Page 18 of Gideon's Gratitude

Damn.

Well, that was a definite strike against him. But perhaps I’d been too quick to judge. Just because my own experience was negative, didn’t meanthislawyer was a bad guy.

You’ve got this.

“I accept your offer.” There. Not so hard.

Archer’s smile was brilliant, showing off perfect teeth. No doubt expensive orthodontia had been involved. “Great. You can’t drive inthe evening, correct? Riley can drive us to the restaurant, and when my SUV arrives, I can return you to your abode.”

Abode? Seriously? That word wasn’t as fancy as some others he’d used, but I was definitely punching above my class to be in the company of such an educated man.

Leo’s educated.

And maybe that’d been part of the problem. While Leo’s education had increased by the day, I’d remained much as I had since high school. Sure, I read when I could, but the process was always laborious and took so much time that I mostly gave up. I watched the news, and tried to stay informed, but even I knew it wasn’t the same thing.

“Are you all right?”

“Huh? Oh yeah, fine. Riley driving us is fine. You driving me home is fine. Everything’s fine.”Way to sound like an idiot.

Archer finally took a step back, leaving a bit of distance between us.

Instantly, I felt a lack. Like something important was missing.

“Where’s Lucky?”

The question caught me off guard. “Back at the house. Loud noises bother him.” Well, they bothered me more, but I wouldn’t say that. I really needed to get back to my sanctuary.

“Well, give him a scratch from me. He is a special dog.” Archer touched the tip of his nose.

Didn’t that beat all? I figured my mutt with so-so manners wouldn’t rank high on the man’s appreciation. The words warmed me. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“Great, see you then.”

You’ve got this.

“If you need a place to come and warm up before then, you’re welcome to come over.” I gestured around the construction site. There didn’t appear to be many places to take cover and, despite the brightsunshine, the air was nippy and a light breeze blew through the open space.

Another brilliant grin. “You know, I might just take you up on that offer. You sure you don’t mind?”

“I wouldn’t have offered if I did. I’ll leave the door unlocked. Come over when you want.” Before I could say anything else that might get me into trouble, I gave an aborted wave and spun to walk back home. The home I’d just invited a stranger to join me in.

No, not a stranger. A neighbor.

A thought niggled. The guy had more money than anyone I knew. So how hard would it be to call a cab to come up here and get him? He could be luxuriating in his hotel in under an hour. Why stay up here? Could be supervising. Nah, not likely. Riley had things well in hand.

Am I the reason?The whole dinner invitation had come out of left field. And Ishould’vesaid no, but I couldn’t. No, the lure of leaving the mountain was strong. I rarely ventured out—often buying supplies in bulk. The chance to do something outside of my comfort zone appealed. I was tired of the isolation. What I'd once craved had become a trap. A trap of my own making.

I had my reasons.

All completely valid. If I was up here, then temptation was well beyond my reach.

As I opened the door, three things happened simultaneously. Lucky leapt up and greeted me as if I’d been gone for days not minutes. The chainsaw started up again. And, to my dismay, the migraine that had lurked now attacked with vigor. I staggered. Too much. All too much.

I managed to close the blinds, grab an ice pack, and crawl under the blanket my grandmother had crocheted for me. Painkillers beckoned,but I’d never go there. I could only hope this abated by tonight or I’d have to beg off.

That was the last thing I wanted to do.

Lucky plopped down on the floor by my head. I laid a hand on my dog’s back and let the rhythm of his breaths lull me into sleep.

---