Page 39 of The Third Girl

I briskly grab the handle of the passenger door, pulling it open as the rain continues to soak through our clothing to our skin.What the hell are we doing standing out here?“Let’s get you home.” Noting that the storm is picking up, not tapering off, I gesture that she should get into the car… but she doesn’t.

Standing before me, hair completely drenched and shivers beginning to overtake her body, she shakes her head. “Really, you don’t have to. I can get an Uber or something. Your brother and friends are waiting inside. I’m sure they’re wondering where the hell you went.” She draws in an unsteady breath. “I’m sorry for all the drama.”

I shake my head, my voice gruff. “Not your fault. And I would guess they assume I’ve already taken you home.” My chest rises and falls heavily. My voice rough, I rasp, “Are you okay?”

She swallows hard and nods. “I’m fine.”

Fuck. Is she?

A violent tremor rolls through her, and she crosses her arms over her chest. “I really can call for a ride, Matt. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”

I squeeze my eyes shut for a few seconds, before locking my stare on her. It takes me a few more seconds to get the words out past the lump in my throat. “This storm. It reminds me of that night. Please let me be the one to drive you home.”

She blinks up at me, and I swear I see the moment it dawns on her which night I’m referring to. Her eyes widen, and I imagine if it weren’t so dark and horrible out that I might see her face has paled as well. “Oh.” She inhales deeply as she chews on her lip. “Okay.” She slips into the vehicle and belts herself in without arguing further.

A wave of relief flows through me, and I tilt my chin up to the sky, letting the raindrops hit my face like a million tiny reminders of why I can’t handle allowing anyone but me to take her home on a night like this.

At the driver’s side, I pause another beat before getting in. I can’t believe I fucked Sailor’s nanny in the goddamn parking lot.

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