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Turning back to look at him, he winked and pulled his keys from his pocket. “Rose, I know this isn’t the best way to try and date you, but trust me when I tell you, for me it’s the only way right now.” I felt for him as he attempted to explain his insanity and decided to cut him a break.
“I really don’t think you would hurt me, but just in case, they may have enough to prosecute.”
“I thought you were studying to be a doctor?”
“Don’t ever compare me to a lawyer, Grant,” I said, grabbing my purse that conveniently held a small can of mace. Okay, maybe I wasn’t one hundred percent sure he wouldn’t hurt me. What I was certain of was that Jennifer was going to have hell to pay.
We piled into his gigantic Chevy truck and headed out on I-35. A few minutes into our ride, I began to question him.
“Really, Grant, what is all this about?” Everything in me told me fight or flight was what I should be feeling, yet I was eerily at ease.
His answer was direct and simple as he kept his eyes on the road. “I just want to get to know you.”
“Why?”
“Let’s just say I’ve had a good feeling about you since the minute I saw you. ’Sides, I have a thing for redheads.” I saw his smirk and turned in my seat to face him.
“I hate my hair.”
“Now that’s crazy,” he said, taking his hand off the wheel to stroke a lock behind my shoulder and smooth it down. I had to resist the urge to shiver.
He turned onto a country road and all I saw were trees and the bright light of the moon. I mentally prepared myself for war. Who would have guessed I would die in the hands of the most beautiful guy I’d ev
er met.
Do the throat punch, Rose, it’s most effective. You can’t possibly fight your way out of this unless you go lethal. Lethal, think ninja, think Hannibal Lector!
“I have a mean left hook and ammo,” I sputtered out nervously.
Great job, Rose. You’re dead.
“Rose, listen to me. I would never ever hurt you.”
“Then why are we in scary territory?” I looked around, seeing nothing but trees, knowing we were alone for miles. Aside from our brief conversation, the silence in between was a little scary.
“This is my land, and it’s my favorite place in the world. I want to be here with you,” he said as the forest parted and we entered a small clearing.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “So, I know one thing about you. Were you born and raised here?”
“Yes, my father lives in Tennessee. I’ve spent the last two years going back and forth. He’s terminally ill and I haven’t been able to spend much time here this year. God, I miss it,” he said, rolling down his window to let in the night air. I suddenly felt a little guilty for doubting him.
“I’m sorry, Grant. What’s the diagnosis?”
“Cancer of the liver.” He eyed me carefully before he set his jaw, struggling to mask what I was sure was pain. “He was a drunk for a short time of his life, but I can’t say he deserves this punishment now. It’s a horrible thing to watch.”
“I’m sure it is,” I said sincerely. “Is there a specialist on his case?”
“No one will really give him the time of day at this point. Most just say it’s hopeless and to make him comfortable. He can’t really afford the health care he needs, and I think that’s a huge reason why they won’t treat him. I find doctors to be the worst people on earth.” He smiled and I scowled at him. “Present company excluded.”
“That’s bullshit. Someone will see him. I know a few doctors that—”
“I’ve tried everything,” he said emphatically. He shook his head, warding off his evident pain. “Look, I really do want to tell you more, but not tonight, okay? I deal with that daily and tonight I want to be a little selfish. I have done nothing but think about you since our kiss under the tree.”
“I wish I could say the same.” I laughed at his grim face. “Okay, I thought about it once...twice.”
I got a flash of his dazzling white teeth, and I was happy I’d pleased him. He parked next to a small metal shack as I carefully surveyed the land. A small plastic white table sat under a large live oak with a huge fishing pond behind it. I could see the silhouette of ducks walking by. They would be the only witnesses to my pending murder.
“It’s pretty damn dark out here,” I noted, landing squarely from his monster truck to keep my balance.
