She turns to me. “My room is down that hall.”
I grab her arm when she throws her shoulders back, taking a step forward. “Why don’t you come back to my place with me tonight? We can come back and check out the situation tomorrow. I’m sure things will calm down.”
“I can handle this.”
“I know you can, but you don’t have to.”
Her shoulders sink back down, and she sighs. “You’re right. But what about my clothes, and my toothbrush? My makeup.”
“Shayla’ll have something you can borrow, and there’s always a spare new toothbrush or two hanging around. Dentist, you know.”
Little creases pop up between her eyebrows and she takes one more look down the hallway, but the argument has only gotten more heated as the man struggles against his restraints.
“Come on.”
She reaches up to cover a huge yawn and nods. “Just for the night.”
“Just for the night.”
She’s snoring softly by the time I’m pulling up next to the house, and her face has a soft, vulnerable look on it I haven’t seen before. I hesitate before getting out, not wanting to wake her, but she’s blinking her long, dark lashes by the time I make my way around to open her door.
“Come on, Hollywood. Let’s go scrounge some things up for you.”
We hit up the main house to find some supplies before heading over to my place. The toothbrush is an easy find in the hall closet, but the clothes are a different matter. Of course, Shayla happens to be out the one night I need her here.
“No luck. Would it be terrible to wear one of my T-shirts to sleep in? It’ll at least be comfy.”
“Well, I don’t have much of a choice, do I?”
“Sorry.” I lead her back down the stairs to head for my place.
“No, it’s fine. Only one night. You said you have two bedrooms, though, right? Because I’m not…sleep…sharing a bed with you. I’d rather go back to the hotel than that.”
“Gee, thanks.” I pull my shirt up to give it a sniff. “I’m pretty sure I took a shower today.”
“That’s not… You know what I mean.”
“Not really, but don’t worry. I’m not the kind of guy to go around tricking ladies into my bed. Not quite that desperate yet.” Not that I wouldn’t trade my favorite pair of boots for a chance at one night with her. I glance up at the night sky littered with stars and almost make a wish on one of them.
My porch light is a warm beacon leading us over to my place. It’s small but cozy and I’m once again glad I claimed it.
“Good. As long as we’re clear. I’m not looking for a relationship right now.”
“You’re gorgeous, but I would never presume.” I fumble with my key then open the door and flick on the light. “Ladies first.”
“Thank you.”
She places a hand on my chest before walking in, an apology in her eyes.
“I’m sorry, I’m not used to people without some sort of ulterior motive. I’m not quite sure what to do with you?”
I nod, stepping back to let her by but the warmth of her hand on my chest lingers. She passes by into the smallmain room, glancing around at the pine furniture and deep, rich colors Mom decorated it in.
“I guess you’ll have to keep on doing what you’re doing. Using me for riding lessons.” My mouth curves up to the left. “G’night, Hollywood.”
Chapter 11
Quint
