“I need an actual apartment, but strangely, there’s hardly anything available around here. What’s that about?”
“We’ve had a huge influx of social media strategists taking jobs out here to escape the big city.”
“Oh, Mr. Funny Guy again.” I slow clap at his sarcasm and we both chuckle.
This feels good. Easy. The worst part is, we have that chemistry. I know because I can’t get the feeling of his lips off mine, but I can’t act on it.
It’s pitch black out now and I look out the window at the sky.
“I bet you can see so many stars and constellations out here.” I’m talking half to myself, trying not to notice how the inside of this truck smells just like Tyler Slade. It doesn’t smell like cologne; I can’t imagine he’s the type to wear it.
We pull into the motel and he puts the truck in park and removes his seatbelt. I turn to thank him when he opens his door and slides out, walking around to mine.
“Ah, forgot again, sorry,” I say as he takes my hand and helps me down.
“What room?” he asks, and my mouth turns to dust.
“Sev—” my voice catches, “seven.”
I thank him again for dinner and the ride as we approach my door. I see now that he was merely being a gentleman again and walking me to my door.
Thank God I didn’t say something about coming inside or make a sex joke. I feel my cheeks redden for even thinking that was his intention.
“Have a good night, Miss Dyer,” he says, tipping his hat and standing there until I close and lock the door behind me.
I lean against the door once I’m inside and take in a few deep breaths. I pull the curtain back just a centimeter so I can see through the crack as he walks away. Only, he doesn’t get very far. He turns back around and returns determinedly to my door, lifting his hand to knock . . . but I don’t hear anything.
I worry he’s seen me, but he’s not looking in my direction. He places a hand on either side of the door frame, gripping it tightly like he’s trying to talk himself either into or out of his next move.
Either way, the knock never comes.
He pushes back from the door and walks away, leaving me standing there holding my breath.