Page 7 of Exposed

“Good night,” she says cheerfully.

She sounds nice. I bet she’d be a good friend. I made friends when I moved to my new job. Then, my life fell apart, and I left everything behind. It won’t be forever though. I’ll fix it.

“Night,” Matt replies and ends the call.

“She sold you pretty well,” I admit.

“Hope’s one of the best people in the world. Now, your car or mine?” He points to each of my choices. His hands are big, with long fingers that would wrap perfectly around my waist if he hauled me up in his strong arms. Honestly, I’m lonely, and Matt seems like a good guy.

While I can’t be certain, I’m sure of one thing: I need a good night’s rest. I can’t afford to pay for a hotel, and he’s offering me a free bed to sleep in. If I don’t get sleep soon, I’m going to collapse at work from exhaustion and lose my job. Money is my ticket to freedom, so I need to work. I’ve nearly reached zombie level fatigue, and I won’t last if I keep going like this. Right now, sleep sounds like heaven. I’m going for it.

“You’re sure you don’t mind?” I ask.

“Positive.” He nods once.

“Okay.” I open my car door. Well, I try, but the handle sticks.

“Here,” he covers my hand with his and opens the creaky door. The warmth of his hand sends goosebumps up my arm.

“Thanks. It does that sometimes.”Every time, actually. “I’ll follow you,” I decide.

“That’s what I’m talking about.” A huge smile erupts on his face, one that reaches his sparkling blue eyes. His face is incredible when he smiles.

“Are you happy because you got your way or because I’m coming home with you?” I ask.

“Both. You can put your pepper spray away. Nothing bad will happen to you while you’re with me.”

I blush at his proclamation. If only he knew exactlywhat it would mean to protect me. It’ll take a lot more than pepper spray for me to be safe again.

Tonight, though, I’d like to forget. Taking him up on his “gracious host” offer is enticing.

Like everyone else, I’ve had my share of shitty experiences in life. In high school, I was with a few unsavory guys to escape my home life. Yes, I realize now that I was searching for love in the wrong places.

I dated several guys in college, but I’m not very good at picking out winners. I’ve never had a one-night stand before, so this could be my first with Matt. He can’t be any worse than the guys I’ve been with before.

In the past two months, I’ve done several things that I’ve never done before. This could actually be agoodnew experience, as opposed to the other bad experiences I’ve encountered.

I choose to hope. That’s how I survive, holding out that something amazing will happen one day. Life can’t be all bad. I’ll find the good. I have to, because giving up isn’t an option.

3

DREAMIN’

MATT

“Welcome to my home.” I open the door that leads from my garage into my kitchen, and Lucy follows me in. She’s carrying a bulging backpack with her, what looks like the only belongings in her car.

“Shani, I’m home,” I call at the same time my golden retriever comes bounding up to us. Lucy gasps and steps behind me.

“She’s a sweetheart,” I assure her as I kneel to scratch Shani behind the ears.

“Did you miss me, girl?” I grab my scoop and pour a quarter cup of dry food in her bowl, then turn to look at Lucy.

She’s silently taking in my house. Her grip relaxes on the straps of her backpack, like she’s happy to be in an actual house instead of a car.

People end up homeless for thousands of reasons, and I’d like to know her story. I’m not kicking her back to the street tomorrow. I need to convince her to stay with me, at least for a few days. Maybe she’ll share what’s going on, and I can help her get back on her feet. Besides work, it’s not like I have a lot going on.

When Shani finishes eating, Lucy puts out a flat palm for Shani to sniff.

---