The image of kissing her became clearer in my mind and my mind drifted there wondering what she tasted like, how her lips would feel against mine…
Betsy barked and jolted me from my very distracting thoughts.
Leilani laughed as she rubbed Betsy’s ears, my dog lapping up the affection like she was starved for it.
“Maybe they’ll have a list of car shops around here or something.” I tipped my head towards the building.
“Hopefully. I tried doing a Google search earlier, but my service is spotty. I was surprised my phone call lasted as long as it did.”
“Yeah, seems to be that way around here.” I started walking towards the building, Leilani falling into step beside Betsy and me. “Where are you headed?”
“Should I be telling a stranger that?” Leilani quipped, laughter in her voice.
“Good point. But Betsy here keeps me in line.” I teased and ruffled my dog’s ears. “We’re traveling along Route 14, getting some sight-seeing in.”
“I’m traveling down Route 14, too. Taking some pictures, doing a little sight-seeing, too. Until my car decided to be a bitch.”
I chuckled as I held open the door for her. Inside the visitor center, cool air blasted our faces when we walked in. A few people mulled about but it wasn’t too busy. I was grateful dogs were allowed inside. I hated leaving Betsy chained outside while I went in somewhere. I always got a bad feeling when doing it.
As we walked around the tables, I spotted some guides for the local hot spots, and Leilani found a list of service garages.
Back outside, Leilani patted Betsy and smiled up at me. “Thanks again from your help.”
“Do you want me to wait to make sure you get some help?”
“No, I couldn’t ask that of you. I’ll be alright. I’m a big girl. I just need to pull up my big girl panties.” She attempted a smile, but it fell flat.
“It’s no big deal. Betsy and I could use a good walk while you make your phone calls. Holler if you need anything okay?”
“Okay, thanks, Sawyer. I appreciate it.”
“You bet.” I winked and watched her reaction, the way her body seemed to viscerally react to me. I fucking loved it. I wasn’t about to leave this pretty girl alone until I knew she was safe.
Even if it meant asking her to join me on the road.
CHAPTER TWO
Leilani
As I dialeda third number from the list, I watched the sexy, handsome man walk his even more adorable dog around the parking lot, sticking to the grassy areas, under the shady trees. Leaning against my car, I studied him closely, how he was with his dog, and the kind of vibes he gave off, his demeanor while doing the basics of doggie poop duty.
I looked for something that I’ve yet to find, a red flag or a strange look,somethingto make me question this man more.
Otherwise, I’d be hoping into his van already and driving off into the sunset.
Until I ended up on the next true crime documentary.
I wasn’t kidding.
You never knew what could be lurking out there and while I tried not to live my life in fear, it still settled at the back of my mind.
A guy with a cute dog couldn’t be that bad right?
Finally, after dialing the fifth phone number, somebody answered. But no appointments were available until next week.
Shit!
Why didn’t I listen to my parents?
