Cracked's running another shorty story contest. 750 words, romance (bodice ripper)genre. Must include the phrase "it was a dark and horny night". (no, I'm not kidding...they really made that part of the rules! Anyway, here it is for your enjoyment.

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Cheyenne had the accelerator floored as she tore out of the driveway, her honey blonde hair streaming out behind her like a banner. The convertible was the only thing she was taking away from this miserable relationship, and only because he loved it more than he had ever loved her. The wind stung her china blue eyes, bringing up fresh tears to add to the ones already soaking her cheeks.

She drove for hours, whipping the little coupe in and out of traffic as she flew down the highway. By nightfall she was far away from her old life, her heart as empty as the gas gauge on her car. When she spotted a Gas ‘n Go just ahead she breathed a sigh of relief and pulled in.

Chance stepped out of the small office, his stunning silhouette a foreshadowing of the perfection headed her way. “Shall I check under your hood for you?” a masculine voice with just a touch of roughness to it asked as she tugged out her credit card and looked up for the first time.

“I’d be grateful if you could.” She flashed him a smile and tried not to stare. He was tall, with powerful shoulders than looked like they could carry the weight of the world without complaint. Blonde hair cut short, with a hint of blonde stubble on his jaw that ended just below a smudge of grease Cheyenne had the sudden urge to rub off with her fingertips.

“Happy to.” He glanced at her single piece of luggage tossed haphazardly onto the backseat. “Roadtrip?”

“An impromptu one.” She voice suddenly husky as she watched him slide the nozzle into her gas tank with a practiced hand. “I don’t suppose you know of any place around here to stay tonight? I’m afraid I didn’t plan this out.”

He grinned and cocked his head, indicating the building behind the gas station. “As it happens I do.” My brother runs the motel, I handle the gas station. It’s not fancy, but it’s clean.”

“That’s the first good thing that’s happened to me today.” Cheyenne smiled again.

That smile hit Chance like a punch to stomach and he knew he was in world of trouble. As if on cue the storm hit, the clouds overhead rolling in fast and filling the sky with light that danced from cloud to cloud. The rain started, warm drops that soaked them both as they both looked skyward.

“I guess I’m staying” She got out and started tugging at the convertible top, her blouse plastering itself to her body as the rain came down. It took both of them finally get roof up, breathless and laughing in the deluge.

“Why don’t I finish this up in the morning? You should out of this rain and I’m just closing up for the night.” Chance pointed to the motel. “You go check in with Dirk and I’ll make sure your car’s secure. I’ll bring you the keys when I’m done.”

Cheyenne hesitated for a moment, then ran a hand through her dripping hair and nodded. “Thank you….” She tipped her head at him in question.

“I’m Chance, nice to meet you.” He offered her his hand.

“Cheyenne.” She blushed as his fingers wrapped around hers, the calluses rough against her soft skin.

“I’ll see you inside in five minutes Cheyenne.”

The blonde man in the office was unmistakably related to Chance, and he’d given a smile twinned to Chance’s as she’d explained about the car and the need for a room. He’d gotten her settled in no time, promising that he’d have his wife send up something to eat from the diner next door. Key in hand, she’d turned to see Chance standing in the doorway, his eyes watching her warmly and her suitcase in his hand. “I thought you might be needing this.”

“Thank you.” She blushed as she realized she’d forgotten it.

“I put her in number 3 Chance. Why don’t you show her the way?” Dirk grinned at his brother and waved them off.

As they got to her door a heavy crackle of thunder boomed just overhead and the lights flickered, then faded out. “It was a dark and horny night.” Chance’s voice was a low rumble.

“You mean dark and stormy night.” She corrected him with a nervous sigh as strong arms wrapped around her waist and tugged her in close.

“No, I don’t think I do.” His lips brushed over hers.