The Billionaire's Best Friend (The Sherbrookes of Newport) by Christina Tetreault Page B

wind swept over the car, nearly blinding her. Taking in a slow steady breath, she pried her hands from the steering wheel when the car stopped. For a second, she thought she heard a grating sound sort of like metal rubbing against metal.
    It ’s your imagination . After wiping her hands on her pants, she gripped the steering wheel and crossed the intersection. Once again the grating sound rumbled through the car. That’s not my imagination. Lauren knew next to nothing about cars, yet even she recognized the sound as a bad sign. Just let me make it home .
    The farther she drove, the louder the sound became. Then about a half mile down the road she finally pulled over. Driving the car the way it sounded couldn ’t be safe. Of all the nights for her car to act up it had to be tonight in the middle of a snowstorm. At least she’d gotten Kelly to the hospital. Now she had herself to worry about. Ever since she’d started driving, she’d belonged to MAA, Massachusetts Automobile Association. In the event of a breakdown or flat tire, they’d come out and either tow the car or fix it so she could get it to a garage. She didn’t use it often, but whenever she did she was grateful for the service. Lauren pulled out her cell and dialed the number. After several rings a male voice answered.
    “ It may be a while before we can get to you,” the operator said, after Lauren explained the situation. “We have had numerous accidents requiring tows. Sit tight, and we will get to you as soon as we can.”
    Sit tight? As if she had much of a choice. It wasn ’t as if she could run out and get a coffee. “Any idea how long it might be?”
    “ Minimum of an hour.”
    “ Thank you.” After all, what else could she say? Complaining wouldn’t make a tow truck appear any faster. With a flick of her wrist, Lauren tossed the phone back into her bag and leaned between the bucket seats to reach the sweatshirt in the backseat. She’d thrown it back there so she could take it to school on Monday to keep in her closet. Now, though, the extra layer would come in handy. The heat had only been off for a few minutes, but already the temperature in the car was dropping.
     
    Nate kept his speed a good ten miles per hour below the speed limit as he drove down Route 3 toward home. The high winds combined with the heavy snowfall made visibility poor. Yet he didn’t mind the storm, or at least he wouldn’t once he made it home. It had been a while since he’d experienced a good New England snowstorm. Outside, the headlights of his Mustang illuminated a red Mini with a ‘Love to Dance’ bumper sticker on the back. He knew that car. After all, how many red Minis could there be in the area with a bumper sticker like that? Not many. And even if it wasn’t Lauren, whoever it was needed help. No person in his right mind . . . or her right mind . . . would be pulled over for fun on a night like this. Without any hesitation, Nate pulled up behind the parked car, put his in neutral, and approached the tiny car.
    The inside of the Mini was dark, but through the driver-side window he could make out Lauren huddled in the front seat with her arms wrapped around herself. What had she been thinking to come out tonight? The conditions downright sucked. No one should be out unless absolutely necessary. If he’d known they’d get this bad on his way home, he would’ve camped out at the office tonight. Without considering what Lauren’s reaction might be, he rapped his knuckles on the window. Immediately, Lauren’s body jumped and her head whipped around toward him. The look on her face went from fear to shock and finally relief.
    “ What the hell are you doing out here?” Nate demanded once she opened her car door.
    “ Kelly needed a ride to the hospital. On the way home the car started making a god-awful sound. Now it won’t start at all. I’m waiting for the tow truck, but they’re very busy tonight.” She rubbed her hands up and down her