Page 65 of Verses

But I hoped we still had a chance. His next words made me feel like we did.

“You’re one of the few people on this planet I can call a true friend. Not a friend of obligation or with any gruesome ties, butwhat we have is something pure. Something I feel good about. I don’t want to soil that.”

I wasn’t going to argue anymore. I just didn’t have the heart for it.

That didn’t mean I wouldn’t accept his offer for a ride home.

I didn’t even get to hold him, because he took me in his truck, a big black Dodge with leather seats. It took me a second to realize, as he drove down the quiet road, that Whitesnake was playing in the CD player. As I listened to the words for “Slow ‘an Easy,” I wondered if it was any reflection about me.

About us.

That Wolf didn’t want me…and maybe never would.

But that wouldn’t stop me from trying.

CHAPTER 18

When Wolf dropped me off at the apartments, I said, “My piece of shit car is right there. I need to get it fixed so you guys don’t have to keep driving me places.”

It sat in the tiny gravel parking lot beside the chain link fence, and that had been its permanent home since July. I’d tried starting it one afternoon and everything was dead. Wolf asked, “What’s wrong with it?”

“One day last summer, it just wouldn’t start. It’s probably the battery, but I couldn’t afford one anyway, and there was no way I could have gotten Kyle to drive me to Silver City to get another one. Not back then.”

Wolf nodded, understanding that that was right before the shit hit the fan with the band. Liam and Kyle were constantly stoned, an overdose just waiting to happen.

But I added, “No big deal. I can walk anywhere I need to anyway.”

“You know, I can help you with that.”

After the conversation we’d had earlier in his dining room? “Don’t worry about it. Anyway, thanks for the ride.”

As I grasped the handle to open the door, Wolf touched my other arm. “Hayley, look at me.”

Jesus. Did I have to? I’d managed to get a grip on my emotions, so the last thing I wanted was for him to stir them up again.

Still, I turned my head.

Even in the dim light of the dash and even with my scorned heart, I found him insanely attractive. The twinkle in his eyes was warm and inviting as he spoke. “Just because I said it would be a bad idea to pursue a romantic relationship didn’t mean I didn’t want to continue cultivating our friendship. And friends help each other. I’m no mechanic, but I can do a few things with a car. Just let me take a look.”

I let a slow breath out of my nostrils, ready to give in.

And I was fully aware that his hand was still on my arm. Even through the jacket sleeve, I could feel his heat.

“If it’s the battery, that’s an easy fix. And wouldn’t you like having a car on cold nights?”

I scoffed. “When I’d have to scrape the windshield and warm up the car after we leave the bar, I could already be home.”

“Maybe. But the offer stands.”

I still couldn’taffordthe battery, yet another problem.

But my mind wasn’t on that.

“Okay. Thank you.” As I opened the door and got out, I formulated how I was going to say my next words, a bit of a hit and run. With my feet planted on the ground, I said, “You insist you’re a bad guy, but every single thing you do proves you wrong—including this. And I’m going to spend every moment when I’m with you pointing it out.” Before he could respond, I said, “Good night—and thanks for the ride.”

Then I shut the door and hustled toward the front door of the apartment building.

It didn’t escape my notice that his truck engine didn’t engage until the door was closing behind me.

---