Page 4 of Exposed

“You live near here? Let me give you a ride,” I suggest.

“I don’t take rides from strangers.” She shakes her head no, and her short ponytail swishes behind her. The urge to grab it, twist it around my fist and make her bend to my will pops up.

Not the time. Chill out.

“I’m Matt. What’s your name?” I ask, dismissing those thoughts from my head.

She pauses a beat before answering, “Lucy.”

“Nice to officially meet you, Lucy. What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?”

“What?”

“Go with it,” I urge.

“Cookies and cream,” she answers.

“Okay. We’re not strangers anymore,” I tilt my head toward my car. “Let me give you a lift home.”

There’s no way she should walk this late alone.

“I’m good.”

“Not asking you again,” I shake my head.

“Good,” she parks a hand on her hip with a self-satisfied smile. She thinks I’m giving up.

Wrong.

“I ought to throw you over my shoulder and carry you to my car,” I comment.

“I’d pepper spray you.”

“That’s why I’m not going to,” I concede. My eyes are already tired from the long day. They don’t need fiery spray in them. “Can I have your phone number so you can text me when you get home safely?” I ask.

“Don’t have a phone.”

“You don’t have a phone?” My chin tips forward in shock. “Who doesn’t own a phone?”

“Me. Thanks for your help with that guy. Good night.” She turns and walks toward the sidewalk.

She’s left me with no choice. I grab my camera bag and hightail it to my car.

2

LEVEL UP

LUCY

The temperature is cool tonight, and the refreshing sea breeze is a welcome respite after that guy cornered me in the parking lot. Matt coming to my rescue was a surprise. Who knew wedding photographers could be so badass?

We’ve run into each other a few times while I catered wedding receptions, and he’s tried to talk with me. Although he’s super hot and seems nice, I avoid him. He’s a distraction I can’t afford right now.

Admittedly, I’ve never had anyone fight for me before, and I felt protected with Matt. In my life, I’ve always had to create my own sense of safety. I’ve never known the luxury of fully depending on another person.

Just because he protected me once doesn’t mean I’m letting him know where I live. I want to be safe inside mycar, so I walk quickly through the darkness. There’s enough traffic on the lively Miami streets that I’m not scared.

When I get to the empty YMCA parking lot where my car is parked, a sleek, dark gray Chevy Camaro silently rolls up next to me in the lot.

---