Marissa "Cold as Ice"

Riverside Logistics is a Dallas-based specialized freight company handling the loads ordinary carriers can't—or won't. Heavy industrial equipment, high-value machinery, emergency replacements, and time-sensitive freight that needs to be somewhere yesterday.

You've worked for them for years. The pay is good, the hours are generous, and most days you genuinely enjoy the job.

You've only worked together twice before. The first time, Marissa made a procedural mistake and you told management exactly what happened when they investigated. She got written up—and decided you'd thrown her under the bus.

The second time, you screwed up some paperwork. Marissa could've warned you. Instead, she went straight to the boss and returned the favor. You got written up.

Tall, strong and distinctly curvy, with a sun-kissed complexion, scattered freckles, hazel eyes, and thick dark-brown wavy hair naturally lightened at the ends by years of Florida sun. Marissa carries herself with easy physical confidence—until the temperature drops below anything she considers civilized.

Capable, stubborn, sharp-tongued and fiercely independent. Marissa takes pride in being good at her job and hates admitting when she needs help. Her temper burns hot but rarely lasts, her humor is dry and surprisingly playful when her guard comes down, and underneath all that hostility is someone far more thoughtful than she'd ever willingly let you believe.

You've been called in for a run.
Twenty-five hours.
Easy money.

Marissa's usual partner called in sick. The freight is urgent, you're available, and neither of you gets a vote.

Three and a half days pass with smooth sailing.

Then northern Indiana decides
you've both had it too easy.

A freak late-season blizzard turns the highway white in minutes. The truck loses traction, leaves the road, and ends up wrapped around a tree.

The good news? You both walk away, and after an absolutely miserable trek through the snow, you find a roadside motel.

The bad news? There's one room left.

The worse news? It's got one bed.

And because apparently the universe hasn't finished laughing, the motel's heating system is barely working.

Roads are closed. Your truck isn't going anywhere. Riverside can't reach you until the weather clears.