Page 12 of Heartbeats & Highways

“No,” I said. “I just . . . I was scared. But it was?—”

He raised his brows.

I sighed. “Unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”

He climbed off his bike and set the helmet down on the seat.

“I’m this way,” I said, gesturing to the side of the motel. I was covered in sweat and beer and all I wanted was a hot shower. Exhaustion pulled at my limbs.

When we arrived at my door, I turned. “Thanks for the ride.”

“You can’t stay here,” he stated.

I raised my brows. “I can’t?”

“This is the kind of place that you rent by the hour. No one actually lives here.”

I frowned, not understanding what he was saying. “Savage, this is my home for the time being. It’s fine. I know the owner. She’s my friend.”

“And as your friend, I bet she would tell you this isn’t a long-term living situation.”

“I don’t need a long-term living situation.”

“Oh, right, because you’re leaving town.” He cocked his head to the side. “You don’t have enough money for a bus ticket?”

When I didn’t reply, he grinned. His busted lip was healing, and it didn’t split this time. “Gotcha.”

“Fine, you got me. I’ve made enough to leave, but if I do, I’ll just wind up in the same situation somewhere else. So, I’ll take you up on the job offer. I’ll let you find me one. It’s the least you can do for getting me fired.”

I showed him my back as I went to unlock the door.

Pop! Pop! Pop!

Suddenly, I was pushed against the door, Savage’s hard muscular body covering mine.

The squeal of tires in the parking lot had me shivering in distress.

“Was that—” I panted, “—what I think it was?”

Savage’s mouth was close to my ear, his breath warm against my skin when he said, “Yeah, babe. Those were gun shots.”

He’d covered me with his body. He’d protected me. Just like he’d protected me at the warehouse.

His hand settled on my hip and I closed my eyes when I felt the heat of his fingers searing through my jeans.

“What were you saying about staying here?” he rasped.

At least he didn’t sound smug.

“Okay, maybe staying here isn’t a good idea,” I admitted.

He lifted himself off me and stepped back. I instantly missed his warmth.

I turned to face him. “Where am I going to stay?”

His head dipped down. “Tonight, you’re staying with me.”

Chapter 4

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