Page 46 of Kissing Her Rescuer

“Why?”

She looked around, her hands fidgeting with the strap of her purse. “I can't accept something like this. It makes me feel like I owe you something in return.”

“Eliza—”

“Stop.” She held up her hand, and, like it took a lot more effort than necessary, she set it on his shoulder. “Being independent, belonging only to myself is what I need.”

He cupped her cheek. She needed so much more, starting with realizing that he wasn't anything like Zach. “Think of it this way. If I put this in your name, it's yours. It's never mine. No one can take it away from you. If I keep it in my name, then you'll always feel like you're borrowing it.” He had limitless patience with her. What he wanted, in the end, meant too much for him to screw it up by rushing her. “So, I'll buy it for Carrie, and it's in your name because you need it for her, and a seven-year-old shouldn't have a car in her name.”

“But the payments?”

“There won't be any payments.”

She thought about it for a moment. “Then, how will you pay for it?”

“I'll write a check.” For him, it was that simple. He’d already pulled the total amount of child support he owed into a separate account.

Her mouth opened and then closed again. “From your bank account?”

“Once we sign the papers, you own the title.” He brushed a strand of hair away from her face. Dozens of questions lurked behind those green eyes. She wanted to ask him, pick his brain apart. Now wasn't the time to discuss his investments and savings. “I told you before not to worry about the money.”

Her chest rose with a deep breath. She wrapped her arms around his neck, rising on her toes to kiss his cheek. “There's not much more to say except thank you.”

He breathed in her sweet scent. Buying her a car wouldn't make up for the past, but he had to start somewhere.

“Can I help you?” The salesman, closer to Eliza's height than Dewey's, stood to the side, wearing a generic red collared shirt and khaki pants. “I'm Rod.”

Dewey nudged Eliza toward him, letting her shake his hand first. She was driving the decision. Rod seemed to get the point.

“So, are you interested in this one?”

Eliza straightened her shoulders, back in control. “Yes.” She peeked into the window. “Can I look inside?”

Rod took his phone off his hip. “Absolutely. Let me get the key for you.” He typed a few things into the phone and then began explaining the features. Eliza listened to every word like he'd give her a test later.

Honestly, Dewey didn't much care what Eliza bought. She was far pickier and tighter with her money.

“And, of course, there's the tether system for car seats. Do you have children?”

“A seven-year-old.”

Dewey nodded when Rod looked to him. Yes. He was the dad and damn proud of it.

“Great. What do you drive now?”

Eliza's lips twisted to the side. “It's, uh, what is it?” She looked over her shoulder at Dewey, more amused than embarrassed.

“Crown Vic. Probably 1995 model.”

Rod had the decency to not make a face.

Dewey clarified. “It's her dad's car. She doesn't have one right now.”

“Oh. I see. And you, sir, what type of car do you drive?”

Dewey bit his tongue for a moment. His answer didn't sound much better. “A 1984 Dodge Ram.”

Rod didn't hide his reaction as well that time, his gaze immediately shifting to Dewey's truck near the entrance. “The seven-year-old rides in that?”

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