Even though he was basically a complete stranger, I felt comfortable with him. He was easy to talk to and seemed like a nice guy. He was also insanely attractive, but I was doing my best to ignore that.
“Do you want to finish the movie marathon we started last night?” Coal asked after we finished eating.
“Sure, but I can’t promise to stay awake. I haven’t gotten much sleep the last few nights, and I think it’s starting to catch up with me.”
“I know what you mean. After last night, I could use a good night’s sleep myself,” he said.
I struggled to stay awake during the first two movies, knowing if I fell asleep too early, I’d wake up in the middle of the night and not be able to go back to sleep. I dozed off somewhere during the third movie, but it wasn’t the restful sleep I’d hoped for.
“You’re the reason I went to prison, and it’s time you paid for it,” my mother sneered and slapped me across the face.
I stood frozen in place, unable to move, no matter how hard I tried.
“I never should’ve given birth to you. You were always such a pain in my ass. I can’t wait to finally be rid of you. I should’ve done this years ago.” She wrapped her hands around my throat and squeezed.
I couldn’t scream. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t do anything but stand there as she choked the life out of me with a look of evil glee on her face.
“Aspen. Wake up. You’re having a nightmare,” a familiar voice said in the distance, but I was still frozen, trapped between my dreams and reality.
Then, I felt strong arms wrap around me and pull me against a solid chest. “You’re okay. It was just a dream,” Coal soothed.
I turned in his arms and snuggled against his chest, relishing in the comfort and security I so desperately needed. I was far too upset to even think about being embarrassed.
When I woke the next morning, Coal was already awake and having a cup of coffee. “Morning,” I said and sat up in bed.
“Good morning,” he replied and studied me. “You okay?”
I felt my cheeks heat. I was hoping he wouldn’t mention it, but I had no such luck. “Uh, yeah, I’m good. Sorry about all that. I don’t usually have bad dreams.”
He shrugged like it was no big deal. “It happens.”
“So, what’s the plan for today?”
“I was thinking we could leave after breakfast. According to the news, the secondary roads are still in rough shape, but the highway is mostly clear. It will probably take longer than usual, but we should be able to get home today.”
4
COAL
Four hours later, we finally arrived in Devil Springs. Game was right. It really did look like a snow-covered ghost town. Very few businesses were open, and virtually no one was out and about.
Once we hit the main part of town, Aspen started giving me turn-by-turn directions to her house. As we got closer, I realized I was familiar with the area. Very familiar. When she pointed to her house, I pulled into her driveway and grinned. “This is where you live?”
“Yes. Why?”
I pointed to the house directly behind hers. “Because that’s my house. Looks like we’re neighbors.”
She smiled. “I guess I don’t need to worry about you making it home okay since you don’t have far to go.”
“You were worried about me?” I teased.
“Maybe a little.”
Her words made my heart flutter. I liked that she cared.
While I unloaded my bike, she picked up a box and carried it inside, returning almost immediately with a look of concern on her face.
“Something wrong?”