Chapter 171
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Chapter 171
The next day, the stranger showed up again, the same time as the last two days–five fifteen in the afternoon. Jules wondered if he worked somewhere nearby before she remembered he’d said he was only here visiting. But why would he be driving by every day at the same time?
“Hello,“he greeted her as he stepped inside, those hazel gold eyes as arrestingly bright as always.
“Hi.“Jules blushed reflexively.
He went to the drink coolers and got a bottle of water, as usual.
“You know, you’d probably save yourself some money if you got a refillable bottle, “Jules said as she scanned it. She wasn’t sure why she’d said it. She cringed inwardly, waiting for him to tell her to mind her own business.
“You’re probably right, “the stranger agreed.
Even though he wasn’t angry, the urge to placate was second nature at this point, and Jules quickly tried to backpedal. “Well, maybe not. What do I know? After all, you said you’re only visiting. You probably don’t want to, like, pack a water bottle. It’d take up space in your bag, and if you’re flying that’s a pain, and it’s probably just easier to p>
Jules broke off abruptly as the stranger’s big hand descended on hers, warm, gentle, strong. His gaze held hers, painfully acute. “Hey, it’s alright, “he said. “It’s a good idea. I should get one p>
Jules knew she should pull away, but the gentleness of his touch felt so good, she could only stand there, speechless, staring back at him. When was the last time a man had touched her to offer simple comfort? To be kind?
She couldn’t remember.
“Your name is Jules?“the stranger asked.
Instead of worrying that he knew her name when she’d never told it rough hand over hers. She nodded mutely.
0 him, the vast majority of her brain cells were focused on the feel of his warm,
“I’m Max. Maxim Freeman p>
She swallowed. “Jules–uh, Juliana. But usually just Jules. Jules Wolfe p>
His brows rose. “Wolfe?“he repeated.
“Yeah. Do you know my family p>
“No. I don’t think so. Do you own this gas station, then p>
She felt her face heat at the unwelcome turn in conversation. “My grandma does p>
“Well, Jules Wolfe, “he squeezed her hand and released it, “you’ve motivated me to go get a reusable water bottle. Where’s a good place to get one around here p>
Grateful for the change of topic, she gave herself a few seconds to really overthink it. “Don’t go to any of the chain stores. None of that money stays in town, you know? ”
He nodded, watching her with total absorption. It was intimidating, but the panicky feeling didn’t rise anymore.
“The sporting goods store on Main Street is locally owned, and they have a ton of that kind of stuff, but everything there is really, uh… high end,“she said diplomatically, instead of overpriced. Beauchamp’s Sporting Goods did a lot of business with tourists–rich tourists from Chicago and Milwaukee who threw money around like it grew on trees–and their prices reflected that. “But if you take Main Street over the bridge, then turn left at the second stoplight, you’ll be on Dawson Street. At the end of Dawson, towards the water tower, there’s a grocery store and a hardware store and a bunch of stuff like that p>
Chapter 171
He nodded, still following intently.
“The hardware store is locally owned. They’d probably have a decent selection of water bottles in the housewares section p>
“The hardware store on Dawson, “he repeated in that velvety, rumbling voice. “Got it. Thank you, Jules p>
She flushed again at hearing her name in his deep voice, “You’re welcome p>
He stood for a moment, just looking at her, like he’d done the last two days, Ile seemed on the edge of saying something more, but never did. Instead, he ducked his head almost ruefully, flashed Jules a smile, and headed for the door.
“See you around,” he said.
“Goodbye, Max. “His name slipped out unexpectedly. At the sound of it, he brightened, his smile widening.
And then he was gone.
Long minutes after he left, Jules could still feel the imprint of his hand gripping hers. She stared at the door, stricken by a sudden realization–once he got a reusable water bottle, he wouldn’t be coming back anymore to buy water. If it had all happened before he’d held her hand, she’d probably be feeling relieved right now. But instead, his warmth had soaked into her skin, and she wanted him back.
The next day, a little past five, the store was quiet. Jules stared out the window at the empty street, expecting nothing, and disappointed by it for the first time in a long time. It was silly–the delusional hopes of a drab, unwanted nobody–but she wanted to see him again. Max. She wanted to hear his voice and maybe pluck up the courage to ask him more about himself. It wouldn’t go anywhere. She knew that. He was only here temporarily, and she wasn’t the sort of person who made anybody want to stick around. But it would be nice to talk, anyway.
At five, she glanced out the window again. A few cars went by on the street, but none pulled into the parking lot. At ten–past, the bell over the door jangled, and Jules looked up excitedly–only to see two teenage girls.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.