Page 14 of Codename: Dustoff

“Is there like a St. Vincent DePaul around? They have emergency accommodation for stranded travelers.”

“Absolutely not!” Emmett insisted, “My house isn’t flashy. There’s nothing fancy about it. But it is on one level, and I have a guest bedroom that will give you privacy.”

“Oh gosh, I couldn’t—” I voiced my opposition at the exact same time Gemini told Emmett what a great idea it was.

“Really, Emmett, I can’t impose on you. I barely even know you.”

As I said the words, the reality of the situation flashed in my head more than once. I was two hours from home, in an ice storm, with the singular resort all booked out. Where honestly would I go? Even if I had a car to sleep in, the pain in my leg would guarantee I wouldn’t get a lick of sleep.

“Finn has a reputation for carrying women up really steep inclines.” Gemini looked at Finn and winked at him, blushing. “Maybe we should make him carry you upstairs.”

“No, Gem. Finn can give us a ride back to my house, and then when he comes home y’all need to get some things sorted out. I have a perfectly respectable guest room, and it looks like the little resister has no other options if she wants to sleep in a warm bed.”

He got up and extended his hand to me to help me out of the booth. That time though, it didn’t feel like he was trying to help a cripple. It felt like he was the gallant knight, escorting a fair maiden.