Page 9 of Enticing

“That’s more than I know, but I’ve got a friend who can tow your car for you. I can call him if you want,” I offer and watch the frustration bubble up. Yeah... this woman does not want my help. “Listen, I’m not trying to piss you off.”

She pulls her cell phone from her pocket and closes her eyes. “Thank you, but I’ll just call roadside assistance.”

I shrug and close her hood. “Suit yourself, but I’m gonna wait until you get them on the phone.”

“Why?” she snaps. “You don’t know me. Know us. Why do you want to be so helpful?”

I smile at Izzy, who’s now watching us closely. “Because I’ve got sisters, and they’ve got kids, and I’d like to think if one of them were having car trouble, someone would stop to help them.”

It’s the truth.Mostly.

I leave off the part where something about this woman is making it hard to walk away.

What the actual fuck?

She presses a button on her phone, then holds it up to her ear and mumbles a pained groan. “Damn it. The wait just to speak with someone is so long, they want you to leave your number for a callback.”

“Why don’t you let me take you home, and I’ll call my friend and get your car towed.” I don’t like the idea of leaving Izzy and her here, alone in the sleet, and waiting for a tow.

Addie looks torn.

I’m pretty sure she knows she should take me up on the offer, but I can tell she doesn’t want to.

“Listen.” I pull my wallet from my pocket and yank out my license. “Here. Take a picture of this and send it to someone. If you’re worried I might be a serial killer or something, send someone the picture of my license. A serial killer wouldn’t offer that.”

She peers over at my license without moving an inch closer. “A crafty serial killer might. I mean, it would be a really good way to throw someone off. How do I know that’s your actual license and not a fake?”

“Addie, I’m a professional hockey player. I have more family in this town than any sane person should have living close by.I promise you I’m not a serial killer.” I have no idea why I’m pushing this so hard.

She snaps a pic with her phone, and her fingers fly across her screen before it chimes back at her. “Of course you are...” she murmurs.

I shove my hands back in my coat pockets and wait.

Addie tucks a lock of her hair behind her ear, fidgeting. “Caitlin Beneventi says you’re harmless, and Bellamy Wilder just said you drive too fast and to tell you to drive slower with Izzy in the car.”

“Harmless?” I question, a little offended. “I don’t know if I’d go that far. But I will drive like I have one of my nieces or nephews in the car if you let me get you the hell out of this parking lot before this storm really kicks in.”

“How well do you know Cait and Bellamy?” she pushes, still not convinced.

“Both of Bellamy’s brothers are married to my sisters, and they play on the team with me. And Caitlin’s mom and mine are best friends. Let me drive you home, Addie.”

I watch the rise and fall of her shoulders as she takes another jagged breath. “Fine,” she bites back, then softens a little. “Thank you for your help. Where are you parked?”

I nod toward my G-Class. “Over there. If you get Izzy out, I’ll grab her car seat. Do you need anything else?”

“I need the car seat next to Izzy’s too,” she practically whispers, and I scan the backseat for another kid before I realize it’s one of those bases for baby carriers.

Shit.Twokids.

This would probably be when a smarter man would back away, but I guess I’m not that smart because it makes me want to know more, and I’m pretty sure Addie doesn’t want me to know anything. Guess it’s a good thing I don’t mind putting the work in.

ADELAIDE

My mother did not raise a quitter. She did, however, raise someone who has a flair for dramatics mixed with a teeny,tinyattitude problem.

—Addie’s Secret Thoughts

“So, Leo...” Izzy kicks her little legs, happily chatting with the hockey hottie she’s currently enamored with, and I can’t say I blame her. He’s good-looking in that boy next door who could bench-press a Humvee kinda way, and yet somehow, he’s managing to drive and still give her his full attention at the same time. Something she’s probably been lacking from me lately. “Do you like mac ‘n cheese?”

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