Page 28 of Seducer

The awkwardness was ripped apart by Jerry slamming his hands on a vehicle, using the cold, hard steel to prop himself up.

“I guess I’ll go. Thank you again.” How silly of me that I rubbed my aching stomach when my throbbing pussy bothered me even more. I started to turn toward my car, no longer surprised how strongly my body responded to his presence. “One question. What did you say to Jerry?” I tilted my head so I could look directly into his eyes.

Zach took a deep breath before answering. “I merely reminded him that having good manners was in his best interest.”

“Wise words.” An even wiser threat. I don’t know why I thought that other than everything I’d heard about the man’s reputation. I finished unlocking my car, finding myself struggling to open the door. Once inside, I tossed my purse and breathed a sigh of relief. What a strange night.

After sliding the key into the ignition, I immediately tried to turn over the engine. There was nothing but a series of clicking noises.

No. Shit, no.

There was no reason for my battery not to start. It was brand new. The one thing my father had taught me was to make certain my vehicles were property maintained. Plus, my brother would kick my butt for ignoring the rules of owning a car. I tried it again, holding my breath as I did so.

Nothing.

Tears of exasperation were right there, already clouding my vision. I could usually handle little situations like this. I wasa big girl, but tonight, the exhaustion and anxiety from having overdue bills and the thought of losing both jobs was finally getting to me.

A sharp rap on the window forced me to snap up my head. Fear immediately swept through me, which was ridiculous. With my breath hotter than normal, the inside of the glass surface was instantly fogged. I had to open my door and very slowly a familiar face appeared.

“Having a little trouble?”

Zach was right there, his handsome face filled with concern. I’d heard the man wasn’t interested in helping anyone. Why was he bothering to check on me? “Um, just my battery. I think.”

“Do me a favor. Pop the hood. Let me take a quick look.”

I glanced out the windshield, ensuring Jerry wasn’t lurking around. I didn’t see him. At least my instincts told me Zach wasn’t a serial killer or master criminal in disguise. He had a huge reputation to maintain.

So I popped the hood.

I noticed a flash of light only seconds later. The man came prepared with a flashlight in his pocket. I sat where I was, huddling in the cool air. There was no reason to be as chilly as I was other than from the earlier hit of fear.

He was under the hood for only a few seconds, gently securing it seconds later. Why did I have a terrible feeling it wasn’t the battery?

After a quick knock, he bent down again. “It doesn’t appear to be your battery.”

“Shit. Shit. Shit. I just can’t…” I was going to tell him I really couldn’t afford an expensive repair bill? Great. That was just excellent on my part. “I guess I’ll call an Uber.”

“At this time of night? Come on. Get out. I know someone who can help. In the meantime, I’ll take you home.”

“What does that mean? No offense, but I don’t know you.”

Zach took a step backward, lifting his head for a few seconds. “You’re right. How about this. You’re hungry. I’m hungry. I know a twenty-four-hour diner than makes some killer burgers. We’ll go there and indulge in sin while the guy I know pays me back for a favor. Hopefully, he can get your car started again. Fair enough?”

I grabbed my purse, holding it close, fighting the urge to pull out my mace. A girl certainly couldn’t be too careful.

“You’ve heard of Silver’s Diner. Right?” he added.

I had although I’d never been there. “It’s not far away. Right?”

“Just down the road. Less than a mile. I’ll drive. I promise you I’m not a serial kidnapper.” He had to grin, which was the most infectious aspect about the handsome man.

Fuck. What choice did I have? My best friend was likely fast asleep by now, my brother safely tucked away at college. I didn’t have but so many friends and none of them knew what I did for extra cash. Exposing all of myself right now wasn’t something I was interested in doing.

“Okay. But my treat.”

“Fair enough.” He eyed me warily, a slight sly look returning.

I slowly eased from my car, closing and locking it. “What about my keys?”

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