Chapter 13
Eden
I wrap my arms around myself as if that would offer me some protection. It was a stupid idea to agree to work two additional hours past my shift. I had already been there ten hours by seven o’clock, and if I had left then, I would have been able to walk home in the little daylight that was left. But when you’re broke, in debt, and desperate, you do crazy things for money.
Now, it’s after nine, and I’m walking alone in total darkness for the two-point-three miles home. I should have thought better of this. I could have called my parents for a ride, but I don’t want to open myself up to questions. Selene and Cori have a family event tonight, so they are both unavailable. Since my phone is broken, I couldn’t request a rideshare. And even though this is my hometown and is safe, bad things have happened here, and it’s never a good idea for a woman to walk alone at night.
I take a deep breath, steel my spine, pick up my pace, and continue my journey home. I’m halfway there, so in about halfan hour, I’ll be home, where I can take a hot shower and eat the leftovers my mom gave me this morning before work.
I turn around for what seems like the millionth time, and like before, there is nothing behind me, so I look forward. If my phone worked, I’d put on some music, but without it, it feels like I have nothing.
After a few more minutes, I hear a noise in the distance. I move farther away from the sidewalk’s concrete and get on the grass, contemplating moving into the woods so whoever that is won’t see me, but it’s too late.
Bright headlights nearly blind me, and I put my hand to my face to shield the glare. Instead of running like I should, I stand there, frozen as the familiar sound gets louder.
The motorcycle comes to an abrupt halt next to me. It’s him. His face is covered with his helmet, but he’s the only one in this town with that damn bike. Instead of staying and engaging with him, I turn left and head toward the trees, but he drives his motorcycle on the sidewalk and blocks me.
I stand there and wait. I don’t feel the same fear as I did the first night I saw him. I believed him when he told me he doesn’t hurt women. He removes the helmet but doesn’t get off the bike.
His headlights offer enough light for me to see his face. Selene and Cori are right. The man is fine. He has perfect features, beautiful brown eyes, and long eyelashes. He doesn’t have a single blemish on his face. Some of his tattoos peek out of the neck of his black shirt, and that’s about the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.
He stares at me, and I stare back, refusing to cower or to speak first. He finally swings his long legs off the bike and moves toward me, forcing me to step back.
“Why are you walking by yourself at night?” he asks.
I don’t answer. It’s none of his damn business.
“Get on. I’ll take you home.”
He gestures at his flashy motorcycle, and I shake my head no. No part of me wants to ride that thing, and there’s no way I will wrap my arms around his waist.
“Come on,” he orders.
Instead of telling him to leave me alone, I walk toward the trees. It only takes a few steps for me to realize two things. One, it’s too dark. Two, he walks much faster than I do. He strides past me and blocks my path.
“What the fuck is your problem?” I practically yell. I shove his chest, and he grins at my outburst. “Are you following me?”
“Yeah,” is all he says.
“Why?”
“Because you need a ride.” He gestures to the motorcycle again.
“What do you want?” I snap.
He stares at me for so long that I take another step back. It’s as if he’s trying to not only read my mind but my soul.
“What do you think I want?” he asks.
“Did you send me lunch at work today?” I know it was him. Instead of eating the peanut butter sandwiches and chips I brought, I was sent my favorite meal from Seven Heaven. The deliveryman left no note and no explanation beyond Ms. Hazel’s order to hand-deliver it to Eden Rose.
He doesn’t answer, but shrugs. “Why would I do that?”
“Really?” I challenge. “Do you ever answer a direct question?”
“Get on the bike.” His voice is calm but serious.
Looking around, I realize there’s no way I can outrun him. My lower back throbs, I feel the onset of a headache, my feet hurt, and I’m tired, thirsty, and hungry.
