“Here’s the thing,” he said, moving to stand beside her and look down at the engine. “Contrary to popular opinion, my mom raised me right, so I can’t just drive by when I see a car broken down, even if the woman driving it has a serious attitude problem.”

“I don’t have an attitude problem!”

“Sure you do.”

He placed a hand on her shoulder and nudged her to the right so he could look under the hood.

“You’re the one with the problem,” Piper gritted out.

“Whatever,” came the muffled reply.

Piper wanted to tell him to get back in his big, flash car and drive away, but she was cold. The thought of sitting here on the side of the road while she waited for someone to come get her was not a happy one. So she shut her mouth, battled down the humiliation, anger, and pride, and waited.

“My guess is your fuel pump is faulty, and needs replacing.”

“So I can’t drive it then?”

His snort told her she couldn’t.

“Great... thanks.” She tacked on the last word because he had stopped to help her, so he got a point for that.

“Bet that hurt.”

He shut the hood.

“What?”

“The thanks; I bet that stuck in your throat.”

Behind him were the snow-capped mountains of the Rockies, big and rugged. She wasn’t sure what impressed her more to look at. Although maybe the mountains looked more hospitable.

“At least I said it.”

“So I have to give you a point for that?”

“Whatever.” Piper dragged her eyes away from his. “Now you go, and I’ll call for help, and God willing we never cross paths again.”

“Amen.”

Piper pulled out her phone.

“Go on, leave,” she said, looking in her contacts.

“Nope.”

“What? Why?” Piper glared at him. “Seriously, what possible reason could you have for staying?”

“I may be an asshole, but I’m not leaving you out here alone in these conditions.”

“My cousins are an hour away.”

Something changed in those blue eyes; they were suddenly alert.

“You going to Ryker Falls?”

Piper nodded.

“I’ll give you a ride.”

Chapter 2

“You’re going to Ryker Falls?”

Dylan nodded to the beautiful brunette. It was a face that could easily lure a man in... if a man was easily lured, which he was not. There was a sweet curve to her chin and nose, a lovely mouth painted in pale pink gloss, and skin with a touch of color that suggested she spent time outside. He wasn’t immune to the impact of those combined elements.

If his insides weren’t twisted in knots at what he was about to do, Dylan sure as hell would take time to talk to her. But then maybe not; she seemed kind of pushy.