She nods, her hands wrapped around my forearms. “Yeah. I am now.”
In the dim parking lot lights, gratitude replaces the terror on her face. Her voice is low and breathy. “Thanks to you.”
I nod, shifting my weight uncomfortably as I release her. I’ve never been good with compliments. Or interacting with others.
"What the fuck?" The guy I hit yells, holding his nose.
I glare at him. "You're an asshole who doesn't understand the word no.”
I’m ready to knock the fucker out until my gaze shifts to her. She’s trembling—from cold or fear, I’m not sure which—but it stirs something inside me.
I wrap an arm around her shoulders. “Come on. Let’s get you away from this asshole.” My hand rubs her arm. “Let’s get you someplace warm.”
She leans into my touch. “Thanks.”
The quiet gratitude in her voice hits harder than the punch I threw.
Instead of leading her back inside the bar, we continue around it. The pounding bass from the music inside is muffled through the closed doors and windows. The night air has a bite, and her sweater is too thin to ward off the chill.
I stop, pull my sweatshirt over my head, and hold it out to her. “Here.”
She looks at my T-shirt, then back at me. “But you’ll be cold.”
I pause.
She’s scared. Cold. And she’s worried about me?
“I’m fine. I tend to run hot.”
She bites her lip, clearly doubtful. “Are you sure?”
Instead of answering, I pull the sweatshirt over her head. She blinks up at me in surprise.
Her warm vanilla-sugar scent envelopes me, and I try not to react. The last thing she needs is me sniffing her like a dog.
My sweatshirt hangs on her, hitting mid-thigh.
She hugs the material to her body. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
In the distance, I hear the jackass cursing. I glance over my shoulder but don’t see him. He’s probably heading back inside, but just in case…
I put my arm around her shoulders and steer her toward the parking lot.
“Why don’t I follow you home? Or, if you’re too shaken to drive, I can take you?”
A blush colors her cheeks before her eyes drop to the asphalt. “If you could take me home, that would be great. I don’t want to wait around for my driver.”
Oh. She doesn’t drive.
“Yeah. Smart choice. It’s not safe to be out here alone.” I gesture to my black sports car as the doors unlock from the key fob in my pocket. “I’ll get you home safely.”
When I remove my arm from around her to open the door, I feel the loss immediately. The tingles from touching her—even through clothing—are something I’ve never felt before. It’s… unsettling.
I push the thought away when she speaks, her voice soft enough to make me look at her again.
“Nice car.” She slides inside, looking me up and down. “Sleek and powerful. It matches you.”
