“Yes, but I can rebuild it for much less than what a new transmission costs.” He gave her a ballpark figure.
She sucked in a sharp breath and cringed.
“Unfortunately, I don’t have the parts for a rebuild in stock. I’ll need to order them from a dealer in Pasco. The earliest I can have it delivered will be Monday. Then it will take another few days to get your car running again.” Ben always hated giving this kind of news.
She turned her head away, but not before tears filled her eyes.
An odd pang filled his chest again. The same one he experienced when the sun haloed around her head. His heart felt like it was trying to expand.
Sensing the air of defeat surrounding Amy, he studied her. Why had she been driving in the middle of the night? And how long had she been on the road? The red polo withCharley’swritten on the left breast and black slacks suggested she’d started driving after work.
Amy swiped at her cheek and took a deep breath. She turned back to face him but didn’t make eye contact.
“Listen, I’m going to be honest with you...” her voice faltered, and she bit her bottom lip. “I... um... don’t have the money right now to fix my car and I can’t... afford a motel.”
Ben studied Amy. She’d pulled her hair back in a ponytail, but several strands broke free and curled around her face. The mascara smudges he’d seen earlier were gone, but dark shadows ringed her red eyes. Redness caused by crying, he guessed, and shadows from lack of sleep. Despite the obvious fatigue, she was attractive.
What had she been through?
He hooked his thumbs in his pockets as a desire to help Amy and her daughter crashed over him like a wave of warm water. Instead of talking himself out of it, he shifted his gaze to the fussy toddler. Her blond curls had been pulled into a small ponytail. His chest tightened and a strange tingling filled his extremities. If he didn’t help Amy, who would? Could she care for her daughter without help? He couldn’t protect and care for his own daughter, but he could make sure hers was safe and provided for.
He put a hand on her shoulder. “It sounds like you’re in a tight spot. Don’t worry. I’m sure we can work something out. I don’t need money from you.” He paused, letting his words sink in. “I can take care of you if you’ll let me.”
Amy’s eyes widened, and she jerked away from him, taking a step back.
Okay. The lady doesn’t like to be touched.
She retreated and bumped into a workbench, knocking off a wrench. It clattered to the floor with a harsh metallic clang. Amy jumped.
Ben shot her a concerned glance as he bent to pick up the wrench.What’s wrong with the lady?
She side-stepped as though desperate to maintain her distance.
“I can’t... um... I won’t...” she blurted, then taking a deep breath, she chewed on her bottom lip as she focused on the fussy toddler.
She was clearly uncomfortable here with him, but he had to wonder if she was unwell. Why was she driving in the middle of the night?
“Is there someone you can call? Do you have relatives or friends here in Providence?”
“No.” The single word squeaked out.
“Where were you heading? Maybe I could arrange a ride for you until your car is fixed.”
“I don’t know where—” Tears filled her eyes again, and she ducked her head. “I just... needed to leave.”
Who or what was she running from? An abusive husband? His gaze jumped to her left hand. No ring. Boyfriend maybe?
Fighting the urge to step closer, he said, “Please, let me help you.”
Amy licked her lips and rubbed her forehead with a shaky hand.
Ben held his breath. Would she accept his offer? He glanced at the toddler in her arms and prayed she would.
“I won’t deny I’m in a tight spot right now... and I need help.” She grimaced as though the words tasted bitter. “But I need to make it clear that I won’t trade any... um... favors... in lieu of payment.”
Ben’s eyebrows shot up, and he gave an uncomfortable cough. He stepped back and raised his hands, palms out. “Whoa. That’s not what I had in mind. I’m sorry if I gave you that impression. I meant I could arrange a place for you to stay.”
“Aplaceto stay. Not... with you?”
