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I turn back to the road, still uncertain but willing to admit to myself that his company might be more comforting than being alone. As far as first impressions go, he's making a good case for himself.
“I don’t know if you know this, but when a man sees another man suffering in that very special way, it’s kind of contagious. I do believe you are capable of taking care of yourself, but I would feel better if I could ensure your safety. I don’t like the idea of sending a beautiful, young woman out on her own when there’s obvious anger following her. It’s nothing personal. How could it be? I don’t even know you.”
I sigh, turning my attention back to the road. He thought I was beautiful. That’s cool. And flattering. He’s a pilot. I’m sure that means he’s had a background check or two. Maybe. I don’t know, but a companion does make me feel better. I’ve never been alone. I’ve never lived on my own or had to do anything for myself. I want to be independent, but it’s going to be hard to do overnight.
"Alright, but if you're sticking around, you'll have to pull your weight," I say, my voice a low murmur over the sound of the engine.
Hunter laughs again. "Deal."
We drive on in silence for a while. “So, what’s your name?” I ask. “Your whole name.”
“Hunter Wolfe.”
“Is that your real name?” I ask suspiciously.
“Yes.”
“Are you sure? That sounds like a name a man would make up to sound tough, all alpha and stuff.”
He chuckles again. “It’s the name on my birth certificate. I didn’t choose it.”
“Fine.”
“Should I call you Paige or Lily?”
“I don’t think we’ll be together long enough for it to matter,” I reply.
“Then I’ll call you Paige.”
“You should call me Lily so I can get used to it,” I say after thinking about it.
“Nah. You don’t look like a Lily.”
I shoot him a dirty look. “Why did you even ask if you were going to make the decision?”
He shrugs. “I don’t know. I just thought I'd give you the option," he says with an air of nonchalance that is irritating.
"Well, your thoughtfulness is duly noted," I say sarcastically, pointedly turning my attention back to the road.
Hunter seems unfazed by my tone, merely chuckling under his breath before we settle back into silence.
I continually scan our surroundings more vigilantly. While he might not be entirely trustworthy, Hunter is right about one thing - having him around does make me feel safer.
"Hey," he says after a while, breaking the silence. His voice is softer now, less brash. "In case we do end up spending more time together... I just want you to know that I'm not the enemy here."
I glance at him, his expression is sincere. I believe him. “Thank you.”
“Now what?” he asks. “We’re headed south. Do you have an end game?”
“Yes,” I answer without telling him every detail of my plan. “We drive south.”
He snorts. “Alright, then. Any plans to stop and get something to drink? I could really use some coffee. I had this crazy client that insisted on flying all night.”
“Sleep.”
“Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
Chapter six
