“Hi, Charlie.” She injected false cheer into her voice to mimic the two brothers, who seemed unnaturally casual about the marooned state she and Noah found themselves in.
“Hi, Hailey Bailey. Don’t worry. We’ll get you guys out of there, okay?” Charlie’s next words were punctuated by the telltale garble of a bad connection.
“You’re breaking up,” Noah barked.
A few nonsensical syllables came back in staccato bursts, and the line went dead. Noah deflated with a sigh, then dragged his hand down his face. All that nonchalance might have been an act too, and Hailey’s panic factor ratcheted up a notch or ten.
She gulped. “Do you think he got the coordinates?”
“Yeah, he got them.”
“Um, I’m usually a pretty upbeat girl, but I also like knowing what’s coming at me. Are we in danger?”
Noah stared out the windshield. “Danger? Doubtful. Discomfort, though? Yeah. I’m not sure how long it’ll take someone to reach us.”
After several squirm-worthy beats, he side-eyed her over his shoulder again. “It wouldn’t hurt to have a backup beacon on. Does your phone have GPS?”
“I-I have no idea.”
“I’ll take a look for you. Did you bring a charger?”
“Yes, but I’m good for now.”
He held out his hand, and she unlocked and deposited her device in his rough palm. He began scrolling. “You do have GPS. I’ll activate it and text Charlie so he’s got your number too. Things can get a little wonky at 10,640 feet.”
“Don’t I know it.” She attempted a smile despite her rising alarm. “You sure you’re not off by a foot or two?”
His answer was pure seriousness. “I’m going by what the sign at the summit says. I’ve driven past it a million times, and it’s never changed.”
Anxiety had her blurting, “The Donner party was stuck three thousand feetlowerthan our current altitude.”
He turned once more, his gaze locking on hers. “I don’t think anybody’s eating anybody anytime soon.” His eyes widened, cluing her to the unintentional innuendo.
A giggle bubbled inside her at the absurdity, and she squelched it, instead muttering, “ThankGodfor that.”
Awkwardness swelled between them, and he quickly faced forward again.
Sheesh. I like Hot Bartender from my dreams way better than his stunt double. Fantasy guy never talks—unless he’s telling me how gorgeous I am. Can I trade?
He flicked a finger. “Do you have someone you need to call?”
“No, I’m good.” Calling Kaylee would only freak her out. Besides, what could she do?Recover your body.Hailey shuddered with the disturbing thought.
Rover lifted his head, and she pulled a bottle from her pack and drizzled some water into her cupped hand. He had a lick and lay back down, as if that little movement had utterly exhausted him. She rubbed the remainder on his snout, and his pink tongue stretched and swiped at it.Stay with me, buddy.
“So who’s this Reece you guys were talking about?”
Noah plugged his phone into a charger. “Our older brother. He’s part of search and rescue, which really sucks for the people he’s looking for.”
“Why? Isn’t he any good?”
“No, he’sreallygood. One of the best. Which means if search and rescue sent Reece and his team, those skiers are in some serious shit.”
We’re in serious shit too.She stared outside her window at the steadily thickening veil of snow.
His deep voice startled her. “How’s your dog doing?”
“He’s shivering, but he took some water.”
