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“You two are in here gossiping up a storm. I can hear you on the sidewalk.” When he speaks, his voice is deep and raspy. He has to be one of those giants in town hunting some rogue bear. I’ve heard people talking and a friend of mine just started dating one. So, whatever he heard, I’m not sure he has much use for it, but still… my stomach is tight with worry.
That, and this man standing five feet away, is the man from the fantasy I’ve been having. He’s tall, dark, inked, and I’d bet if I look outside, I’ll see an old pickup truck with mud on the tires. I hear you shouldn’t trust a man with a clean truck.
Aspen glances toward me and grins, then toward the man. “What can I help you with?”
“Stopping down to see how we can get some antibiotics.”
She wrinkles her brows. “For yourself?”
“No, for my father. He’s resisting all things medical, but I know he needs an antibiotic. I was hoping you’d take a few bucks and let me take a Z-Pak back to him or something.”
She laughs. “Can’t do that, but I can come take a look at him and see what I can do.”
“The antibiotic will work just fine. That’s all I need. He doesn’t want to be seen. He’s a huge pain in the ass. Come on, lady. I need your help.”
“As you can see, I’m helping someone right now. So when we’re done, I’ll address your issue.”
He wrinkles his brows. “You’re gossiping, not working. She’s got to marry some guy she doesn’t want to and you’re reassuring her that all men suck.”
My chest tightens and a lead brick falls into my stomach. I snap a look at the man. “How much did you hear?”
“Enough to know you’re fucked.” He glances back at Aspen. “There’s a guy down at the bar right now looking for a girl that looks a hell of a lot like you.”
I narrow my brows and swallow down the lump that’s grown in my throat. “You’re lying.”
Aspen doesn’t hesitate. She glances toward me, then lifts her cell to make a call. I don’t know who she’s on the line with, but by the look on her face, I’d guess the giant is telling the truth.
What the hell?
My palms turn sweaty. I glance toward the goliath and rummage through my bag for the antibiotics the nurse just gave me. “I have meds. Take me somewhere, anywhere safe. You do that and I’ll give them to you.”
Aspen steps toward me. “They’re not prescribed for him. They’re for you.”
I stare toward her, biting the inside of my cheek. “Is he telling the truth? Is there someone at the bar looking for me?”
She nods.
“Then let me do what I need to do.”
The room is quiet. Aspen’s arms fold over her chest. The goliath stands wide in the hallway. The scent of pine and medical supplies overwhelms me, and my stomach turns. I have no other plan. This guy is going to take my antibiotics right now or in the parking lot later. That said, I probably should’ve waited to proposition him like this.
Finally, Aspen reaches down and grabs another pack of antibiotics from the drawer, then slides them into my bag. “Ididn’t see anything. Do what you have to, but take your meds, too. You need them.”
I nod toward Aspen and reach out for a hug. I’m not sure I’ve ever been more thankful in my life. I know she’s going out on a limb for me. “Thank you.”
She sighs and steps away as though she’s not pleased with her choices. “Get out of here.”
I feel bad, but we have to go. I glance toward the giant in the hallway. I expect him to be giddy with excitement. Instead, he looks as though he hasn’t made up his mind. That, or he wasn’t expecting to make deals.
I must look desperate because finally he says, “Get in the truck, and move fast.” There’s no look of excitement about the trip. Instead, he looks disgruntled, maybe even angry.
Whatever! I need a ride out of here, and right now, he’s the only option I have.
Bag in hand, I hop off the table and follow the goliath out of the small office and onto the sidewalk, where the old Chevy I was expecting is waiting.
So, a fantasy man exists… in physical form. I knew it! It’s a relief, really. I was starting to think I was crazy.
My head turns on a swivel for any men in black my father may have hired, but as the giant opens my door and helps me inside, all that fades away. Instead of my father and his army of assholes, I’m lost in the warm scent of cedar and pine on the man who’s leaned over me adjusting a broken seat belt in his truck. He pulls the belt over the top of my frame and locks it into place. He’s careful not to touch my skin, but as his rough hand brushes past my arm inadvertently, I nearly die.
