Page 33 of Taunting Tarran
‘Handsome,’ Emma declares, her grin widening as if she’s planning the world’s worst idea.
‘I thought we said “no hitchhikers”?’ Rachel states.
Sarah nods in agreement, but sighing in agreement with Emma. ‘He really is. Like, ruggedly handsome.’
Rachel shakes her head, rolling her eyes as if we’ve all lost our minds. ‘Focus, ladies. We’re not here to pick up men.’ I state, firmly. ‘Let’s vote – go back and check, or keep driving?’
‘Go back,’ Sarah says instantly, her hand shooting in the air. Emma quickly follows, raising her hand as well, her expression far too amused for the situation. Rachel raises hers reluctantly,probably just to shut them up. That leaves Anna, who looks around. ‘Ugh, fine,’ she groans. ‘But this feels like the start of a bad horror movie, just so you know.’
‘That’s the spirit!’ Emma laughs as she throws the car into reverse.
I’ve been out-voted. Again.
The wheels spin as we pull up beside the stranded vehicle, and Emma flashes her most charming smile. ‘Need some help?’
John beams, waving enthusiastically. His grandson steps forward.
Sarah nudges me with a grin. ‘Told you. Handsome.’
‘Stop it,’ I mutter, though my stomach flips as his blue eyes lock onto mine. Yeah, this is definitely a bad idea. I can feel it in my bones.
‘Well, hello there!’ he says as John joins him.
‘Hey, Tarran. Fancy seeing you again!’
‘Hi, John. Car trouble?’
John sighs, gesturing to the car. ‘It appears so. And to make things worse, our hotel check-in window’s closed. No luck there either.’
Emma leans out of the driver’s window, ever the optimist. ‘Well, you can’t just stay out here all night. You’ll freeze your butts off. We can make space – you’re welcome to crash with us.’
Anna and I glare, burning a hole into Emma’s head. ‘Or,’ she says politely, ‘we could go find help. Right?’
‘I’m Paul by the way.’ The grandson smiles, shakinghis head. ‘There’s nowhere nearby. No phone reception either,’ he says.
‘Nice to meet you, Paul,’ Anna says, forcing a tight smile.
Emma bats her eye lashes, and Paul gives her a bemused smile, while Sarah rolls her eyes so hard it’s a miracle they stay in her head.
‘Well, that’s settled then,’ Emma says decisively. ‘Lock your car and hop in.’
John and Paul squeeze into the back.
We rented a seven-seater to accommodate our luggage not extra people.
‘So, where are you ladies headed?’ John asks in a jovial tone.
‘To afinca,’ Emma blurts before Anna elbows her sharply in the ribs.
‘We’re meeting friends. They’re expecting us, actually. If we don’t show up soon, they’ll start to worry, and probably call someone.’
Clever. I knew Anna had brains.
John and Paul exchange a glance that’s too quick to read, their expressions neutral. ‘Well, we wouldn’t want to trouble you…’ John begins.
‘Nonsense,’ Sarah interjects. ‘Nothing is happening tonight – it’s already too late. You’ll come with us, and tomorrow we’ll figure it out.’
‘Only if you’re sure,’ Paul says. ‘We don’t want to put you out.’
