Page 14 of Runaway Road (Runaway 1)

“Okay.” She nodded, opening her door to step down.

I unbuckled and jumped out of the rig, rounding the front to make sure she made it to the ground from the tall step. “I got the door.”

“Thanks.” She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear as I stepped close to slam the door behind her. “See you tomorrow.”

I followed her to the sidewalk. “Have a good night.”

Londyn waved but stopped midstep, gesturing to the Cadillac. “All my things are in the trunk.”

“That’s no problem.” I walked to the flatbed and vaulted up. “Toss me your keys.”

She dug them out of her purse, but instead of throwing them over, she lifted one of those long legs and hopped right up next to me. “I got it.”

We shuffled to the back, where she popped the trunk. It was packed with two suitcases and a matching duffel bag. The print matched her purse too. My mom had the same luggage, something Dad had bought her for an anniversary gift last year.

That was not a cheap print. Given that her car was worth twice as much as mine, I wasn’t surprised she had designer bags too.

She went to take a suitcase out, but I took it from her grip. The slight brush of her fingers against mine was like a firebolt running up my hand. Londyn froze, her eyes widening and cheeks flushing. A surge of heat ran through my blood.

Who was this beautiful woman?

Londyn broke eye contact first, dropping her gaze to the trunk. I hoisted out the backpack and strung it over a shoulder. Then I pulled out both suitcases, setting them on the flatbed as she locked up the trunk.

I hopped down first, holding out a hand to help Londyn. She took it, this second touch as electric as the first.

Goddamn. I was in trouble if it took more than a day or two to get her car on the road. I let her go and reached for the suitcases.

“I can get them,” she offered.

“Sally and Meggie would have my hide if I didn’t carry in your bags.” Then they’d call my mother and she’d deliver her own licking.

I led the way to the motel, setting aside the luggage to open the door for her. Sally was off her stool and rushing to greet Londyn.

Sally swallowed a bite of whatever she’d been chewing. “Come on in here, sweetheart.”

“I’ve got your room all ready,” Meggie said. “Room five.”

Sally winked. “It’s the best one.”

“You’re in good hands. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I deposited Londyn’s bags and waved goodbye. “Night, ladies.”

A chorus of good nights followed me into the dark.

“Heavens, that man has an ass that won’t quit.”

I chuckled, rolling my eyes at Meggie’s comment. She was twenty-something years my senior and had made it her personal mission in life to make sure I knew she appreciated my body.

I took one last look at the lobby as I climbed into the truck. Londyn’s eyes shot up from where she’d been staring at my ass.

I grinned. I guess we were even now.

“Morning, Br—” Tony looked me up and down. “There a funeral or wedding I didn’t hear about?”

“No.” I shrugged. “I needed a cut and shave.”

“Look awful slick for a man who was up half the night towing in this car.” He tapped a knuckle on the hood of Londyn’s red Cadillac. “She must be prettier than Sally let on.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”