I arch a brow, and he answers with that smirk that does absolutely nothing to steady me.
“I just wanted to offer you my place for the night,” he says.
My eyes widen, both brows lifting.
“No, it’s not like a booty call,” he adds quickly, and I roll my eyes, which only makes him chuckle. “I got a message from the Western NC meteorology system. Snow’s supposed to come down hard over the next couple of hours. They’re advising people to stay off the roads.”
“So how are you getting home?” I ask, crossing my arms.
He tilts his head and gives me a look.
I shrug.
“One, I’ve got a big-ass truck,” he says, counting on his fingers. “Two, I’ve got chains on my tires for traction. And three, my commute is a couple of miles—not a hundred like yours.”
I roll my eyes, but a flutter stirs in my chest at the fact that he knows how long my commute is. Like, what? Is he actually paying attention like that? Is he really worried?
“I don’t know if Ruin put you on the case, but as I told your sister, I’ll be alright,” I say, not letting the damn butterflies take over my brain.
“I better get going before the snow fully covers my car,” I add witha small laugh.
He gives me a look that makes it clear he doesn’t agree with my decision.
“The offer still stands. And now you have my number in case you need it,” he says as he closes my car door once I’m inside.
I nod and give him a small wave before starting the engine.
After setting up the snow traction in my car and turning on the seat heater, I slowly pull onto the road, driving carefully as the snow starts to stick.
Before I completely lose sight of the construction site, I glance in my rearview mirror and find him still standing there.
Snow is already starting to cover his coat.
What would have happened tonight if I had agreed to spend the night at his place?
I guess I’ll never know.
Chapter 8
Miles
It took all my willpower not to follow Penny’s car as I watched her taillights disappear into the white fog. But she’s a big girl and decided to drive back to Charlotte, even after multiple people offered her a place to stay.
Ruin texted to confirm I had talked to Penny about spending the night at my place. After her accidentyears ago, she’s always making sure everyone is safe when the weather gets bad.
And if I’m being completely honest with myself, I’ve become a little overprotective too. It has nothing to do with the fact that Penny’s the woman I haven’t been able to get out of my head.
I would’ve offered my place to anyone who needed it.
Keep telling yourself that, asshole. Maybe one day you’ll believe it.
I’m getting the pan ready to sear the chicken when my phone vibrates on the counter. Penny’s name flashes across the screen, and a smug smile pulls at my lips. Maybe she changed her mind and decided to stay with me after all.
But the longer I stare at her name, the more my smile fades. Fuck. What if she’s hurt?
I swipe to answer, but before I can say anything, she beats me to it.
“Miles?” The panic in her voice sends ice straight through my veins.
