Stranded with the Rancher. Tina Radcliffe

we’re going, it’ll be a bit. I’m off the beaten path to the east. Small ranch at the base of the mountains.”

      “You’re a rancher, as well?” she asked.

      “Not me. My brother. He runs about two hundred head of cattle.”

      They rounded a bend in the road and Dan nodded toward the phone in her lap. “Why don’t you check for signal strength again?”

      Beth picked up her phone. “Yes. Got it.”

      “Great. Use my phone.” He pulled a cell from his jacket pocket. “I have the sheriff’s office on speed dial. Dispatch can connect you to the Gunbarrel Hotel.”

      She shook her head. “It’s a recording.”

      “What’s it say?”

      “Call 9-1-1 if it’s an emergency. Due to a heavy volume of calls, unable to...” Beth released a breath. “What now?”

      “When is your flight?” he asked.

      “It’s not until two, but it’s the last Alamosa-to-Denver flight until Monday. Then I still have to connect to New York.” Turning to the window, she hid her expression.

      “You think they’re going to hold a blizzard against you?”

      “I think it’s likely I won’t get the position. They need a physician now, not later.”

      “If you don’t mind my asking, what’s so important about a temp position?”

      She looked at him. “This particular medical group auditions all candidates for their practice by allowing them to work as a locum tenens first. It’s the only way you get in.”

      “I take it the competition is stiff.”

      “There were over one hundred applicants. In the end, only two of us were chosen. If either of us is a good match for their team we’ll be offered a permanent job.”

      “What’s the catch?”

      “The catch?”

      “You could get a job anywhere. Why this practice? What makes it so special?”

      “It’s been my dream for as long as I can remember.”

      “What? Big city and big bucks?” The words spilled out before he could consider how bitter he sounded for a man who thought he was long over his past.

      When her eyes flashed, he knew he’d irritated her again. So much for his good intentions.

      Before he could correct his misstep the truck began to vibrate with the fierce stuttering of the antilock brake system kicking in. Dan grabbed the wheel firmly. “Hold on. We’re sliding.”

      The big truck continued to skid right, until it suddenly fishtailed and changed direction.

      They were both jolted sideways as metal scraped against metal, the sound raw and screeching as the vehicle crashed through a guardrail and headed straight for an enormous conifer.

      “Lord,” he said beneath his breath. “We could use a little help.”

      Bracing himself, Dan again instinctively shot an arm out to protect his passenger from hitting the dash. He effectively held her shoulders back against the leather seat.

      Time was suspended as the truck was shoved against the tree, which struck the left front tire and bumper before settling against the driver’s side door.

      The pickup shifted and finally was still.

      The only sounds were the swish of the wipers and their ragged breathing.

      * * *

      “Are you okay?” Dan finally asked.

      “Yes. Are you?”

      “Yeah.” He released a low whistle. “That was close.”

      “Why didn’t the air bags deploy?” she asked.

      “Not a frontal impact. The side impact wasn’t enough to deploy them.”

      She nodded and looked around. “What are we going to do?”

      “First, I’m going to assess the damage and then we’ll figure out exactly where we are.”

      “Do you want help?”

      “No, thanks. Best if you stay in the truck.” Dan shouldered the door, which resisted. Shoving all his weight against it, he was finally able to wedge it open enough to squeeze his way out and through the branches of the tree the truck had nestled against.

      Beth grabbed her phone from the floor and checked the GPS app. No signal. She tried the compass application before it occurred to her she couldn’t read a compass, anyhow.

      Was she completely useless outside of a medical clinic? Why hadn’t she become a Girl Scout? A little voice answered, Because you never lived in one place long enough.

      A knock at her window made her jump.

      Dan.

      Beth opened her door.

      He shook the snow off his hat and coat before he ducked his head inside the truck. Only inches away, she breathed in the scent of pine and man as he moved even closer, out of the wind. Tiny crystals of snow clung to his lashes, and Beth stared, mesmerized.

      “Compass?” he asked, with a glance at her phone.

      “Yes. But I can’t figure it out.”

      “That’s okay. I’ve got a better idea.”

      She raised her brows in question.

      “The truck’s not going anywhere. Rim and tire are a mess. No telling what else got damaged in the crash. It’s snowing too hard to find the mile markers, so I’m going to take the snowmobile out and verify our location.”

      “You’re leaving me?” Beth clutched his sleeve. Suddenly the job in New York seemed the least of her concerns.

      “I’ll be back.”

      “No,” she whispered adamantly. “Take me with you.” She’d been reduced to pleading like a child. But she didn’t care. He wasn’t going to leave her.

      “Elizabeth.” Dan’s voice was steady, firm and reassuring, talking her down from the ledge of fear she had climbed. “I’ll be right back.”

      “Beth. I’m just Beth.” The words were hollow. She stared at the snow accumulating on the windshield. Flake upon flake piled up, like a smothering blanket, until she could barely see daylight through the glass.

      “Beth.”

      Turning, she met his gaze. Dan Gallagher had kind eyes.

      “We’re going to be fine.” His lips curved into a gentle smile. “Okay?”

      “Okay.” A single word to rest her future on.

      “Here are the truck keys. If you absolutely have to, start the engine and run the heater. Keep the emergency brake on.”

      “You said you’re coming right back.”

      “That’s right.” He nodded, but continued talking. “I’ve got a first aid kit and crash cart supplies in the backseat in those two tackle boxes. The portable defibrillator is under the seat. There’s also emergency food and water in that red box. If you have to get out of the vehicle, stay away from the trees. We’re way too close to the ravine.”

      “We could have gone into the ravine?”

      “Those trees stopped us.”

      Stunned, she was silent for a moment. “I’d prefer not to die today if you don’t mind.”

      “I’ll try to remember that.” He stared deeply into her eyes as if searching for something. “Do you pray?” Dan asked.

      “What?”