AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“For how long?” she asked.
“As long as it takes to drive to San Francisco.”
If my answer surprised her, she didn’t show it. She just entered the information into the computer and moved on to the next question. I tried not to wince at the woman’s estimate but reminded myself that I’d bought the ticket insurance, which meant the final cost wouldn’t be too bad. Still, I would have to use some of my signing bonus from Johns Hopkins to cover it. Even that didn’t deter me, though. I’d latched on to the idea of driving across the country, and now I would not let anything stop me.
She handed me the paperwork, and I stepped aside to organize my belongings before proceeding to the pickup point. However, an irate voice sliced through the cacophony before I could make much progress.
“What do you mean there aren’t any cars left?”
The clamor of the rental lobby ebbed for a moment, and my gaze lifted to catch the spectacle unfolding next to me. A man stood with narrowed eyes and a frown etched onto his face.
“I’m sorry, sir, but I just rented out the last one.” She set a sign down on the table. “I was just getting ready to put this out.”
The acrylic sign caught the light, casting a shadow that deepened the scowl on the man’s face, stormy eyes intensifying. His lips curved around the words that followed, each one laced with the simmering impatience that desk clerks everywhere know all too well—the kind that brokers no simple answers or quick fixes.
“Do you know who I am?” When the woman didn’t answer, he spun around, dark eyes blazing with anger as he searched the crowd. I didn’t realize who he was looking for until he spotted me and took a few steps toward me. “You took my car.”
“Apologies for snagging the last one, but you’re not alone in needing to get places,” I remarked, showing the queue behind him.
“I don’t give a fuck about them,” he snapped as he took another few steps toward me. “You’re going to give me that car, understand?”
I straightened my posture and steeled my nerves. Should he dare touch me, he’d quickly discover why I’d never been afraid of living in New York City.
Before he reached me, however, a tall body moved between us. My eyes traveled up from thick thighs straining a pair of jeans to a very nice ass, a broad back, broader shoulders, then curly red hair.
“Back the fuck off, or you’ll regret it.”
His deep, rumbling voice made my stomach twist. Still, it clearly affected the angry man differently because I didn’t hear another word from him. A moment later, my rescuer turned to reveal a ruggedly handsome face and stunning blue-violet eyes.
Well, damn. A genuine knight in shining armor.
THREE
BLAZE
The airport plungedinto utter confusion as people struggled with the unforeseen situation. Amid the turmoil, while trying to figure out my next step, a man’s irate voice pierced the noise. Others might have hesitated, but even before my parents died, I couldn’t just stand by when someone acted like a bully.
Therefore, I ended up between a woman and an angry jerk who wanted the car she’d rented.
When he retreated, still frowning, I turned to the woman but was left speechless by what I saw.
A cascade of chestnut curls fell just past her shoulders, prompting thoughts of how they’d look spread out on my pillow. My eyes swept over her figure, neither concealed by her plain clothes nor overtly displayed. She was dressed like many of us on flights, prioritizing comfort over style. When I looked into her electric blue eyes, I saw amusement and realized she had caught me openly checking her out. Shit.
“Blaze Gracen.” I held out a hand as I introduced myself. “Are you all right?”
“Trisha Easton,” she said, shaking my hand with a surprisingly firm grip. “I’m good. Thanks for the assist.”
“Always.” I blurted, then grinned. “Beats pacing the terminal like a caged animal, being stuck here.”
Her eyes twinkled as she gave me the same sort of once-over that I’d just given her, and I felt my body heat under her gaze.
“Here’s a crazy idea. How about you ride shotgun to protect this hot mess from handsy truckers?” She winked. “I mean, I can throw a mean right hook if I gotta, but having a beefcake bodyguard to scare ‘em off first would be nice. And you’re also easy on the eyes, so...”
I asked where she was headed, swearing it wasn’t just her flirting, making me curious.
“San Francisco,” she said, sauntering toward the rental counter.
I followed, already shaking my head at her reckless plan. “You’re seriously road-tripping from Chicago to San Francisco solo?”
