Chapter:84: The store
Elena
Before I could say a word, he bent slightly and swept me into his arms. I couldn't protest.
"Cornell!"
"Your heels will sink into the mud," he said, as if it were the most logical thing in the world. "I'm saving you from an untimely fall."
I wanted to argue. I should've argued. But there was something oddly warm about the gesture, despite the chill from the rain. He carried me the rest of the way to his car.
The rain still managed to seep into my clothes though Cornell had covered me with his jacket.
It was when I settled into my seat and Cornell got into his that I noticed how his wet shirt had stuck to his skin, showcasing his toned muscles. I just sat admiring the sight before me till he turned to look at me. Thinking I had been caught staring I was about to come up with an excuse when he asked that I fasten my seatbelt.
The ride back wasn't the smoothest as the rain's downpour became heavy. Cornell still tried maneuvering our way through the rain storm but to no avail as the car jolted, a strange sputter sounding from under the hood.
"Fuck," Cornell cursed under his breath. Easing the car to the side of the road. We were near a small 24-hour convenience store, its neon lights flickering through the rain.
"Stay here," he said, already getting out. Rain still pounded down, and I watched through the fogging windshield as he popped the hood..
Watching his expression it was obvious that the issue was a serious one.
When he slid back into the driver's seat, his hair was soaked and dripping into his eyes.
"It's not starting up anytime soon," he said.
"That's just great," I groaned.
"We'll wait out the rain in that store," he said, nodding toward the neon-lit convenience shop nearby. "Maybe get dry clothes while I get us another ride."
I didn't want to be carried again so I didn't wait for him to make a move. I flung my doors open hastily, stepped out and he followed behind me.
And again we were both out in the rain, dashing for the store.
A minute later, we were inside the store, the smell of instant noodles and cheap air freshener greeted us. The clerk gave us a look of pity mixed with amusement but said nothing.
Just when a wave of relief came settling in, it got washed away by the breaking news that boomed from the television.
"—major landslide has shut down routes heading east from the outer city limits," the news anchor was saying. "Authorities are advising all travelers to avoid the area until further notice—"
Cornell walked closer his eyebrows frowning. "That's exactly our route," he said, ending the call he was about getting on.
"Wait here, I'll look for a hotel close by," he said and before I could respond he was out the door and under the rain.
Sighing I moved further into the store in search of dry clothes for us to change into. I scanned the clothing options. A rack of sleepwear stood front and center, almost as if it were mocking me.
Seriously? Sighing, I picked something out.
Cornell still wasn't back by the time I was done making my selection. I brought the items to the register. The cashier raised an eyebrow, and I gave a sheepish shrug. He must have been surprised by the questionable options I picked.
Few minutes after I made the payment, Cornell came back, brushing rain from his sleeves. "There's a hotel about five minutes away. Only one room left."
"Only one?"
"Yes. We'll just have to make do with it," he said taking the packages I was holding. "We'd better leave now that the rain has stopped for a while," he added taking my hand in his and leading me out.