“You can take my truck,” he repeats.
I stare at him, trying to make sense of him. “Why would you offer that? Why are you even being nice to me? You don’t know me at all.”
He studies my face a moment. “You’re Evie’s friend. Here.” He digs in his pocket and takes out his keys. “I’ll show you where it’s parked.”
“Slater, I’m not taking your truck.”
He turns back to face me. “Then I’ll run you over and come back.”
“You don’t need to do that. I’m fine.”
He puts his phone to his ear, and I take a step back. His eyes meet mine, halting me. “Evie,” he says in that seriously seductive low voice. “Please convince your friend that I’m not a serial killer, so she’ll get in the truck with me.” He listens a moment and then hands me the phone.
I put the phone up to my ear. “I know he’s not a serial killer,” I tell her before she can say anything.
“Tess, let Slater drive you here. You can crash in my room for a few hours and actually get some sleep before you have to go back tonight. Don’t think about it; just get in the truck with Slater. I can vouch for him; he’s a good guy.”
I turn away from him. “You just told me what a jerk he was.”
She huffs. “Okay for the record, I never said he was a jerk. I said he was...Slater, and you took that to mean he was a jerk. Yes, he’s intense and driven, but he’s one of Zane’s closest friends. He wouldn’t be if he wasn’t a good guy. And I know he would never hurt you.” There’s a sound from behind me, but when I turn back, Slater just watches me carefully. “You’re sure I’m not bothering you or messing up your schedule?” I ask Slater.
“Are you asking me or Slater?” Evie asks over the line.
“Slater. Well, both of you really.”
“I’m fine. Believe me; Slater’s fine with it. Just get in the truck and come. If you keep dawdling, you will mess up Slater’s schedule.”
“Oh,” My eyes shoot to his. “Okay. Bye, Evie.”
“Wait, so are you coming?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I'll see you soon.”
She disconnects, and I hand the phone to Slater. “Would you be willing to run me over?”
He doesn’t hesitate for a second. “I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t want to. This way.” I follow him to his truck, which isn’t parked all that far from my dorm. He opens my door without a word, and I climb in. As soon as he shuts the door, I take a deep whiff. It smells really good—like leather and whatever cologne Slater wears. It’s something dark and masculine. He opens the door and climbs in much more gracefully than I managed. Soft music plays from the radio; it’s not loud enough for me to hear what it is. It's relaxing though, and for that, I’m grateful. I put my head against the seat and watch as the scenery passes. I must have fallen asleep at some point, because when I open my eyes, there’s a house in front of me.
I sit up and glance over at Slater. “Sorry.”
“Nothing to apologize for.” He slides out of the truck and comes around to my side. When he opens the door, I jump down and teeter a moment. A strong hand at my elbow steadies me. I blink, still trying to wake up.
“Come on.” He tugs lightly on my elbow, and I follow him towards the house. Evie opens the door before we get there and hugs me tightly like we didn’t just see each other an hour ago.
“Come on. Let’s get you to bed.”
Because I’m still so out of it and sleep-deprived, I follow her without a word. She opens her room, and I follow her inside. “You can crash here; I’ll be out in the living room.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, even as the bed calls to me.
“Yes, I’m sure. Sleep, Tessa. What time do you need to get up?”
“I’ll set an alarm.”
“Okay. I’ll probably be gone because I’m leaving for the coffee shop in about an hour. If you get there early enough, I’ll make a coffee for you.”
“Thanks, Evie.” I sit on the edge of the bed, ready to crash. I kick off my shoes and watch Evie leave. Before the door can close all the way, Slater ducks inside.
