by Marie Savage
She quickly slipped her sandals back on and stood up. “I am going to go inside the truck stop. I need to use the restroom,” she announced.
“Afraid I can’t let you do that, darlin’,” he said as he finished his typing and turned the computer off, before turning to face her. He leaned over the back of his seat, still smiling at her as he laid his tired head on his arms. Seeing her in his bed brought to mind some of the things he sure needed as well.
“But … but you can’t keep me prisoner in here,” she stammered. The only way out was through the cab and he would have to let her pass. She would be no match against him, if he decided to stop her. The sobering realization that yes, she was his prisoner, if he chose her to be, became all too clear.
“No one’s keeping you prisoner, but there are two things,” Luke said as he held up two fingers to count off. “First of all, we are not at a truck stop or even a rest stop. This is some abandoned parking lot in an industrial area that I knew of.” Luke dropped one of his fingers as the long day was wearing on him, but he had to get his point across.
“Second, there is a bathroom right there.” He pointed to the small door a few inches from his seat. He thought she already knew that but maybe he missed showing her during the tour.
“Oh.” She halted, standing there like an idiot not knowing where to go, what to do, or even what to say at this point. She looked at him and could see the exhaustion in his face. Immediately, she felt ashamed. While she had been cozy and fast asleep, he had driven for at least seven hours straight.
“Where are we?” she asked as she watched him rub the back of his neck and close his eyes, before yawning big and loud.
“Sorry, it’s been a long night. We are in Louisiana, close to the Texas border,” he said as he finally got up out of his seat and stretched. He raised his arms above his head as he yawned once more.
Aimee Jo watched as he dragged out the stretch, making him appear even taller. The tight space left no room for distancing each other as he was standing right in front of her and blocking the bathroom door. His shirt was untucked and his stretching had pulled it up to show some skin with a sexy patch of hair below his belly button, leading down to his belt buckle. He didn’t have washboard abs, but he was still fit and trim. His muscular arms, chest, and strong big hands were all signs of a working man.
She waited patiently until he finished, and finally he stepped out of her way, giving her access to the bathroom.
“Excuse me,” she said as she brushed past him and stepped into the even smaller space of the bathroom, closing the door quickly behind her. Well, it was a good thing she wasn’t claustrophobic, she thought to herself as she looked around. It was a full bath, complete with a shower, and still everything was clean. She had to hand it to him, he was a tidy guy. At first, she doubted he even used the room, until she saw the bar of soap that had been obviously used.
Visions of what his naked body must look like as he used the shower, began to fill her mind. She was definitely attracted to him, but she had to remember her priorities.
“Hey, you didn’t fall in, did you?” Luke knocked on the small door.
“I’ll be out in a sec,” Aimee Jo responded as she quickly finished what she came in to do. Maybe she could stay in here for the rest of the trip, in case he had designs on her. Who was she kidding? If he wanted to mess with her, he could easily bust down the door if he wanted to. If he decided to take advantage of her, she had no one to blame but herself. She was the one that agreed to ride with him.
“I don’t mean to rush you, but I need to use it too,” Luke said as he stood by the door.
Aimee Jo rationalized her situation. He had been a gentleman for the most part, since she met him. If he was going to do anything, he would have right when she’d climbed into the truck. He’d let her sleep in his bed while he drove. In her gut, she knew he had to be a good guy. She finally relaxed and opened the door.
Luke watched as she shyly snuck past him, retreating as far away as possible in the small room. She was definitely a timid one, he thought as he shut the door behind him.
Aimee Jo waited patiently, wondering what the hell she was going to do for the next few hours while he slept. She glanced at a shelf that held an eclectic selection of books—Louis L’Amour, Mark Twain, Stephen King, a travel guide, and a driving manual. As a lover of the classics, she grabbed Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer. She hadn’t read that since grade school.
“That’s one of my favorites,” Luke said as he opened the bathroom door, startling Aimee Jo once again.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be plundering.” She quickly put the book back and straightened the shelf.
“Don’t worry about it. I told you to make yourself at home,” Luke said as they stood facing each other again. The words that came easier hours ago, not so much now, as they felt awkward with one another.
“You said earlier, that you stopped because you were running out of time? What did you mean?” She smiled up at him as she tried to make conversation while she nervously played with her hair.
Luke watched her, amused by her behavior. Her hair was a little messy, but she still looked beautiful, especially that smile of hers. Dangerous thoughts of waking up to that smile every morning entered his mind.
“Yeah, by law I am only allowed to drive fourteen hours. I was cutting it close. Last thing I need is a citation,” he said, when really what he was thinking was that the last thing he needed was standing right in front of him.
Aimee Jo turned and started straightening the bed, a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by Luke. She opened the closet to grab her suitcase, but hesitated. Why bother, since there wasn’t much in there, especially her pajamas? Then she noticed the guitar in the closet, just sitting there, alone. She was surprised she hadn’t noticed it earlier and prayed her suitcase hadn’t scratched it. Her eyes watered as thoughts of her precious guitar came to her mind. Not wanting to relive that memory, she quickly closed the door.
“What’s up?” Luke asked when he noticed her acting strangely.
“Nothing, just making sure to keep things nice for you,” she lied, not wanting to share the fact that she pretty much only had the clothes on her back and that she was sad.
She was such a little liar, for a Sunday school girl, Luke thought to himself. He opened a drawer, pulling out one of his T-shirts. It would work as a nightgown for now, until they could stop somewhere.
“Here you go, this should work,” he said as he handed her the shirt. He wouldn’t call her out on it, this time. It amused him more than anything. A thousand different thoughts had to be going on in that pretty little head of hers. She wasn’t the only one, though. Luke decided to play it cool and try to keep with his normal routine.
“Thank you,” Aimee Jo said before retreating back into the bathroom to change. Quickly, she returned and Luke had to look away. She was even sexier in his shirt.
She watched him; he was acting funny. She wondered if she had done something to piss him off. Right now, she was unsure of what to do with herself.
He opened the door to the refrigerator and held his hand out with a beer, while he continued to search. “Want one?” he asked, thinking that maybe a drink would relax her.
“No, thank you.” Although she was curious about the taste, she had never taken a drink. Even if she was tempted, being alone in a truck with a strange man should not be the time or place to try it now.
“You don’t drink?” he casually asked as he searched for something else for little Miss Prim and Proper.
“I’ve haven’t tried it before.,” she quietly admitted.
“How old are you?” Luke looked over at her again, holding up a bottle of water. Had he fucked up? He never did ask her age earlier.
“Twenty-two,” she answered as she shook her head no to his offer of the water.
He was relieved; for a split-second, thoughts of jail time for contributing to the delinquency of a minor hit him. He should have asked her back at the din
er.
“Are you hungry? I noticed you didn’t eat anything at the diner earlier. I have half a sandwich from earlier today. It’s yours, if you want it.”
“No, thank you. I’m not hungry.” She smiled at his attempt to take care of her needs and at the fact that he’d been paying attention to her earlier today.
“You sure? Long time till breakfast.” He smiled back. Her sweet smile was damn contagious.
“I’m sure. Thank you, though,” Aimee Jo said as she stood, not sure what to do with herself. He had told her that once he was done driving he would need to rest. As much as she would love to go back to the bed to sleep and escape the reality of her situation, she couldn’t be selfish.
Luke gave up offering her food and drink and closed the refrigerator. Self-consciously he popped the tab on his beer can. Was it okay to drink in front of her? Luke wondered. Miss Goody Two-Shoes had him questioning his actions at every turn. He was such an idiot for agreeing to bring her along. He wasn’t really sure what to say or do. He never bothered with much conversing with a girl, only enough to get them comfortable before he made his moves. He would admit he wanted to make moves on her, but something about her was off. She was a sexy knockout, but she reeked of innocence.
Usually, this was his quiet time to watch a movie or play his guitar before turning in. He wasn’t used to anyone being with him in his truck. He wasn’t kidding, he’d never brought a woman here, and Aimee Jo was the first. She was here, because he promised to help her, not fuck her. He would be lying if he said he wouldn’t like to do both. Damn, she smelled so fucking good, looked so fucking good, and with her sweet little southern accent, she sounded so fucking good. He bet that fucking her would be oh, so good.
“I will go sit up front so you can sleep. Can I borrow one of your books to read?” Aimee Jo yawned, barely getting the words out.
Luke shook the fucking thoughts out of his head. The poor kid had had a very shitty day, and she looked as exhausted as he felt. He knew right then that if he let her go up there, she would fall asleep. The seats were comfy but the bed was much better. Plus, the only blanket he had was on the bed and he needed to run the air conditioner. But what if she got cold? Luke thought to himself.
“Listen, I know you’re tired, just come back and lie down. The bed is big enough for both of us. I’m going to watch some news on TV before turning in.” What the fuck was he saying? Had he really just suggested she come to bed with him?
Aimee Jo’s shocked expression mirrored his thoughts. Many men would want something if they were offering to share their bed. Although the thought was definitely there, he would not take advantage of her, but she didn’t know that. Any woman coming to Luke McIntyre's bed was going to come on their own accord. He would not make them feel guilty or coerced.
“No, it’s okay. I will leave you alone now.” She quickly made her way to the cab, pulling the curtain closed.
Luke watched dumbfounded as she made a hasty exit to the front of the truck. It wasn’t his intention, but he had spooked her. He was just trying to be nice because it was obvious that she was tired. This is why he was a loner, Luke thought to himself again. Alone, he never had to worry about saying or doing the wrong thing. Women were complicated, and the very last thing he wanted was any complications.
He should check on her to reassure her and let her know that his intentions were honorable, at least for tonight. He stared at the curtain as he opened a drawer, pulling out the never worn pajama pants his baby sister had got him last Christmas. He preferred to sleep in his underwear, but if the scared doe decided she changed her mind, he didn’t want to make her feel even more uncomfortable. He quickly changed and tried to follow his routine, kick back on the bed, relax, have a few beers, watch the news, channel surf for something interesting, and turn it off and go to sleep.
He tried, but he kept looking over toward the front of the cab—not so much as a peep from her. He’d told her to be quiet, but damn, it was like she wasn’t even there. Doubts started filling his mind. Had she left? They were in an abandoned parking lot, so where would she go? Maybe he’d scared her more than he thought.
“Fuck it.” Luke got up to investigate, and upon pulling the curtain back, he found her curled up in the seat, sleeping again, just like he knew she would be. His shirt was pulled tightly over her legs to cover her as much as possible. Just as he’d feared, she was cold. The book she had asked to borrow was laid open in her lap. A soft little snore came from her pretty pink mouth. A tightness was gathering in his throat, making it hard to swallow as he stared at the beauty sleeping in the seat.
He was tempted to pick her up and carry her back to his bed. Oh, no! Danger alarms went off in his head. Too intimate, too personal. These thoughts about her were dangerous and he needed to stop them.
“Aimee Jo, come on, honey, wake up.” He touched her shoulder and gave her a small shake.
“What’s wrong?” Aimee Jo quickly sat up and began looking around before looking at Luke.
“Nothing, but I changed my mind. I can’t let you sleep here.”
Aimee Jo looked at him in panic. He wanted her to leave, but where would she go? She had looked outside earlier and there was nothing out there. “Did I do something wrong? Please, don’t make me go out there in the dark. I am sorry about earlier. I should have known you would want sex in exchange for the ride. I just misunderstood when you offered me a ride. If you drop me off at the nearest town, I will figure something out.” She was rambling now, and at a desperate point. If he insisted, she may have no choice but to let him have his way with her.
Luke turned red with anger at her assumption. Did she really think so little of him that he would stoop so low? Part of him wanted to kick her out just for thinking that. He had been the perfect gentleman the whole time, and he’d be damned if he would let this one go. “Who the hell fucked with your mind so badly that you would think that I would do something so shitty like kick you out in the middle of nowhere at night, just because you don’t want to fuck me? I wasn’t even … I just thought maybe you were cold and wanted to sleep in the bed. There is enough room for both of us,” he shouted.
“I was just trying … oh, fuck this shit. You want to sleep here? Fine, sleep here! You want me to drop you off in town in the morning? Fine, I will do that too. I don’t need this shit.” With that he snatched the curtains closed, leaving her all alone.
Luke knew the moment his angry words came out, that he had gone overboard. She’d even hunkered down and winced when he’d raised his voice to her. It hadn’t stopped him though. Nothing pissed him off more than people thinking less of him. He sat back down on the bed. He was tired and he had no time for dames with obvious issues. It was the fact she could think that about him, that stung. Sure, he liked to mess around, but he wasn’t a prick. She acted just like his dad, always assuming the worst in him.
Aimee Jo was so tired and she kept saying the wrong things, like always. He was right—he may have been flirty, but he’d never once touched her inappropriately or tried getting physical. But sleeping next to him at night? Did she dare? The desire alone to have him hold her and protect her was overwhelming. But anytime she had felt this way, she’d let her guard down, and someone always took advantage. But again, unless she wanted to walk out into the darkness of Timbuktu, she’d better fix this situation. She could do this.
She got up, pulling the curtain back and stepping into the cabin. He was kicked back now, drinking a beer, watching TV, and ignoring her.
“Luke, I’m sorry. You’re right, I was cold. You have been very kind and I was wrong for what I said.”
He didn’t look at her, as he took another swig of beer and continued to watch the movie.
“Did you hear me? I said I’m sorry.” She tried again.
“Fine, whatever,” he said, still avoiding eye contact with her.
“If you are sure you don’t mind me sleeping in the bed, I’d like to,” she said.
He finally looked at her a
s he moved his legs out of the way. She cautiously climbed into the bed, scooting all the way back against the wall. Luke watched her as she got under the covers and faced him.
“Thank you for letting me sleep here and for driving me to California,” she said softly as she closed her eyes.
Luke looked at her. Damn her. That soft sexy southern drawl made it very hard to stay mad at her. Your fault, dick head. You are the one who insisted she sleep in the bed, Luke thought before chugging down the rest of his beer and setting the empty can on the floor. He turned off the TV, putting them in darkness. This was new territory for him. He knew what to do with women in his bed, but he had no clue about this woman.
He wanted to kiss her good night so badly, he ached, but they’d had enough drama for tonight. For once in his life, he would not make the first move, at least not with Sleeping Beauty. Luke turned to his other side. If he quit looking at her, maybe the temptation would fade. Good luck with that, he thought. Just four days—he could do this. It could be a sabbatical before spending the next two weeks sinning like crazy. Then he could resume his solitary life on the road.
Aimee Jo had no idea what time it was, but she had to pee. The problem was she was caught between the truck wall and the gorgeous man sleeping next to her. Both of them had done a great job on staying on their own side of the bed last night. He’d stayed true to his word and hadn’t touch her once, but his restlessness had awaked her a few times. She felt guilty that she might have been the cause of that. She hoped he was now getting the rest he would need to continue the drive.
Staring at Luke and trying to decide the best way to get over him to go use the bathroom, she wondered what kind of boyfriend he would be. But she had no time to entertain this, since she really had to pee. She carefully placed one leg on the other side of him, straddling but not touching him, which was hard to do with his larger frame. Fortunately, he was sleeping on his back and had a narrow waist. Oh so carefully, she tried to find the floor with her foot. If she could do that, she felt she was limber enough to raise her leg and go unnoticed. But as she tried, he moved, getting ready to turn onto his side, and he knocked her right on top of him.
