Page 7 of Bounty Hunter's Obsession

“You know,” his tone softens, “when I saw your picture, I had a reason, a purpose for this job I’ve been grinding at over the last few years. The last thing I’d want to do is put you in a position to be taken away from me. I’ll help you figure this all out, baby girl.”

Finally, someone else to help make some choices.

“Shit,” he mutters, his eyes shifting between the road in front of us and the rearview mirror. Headlights are coming up behind us. He drives faster, taking one sharp turn after another.

“Who’s following us?” I ask, sinking further into the seat, and grabbing onto the door as Hayden banks another turn. My heart’s racing as I desperately try to conceal my shrieks and squeals.

“Your guess is as good as mine, baby girl. I think whoever was waiting for you at your place.”

“I’m so sorry, Hayden. Where are we going now? We can’t lead them back to your place.”

“I know. Don’t worry, I know Conklin like the back of my hand. Hang on.” Hayden speeds up, makes another turn, and then another before skidding to a halt. He throws the gear shift into park and cuts the engine and lights.

We duck into the seat together, face to face as we wait. His smile is soothing through the chaos. “I don’t know who’s chasing you yet, but I’m glad I found you first.”

He sneaks a kiss, pressing his lips against mine, and makes my nipples harden. The adrenaline coursing through my body makes me want to do any and everything with him in this car. He pulls away and peeks his head above the seat, using it to conceal him.

“I think we can go now. I know a place we can go for the night.”

I let out a hefty sigh, thankful that when he pulls onto the street, no one’s waiting for us. Hayden takes his time making sure no one’s following and drives us to a place not too far from where we stopped.

There’s a stone fence running alongside the road, leading us to the main entrance. Heaven’s Haven is carved into a black metal sign that swings gently in the night air with dim lights lining the driveway beyond the gate.

There’s a beautiful three-story home with a wraparound porch and balconies on both floors above. When Hayden pulls the car to a stop at the bottom of the stairs, he walks around to open my door. Once again, his fingers engulf my hand to lead me into the beautiful home.

Notes of cinnamon apple greet us as soon as we step inside, and my stomach lets me know I need to eat. Hayden chuckles as he brings me through the open living room and into the kitchen. The sound of him pulling a chair out from the dining table seems obnoxiously loud against the silence of the night. Hayden doesn’t seem to mind as he moves through the kitchen with ease, pulling out a few different bowls.

“You allergic to anything?” he asks from over his shoulder.

“No. What are you making?”

The sweet scents that filled the house a few moments ago are soon washed away by the savory aroma of meatballs.

“I’m going to reheat some of the food I made.”

“You know how to cook?” I ask him, wondering what’s the most complicated meal I’ve ever attempted. I think scrambled eggs is it.

“Yeah, I’m the oldest of four and my mom said she didn’t want no son of hers unable to take care of themselves. She taught me, and I taught my brothers. I can teach you a few recipes too if you want.”

“I’d like that. The most I can cook is breakfast stuff. Oh and hamburgers. I used to eat at the diner every day, and when I needed a quick job, Maybelle gave me one, no questions asked. Have I thanked you for getting my car and helping me sort through this warrant stuff?”

“Yes, you have,” Hayden says with a seductive grin spreading across his face.

“So, where are we exactly? Is this your folks’ place or something?” I ask him, looking around. I can almost picture a young Hayden and three children who look like him running around raising hell.

He places a bowl of steaming hot food in front of me. Meatballs and mashed potatoes with brown gravy make my mouth water in anticipation, anxious to take the first bite.

“My brother normally stays here, but I made him clear out because I wanted to take a short vacation.”

I laugh a little, “What kind of vacation is staying in Conklin?”

“The kind where I don’t have to leave. Besides, when I travel, I want it to be with someone special. Someone like you.” His words can melt butter on bread, and I’m about to turn into a puddle on the floor.

I take a bite, moaning at the delicious flavors of the food.

He watches me eat and desire drips over his words as he says, “If you’re a good little girl with your food, I’ll give you dessert, and then you can be mine.”

5

---