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She wanted to be angry with him, for leaving her to try to fill his shoes, but she was just scared and lonely, and afraid of disappointing him. If only she’d had more time to learn.
Her mother saw her father’s death in terms of dollar signs. She wanted the money and had been pushing Ophelia to sell the company. But Covington had been his pride and joy—well, after her. She couldn’t just auction it off to the highest bidder. It wasn’t what he would have wanted. Right? But then . . . what had he wanted?
Not for the first time, she felt like screaming it into the void he’d left.
“Are you okay?”
A voice pulled her from her bleak thoughts. She blinked up at the stranger, just realizing now she didn’t even know what to call him.
“What’s your name?” she asked softly.
“Luke.” His smile was dazzling, and he had the sexiest dimples. “And you are . . . ?”
“You don’t know who I am?” Instead of being offended, she found it refreshing not to be recognized.
“No, sorry. Should I?”
She shook her head. “No . . . no. I’m . . . nobody.”
“Nice to meet you, Nobody.” He stuck out his hand.
With a humorless chuckle, she shook it. “Ophelia.” His hand was so big it swallowed hers. Aga
in, she was struck with the strange feeling of being safe. In her head, she knew she should be wary, but instinct said otherwise.
Or maybe she was delusional.
“So, Montana, huh?” He shifted, keeping a steady gaze on her. “You’re just gonna get in your SUV and head north?”
“Something like that.” Couldn’t she just program her GPS for Montana? It’d be a lonely trip, but maybe time and space were exactly what she needed. And fresh air. Mountains, flowers, a beautiful view. Getting away from the city was sounding better and better.
“I’ll come with you.”
Chapter 4
They stared at each other for a long moment, both startled by his offer. Well, he was, anyway. He couldn’t tell what she was thinking. In the daylight, her eyes were a breathtaking golden brown. How had he not noticed them the night before? And that hair—long, blond, and slightly tousled after her hard night. A smattering of freckles dusted her nose, highlighting her honeyed skin.
For a moment he was speechless.
“Come with me?” She arched a perfect brow. “Why on earth would you do that?”
Just so I can keep looking at you?
He shrugged, one-shouldered. “I’m on vacation anyway. Sounds like fun.”
“Fun?” Her laugh was sad and full of self-derision. “If you’re looking for fun, you might want to hang out with someone else. I haven’t been much fun lately.”
He managed to tear his gaze away, but it was difficult not to stare. It was like being in high school again and not knowing what to say when a pretty girl bumped into him in the hallway. He didn’t usually get so awkward around women, but this one . . . she was something.
She straightened her clothing, brushing lint off the unforgiving black. He was fond of the shade, but got the impression it was grief rather than aesthetics that had her dressed so starkly.
“I wouldn’t mind getting away for a while, if you’re looking for company,” he admitted. That much was true, but he was also worried about her. He’d lain awake part of the night wondering if the girl was going to turn up dead in a few days. There was a deep hopelessness hiding behind that lovely face. Last night she’d been completely reckless. He could afford to keep an eye on her for a few days until he was sure she was okay. “Unless you have friends you’d rather bring with you. I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
She blinked at him in confusion. “Well, Chloe and Priya would probably come with me, but as much as I love them, we’re just not on the same page lately.” She caught a lock of hair between her fingers and rubbed it along her bottom lip, considering him. “Why should I trust you? You stole my car with me in it.”
Deny it? He probably should, but lying just made it look worse. “I had no idea you were in the backseat. It was just a stupid prank, but I can see your point.” He smiled wryly, and he was surprised to catch a hint of attraction in her gaze.
Really?
