can take care of my own business.” I narrowed my eyes at Alex. He definitely was used to being in charge. Too bad I wasn’t used to people making my decisions.
“Samantha, I’m not going to let you run off into a dark parking garage to take care of a broken vehicle.” He shook his head. “What kind of man would I be?”
“One from the twenty-first century.”
Alex threw his head back and laughed. The sound drew the eyes of pedestrians and other people waiting on their cars. “Samantha, the century doesn’t dictate chivalry.”
“Of course it does. Women have proven to be just as capable as men.”
“Oh, I have no doubt you are quite capable.” His eyes raked over my body in a way that made me hot all over. “But I’m still not going to let you walk into a dark parking garage in the freezing weather when we know your car is already refusing to start. Let me see you home, and we’ll get your car to you tomorrow.”
“For the love of… Fine. I can take a cab.” My mind went over the contents of my purse. Maybe I could take a cab a couple of blocks to a coffee shop and call Jess and Bert.
“Samantha, I’m seeing you home. I want to make sure you get there safely.” His mouth pulled up into a cocky grin that was both irritating and sexy. “Besides, I can see the wheels spinning in your head. You’d likely take the taxi around the block and come back to work on your truck.”
“I wouldn’t…” An exasperated burst of laughter flew out of my mouth and I looked away from Alex and bit my lip. “Okay, you got me. I’ll let you take me home.”
“Thank you.” Alex reached down and captured my hand with a quick squeeze. “My chivalrous heart appreciates it.”
“I’d hate for you to lose sleep over my safety.” His thumb ran across my knuckles and I felt my heart rate increase.
“Agreed.” He leaned closer to me, the heat from his body warming my arm. “There are much more enjoyable ways of losing sleep.” He winked jauntily and looked toward the curb. “Our ride.”
The black limo pulled up to the hotel and the attendant opened the door for us. Alex led me to the car and I tried to not focus on the fact that he was still holding my fingers. I felt foolish sliding into the luxury car. The last time I had been in a limo was prom, a thousand years ago. My date had been drunk and thrown up on my dress. Not exactly good memories.
Alex slid into the seat and looked at me. I started to shift uncomfortably. “What?”
“Your address?” He smiled and I found myself flushing again.
“Oh.” I rattled off the street address and watched as Alex nodded at the driver. Once we pulled away from the curb, the driver closed the window between the front and back. I leaned into my seat and watched as the lights of the city flew by.
“Do you have a roommate? Or do you still live with your father?” Alex shifted in his seat. I found it odd that we were in this huge car and yet both sat on the smallest bench in the very rear. Should I have scooted around once I climbed in? Was there limo etiquette?
“Yes. Jess and I have lived together since our freshman year.” I snorted. “And her boyfriend Bert, he practically lives with us.”
“And your boyfriend?” Alex watched my face carefully.
“Did you really just ask if I had a boyfriend?” I laughed.
“Apparently not very smoothly.” He laughed. “Are you ducking the question?”
“No boyfriend. I don’t have time for that type of stuff.” Boyfriends required time and patience. Not to mention energy, and lately all that was spent on my degree or taking care of my father.
He hmm’d to himself for a minute and I felt one of my eyebrows rise in amusement.
“What?” I asked.
“Well, if the only thing holding you here is school and your father, then there’s hope you will come home with us. No bothersome boyfriend to worry about.” He leaned back comfortably, his eyes trained on my face. “Besides, you’ll be on all the men’s radar when you get there. Beautiful, American, intelligent, and funny. Not to mention your comic-book knowledge. I might have some competition.”
“Oh.” Had he just called me attractive? Competition for me? I should know better. He was just being friendly, trying to convince me to go. Alex couldn’t