Page 9 of Save Me

But…it kind of was.

He’d been asking her out for months and, honestly, she’d had zero interest in him. He wasn’t her type. He was big and kind of intimidating with the tattoos and the attitude, plus the hair.

The hair.

It was long on the top and short on the sides and back and sometimes he pulled it back into one of those man bun things and…just no. It was totally not her thing.

However, she also knew he wouldn’t be her parents’ thing either. So maybe she’d kill some time with him as a way of keeping her mother from throwing any other wayward single guys her way.

Looking up at Ryker, she saw how happy he looked and realized she couldn’t lie to him or use him like this. That wasn’t the kind of person she was even if she really wished it was.

Dammit.

Groaning, she twisted in her seat to face him. “Okay, I can’t do this…”

And yeah, he almost completely deflated in front of her.

“I…I appreciate you helping me tonight and I only said yes to going out with you because…because…” Pausing, she sighed. “I thought it would be a way to get my mother off my back. I’d go out with you a few times to sort of get…you know…a reprieve. I’m sorry. I just…I’m not a good liar and I hate when people are dishonest and…”

“Wait, so…you don’t want to go out with me?”

Ugh…it was one thing to joke with him without directly turning him down to his face, but this was super awkward.

“I’m sure you’re a really nice guy, Ryker, but…I just don’t think we’re a good fit. Even if we went out on a single date, that’s all it would be because…well…we’re too different.”

“Some people say that opposites attract,” he countered.

“Yeah, I get that, but…I think we’retooopposite. I’m sorry.” And she genuinely was sorry because now that they had sat and had a normal conversation instead of his ridiculous and sometimes over-the-top flirting at the pub—and on the street or wherever else she happened to run into him—she realized he wasn’t quite as bad as she’d thought.

Still not the kind of guy she’d date, but…

Ryker’s dark eyes studied her and even with nothing more than the light from the parking lot, she could feel the intensity. Swallowing hard, Ryleigh reached for her purse. “So, um…I should go. Thank you again for helping me get my keys. I appreciate it.”

When he didn’t say anything, she figured she should just try to climb out of the monstrosity of a truck with as much grace as she could and prayed she wouldn’t fall and hurt herself.

With a curt nod, she opened the door and quietly let out a long breath.

Here goes…

“Ryleigh, wait,” he murmured gruffly, and before she knew it, he was out of the truck and standing in front of her with his hand held out.

And he’s a gentleman too…

This time, when she placed her hand in his, she noticed just how large it was and how it pretty much engulfed hers. Then he reached up and gently put his other hand on her waist before lifting her and carefully placing her on her feet in front of him.

Ryker didn’t immediately release her, and Ryleigh didn’t move away.

“So, um…”

“I appreciate your honesty,” Ryker said, taking her completely by surprise. “But here’s the thing, I think going out with me is exactly what you need.”

She fought the urge to roll her eyes.

“Just…hear me out,” he went on. “You think we’re opposites and no one will believe that we’re dating, but…that can only help you.”

This time she did step away and then crossed her arms. “Okay, this I’ve got to hear.”

“You were just bitching about the kind of guys your mother has been setting you up with, right?”

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