Page 15 of His Noble Heart
“Will do.”
As I ended the call with my brother, I walked to the back of my car and waited for the man to get out. When he did, I knew he was a blessing from above. Not only was his timing perfect, but so was he. His skin was the perfect shade of brown with tattoo-covered arms. His hair was braided in plaits with a few going down the side of his head and some going straight back. The strong facial features he possessed drew me into a trance, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away if I tried.
“Ma’am, are you okay? Do you need help?” he asked.
“Huh?”
“I asked if you were okay and if you needed help.”
“Oh. Umm, I’m sorry. I’m fine, but I have two flat tires. The men in my family aren’t trash, but unfortunately, they’re all handling some very important things right now.”
He chuckled and gave a slight nod. “It’s cool. I’m glad to help. Let me take a look.”
He followed me to the passenger side of my car where he could see my very obviously flat tires. After kneeling to look at each of them, he turned to face me.
“It looks like both your tires have been intentionally punctured.”
“Intentionally, as in on purpose?” He nodded. “I knew what the word meant, but I’m having a hard time processing why someone would intentionally puncture my tires.”
“Can I ask where you were coming from?”
“I’ve been at work all day.”
“Where do you work?”
“OC High School. My car has been in the parking lot.”
“Maybe one of your students?—”
“School doesn’t start until next week. No students were present today.”
“Well, I can admit, it does sound strange, and I could be wrong. It would be pointless to put your spare on since you have two flat tires. Because of how they’re punctured, you’ll need to replace them. The only logical thing I can do for you right now is to tow your car to the shop.”
“I guess we’ll have to do that.”
“You’re welcome to ride with me, but feel free to call an Uber if you feel safer,” he offered.
I looked him up and down, imagining him with his shirt off and sweat dripping down his chest. It probably would be safer for me to call an Uber, but I wasn’t anywhere near ready to leave his presence.
“Umm, I’ll ride you, if that’s okay.”
“I’d love for you to ride me, but it might be a little inappropriate since I’m on the job.”
“Huh? Oh shit. Please tell me I didn’t say what I think I said.”
He wore the sexiest smirk I’d ever seen in my life as he responded. “Nah, I could never lie to a pretty woman like you. You definitely offered to ride me, and I’m not turning you down. I’ll take a rain check, but the passenger seat of my truck is available for now.”
“I should be more embarrassed, but I’m not. Thank you for your help.”
“Stand over there while I move the tow truck in front of your car.”
I moved aside and watched as he positioned the tow truck to attach my car. When he got out, he went straight to work, and I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He wore a fitted white T-shirt that hugged his lean but muscular frame. His khaki pants didn’t intentionally hang low, but I could see the waistband of his underwear. I imagined what he might be packing in those pants, but I hadn’t had a chance to get a good look.
“Okay. We’re all set. Let me help you get inside.”
When he took my hand, my body began to buzz. For some reason, I realized I didn’t know the name of this sexy stranger who’d come to save the day.
With my hand still in his, I introduced myself. “I’m Noelani, by the way.”
