Page 28 of Love in Overdrive

Men. So stinkin’ stubborn.

“If it’s not pain, then what is it?”

No reply came through the dark.

Laney huffed in frustration. “Yes, it sucks that he took your car, but we’re alive. He will most likely dump the car and get another ride. I’m sure you’ll get it back.” Heat crept up her neck and flooded into her cheeks. She welcomed the warmth, whether from embarrassment or yelling at this handsome stranger. It was exhilarating, like a pressure cooker letting off steam.

Oh, crap. His dark stare burrowed into her.

What did she really know about Cade, other than he was a good kisser? Not much. She knew they’d just had a harrowing car ride and were stuck in the middle of nowhere.

He blinked.

“Screw it. Maybe some axe murderer will come by and give me a ride.” She threw her arms up in exasperation.

“Sorry, I have a headache. If the offer for meds is still open, I’ll take them.” He started walking again.

“Yes. Hang on.” Laney stopped and opened her bag. “I wish I had my phone. I could use a flashlight.”

Reaching in the bag, she froze when her fingers brushed the contents. Something wasn’t right. She squinted into the dark interior. Her heart slammed against her ribs. What the…? She yanked her hand free.

“Oh, no, no, no.” Her focus shifted from the bag to Cade.

He turned to her. When she didn’t continue, he instantly scanned their surroundings.

“Uh… uh,” she stammered, looking back into the bag.

“What?” His forehead creased.

Laney raised her gaze to his, and in a barely audible voice, she said, “I, uh, don’t have any pain relievers.”

“Okay.” He examined her as if she was losing her marbles. Maybe she was.

She continued to stare at him, not blinking, not moving. Breathe.

Cade’s features tightened. He walked back to her and peered into the black bag. “Holy shit!”