“What the hell!” I screech, after being jolted from my sleep. The car jerks again before the back end starts to lift in the air, tilting my body so far forward my head almost smashes into the steering wheel. “Jesus Christ. Wade. He’s found me.” My hand fumbles for the door handle in the darkness, while my heart thunders in my chest.
I’m in a sleep induced haze as I scramble out of the car. I have no idea what’s going on, but under the circumstances I don’t want to find out, my first instinct is to run. This time I don’t even bother grabbing my bag as I take off into the darkness as fast as my legs will carry me.
I don’t make it very far before two strong arms wrap around my waist, tackling me to the ground. Thankfully, we land in the long grass on the side of the road and not the gravelly asphalt, but the weight of his body still manages to knock the wind out of me.
“Get off me,” I scream, jerking my body around, trying to free myself. “I’m not coming home, Wade. Ever! You’ve hurt me for the last time.”
“Shit, Morgan. Is that you?”
I recognise the voice immediately: Officer McGorgeous. I’m immediately flooded with relief, but that is quickly replaced with confusion and anger. What is it with this guy? Before I get a chance to speak, he stands, effortlessly pulling me to my feet.
“Are you okay? Fuck. I thought it was… I didn’t know it was you. I’m sorry. What are you doing here? I thought you were spending the night in town. Christ, did I hurt you?” He’s rambling. I guess he’s just as shocked as I am.
“I, umm…thought you were someone else too,” I say, trying to swallow the lump that’s formed in my throat. Thankfully it’s dark, so he can’t see the tears that are now brimming in my eyes.
“You thought I was Wade? Is that who you’re running from?”
I hate talking about my situation, hence why I never have, so his constant prying is starting to get on my nerves. I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to admit that I’ve allowed another human being to treat me like this. It’s humiliating.
“None of your business,” I snap, jerking my arm from his grip.
“I’m sorry,” he replies, taking a step back, giving me some space. “I don’t mean to pry, I’m just concerned for you. I can help you if you’d only let me.”
I bow my head before speaking. I’m being a bitch, and he doesn’t deserve that. “I’m sorry too.”
He takes a step forward, invading my space once more, but I’m okay with that. I kinda like having him near me. And he smells so good. Gah! Don’t forget your future cats, Morgan.
He gently places his hands on my upper arms, and even though it’s dark, he crouches his body down, making eye contact with me. “Let me help you, Morgan.” His words come out like a plea, and I love the way my name sounds as it falls from his lips. Everything in me wants to accept his offer, but this is my problem. I refuse to get anyone else involved.
He waits for my reply, but when one doesn’t come, he drops his arms and takes a step back.
My heart starts to race again when someone approaches, shining the bright light of a torch in my face. “Everything okay, Ryan?” the older voice says. I squint, raising my hand to shield my eyes.
“Everything’s fine, Bob,” Officer McGorgeous replies, pushing the old guy’s hand down, deflecting the glare of the torch away from me. “Morgan owns the car you’re towing.”
“Oh,” he says. “The way you took off after her made me think we had a live one.”
“She wasn’t supposed to be here. I thought she was staying in town. I…” His words drift off as his hands run through his short dark hair. I think we’re both a little embarrassed by what just transpired.
“I’ll get back to it then,” Bob says, turning and heading back towards his tow truck.
“I was getting your car towed to the mechanics.”
“I can see that now,” I say, dropping my gaze to the ground.
“Are you sure you’re okay? I tackled you pretty hard.”
“A little winded, but fine. I’ve been roughed up worse than…” I don’t bother finishing my sentence. I’ve already said way more than I’m comfortable with. He lets out a deflated sigh, like he’s disappointed I stopped talking, but I’m grateful he doesn’t pry any further.
“Come, let me take you back to the B&B. You’ll be safe there tonight. You can speak with Joe, the mechanic in the morning.”
“Okay,” I say, as the corners of my lips turn up slightly. He’s kinda sweet for an arsehole.