She smiled and patted my shoulder, “Don't worry about him, he will be just fine." As if on cue the side door opened and relief rushed over me as I made eye contact with Luke. He was still perfect - nothing out of place.
"Thanks Red. Tomorrow night?" he asked as he grabbed my hand to pull me up.
"Wouldn't miss it," she said with a smile and a look that made me think they had a history together.
"Come on, babe. Let’s get you somewhere a little quieter." Luke opened the door and led me out into the fresh air.
The guys were gone. No sign of the goon squad either. Had they just disappeared into thin air? Knowing I should stop this charade now and head home, I turned to tell Luke I was leaving when he suddenly picked me up, and carried me across the parking lot. I didn't protest. I could feel his muscles flexing against my side. The smell of him even clouded by cigarette smoke was so intoxicating I found myself leaning into him and inhaling his scent. He smiled down at me but didn't say anything. Thank God. I was already blushing from being caught. One smart ass remark would have been enough to ruin my night. Hadn't I embarrassed myself enough?
We came upon a white Ford F-250, and he opened the passenger side door and sat me in. I noticed he did not even put me down to open the door. Was it because he didn't want to let go of me? Not that it mattered- this was just a one night stand. He took off his leather vest that was covered in patches, and climbed into the driver seat.
"So, are you gonna tell me your name, or should I just call you whatever I want?" I asked trying to strike up a conversation. This guy didn't talk a lot. I liked that.
"You already know my name." How did he know that? "I know that because I left you with Red, and knowing Red she gave you the third degree. Surely, she said my name also," he said smiling adoringly.
"She seems nice enough. You speak fondly of her. Is she your girlfriend?" I held my breath waiting for his answer. Again, he surprised me by laughing.
"I wish. Although I would have never let her go if I had her. She is married. Happily she claims. She has been my best friend for a long time. She is my confidante -- my rock, the one who takes care of me when I'm down."
"While you are out taking care of other women in need," I said with a small smile playing on my lips. He didn't answer. Instead he reached over and lifted the console separating the two of us.
"We have about a thirty minute drive ahead of us. You’re welcome to lay your head in my lap and take a nap. I don't think you’re supposed to sleep with a concussion, but I don't see what staying awake will do for you."
I wanted to scream at him. I wanted to tell him to kiss my ass. I was not laying my head in his lap. I wanted to tell him that I had not agreed to go anywhere with him, and to take me back to my car. But surprising myself for the second time tonight, I did something I never do. I trusted this complete stranger to take care of me. My head was pounding so his offer was more than appealing. I scooted across the seat and laid my head in his lap.
Closing my eyes, I tried to make sense of what I was doing but nothing made sense, so I stopped trying. I felt his hand brush the hair off the front of my face and run down my arm and back up again. It felt so good to be touched after so long. Even if it was for just one night I was going to enjoy every moment of it. I drifted off to sleep, and for the first time in three months Jeff's face was not the one I dreamed of.
CHAPTER 2
"Wake up darling." The endearment caused butterflies to form in my stomach even before I opened my eyes. "I'm gonna carry you inside, ok?"
I was sure I could walk but not really wanting to-I nodded my head, and sat up trying to pull down my dress that had rode up my hips. Clearly not doing a very good job of covering myself, Luke laughed softly reaching his hands up my legs to pull my dress back down. It felt so much better when he did it anyway.
"There, now you’re all covered up and I can't see you," he said smiling at me and making my heart of stone melt. He scooped me into his arms and led me inside what I assumed was his house. We entered through the kitchen and he sat me on the counter. "Don't move and don't fall. I'll be right back." He said smirking at me before walking disappearing from the room.