“Humor me.”
“Fine. Whatever. It’s a free country.” I pivot too fast, then wince as my heel starts to wobble.
Luke’s at my side in an instant. “What is it? Are you okay? Do you need to sit down? Are the babies okay? Where does it hurt?”
“I’m fine, Luke.” I right myself quickly so he won’t see me sway on my feet. “I just twisted my ankle a little.”
“I’ll get you some ice.” He’s already turning back toward the prison, which is nuts.
“Luke, no—I promise I’m fine. Look, I’m walking normally and everything.” I demonstrate perfect poise as I place one low-heeled boot in front of the other, balancing on the bright yellow line of a parking space. “I’m truly all right.”
“Okay.” He doesn’t sound convinced. “I’m still gonna follow you home.”
“Not necessary.” I fish for my purse to pull out my keys, then curse. “Dammit, I left my purse at the security checkpoint. I need to run back.”
“I’ll go.” He frowns. “Or I’ll wait. I doubt they’d give me your purse.”
“Please, just go home.” Sighing, I order myself to stop snapping at him. “Thank you. For what you did back there with my dad?”
“Don’t mention it.” He surveys me carefully, frowning. “You promise you’re okay?”
“I swear.” At least one of us feels safe trusting the other one’s word.
“Fine.” Turning to go, he walks back toward his truck. At the very last second, he stops. “You’re not going to get your dad out of prison, are you?”
“Like I could.”
“You could try.”
He’s right, that’s an option. “I don’t plan to.”
“But?”
How does he know there’s a but? “This isn’t your business.”
“You’re right.” Luke folds his arms. “But I watched Regis Reaghan use money and power to get out of doing hard time. You and your dad would hardly be the first ones to do it. Despite everything you said back there, you’d be one helluva character witness.”
Sighing, I pinch the bridge of my nose. “There’s no way my dad’s getting out of his sentence. A transfer to minimum security, maybe…” I trail off when Luke makes a face. “What?”
“Nothing,” he mutters, moving back toward his truck. “See you back home.”
“Fine.”
I run back to the prison and reclaim my handbag. By the time I get back to my car, it’s drizzling. Unlocking the door, I toss in my purse and click my seatbelt into place.
That’s when I spot it. On the passenger seat, there’s a clear plastic bag. Red, fuzzy shapes peek through the top, and it takes me a moment to process.
“Rambutan?” I can’t believe it. Where on earth did he get these?
My mouth starts to water as I pluck out the first one, stabbing the thick, hairy shell with one manicured fingernail. Peeling it open, I twist off the top and pull out the firm, whitish flesh inside. The bright scent of roses and melon fills my Mercedes as I pop the small, egglike shape into my mouth. I scrape off the flesh with my teeth, letting the flavors wash over me. It’s luscious and sweet, so perfect that tears sting my eyes.
Blinking them back, I glance in my rearview mirror. There’s Luke in his truck, watching me gorge myself silly. Grinning, he waves, and I wave back as my own smile catches me off guard.
He must’ve picked my lock, right? And placed these in here knowing I’d love him forever for just one of these treats.
The bastard.
Waving my gratitude, I hold up the bag and mouth the words thank you.
