**While this story starts slow and this chapter doesn't have any sex, for my loyal readers, I think it will be worth waiting for; I have had this particular story stuck in my head for quite some time. And until I get it out, all my other chapters are on hold. My apologies for that. **
A sudden loud rapping at the window woke me from a dead sleep, as the beam of a flashlight burned my eyes. I cried out as I lifted my arm to block it.
"Hey Miss, do you need assistance?" A voice shouted, but it was muffled and nearly carried away by the sound of the rain. I shivered as I rolled the window down just enough to hear him repeat the question. The car had died hours ago, leaving me with nothing but an old crochet blanket and a few extra layers of clothes to keep warm. My phone had no bars and then promptly died so I had planned to wait the storm out before looking for the nearest gas station.
"Do you happen to know how far the nearest auto shop is?" I asked, then realizing he couldn't hear me, I pressed my lips to the open slot and repeated it.
"It's all the way back in town and the roads have been closed due to flooding; I barely made it through myself. However...it
is
your lucky day. I happen to be the owner of that shop and I can tow ya to my place, it's just up the way a little; we can settle in until the roads are clear." I squinted past the bright flashlight beam and saw that he did indeed have a tow truck parked just in front of me. He wore large blue coveralls along with an embroidered patch that read Sam's Auto Repair,
Sam.
"Any nearby hotels?" I asked instead. The stranger chuckled as he ran a hand through his short black hair, slicking it back with rain.
"I am afraid you are on the wrong side of the flood miss." I sighed, of course I was. I glanced back at his truck; he seemed nice, and he was inviting me, a total stranger, into his home. I felt wary about saying yes, but I didn't see I was left with any other choice unless I wanted to freeze to death.
"How-how much?" He held up his hand in protest and shook his head.
"Now, what kind of gentleman would I be if I left you stranded in this weather? You go hop on inside the cab now and warm up. I'll hook this up and we'll be on our way. Don't worry about any cost, it's free of charge." With my teeth starting to chatter, I didn't need any more convincing. I grabbed my purse and hopped out of my car, running through the downpour and climbed into his truck. Country music was playing softly on the radio and I placed my hands over the vents on the dashboard to try and warm them quicker. Strands of wet hair clung to my face and I could hear the sounds of large chains dragging across the pavement as I watched him hook up my car with practiced ease. When he finally hopped in, I was taken aback by how young he looked now that he was in the light. Even with the dark stubble on his square jaw, his cheeks still held a boyish roundness to them. Wet black hair was plastered to his forehead, his clothes were soaked and even a bit muddy, but he didn't seem bothered by any of it.
He gave me a charming smile as he shut his door then turned to face me, holding out his hand. I immediately took it, my hands feeling dainty in his large calloused ones and I found myself staring into his cobalt blue eyes; they reminded me of the ocean at night, the way the moon reflecting off the surface.
"Name's Sam. You're lucky I came along when I did, broadcast says the storm's picking up and hardly anyone takes these old roads anymore; not since they built Interstate 40 back in 57' anyways."
"I was told the speed limit didn't change much and that the scenery would be worth the small detour," I explained, beginning to feel at little more at ease. He seemed nice and well-mannered at least.
"The mountains
are
gorgeous this time of year. So, uh, what is your name?"
"Oh! How rude of me, I'm Katherine with a K. But you can call me Kat." I replied.
"Kat with a K, gotcha. Are you hungry, Kat? I have some stew heating back at the house." My stomach growled loud enough to be heard over the music and I laughed in embarrassment. I had skipped dinner after getting sick of all the convenient store junk food; a home meal sounded great.
"I guess that answers my question, let's hit the road." He threw the truck into drive and after a slow start we were on our way. The windshield wipers were working with maximum effort and still failing to keep the windshield clear. The music was kept at a volume high enough to fill the silence, but low enough he didn't have to shout to be heard. He asked me about my travels, a few polite questions about my life. I answered them all, grateful to have someone to talk to after days alone on the road. With my father's health declining I chose to drive home and take the summer off. Finals had been stressful last quarter and I knew that a few months away would help me get back on track.
Sam revealed his parents and sister passed and he had bought his little piece of land with the inheritance. By the time we finally reached his house the rain had turned into a light drizzle, he had a rundown two-story house. The yellow paint was chipped and faded in most areas, if it wasn't for the porch light, it might have even looked abandoned.
"Alright, we're going to have to run into the house. Just watch out for Hank." Before I could ask who Hank was, he was already out of the truck and running towards his front door. I shook my head and raced after him. Once inside I was immediately tackled by a large bloodhound who knocked me back against the door, shutting it and suffocating me in slobbery kisses. I cried out in surprise, trying to push him away but to no avail; he was too big and too persistent.
"Hank, that is not how a gentleman greets his guests." The hound stopped mid wiggle and sat down, suddenly poised as his tail slammed mercilessly on the wooden floor. Sam offered his hand and I took it, grateful for the help up.
"Sorry about that. We don't get guests very often. Hank, you should tell the lady you're sorry." At the sound of his command word he jumped onto his hind legs and kept his front paws folded in front of him as though he was pleading for forgiveness. I patted the top of his head and he jumped around a few times before settling down again.
Sam produced a bone shaped biscuit from a pocket and handed it over.
"I think the lady gets to decide if you've earned it." Hank looked back and forth between Sam and I, eyes wide, ears down as he waited patiently while licking his lips, slobber dripping from his jowls. I held my palm flat and offered it to him, smiling as he delicately picked it up and ran off to eat it.
"He is quite the character," I announced in awe. I had always wanted a dog of my own, but my father was allergic to pet dander, so I was stuck with a childhood of hairless cats and reptiles.
I followed Sam into the kitchen where he washed his hands and pulled down two bowls. The moment he lifted the lid, the scent of beef stew wafted through the house and my stomach nearly bubbled with hunger. He dished two hefty bowls, handing one to me and keeping the other for himself. With a spoon in his mouth he grabbed two cokes and motioned for me to follow with the nod of his head. He had a long dining room table, big enough to fit a family of at least 8 and he sat in the chair across from the one he set a coke at.
The chairs were intricately carved, soft fabric over the even softer cushions. I almost didn't want to get back up once I sat down. We ate in a comfortable silence as I tried my best to use the manners I had been raised with. But with my ravenous appetite I ended up finishing the bowl in mere minutes.
"Thank you, did you make this from scratch?" Sam blushed a little and nodded while managing to look humble.
"I make almost everything from scratch, tastes better that way. Please, help yourself. There is more than enough if you're still hungry. I always make more than I can eat so I can freeze the leftovers." I managed one more bowl before my stomach told me it had enough. I washed my dirty dishes and set them in the rack beside the sink to dry.
