Page 6 of Exposed

“Yeah, a little island east of here.”

“Is this spiel how you get girls to sleep with you?”

“No. If that’s what I wanted, I’d ask to hook up with you. I wouldn’t have to take you home to do it either. Don’t change the subject.” He waves his hand in front of my car. “Get in your clunker and follow me to my house, or drive in my car with me. It doesn’t matter, but don’t stay here. Anyone could break the window and harm you. I’ve got a perfectly safe house for you to sleep in.”

I sigh as I contemplate his offer. My back hurts from laying on the metal springs that poke out of the backseat. I can’t stomach being in my car tonight when there’s another option on the table.

I feel exhausted thinking about how I don’t rest in my car, because I’m keeping watch for anyone lurking outside. I shuffle back and forth on my feet nervously. Outside of a couple minutes of dozing off, I haven’t gotten a single night’s rest in two months. It’s tempting, but getting help from a stranger is terrifying.

“Who offers up their home to someone they don’t know?” I ask.

“What’s your favorite movie?” Matt asks with a sly grin.

“Jurassic Park.” I answer slowly, wondering where he’s going with this.

He nods his approval. “Classic. We share the same favorite movie. We just leveled up to the friends category, and friends help friends. Come home with me. Call it small town hospitality ingrained in me.”

“Are you expecting to get in my pants if you take me home?” I ask.

“No,” he shakes his head, then grins. “Unless you really want me to, in which case I’d be an incredibly gracious host.”

It’s been a long time since I’ve had a warm, cozy man to lie next to, and Matt is handsome with his angular jawline and tall stature. His wide shoulders and sculpted biceps are easily visible with the white polo he’s wearing with his photography logo on it.

“I was joking. But if your silence and staring at me are any indication, seems like you’re considering the idea,” he says softly. “Look, we’re both tired. My offer is simple. You’re apparently a strong woman who’s hit a rough patch. Let me help you for the night, and we can talk in the morning.”

He reaches for his back pocket. I step back with a sharp inhale. He’s going to hurt me, so I raise my pepper spray to douse his face.

He must notice my reaction, because he holds his hands up in a surrendering gesture. “Whoa, I’m getting my phone. I won’t hurt you, Lucy.”

When he pulls his expensive looking mobile device from his back pocket to show me, I breathe a sigh of relief.

“Trigger happy, huh?” He asks.

When you’ve had almost zero sleep and been on the run for two months, yes.

“What are you doing?” I ask, ignoring his question.

“Calling a friend. She’ll verify I’m safe to go home with,” he answers while he pushes a number he’s got on speed dial. He pushes the speakerphone button so I can hear.

“Hello?” A female voice answers.

“Hey, Hope. I’ve got a friend who needs a place to stay for the night,” Matt explains.

“We’re busy, Matt,” a man’s deep voice interrupts on the line.

“Noah, stop,” Hope giggles. “What do you need, Matt?”

“Vouch for me,” Matt answers and winks at me.

“Who am I talking to?” Hope asks.

“Lucy.”

“Lucy, Matt is totally safe, caring and trustworthy. I’ve known him since we were kids. Definitely go home with him. You won’t regret it. Get to know him. He’s a keeper,” Hope says in a cheery voice.

Matt raises his eyebrows at me.

“Thank you, Hope,” I tell her.

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