Page 9 of Miss Christmas

“Walk?” I repeat, laughter taking hold of me. “In those boots?”

I’m still laughing when she cuts her eyes at me, folding her arms.

“I don’t know why you’re laughing, country boy. If I’m stranded here, that means you may have to put up with me for a little while longer.”

“I’ll walk you myself, carry you if I have to,” I chortle as she rolls her eyes.

“Thanks.”

“I’m kidding,” I say, still laughing. “It’s fine, don’t worry. At least you know me. I’m not a stranger.”

My efforts to reassure her fall on deaf ears as she groans, dropping her head into her hands.

“I have absolutely nothing with me. Not even a toothbrush.”

Panic sets in then, and I laugh nervously. “You won’t have to stay overnight. I promise you that.”

She looks up at me hopefully, and I pray that I’m right. I’ve got a feeling that I’ve just made a promise I can’t keep.