“Be back tomorrow before noon for you,” I tell her, glancing at her small house with the lush landscaping.
“I’m going to call a taxi.”
I swing my eyes back to her. “You ever see any taxis around here?”
She squeezes her eyes shut. “No,” she mumbles. “Fucking small towns.”
“Just have your cute ass ready to roll.”
“That’s it?” she asks, staring at me strangely.
“What else would there be?”
“Most guys would ask to come in at least a few times before they leave.”
“I’m not most guys, Arlo. I saved you twice, something no one else did, and I’m leaving you at home, knowing you’re safe, without wanting anything else in return. Give me your phone.”
Her eyes widen. “Why?”
“I want to put my number in it in case you need to call me tomorrow.”
“Okay,” she whispers, reaching into her purse and retrieving her phone, unlocking it, and then handing it to me.
I dial my number, letting my phone ring once before hanging up and saving myself in her contacts. “Or call me whenever.”
“If I order a car service, I’ll call you and let you know.”
“No, babe. Don’t do that. It’s a waste of money. I live close, and I want to go to Mammoth’s shop with you to pick it up. The number is for any other time you need to call me—for save number three or anything else.”
“Oh,” she says, her mouth staying in an O after the words finish coming from her lips. “Thanks.” She finally smiles. “I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome,” I tell her, staying right where I am, straddling my bike in her driveway.
She looks over her shoulder at the house and then back to me. “You can go now.”
I dip my chin and shake my head. The woman is bossy and skittish. “I know, but I’m going to wait until you’re inside, and then I’ll hit it.”
She lifts her hand to her lips, chewing on her nail again, staring at me. “Do you want to come in for a drink?”
I raise my eyebrows.
“I really mean a drink, though, and not sex.”
“Wasn’t looking to get laid, babe.”
She drops her hand, and her lips flatten. “Seriously?”
“Seriously,” I tell her. “Never entered my mind.”
Her lips turn down at the sides. “Oh, well…”
“I mean, it entered my mind, but I’m a gentleman. I’m a man, but not a creep. Although I appreciate the offer, I’m going to head home, and I’ll be back tomorrow.”
Her frown disappears, and she stands a little straighter. “You sure?”
“Yeah. See you tomorrow.”
She lifts her hand and waves, her feet still stuck to the same spot.
I lift my chin toward her house. “Go, babe. I told you I’m not leaving until you’re inside, and I’m not leaving until you’re inside.”
“Night,” she says softly.
“Night.”
She moves toward the door, stopping on her front porch to unlock the door, but before she goes inside, she glances back and smiles.
The woman is drop-dead gorgeous. Devastatingly beautiful, in fact. Her self-confidence is in the toilet, and she reminds me of a scared mouse, thinking everything and everyone is out to get her.
I wave back before firing up the bike but staying put, giving her a chin lift. “Inside!” I yell over the engine.
She rolls her eyes but does as I say, disappearing inside. The lights in the house flip on, and I see her dark silhouette move around the room.
I don’t linger, taking off and heading toward home instead of heading to Victoria’s. There’s no doubt she’d give me attitude for being late, and I’m not about to be bitched out by a woman who isn’t even mine. The pussy isn’t worth it tonight.
I’m in my driveway ten minutes later, and when I reach for my phone in my pocket, there’s a message waiting.
Arlo: Thanks for the save again tonight. Please don’t feel like you need to take me tomorrow. I’ll figure something out. You’ve already done enough.
I shake my head, lifting my eyes toward the dark sky and sighing before shooting her back a message to set her straight.
Me: Babe, last time I’m saying it…stop. I’ll be there at 11:30 to pick you up. End of discussion.
I barely make it to the door before there’s a return message.
Arlo: Okay. Okay. I don’t know what to say.
Me: You already said enough. We’re good.
Arlo: Why are you so nice?
Me: Aren’t most people nice?
Arlo: I guess I know the wrong people.
I stare at the screen, wondering if I want to know and if she wants to tell me. It’s