Shaking his head, he replied, “Don’t worry about it. I was going to have to get gas whether I had another passenger or not.” She smiled, and his gaze followed her as she went inside the small store. Leaning against his SUV as the gas was pumping, he fought an inner battle. He could offer her a ride to Boston since it was on his way, and yet, she was a stranger. Closing his eyes for a moment, he leaned his head back and let the sun warm his face.
“You look comfortable.”
Hearing her voice so close, he dropped his chin and saw her standing nearby, her hands full of drinks, chips, and granola bars. The tension lines in her face had relaxed and her true beauty beamed. Good at reading people, he felt certain she was exactly what she presented… a woman in need with no ulterior motive.
Climbing back inside, he pulled away from the gas pump but did not turn onto the road. Cutting off the engine, he shifted toward her and said, “Let’s talk about what to do from here.”
She glanced out the window before turning her attention back to him, tilting her head to the side. “Oh… um… okay.”
“While you were in the store, I was checking our options. There doesn’t appear to be another town on this little road for a while that has a car rental facility. I had originally planned to take this road just to get around the construction that was on the highway. This’ll put us on the east side of South Bend, and it’ll be about a hundred more miles to Toledo. By the time we get there, we can find a car rental facility.” He watched her face carefully, searching for nuances to see how she was taking his information.
Her shoulders relaxed and she smiled. “Oh, that’s fine, Levi. You had me worried. I was afraid you were ready to leave me on the side of the road.”
“Never! My mama raised me better than that.”
“Glad to hear it.” She reached over and placed her hand on his. The warmth from her fingers traveled up his arm and his breath quickened. Her gaze landed on their connection before she pulled her hand back, a blush crossing her face again. Swallowing deeply, she added, “I can’t think of a better idea, so I really appreciate you helping me out.”
Feeling strangely relieved, he restarted the engine and pulled onto the road. It didn’t take long to come to the entrance ramp taking them back onto the highway. Traffic was still light, and he settled into a steady speed. She twisted the cap off a soda and passed it to him before getting one for herself.
“You didn’t have to buy snacks for me.”
She laughed, the sound delightful to his ears. “Snacks are imperative for car trips.”
“Yeah?” he asked, lifting an eyebrow.
She nodded while taking a bite of her granola bar. “Absolutely.” After several minutes of munching, she twisted to look at him. “So, I’m assuming the career you left behind was with the FBI? Or are you just changing offices?”
“It’s actually a career change. I decided to work for a private security company.”
“Wow, that’s interesting. Is that what you wanted to do?”
He hesitated, unused to talking about himself. A snort erupted, and he said, “Actually, I think I must be a work in progress. I’ve had several careers.” He cringed at his words, thinking it made him sound like he could not make up his mind.
“I can understand that,” she enthused. “I think it’s hard to find the one perfect job. Most of us settle for something that pays the bills, and then we just make the most of it.”
He nodded and felt her gaze on him, but instead of feeling scrutinized, it seemed that she understood.
“What other jobs have you had?” she asked.
He glanced toward her, but before he had a chance to speak, she rushed, “I really want to know. You don’t have to tell me anything, but I am interested.”
“I was always interested in history, but, after an Associate’s Degree, I joined the Army.”
“The Army?”
“My dad was in the Army. I can’t say it was always my dream to follow in his footsteps, but I didn’t want to teach history and really had no idea what I wanted to do.” He shrugged, adding, “I became a Ranger, but after six years decided to get out. I had a friend that was in the FBI and made the jump. Now, six years later, I’m giving up on government work and going private.” Glancing at her again, he asked, “What about you?”
She puffed out a breath and grimaced. “I had no idea what I wanted to do in school but majored in finance. I was good at it, but I can’t say that it was my first love. When you get out of college, you need to have a job so that you can become an independent adult.” She laughed as she emphasized the last two words. “But when you attain that status, it isn’t always as glamorous as you hoped it would be. But, by then, there were bills to pay, so I stayed.”
“And now you’re leaving it?”
Her smile remained, but it no longer reached her eyes. “Well, let’s just say that I’m leaving Chicago. I felt the urge to get out and go somewhere new. Start over. The timing was right… but the vehicle was wrong!”
A burst of laughter erupted from him, and he couldn’t remember the last time that had happened. Shaking his head as his mirth slowed, he said, “I’d say you’re right.”
For the next hour and a half, they laughed and talked, and he enjoyed the companionship. Claire was smart, articulate, and it didn’t hurt that her smile was the brightest thing he’d seen in a long time.
The highway ran south of Toledo, but Claire was already on her phone starting to call car rental facilities. After her third call she finished with, “Thank you for trying,” he turned and looked toward her.
“What’s going on?”
“I can’t believe this. I can’t find any rentals. It seems that this weekend there’s a national political rally in Toledo, a country music festival that’s pulling in some of the top musicians, a state-wide automobile show, and a 10K race. I’m not sure Toledo has ever had so much going on all at one time.” She slumped back in her seat and sighed heavily. “These were the ones that were closest to the highway and near the airport. Let me start looking out a little bit.”
“Look, Claire, I had an idea earlier but figured it was crazy. I was going to stop just on the other side of Toledo for the night. We can get a couple of hotel rooms, and you can decide what you’d like to do. If you want to stay in Toledo for a couple of days and get a rental car when one is available, that’s fine. If you’d like to continue heading east with me tomorrow, I’m game.”
“Levi, that’s a huge imposition.”
He heard hope in her words in spite of the air of denial. “I have to admit that I’m used to traveling alone, but your company today has been really nice. Look, I don’t expect you to decide right now. I know you’re overwhelmed and tired, so why don’t we stop at a hotel? Have dinner. And you can rest and let me know in the morning if you’d like to stay or continue on with me.”
“All the way to Boston?”
He hefted his shoulders in a shrug. “I’m practically going right past Boston on my way to Maine.”
She sucked in her lips as though she was trying to hide her smile, but her relief was palpable. Nodding, she replied, “All right. That actually sounds like a good idea. We’ll stop for the night, eat, and then I can make up my mind. One way or the other, maybe we can have breakfast in the morning, and I can let you know.”
He grinned, and they continued on the highway for about fifteen more miles, finding an exit with several hotels. Choosing one with a restaurant next door, he parked but noticed the parking lot was full. Hoping they’d be able to find two rooms, they walked side by side into the lobby and approached the receptionist counter.
“We need two rooms, please,” he said.
The receptionist glanced between them and nodded. “You’re in luck because we’re almost full. I do have two rooms, but they’re not next to each other.”
“That’s fine,” he said, pulling out his credit card.
Claire’s brow furrowed as she handed her card to the receptionist also, the
n drummed her fingers on top of the counter until it was returned to her.
Noting her unease and unable to keep his investigative mind from clicking, Levi managed to see the name on the card, ascertaining that it was her debit card. Perhaps it has a limit, and she’s afraid of overspending.
Leaning down, he whispered, “Don’t worry about extra charges on your card unless you decide to call China in the middle of the night or pretend to be a rock star and trash the room.” Her face softened as a smile replaced the frown. He smiled in return, surprised at how much he liked seeing that look on her face.
Once they had their room keys, he walked her around the building to room A211 and made sure she was inside securely. “My room is on the other side. B117. First floor. Take your time and rest. How about we meet in the lobby in about thirty minutes and walk to dinner?” Gaining her acquiescence, he watched as she closed the door before heading to his room.
Stretching out on the bed, he stared at the ceiling. Thinking about the events of the day, he snorted ruefully. For a man who was rarely impulsive and thought carefully through each decision, his day had been one big impetuous action after the other. Getting off the highway and taking the back roads. Offering to drive a stranger. Then offering to let her travel all the way to Boston with him.
He pressed the heels of his palms into his eyes for a moment and shook his head slowly, wondering what had gotten into him. Claire. Fresh-faced, beautiful, funny Claire. Glancing at the time, he hurried back out to the lobby, ready for dinner, realizing the bottom line was he liked her company. And it sure as hell beats eating alone.
4
“So, blowing up the pottery kiln was the last time I tried an art class. Even with my mother as a teacher, she encouraged me to develop other pursuits!”
Levi laughed along with Claire as she finished her story and they pushed their empty plates away. She waved her hands around in animation when she talked, her eyes bright and her smile wide. He could not remember the last time he’d enjoyed a meal so much.
When she’d walked into the lobby of the hotel, his feet had stuttered to a halt. She was still wearing jeans but had changed into a dark green blouse that complemented her pale complexion and smattering of freckles. Somehow, she managed to look drop-dead gorgeous and wholesome at the same time.
The server came by to see if they wanted coffee after their dessert, but they both declined. “I’m afraid I didn’t sleep all that great last night,” he confided. “If I have coffee it really will be a bad night.”
Nodding, she agreed, stifling a yawn. “I can only have coffee in the morning, and that’s to get my eyes open. I know a lot of people drink it at night, but I’d never get to sleep.”
As the server came again with their bill, he pulled out his card. Watching Claire dig into her purse for her wallet, he said, “No, please. This is my treat.”
“I know that I should graciously accept your offer, but Levi, you’ve done so much for me already.”
“Nothing that I wouldn’t be doing by myself. This dinner was my suggestion anyway, so it’s my treat.”
Her hand darted out to rest on his arm. Leaning forward, she held his gaze. “Thank you so much.” She sucked in a ragged breath and let it out slowly, still holding his gaze. “You’ve taken what was a disastrous day and made it so much better."
Tiny electric jolts moved up his arm, emanating from her warm touch. Unable to look away from her dark-eyed gaze, he sat, entranced. Laughter from another table startled both of them, and she jerked her hand back, her top teeth landing on her bottom lip as though to keep from smiling. He noted she was unsuccessful as her lips curved upward.
As they walked toward the hotel, a breeze blew and he battled the desire to place his arm protectively around her shoulders. She had grown quiet, and his mind turned toward her nebulous plans. “So, once you get to Boston, do you already have a place picked out to move into?”
“Um… no. Not really. Well, not at all.” Her eyes cut toward him before she looked back down at the sidewalk. “I’ve got a friend that lives there, but I haven’t heard back from her. I can stay in a hotel for a few nights until I can find a place to live.”
“Do you have a job already lined up?”
She sucked in her lips, and the corners turned up in a halfhearted smile. “Sure. I mean, who would pick up and move to a new city without a plan?”
He didn’t ask any more questions but observed her hands fiddling with her purse strap. A rueful snort slipped from her. “I’d planned on making the move, but, well, just not right now. So, this is a little impromptu. But it’ll be fine.”
He wasn’t sure if she was trying to convince him or herself, but nerves were flowing from her, encircling them, choking off the previously easy conversation. Arriving at the hotel, they stopped outside her room. Her hands were still clutching her purse, but she looked up and offered a little smile.
“So, breakfast tomorrow?” she asked, her brows lifted and her eyes wide.
“Absolutely. Is seven o’clock too early?”
A quick shake of her head sent her hair flying about her shoulders. “No. That’s fine. I’m an early riser and know you want to get on the road.”
“Okay, we’ll meet in the lobby at seven, have breakfast, and then you can let me know what you’d like to do.” He wanted to encourage her to continue the trip with him, but something was off. And, not knowing what that was made him hesitate. His hands twitched at his sides, longing to reach out to her. Clearing his throat, he said, “I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep tight, Claire.”
With a nod and a wave, she went inside her room, and he heard the lock on the door click. Heading straight to his room, he went inside but couldn’t settle. He began to pace, wondering if he was doing the right thing by offering her a ride. What do I really know about her? Abso-fucking-lutely nothing! She could be a con artist… an opportunist… who the hell knows? Or maybe she’s just down on her luck.
Finally, giving in to the inner battle tormenting him, he pulled out his phone and punched a few buttons before changing his mind. “Tate? Jesus, I hate to call you this late, but is there any way I can find out about someone?”
“Sure. Actually, several of us are still at LSI, checking on one of the Keepers’ missions. What’s going on?”
“I was wondering if I can get a little background on someone. Claire Loman from Chicago.” He gave Tate a quick explanation of how he met her, then gave him the name of the investment firm she worked with as well as the tags from the car she had been driving.
“No problem. Josh says this shouldn’t take long.”
While waiting to hear back, he took a shower, rinsing away the sweat and fatigue of the day. Pulling on a pair of boxers and sweatpants, he stared into the mirror after swiping at the condensation. What are you doing, man? You like her, and she trusts you… and now you're checking up on her. His phone vibrated with an incoming text, and he looked down to see it was from Tate.
Sorry. We got involved in something else. Josh is starting to look now.
Levi yawned, tired from the day, and was now regretting having involved LSI in checking on Claire. He shook his head and winced. Jesus, I haven’t even had my first day employed with them, and I’m already asking for a favor. Claire is just going through a life change, and I’ve let my suspicions take over my good sense. His finger hesitated over his phone, wanting to tell Tate that he changed his mind.
Before he had a chance to begin typing, his phone rang.
“Tate, I’m really sorry I asked you all to do this—”
“No, no, don’t worry about it,” Tate assured. “Believe me, as Keepers, we all pitch in whenever we can. Plus, Josh pulled some interesting information that you’ll want to know about.”
His stomach fell. “Yeah?”
“Claire Loman has been employed by Martins and Lee Investment for the past four years. Before that, she worked in a bank.”
“So, she’s who she says she is?”
“Yes, bu
t… her employment was terminated two days ago. There’s been no police report, but, according to an internal email from one of the senior partners to a junior partner, she’s being looked into for embezzling money. It appears that over five hundred thousand dollars has gone missing from one of the client’s accounts that she was handling.”
Sitting straight up, his heart pounded. “You’re kidding me?”
“I take it you didn’t get that feeling from her?”
“No… but then… hell, I just met her. Who the fuck knows what she’s really like?”
“We find it interesting that they haven’t contacted the authorities yet, but then, they may be trying to handle this internally. Who the fuck knows why some businesses make the decisions they do?”
His mind raced, and he appreciated the quiet moment Tate gave him to process the information.
“What are you going to do?” Tate asked.
“Since no police report has been filed, I’ve got no reason to contact them. But I also don’t want her traveling with me. I’ll tell her in the morning that I’ve had a change of plans, and she’ll need to find her own way to Boston.”
“Sorry as fuck, man,” Tate said. “So far, your trip hasn’t turned out the way you were hoping.”
“No worries. It’s still been a good trip, and I have to admit her company was nice. Broke up the monotony for a while, but I’ve never minded traveling by myself. I’ll hit the road in the morning after I have a chance to talk to her. After all this, I’ll probably head on straight to Maine. I’ll see you in a couple of days.” With goodbyes, they disconnected.
He tossed his book to the nightstand, blowing out his breath in a long sigh. He had enjoyed Claire’s company but was no longer sorry he had LSI check into her. Shit. He scrubbed his hand over his face, thinking about the uncomfortable conversation he would have to have in the morning. Turning off the light, he slid under the covers and closed his eyes. But, for the second night in a row, sleep came fitfully.
Levi (Lighthouse Security Investigations Book 7) Page 3
