Gabe returned to the spot under the awning for the crates. They were big and bulky, but he grabbed both by the handles and headed for the back of his truck. The camper shell was unlocked, and he’d slid them into the back by the time she joined him. Her arms were clamped over her chest and she had a purse with her, but that was it.

“Do you need anything out of your car?”

She gave a light shrug of one shoulder and shook her head. “I’m good. I didn’t pack anything extra.”

The mechanic was putting out his cigarette and watching them from under the cover of the awning. “Guess we’ll be calling you about your car Monday.”

“Thanks. I’ve got your manager’s card.”

As the guy headed to an old Corvette on the far side of the lot, the girl appraised the strapped-down trunk at the opposite end of Gabe’s truck bed peeking out from between the crates. It was bursting open with the gear that enabled him to camp at will when he headed out on different weekend hikes with Samson.

“Thanks for the ride.” There was a touch of hesitation in her tone, and Gabe sympathized with her. As much as he’d not been looking forward to a passenger, he wasn’t the one about to pile into a stranger’s car.

“You’re welcome, but in good conscience, I can’t let you get into my truck without asking you to first snap a picture of my plates and text it to someone who knows what you’re doing today.” He shut the gate and camper top. “Just good practice for anyone getting into a stranger’s vehicle,” he said, thinking how he was probably freaking her out more.

Her eyes widened a touch. They were hazel with flecks of green and gold. “Okay. Mind if I have a name to go with it?”

“Gabe Wentworth. If you want to snap a picture of my license, too, you’re welcome to do so.”

“Olivia.” She extended her hand, and her eyes widened again at his grip. “Graham,” she added, flushing pink and accenting the thin constellation of freckles bridging her nose and the tops of her cheeks. And somehow drawing his attention to a pair of full and defined lips.

“My license is up front in my wallet if you want it.” Her hand was cold to the touch, probably from being stuck out in the rain. He held it just long enough to feel the warmth under the surface. “While you get settled, I’ll let my dog out to take a leak.” A leak? Really? You couldn’t come up with anything better than that?

There was a thick strip of grass between the shop and the nail salon next door. Gabe pulled out the step stool and called Samson out the driver’s side back door.