Page 55 of Rescuing Mary

“Because you’re a catch,” Mary told him. “Of course she wanted you.”

“But I’m with you,” Truck complained.

Mary felt warm inside at his words. He hadn’t known he was with her when the other woman had come on to him, but something wouldn’t let him be attracted to her regardless. It felt good. Like hope. Hope that they might work out after all.

“Yes, you are,” Mary agreed.

“I’m glad you’re here too,” Truck told her. “Now, go to sleep.”

“Yes, sir,” Mary said cheekily.

“That’s more like it,” he said with satisfaction.

“Don’t get used to it, Trucker. I’m not usually so compliant.”

In response, he hugged her and ducked his head so his nose was in her hair once more. Mary had no idea why he liked smelling her shampoo so much, but she wasn’t going to complain.

Chapter Ten

Truck woke up like he always did, all at once and completely awake. He had no idea where he was, but he knew he was comfortable and something smelled delicious.

Without opening his eyes, he inhaled deeply—and just like that, an image flashed through his head.

* * *

He was sitting behind a naked woman in a bathtub. He was wearing a pair of sweatpants and holding a washcloth, running it over her arms. The woman was sniffing quietly, and he knew she was crying, but trying to hide it from him.

Truck felt helpless. When he’d heard her crying, he’d entered the bathroom without a second thought and had only taken the time to whip off his shirt before joining her. The scent of the shampoo he poured into his hand wafted up to his nose as he gently massaged her head. There were only short little strands of hair poking up through her bald scalp, but she didn’t react as he worked the shampoo over her carefully.

“I’ve got you,” he said soothingly. “You’re okay.”

But it was obvious she wasn’t okay, and Truck had never felt so helpless in his life.

* * *

“Good morning,” a voice said, and Truck would’ve jumped ten feet in the air if he wasn’t as well trained as he was.

As soon as the woman’s voice sounded in his ear, the vision disappeared. Truck wasn’t sure if he’d been dreaming or remembering. He didn’t know any bald women, or at least hadn’t met any since he’d been back home. The images didn’t make sense.

He looked down at the woman in his arms. Mary. The night before came back to him, and he smiled. “Morning, Mary.”

She beamed. “You remember me.”

Truck chuckled. “I should hope so, considering you lured me into your home and kept me prisoner by pinning me to this couch all night.”

She giggled, as he’d intended. “Are you hungry?” she asked. “I can make us something.”

“I need to go,” Truck told her regretfully. He didn’t like the look of sadness that appeared in her eyes at his statement.

“Oh, okay. Sure.” She tried to sit up, but Truck tightened his arm around her waist to keep her where she was.

“I know it’s Sunday, but I arranged to meet the guys for PT this morning. I think you know as well as I do that if I don’t show, they’ll freak. They’ve been a bit…protective of me. But just because I’m leaving, doesn’t mean that I want to go.”

The hollow look in her eyes cleared and she nodded. “You’re right. I’m just being selfish. I’ll see you later, I’m sure. I know my friends will be wanting to talk to me too.”

“Don’t let them talk you into staying away from me,” Truck warned. “Because it won’t work. I know where you live and…um…where do you work?”

Mary laughed. “At Central Bank, downtown.”