Page 225 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

“No jack?” he asked, assessing the situation. She just shook her head, but he saw her lower lip tremble.

“Don’t worry, darlin’. We’ll have you on the road in no time.” He wasn’t sure what it was about her, but the sudden urge to both soothe and protect her filled him, and he found himself moving quickly to get his jack, eager to get her on her way and far away from him.

“Where are you headed?” he asked moved to her empty trunk, taking in the luggage strewn haphazardly on the ground. The woman sure did pack heavy. Nope, definitely not anyone he wanted to get involved with. No matter what other parts of him thought about that idea.

“We got a problem, darlin’.”

They had a problem? Well, that was an understatement if ever she heard one. She was tired, she was scared, and she was beginning to think she was really sick, and if all that wasn’t bad enough, this really sexy cowboy was causing her tired body to wake up and do a little dance.

Chill.

It was hard, though, when he stared down at her with stern, brown eyes. He was tall, his shoulders wide. And the blue denim jeans he was wearing . . . well, they suited him just fine. She stared down at his big hands. He’d rolled up the cuffs of his shirt, revealing muscular, tanned forearms.

Who knew forearms could be so sexy?

“Did you hear me, darlin’? Your spare tire is flat.”

Reggie looked up, way up at him. He stared down at her in a mix of concern and resignation.

Reggie looked at him, puzzled, until his eyes directed hers to what he’d found in the trunk of her car.

“Oh, fuck! He told me he was going to get that fixed.” Once more, Lance had screwed her over.

Asshole.

“Shit, shit, shit!”

“I know you’re upset, but you should watch your language.”

His voice was so calm and controlled that she barely noticed the warning behind the words. She was too caught up in the pitiful state of her life.

“That bastard! I can’t believe this.” Inexplicitly, tears ran down her cheeks. No! She wouldn’t do this. She would not cry.

“Don’t go crying, darlin’,” the big cowboy soothed. “It’s not a big deal. We’ll put your stuff in my truck, and I’ll take you wherever you want.”

What Alex really wanted was to get back into his truck, drive home, and pretend he’d never seen her. But his mama had taught him far better manners than that. He watched as she assessed the situation, remaining quiet even though he usually preferred to take charge. In his life, his word was law.

But he was prepared to give her a moment to come around to his way of thinking before he picked her up and chucked her in the truck, which was going to happen in five, four, three, two . . .

“Okay, thanks. I appreciate it.” She didn’t sound very grateful, but he forgave her as she began to cough and shiver.

When she started to pick up the luggage, he just grabbed her hand and led her towards his truck. Ignoring her arguments, he picked her up and placed her in the cab.

“Stay here, darlin’.”

“Oh, but I can help.” She went to wiggle down out of the seat.

He placed his hands on her thighs, trying to ignore the sizzle of heat. She wasn’t his type. He wasn’t attracted to her.

Right. If he said it enough times, he’d start to believe it, right?

“No, you can’t help. You don’t sound well and even if you were, I still wouldn’t want you carrying around heavy pieces of luggage.”

“I put it in my car myself,” she told him.

Who the hell was meant to be looking after this girl? And yes, he was well aware that he was a tad old-fashioned in his beliefs, but she was clearly ill and needed some coddling.

“Well, now you don’t have to do it yourself. Just sit here.” He gave her a firm look to let her know he meant business.

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