Page 9 of One Golden Ring

“I don’t think it’s the battery because it’s brand new,” I offer, like I know what I’m talking about. I’m lucky I can pump my own gas. “It’s probably one of those dreaded electronic issues. I’m going to call a tow.”

Drake straightens, pulling out his phone. “I’ll call the tow for you.”

“Oh, you don’t have to—”

He cuts me off with a raised eyebrow. “I’m calling.”

Of course, he is. I watch as he steps a few feet away, his deep voice carrying as he arranges the tow with an annoyingly attractive smooth efficiency. When he returns, he slips his phone back into his pocket.

“Tow truck’s on its way,” he says. “But it’ll take about an hour.”

I groan. “An hour? That’ll throw my whole schedule off. I need to get to the store and pick up more lights before it closes.”

Drake tilts his head toward a truck parked nearby. “I can drive you. But there’s a condition.”

I scowl. “A condition?”

He nods, giving me a sexy grin that turns my knees to jelly. “Dinner. You agree to have dinner with me, and I’ll be your chauffeur for the rest of the day.”

My heart stumbles in my chest. Dinner? Is he serious?

I stare at him for a long moment, trying to read between the lines. Did I miss something? Could he be a womanizer who likes to play games? Is he a predator? Or is he just a hot guy who hides behind a quiet exterior?

My body hasn’t stopped humming since he got close to me back in the library, and now here he is, offering to sweep in like a hunky knight in shining armor.

I should say no. I should maintain some professional distance. “Okay. Deal,” flies out of my mouth.

Drake’s grin widens. “Good. Let’s go, sunshine.”

Before I have time to change my mind, he’s opening the driver’s door for me.

“Your chariot awaits, madam.” He bows with a flourish.

Who is this man?

“You all right if I leave the keys under the floormat for Joe?”

“Joe?”

“He’s the owner of Tow and Go. He’s a good guy and a trusted friend. He will take great care of your car.”

“All right.” I hand him my keys. “You don’t have to do this though. I can call my girlfriend for a ride or get an Uber.”

Drake jogs over to his truck and opens the passenger’s door. “Sunshine, your car breaking down is the universe whispering in my ear telling me not to let you go.”

“Are you a twin or something?” I wrinkle my nose. “You’re not the same man I met last week.”

He bursts out laughing. “Not only is she beautiful, but she loves everything Christmas, thinks the world should be lit with twinkling lights, and has an excellent sense of humor.” He swipes a tear from his cheek. “I’ve hit the jackpot.”

“Did you have a medication change? Are you on drugs?” He helps me into the truck.

“No and no.” He grabs the seatbelt, reaches across my waist, and snaps it into place. His cologne’s woodsy, clean scenthas my pulse spiraling out of control.

He hovers in front of my face for a second. “This is the real me, Wynter. I hope you like it.”

He closes me in, and my throat gets tight, and my chest starts to ache.

I do like it. I likehim—a lot.

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