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Luke drove them back to the motel, one hand on the steering wheel, the other holding Orly’s hand. He’d never been a touchy feely kind of guy, but everything felt different with her. Even though they’d only met a few hours ago, Luke already hated whenever they weren’t touching. He loved feeling her soft silky skin, knowing she was real and here with him, not just in his head. “How far in advance did you pay for your room?” He asked.
“I didn’t.” Her cheeks warmed and she stared at her backpack on the floor at her feet like it was the most interesting thing in the world. “I kind of ran out of money. I’d have to check out today no matter what.”
Luke swallowed. He couldn’t imagine what she would’ve done if he hadn’t insisted on coming last night. But she’d finally let him in and now that he was here, there was no way in hell he’d ever leave her behind. She looked up at him and Luke silently cursed with how much he wanted to kiss her. But it was too soon. First, he needed to get her somewhere safe. He had no reason to believe this motel wasn’t safe at the moment, but he wanted to take her away from here. He wanted her to feel the warmth of a home, his home, and to know she could stay there as long as she wanted. A place where she never had to worry about running out of money or food. “I got you,” he said. “For as long as you’ll let me, I’ll always be here for you.” Not waiting for her response and not wanting to explain how he could make such a declaration just hours after meeting her, he continued. “Now, what do you need to do to check out?”
“Just return the keycard,” Orly said, before breaking eye contact with him. “And settle the bill.”
“Okay,” Luke said, changing his plans from just a few hours ago. “I was going to get some shut eye before hitting the road, but I’m feeling pretty wired right now. So, how about we both check out and start heading south. When I get tired, we can stop and rest, but I’ve pulled plenty of all nighters. So don’t be surprised if I make it all the way to tonight.”
Orly dug into her bag and pulled out her keycard. Luke unbuckled his seatbelt and said, “stay there.” He got out of the car and went around to open her door.
She stepped out of the car with a shy smile. “You know you don't have to do that, right?”
“It’s not about having to, it’s about wanting to. And opening your door is something I very much want to do.” It wasn’t just about the door itself or even the chivalry behind it for him. Luke wanted Orly to get used to him taking care of her because even after spending just these few hours with her, he already knew he’d finally met the woman he’d been waiting all his life for.
Orly didn’t say anything, but seemed to accept his answer. She followed him to the door of his room where he went in to retrieve his bag, then they walked together to the registration desk to return their key cards. He settled both their balances, not even waiting to see if Orly had enough money. When they got back to the rental car, Luke once again opened Orly’s door, and she looked up at him with a sweet smile. “Thank you.”
He wasn’t sure if she was referring to the room charge fee he’d paid or for opening her door or both, but it didn’t matter. “No thanks needed. I’m thinking we should stop to fill up on gas and grab some water and snacks for the road. It’s going to be a long day.”
“Sure,” Orly said. When he came around and lowered himself into the driver’s seat, she asked, “Can I pick the radio stations?”
“Have at it.” Luke smiled, loving how much Orly’s demeanor had already changed in just the few hours they’d spent together. She wasn’t as shy and seemed much lighter. Despite the long drive ahead, Luke was looking forward to spending this time with Orly and really getting to know the woman who already occupied so much of his heart and so many of his thoughts.
Chapter 10
The road was as long and monotonous as Luke warned it would be. They were six hours into their trip and while it had started off quiet, the second Orly’s favorite song came on the radio, she couldn’t help singing along to it. Then the GPS pronounced one of the highway names funny, Luke made fun of it, and the ice was officially broken.
“This is the best road trip ever,” Orly said when a song she’d been humming along to ended.
Luke glanced at her, taking his eyes off the road for a second. “For me, too.”
She sat back in her seat, leaning her head back as she watched the scenery pass by. “I was so nervous meeting you.” It was something she’d been afraid to say, but after spending this time with Luke, she felt like she could honestly tell him anything.
Luke nodded, and took her hand in his, holding it on the console between them. “I had no idea what to say to someone like you. I mean, you saved my life and you can talk to me in my head. How’s a guy supposed to measure up to that?”
Orly laughed. “Well, that’s the extent of my super powers.”
Luke smiled and turned his attention back to the road. They had only met in person a few hours ago, but somehow holding his hand felt natural and comforting. Much the way hearing his voice in her head had been for the last three months.
They stopped for lunch at a truck stop. Orly got a veggie burger and sweet potato fries, while Luke had a cheeseburger with garlic fries. They ate at a small table located in an outdoor patio. It was nice to get out of the car and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.
After finishing their meals and using the restroom, they got back on the road. It was after ten o’clock at night when they pulled into a hotel parking lot, both of them ready to collapse.
“One bed?” Luke asked the guy standing behind the registration desk whose name tag read Ben.
Orly was exhausted, so she could only imagine how tired Luke was after driving all day and not sleeping the night before. She’d offered to drive multiple times, but every time he’d insisted he was fine.
“Are you sure?” Luke asked Ben.
Ben glanced at the computer in front of him again, and nodded. “Yes, the only room we have available for tonight has one king size bed.”
Luke turned to Orly. “It’s up to you. I’m sure there’s another hotel up the road. We can -“
“No, it’s okay,” Orly said. “You’ve been driving all day and we’re both tired.”
“Okay, we’ll take it,” Luke said, then turned to Orly. “I’ll take a pillow to the floor.”
He paid for the room and picked up both their bags, tossing them over his shoulder.
