AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m fine.”
He seemed a little disappointed, as he walked over to the little coffee table, picked up a stack of folded clothes, and handed them to her.
“I washed and dried your clothes.”
“Thank you.”
She took her clothes and walked back to the bedroom. She gratefully changed into her own clean clothes and returned to the living room. The door to the porch was open and she saw him sitting on the porch stairs. Even though she could only see his back she couldn’t help but admire his broad muscular figure.
She grabbed her shoes, walked out, and hesitantly sat next to him. He turned his head and watched her as she tied her laces. Trying not to make eye contact with him, she looked up and took in her surroundings. The sun was barely coming up and had trouble shining through the dark forest surrounding them. The little dirt road that they’d followed the night before lost itself in the deep dark woods.
To her right side she saw an old pick-up truck, a few old motorcycles, and a broken-down car. She didn’t know much about cars, but she was certain it was broken due to the motor sitting next to it on the ground. She thought about Berta and how she needed to be fixed up again before she could drive back home. She’d hoped to make it back home before she broke down. Not just because it would be an inconvenience to break down in the middle of nowhere, but also because she rather didn’t want to pay another huge bill to fix her. Over the past year and a half, she’d been trying to save up some money and every time she’d set aside some of it, Berta had needed another repair.
“I’m sorry we woke you up this early,”Blake apologized with a regret filled smile.
“It’s fine.” She shrugged her shoulders before she paused, an idea popping into her mind. “Do you enjoy working on cars?”
His face lit up and she knew his answer before he could open his mouth. “I do. Why do you ask?”
“Would you like to keep Berta?”
He looked a little confused, not following her train of thought.
“My car.”
Judging by the blank expression he wore, she’d clearly lost him.
“Well…” she started, her face flushing. “I really don’t want to spend more money on her, she’s like a money pit. I was hoping she would last until I got back to Clemont. I was thinking maybe you would drive me home in exchange for keeping Berta. I know she isn’t worth much but maybe you can get some use out of her.” She was a little ashamed of having to explain her money situation to a complete stranger.
His face beamed with excitement. “Are you serious?”
“Yes, she’s all yours if you take me home.” She nervously bit her lip hoping he would take the deal.
“What if I say no?” He didn’t seem very serious, rather he said it in a teasing manner.
“Do I look like someone who backs down easily?”
He laughed, deep and rough. “We have a deal. I’ll take you home. Just show me the way.”
She was relieved, as if he’d lifted a huge weight off her shoulders. “Thank you.”
He got to his feet and walked to his bike. “I don’t think I could ever say no to you.”
Her blush intensified, not knowing what to say. Though they’d only just met, his answer flattered her and made her feel special, like no one else had ever done.
A few minutes later she was sitting on Blake’s bike, her hands in the pockets of his leather jacket and her head resting on his broad shoulders. They made a quick stop at the gas station so she could grab her belongings from Berta before heading to Clemont.
Even though it was close to a two-hour ride home, time was passing far too quickly. Last night she’d been eager to be home, but now she didn’t want this ride to end. His presence calmed her, and his scent was intoxicating, he smelled like a rainy day in the forest, and she didn’t want to ever let go of him.
Four Paws
Blake
After dropping Niev off, the buildings, streets, cars, and people were flying by as Blake rode back home. He had to hold himself back in order not to speed. He had way too many tickets already and didn’t need any more bad news for his father. He’d broken one of the most sacred laws when he invited Niev to stay with him and knew he would be punished for it. Outsiders were strictly forbidden on his family’s grounds.
He hadn’t left Cliff’s gas station with the intent to invite her home, but she’d looked so broken and helpless. He hadn’t been able to leave her behind and have her spend the night in her car. He’d felt an urge deep within him to help her. She had something about her that drew him in that he couldn’t–or didn’t want to–resist. He’d never felt anything like this toward anyone.
He finally left Clemont’s city limits and hit the country road. Letting his bike roar, he sped up and let loose. Unlike he’d expected, the speeding didn’t help calm his thoughts. In fact, the opposite happened.
