Page 49 of Without Apology

“He already grabbed a coffee. Shall we?”

We walked back out to the car when the smell of fast food hit me. Specifically hash browns. “Do you mind if we go through the drive-thru?”

There was that smirk again. I bet the man didn’t eat anything fried, let alone use a drive-thru. If this was a game of get-to-know you, this drive was the speed round. There was no way to spend the next twenty-four hours with one another without getting real. And right now, I really wanted hash browns.

“Not at all.”

Five minutes later, I was settled in for the ride with my egg sandwich and hash browns. Even Ralph had ordered a sandwich, but not Simon.

“You’re not hungry?” I popped one of the round, more tater tot than actual hash brown, things into my mouth.

“No. I ate this morning.”

“What did you have?” It was clear he stayed fit, but how strict was his diet?

“A protein shake and some fruit.”

“No Frosted Flakes?”

“I reserve those for special occasions.”

“Do you want to try a hash brown?” I wondered if I could tempt him. Perhaps it was a metaphor for something bigger when it came to the two of us.

I thought he’d decline, but instead, he leaned in and captured the hash brown with his teeth where I’d been holding it between my index finger and thumb. I felt his lips ghost my skin, and I was on fire.

He seemed unaffected by the action. “Is this what you typically have for breakfast?”

“No. I eat healthy, too. Most of the time. Or more like fifty-fifty if I’m being honest.” I certainly tried most days. Weekends, however were a free pass. If one was in one’s pajamas, then what was the point of being healthy?

“I wasn’t criticizing. Just noticing the look of bliss that came over your face when you took your first bite.”

“Probably because I haven’t had it in a while. What are you planning to eat?”

“I have a cooler of items in the back. Fruit. Cheese. Protein bars. I packed plenty. Feel free to help yourself.”

“No junk food?”

He leaned over, stealing another hash brown. “Nope. But we can stop for lunch anywhere you choose.”

Four hours later, at the designated place for the driver swap, I chose Panera for lunch. Although I did love me some fast food, breakfast had been enough. Now I needed real food in the form of a half sandwich and salad. Simon chose soup and a sandwich. We climbed back into the car and settled in for lunch. After that, he pulled out a laptop.

I frowned, thinking I should probably check email as well. The action of working clicked off another two hours before I became restless. We weren’t even halfway there.

As if sensing my mood, he glanced over. “You all right?”

“Yep.” Nope. I was bored. I’d never been cooped up in a vehicle this long. It couldn’t be pleasant for him, either. Suddenly I had a burning question on my mind that couldn’t wait another second. “Why are you doing this for me?”

He shut his laptop, giving me his full attention. “Because I think you’re the most qualified—”

I cut him off. “No. Why are you driving with me? You could’ve flown and avoided this.”

“Maybe I needed to ensure you didn’t turn around at the ten-hour mark.”

I blew out a breath, stretching my legs out in front of me. “It is tempting. I’m not used to being in a car this long.”

“What shall we do to distract you?”

His teasing tone and sexy smirk inspired a few very naughty ideas.

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