Page 57 of Wrecked
She never wanted anything from him. Angie knew something was screwed up with all this but trusted him to deal with whatever was going on.
Angie had been the first strong woman in his life. He’d learned more than he realized just by being around her.
Her playing along reminded him of times in high school when she’d show up and rant about how he’d promised to mow her yard and trim the bushes. He’d apologize profusely until his dad would allow him to go. She’d then give him money to keep his dad content and take him to a movie and lunch.
He hated to leave this way but couldn’t put it off any longer. Picking up his duffel, he walked out to join his unwanted partner. As the screen door closed behind him, he asked, “Ready, sweetheart?”
Hailey angled her head at him, a lover’s glow on her face. “We need to get rolling if we’re going to make brunch.” She had a smile that would stop traffic.
Too bad it was as phony as her act.
“Let’s go.” When he reached her sedan, he made a point of walking around the back just to look at the tag. It was from Massachusetts, but the numbers had been splashed with mud. Probably belonged to a different vehicle.
He tossed his duffel in the back seat and would normally drive, but this one would not give up control. He rolled the window down to drape his arm outside.
“Put the window up.” She gave that order with a grin in place.
“No. I usually drive. If Ihaveto ride with you driving, I need fresh air.”
“Am I going to have to warn you constantly about any games?”
He gritted his teeth as if he could barely tolerate her. Not far from the truth. “I’m pretty sure my team is keeping an eye on me. I’m trying to act naturally. I don’t like riding in vehicles. I normally keep everything that runs operating and do the driving. On the few occasions I ride shotgun, I have the window down even in the winter. I ... don’t—” He cut off his words.
“What? You don’t what?”
“Hell. Might as well tell you and not fight over this again. I don’t like being closed up in a small area with no fresh air.” He wouldn’t look at her, just kept his jaw rigid and stared ahead.
She put a hand on his arm. “I’m going to take you at your word until you prove me wrong for doing it. Leave it down, but at least smile when I back out.”
He sighed a deep growling sound meant to give the impression he was not happy about any of this, which he wasn’t. Then he scrubbed a hand over his face, took a deep breath, and smiled at her.
“Guess that will have to do.”
“I’m smiling more than I ever do with others.”
She muttered, “That I can believe. No wonder you don’t have women breaking down your door.”
He glared at her.
She didn’t even look at him. “Backing out. Smile.”
He did, but as she was busy turning the sedan around, he flicked his fingers quickly in sign language. Most of the team could read some sign language, but Moose was excellent at it. If he wasn’t with the team, Nitro would send him the video.
Sam glanced at the trees across from the house and saw nothing. Where had they put cameras?
Had anyone seen his fingers?
