A Place Called Harmony, page 31
Martha Q didn’t offer to help but continued to talk.
Drew brushed Sleeping Beauty’s cheek. “Wake up, Miss McAllen. We’re here.” He fought the urge to kiss her again. That first kiss had certainly brought him fully awake.
In the background he heard Martha Q saying that Hank Matheson told her if another person came here claiming kin, he planned to take a power saw to a few branches of the family tree. McAllens and Mathesons reproduced like rabbits around these parts.
“Rise and shine, sleepyhead,” Drew whispered near her ear. You’re at Winter’s Inn.”
Green eyes opened and stared at him. “Who are you?” she asked, surprise in her voice but no fear.
“I’m just your driver, miss.” He pointed at the backside of Martha Q as she leaned over, straightening one of the daisy night-lights. “And that is the innkeeper at Winter’s Inn.”
Sleeping Beauty smiled. “Noisy one, isn’t she?”
Drew couldn’t hold back a grin. “She has to make that noise if there’s a chance she might be backing up.”
While Martha Q rambled on about how dark it was around her place, Drew helped his passenger out of his van. “Just hold on to me and I’ll carry your crutches. I don’t think the walk’s wide enough to maneuver on crutches in the dark.”
She looped her arm over his shoulder and he circled her waist. At six foot one he rarely saw a woman near his height, but she was within three inches. They progressed down the walkway, her cast taking out every other LED light.
“I’m Millanie McAllen,” she said as she hopped along.
“Andrew Cunningham. My friends call me Drew.”
“Thank you, Drew, for bringing me here. I owe you one.”
He knew he was probably being forward, but the lady was plastered against his side. “You staying long, Millanie?”
She looked up with those tired green eyes and he knew she was a woman who never lied.
“I don’t know,” she finally answered. “Getting here was my first plan of action. I’ll think of my second when I’ve slept the clock around and eaten a few meals.”
Millanie McAllen might think she knew exactly where on the planet she was, but Drew saw the truth in those beautiful eyes.
She was lost.
“Andrew!” Martha Q yelled. “Any chance you two are going to make it in to sign the register before dawn? I can’t stand here waiting if she’s not interested. I’m missing the Late Show.”
Sleeping Beauty looked directly at him when she answered Martha Q, “I’m interested.”
Jodi Thomas, A Place Called Harmony
