Page 7 of Nicole's Shelter

“And we’re going to ignore that police car.”

“Right.”

“If we’re stopped, let me do the talking.”

“You must be an excellent dancer.” She grinned at his confused frown. “You certainly like to lead, that’s all.”

He laughed, softly, but she felt it rumble into her, around her, everywhere his body touched hers. She shivered.

His palm flexed on her waist. Four.

“We’re almost there.”

She nodded. Better that he assumed she was shivering from cold rather than desire. Maybe she should have dated more, let herself get serious with someone. Her outrageous feelings had to be a simple matter of adrenaline and relationship drought.

“Not this one?” she asked as he strolled by the closest motel. It was the least expensive of the three chains she could see.

“I’ve got a membership with that one,” he said.

“You’re thinking about points?”

“They add up,” he replied with an unrepentant grin that had her pulse skipping.

At the front desk, she suspected his choice had more to do with ease of check-in than reaching the next level of perks.

“We’ll need a rental car in the morning.”

“Yes, sir.” The attendant started tapping on his keyboard. “Any preference?”

“Mid-size is fine.”

“It will be waiting.”

“I want your travel perks plan,” she said when they were in the elevator.

“It is handy,” Rick agreed, leaning back against the opposite wall. “We’ll get in and clean you up and then you can tell me what you’re running from.”

She agreed with the first part. “When I’ve talked with Allie.”

He made a non-committal grunt as the elevator opened on their floor. She followed him to the room, surprised to walk into a large suite.

“Nice.”

“Perks.” He set the plastic shopping bags onto the table and dumped his backpack into one of the chairs. “And it was the best way to get two beds without raising eyebrows.”

She raised her own in reply, earning a grin from him. He signaled for her plastic bag and she handed it over, but hung on to her purse.

“Let’s get you into the shower.”

“I beg your pardon.”

The grin took on a decidedly wicked edge. “I thought you might need help with the jacket and blouse.”

“I’ll be fine,” she snapped.

“Got it.” He held his palms up in surrender. “Go on. You’ll feel better when you get the smoke off.”

True. “You can go first.”