Stranded (12 page)

It’s clear he’s not buying it. “Uh-huh.”

I’m a big girl and I’m not going to let a man I’ve barely met take control of my decisions. Even if he is the hottest guy I’ve ever known. I turn my back on him and say to the tow truck driver, “Can you give me a lift into town?”

He’s attaching my car to his truck. He looks at me with a smile. “Sure.”

“Thanks.” I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn to see Drake scowling at me. “What?”

He shakes his head. “You are one stubborn woman.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “You just don’t like that I’m not obeying your orders.”

His scowl deepens. “Is that what you think?”

I scowl right back. “No. That’s what I know.” Even though I don’t know how I’m going to manage to pay for a motel
and
my car repair, I like the way it feels to defy Colton Drake. He was so eager to see me go, I don’t understand what he’s doing now.

He sighs. “Fine. Do what you want.” His eyes narrow as he gazes at me. “I’m done helping strangers.” Then he turns and walks back to his truck.

I watch as he climbs in, then turns on the engine. A moment later he pulls away, heading in the direction of his house. I feel a tug on my heart, sad to know I’ll never see him again. Sad to know that I won’t be able to forget him. I stare after his truck until it’s a small dot in the distance.

“Ready, ma’am?” the tow truck driver says.

I turn to him. “Yeah.” Then I follow him to his truck. A few moments later as we head toward town, toward the unknown, a mixture of dread and excitement sweeps over me.

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