CHAPTER FIVE

      KEEGAN’S CELL PHONE rang early the next morning. He answered it right away and spoke in a near whisper, obviously trying to keep from disturbing Carrie in the bedroom. His voice was alert, as if he’d been awake a long time, or perhaps, as he’d said, hadn’t slept much at all.

      “Oh, hello, Grady,” he said. “No, she’s not up yet, and I don’t want to disturb her.”

      “It’s all right,” Carrie called out. “I’m awake.” She glanced at the bedroom clock. Eight o’clock. Sunlight streamed through the window blinds promising a beautiful day, just what she’d hoped for.

      Keegan’s head appeared in the opening of the bedroom door. “Can I come in?”

      “Of course.”

      He entered the room, and she sat up against the pillows. She pulled a comforter over her sleeveless nightgown and placed her arms over the top, wrapping herself in a modest cocoon. The only times she had been this underdressed with a man had not turned out well for her. She lightly clasped the amethyst amulet she always wore around her neck, appreciating its smooth familiarity.

      Keegan smiled while his gaze grew more intense. “Warm enough?” he said.

      She brushed bangs from her eyes and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m good. That’s the car mechanic on the phone, isn’t it?”

      “Yep. Hold on. I’ll put him on speaker.” Keegan pressed the appropriate button. “Go on, Grady. Carrie’s listening.”

      “We’ve got a problem,” the mechanic said. “I checked the car out thoroughly yesterday but couldn’t figure out why it wouldn’t start. Finally found the problem. The impact destroyed the steering box.”

      Carrie leaned forward in the bed. “That sounds bad.”

      “It’s not good,” Grady said. “Without a steering box, you can’t...well, I guess it’s obvious. Unfortunately this is not a universal gizmo. I’ve had to contact the foreign automaker and order a replacement. Once it gets here, I don’t know how long it will take me to get the car running again. I’ve never exchanged this particular part before.”

      “I see.” Carrie stared at Keegan, trying to judge his patience barometer. Was this news already ruining his day? She’d taken a week off from her job, so she wouldn’t be expected back in Michigan until after the coming weekend. But that might be too long for Keegan to put up with her.