“Asshole.”
“Freak.”
He zipped up his bag, then ushered her out the door. She had to follow, because he’d wrestled her backpack out of her hands again.
He paid his bill at reception, and minutes later they were out on the street. His cell phone rang. It was those idiots he’d been trying to help all week.
“No, I’m leaving town today,” Newman said after he’d listened. “If and when you want to implement what I have suggested, then call me. If not, then I wish you luck, but your company will go under by the end of the year.”
Hope watched Newman pocket his phone after the conversation. He hadn’t raised his voice, but she’d heard the anger in each word. His body was calm, but she looked into his good eye and saw it had darkened.
“Who was that?”
“A client with shit for brains.”
He flagged down a cab.
“Address?”
She gave it to him, then slumped into the seat and watched the scenery pass by.
He’d kissed her…. twice. And what a kiss. Hope hadn’t had many partners. Her problem was she didn’t trust easily, but maybe if she had, she’d have reacted the same as she did with Newman.
“Tell me you are not staying here?”
The place had a flashing neon sign stating rooms for rent. The outside had chipped and peeling paint, a cracked window, and trash scattered along the front of the building.
She didn’t answer his question, instead handing over her twenty-dollar note for the cab before Newman could, and getting out. She walked into reception, past the young girl talking on the phone, and up the stairs with him on her heels, like a dark, avenging angel, all angsty on her behalf. The hell of it was, Hope enjoyed the feeling of him worrying about her. It had been a long time since someone other than her family had done so. She’d get over it, she always did. But maybe the novelty was why she had let him care for her and buy her things. She’d rebel soon, she was sure.
Pulling her keys out of her backpack, she opened her door and entered. She contemplated briefly shutting him outside, but knew he’d just bust the lock if he wanted in. Newman may appear easygoing to most people, but Hope had seen the other side to him on occasion. He could be a mean son of a bitch when required.
“Christ, this is like something out of a seedy movie. Any minute now we’re going to be busted for possession, or beaten up and robbed.”
“Don’t be dramatic, and just because it doesn’t hold up to your expectations, doesn’t mean it’s not okay. You’re such a snob.”
“So not.”
She ignored him as he prowled around the small space, taking up all the oxygen. Damn, the man smelled good.
“So you can go now, Newman. I’m paid up for two more nights, and then I’ll move on.”
He returned from inspecting the bathroom, and the look on his face told her he was spoiling for a fight. She looked around and saw the cracked mirror, worn carpet, and cheap furniture. Perhaps it wasn’t what he was used to, but it had been all Hope could afford.
“No.”
“You don’t have rights to me, Newman. I do what I want, when I want.”
He stalked closer, so close that she had to dig her toes into her boots to stop from retreating. Hope didn’t back away from people. If her mother had taught her anything in this life, it was that. Face people, running makes you weak.
“You either pack and come with me, or I pack for you and throw you over my shoulder. So don’t say I don’t give you choices.”
“Fuck you.”
“Sure, but there is no way I’m doing it on that bed.”
She was not aroused by that, Hope told herself. No way was she attracted to this man. Now or ever!
“That’s crude.”
