Page 96 of Last Chance Christmas

Cole and Titan were already out and along the shoulder. The dog still barked, attempting to raise his voice over the incessant alarm.

The hood of the car was bent up and in, and a spiderweb of cracks lined the windshield.

Kianna cupped her hands around her mouth. “That was a close call.”

“I don’t even want to think about it.” Cole shook his head and peered over the dented guardrail.

“We should go make sure the other people are okay.” Kianna pointed behind her, then lifted her hand to shield her face.

A rush of wind greeted them while another car drove past and, in a second, disappeared into the vortex of snowflakes.

Cole had Titan on his leash, and they backtracked to the car that had rear-ended them.

A middle-aged man with black hair stood by the driver’s side of his sedan along the shoulder, his phone held in the air.

“Are you okay, sir?” Kianna stepped over, Cole right beside her. “I’m a paramedic.”

“I’m fine.” The man’s tone remained neutral.

Was he okay, or was that how his body was coping with the shock of the accident? Kianna stared at him. There were no visible signs of injury, but it was hard to tell when everything except his head was covered in winter apparel.

Cole stepped forward and inspected the dents on the car. The hood was sunken on the right side, but that was the extent of the damage. “My name’s Cole Stuart. This is my K-9 dog, Titan.”

“I’m Kianna Russell.” She extended her hand, and the man reciprocated with a firm shake.

“I’m Jack. I’d say it’s nice to meet you, but given the circumstances, not so much. And to think I hit an officer.” He grimaced. “This storm is nasty. Didn’t even see you until I was right on top of ya.” Jack shuffled his feet and gulped. “Is your car okay, sir? I’ll give you my insurance. Anything. Whatever you need.”

“I’ll get it towed,” Cole said. “Let’s worry about paperwork when we get somewhere warm.”

“I’ll call the station. See if Bryce or Trace can come get us.” Kianna pulled out her phone.

“Won’t do much good. Doesn’t seem to be any service.” The man scoffed.

Kianna frowned. “Must be a downed power line.”

“I can give you a ride into town. Where were you headed?”

“You can drop us off at the police department.” Cole frowned. “I need to get in touch with my supervisors.”

Jack nodded. “Sure thing.”

Kianna slid to the far right side of the car, then Titan bounded in. “Hey there.” Kianna chuckled. The dog nuzzled her leg and sat on his haunches on the floor.

“He sure likes you.” Cole squeezed in next to them and shut the door, his arm brushing against hers.

Kianna smiled, even as heat crept into her cheeks. It was already ten degrees warmer in the cramped space. What was that saying? The way to a man’s heart was through his stomach.

Titan’s tail wagged.

In this case, it would be through his dog.

Jack started his car, then eased onto the road.

Kianna stared out the window. The snow was still falling, but she could make out the road now.

She might dream of being swept off her feet in the midst of snowflakes swirling and sparkling around her. But today reminded her that those breathless moments only happened in the movies.

Ten minutes later, they arrived at the police department.