed through my senses. Floating in an endless abyss, safe, protected.

Heat, such tremendous solid heat, running up my back.

Firmness surrounds me, arousal.

Sensual pressure on my neck.

PAIN, excruciating, mind-numbing – blackness.