by T M Morris
He gave her a broad smile and nodded. “Come on. You’re going to be late if we don’t hurry.” He led her down the stairs and to the parking lot. When they got to his car he unlocked the door and held it open for her. He was going to be a gentleman even if she was one of those women who prefer to be left to do everything for themselves. But, when she smiled real big and thanked him, he felt quite pleased. He closed the door and hurried around the front of his car then folded himself into his seat. I’ll do my best to get you there on time. By the way, what is your name?”
She giggled nervously. “Claire. Claire James. I’m from Nashville. I am in my junior year and I am obviously majoring in pre-med. I’m happy to meet you, finally. I was wondering if you were ever going to say something to me besides ‘hi’.”
He coughed and stammered. “I, um, well, you see.”
Claire grinned. “Oh, that’s so sweet.”
“What is?”
“You’re shy.
“Maybe I was waiting for you to make the first move?”
“Doesn’t matter now. We’ve met. Now let’s get down to K-town.”
He nodded solemnly. “Right. Let’s get on the road.”
Snapping the buckle of her seatbelt Claire asked, “So, where is Rebel Creek anyway?”
Several hours later Claire pushed the door of the testing center open and walked out into the crisp early evening air wondering how she was going to get back to school. To her surprise when she looked across the parking lot to see Eli leaning against the side of his car. She smiled and waved.
He nodded to her and she let out a little squeal of excitement as she began to jog toward him. When she reached him she threw her arms around his neck and said, “Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am so glad you offered to drive me down so I wouldn’t miss it and have to reapply to take this exam again. I just hope I passed it. I do not want to take it again. I thought it was awful.” She stepped back, blushing. “I’m sorry. I probably shouldn’t invade your space, I mean, we barely know each other. I’m just so excited and relieved. I honestly didn’t think you’d be here.”
“I told you I would take you back to school. I keep my word. I wouldn’t dream of leaving you stranded.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not used to—“
“You’re not used to guys keeping their word?”
“No. Yes. I mean. I’m not used to being taken care of, I guess. I mean, I haven’t been home much in the last three years. I pretty much take care of myself.” She shrugged. “But I am so happy that you saved me today. You did, you know. You saved me.”
Eli cleared his throat. “Yeah, well, um. I guess we should head on back to school, don’t you think?”
He held the door open and helped her into her seat and she babbled on. “I’m hungry. Are you hungry? I think you should let me take you to dinner somewhere here in town. I mean, I owe you so much. You practically saved my life.”
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far. I helped you out. That’s what neighbors do. They help each other out.”
“Okay, neighbor. Are you going to let me take you to dinner or what?”
Eli shook his head. “No. I’ll take you to dinner.”
“But I’m the one who owes you.”
Eli favored her with an irritated glance. “You don’t owe me anything except the pleasure of your company at dinner. I was coming down here anyway. It’s not like I was going out of my way or anything.”
“But—“
“No buts, Miss Claire. I’m taking you to dinner, okay?” He waited two heart beats before he started the car and pulled out of the parking spot. He wondered if she was going to say anything. He didn’t even know if she was angry or insulted. He hoped he wasn’t too aggressive.
Finally she said, “It would be my pleasure to have dinner with you, Eli.”
Claire leaned back in the passenger seat and studied Eli. He had barely muttered a greeting to her for two years whenever they passed each other coming or going. Now in the span of a few hours he had not only tried to help her get back into her apartment, he driven her two and a half hours in order that she could arrive on time for the MCAT. And now, here he is getting irritated with her for offering to pay for a meal in thanks. She marveled that he wouldn’t just let her pay for it. After all, she owed him big time. She would figure out a way to return the favor. Even if it took her until he graduated medical school she would find a way.
And here’s the cover:
Acknowledgements
Once again I have to thank many people for their support in helping me achieve my dream of publishing another story from the Caldwell family.
Thank you to my loving husband, Greg. If it weren’t for you I would not be finished with book one. I love you.
Tori Leigh Pettey of Watermelon Soup Designs for your awesome covers. Gretchen Jones and Sandra Morris you are awesome. Thank you for asking, and asking, and asking when book two will be out. Thanks to you it is.
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