Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 41918 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 210(@200wpm)___ 168(@250wpm)___ 140(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41918 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 210(@200wpm)___ 168(@250wpm)___ 140(@300wpm)
I help her get it settled and straddle my bike. With a deep breath, Emma gets on behind me, holding my waist tightly. I can feel her heart racing against my back, and I reach down and squeeze her hand reassuringly.
"Ready?"
She nods and holds on tighter.
"Hey," I call over the engine. "You can trust me. I've got you."
"I know." She sounds a little breathless. "I do, Luke. I trust you."
Her words send a rush of possessive warmth through me as we roar off into the night. Emma's arms tighten around my waist, her body pressed close. I can feel her heartbeat against my back, matching the rhythm of mine, and I know that something has changed between us tonight.
"Hold on tight," I yell as we take a sharp turn, leaning into it. "We'll be there soon."
She gives a little squeak of surprise but doesn't let go. We weave through the streets of Stonebridge, passing the park and the campus, the old Victorian homes, and the stone buildings of the university, until we reach my house. The garage next to the house where I work is dark, but the motion lights for the home itself kick on as I pull into the driveway.
"You live here?" Emma asks, sounding surprised. "It's beautiful."
"Thanks." I can't help but smile at the awe in her voice. I didn't build the house myself, but I did a fair bit of renovation and repairs over the years. I'm proud of the results. "Wait til you see the inside."
She grins at me, helmet wobbling on her head. "Can't wait."
I help her off the bike and take her helmet, storing it safely inside the garage. Then, I lead her into the house. The space is open and airy, with a mix of rustic and modern finishes. The kitchen is my favorite—clean lines and high-end appliances. I like to cook when time allows.
“Let me show you to the guest room. Unless you wanted something to drink?”
She hesitates, glancing at the clock on the microwave. "I hate to disappear after you basically saved my life, but I really need to get some sleep for my exam tomorrow. I don't even want to think about if they're going to let me get my study supplies from my dorm or if I'm going to have to wear pajamas to school tomorrow, but my head is so fuzzy that I can't even think straight. If I could just crash on the couch—--"
"Emma."
She breaks off, looking up at me.
"You can stay here."
"But, don't you have roommates or something? I really don't want to intrude, and I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea."
I shake my head, resisting the urge to laugh. "I live alone, sweetheart. There's no one here but me."
"Oh." She pauses. "So I'd be staying with you?"
"You'd have your own room, of course."
She looks relieved. "Okay, well, if you're sure. I'd hate to put you out."
"You're not putting me out," I reassure her, taking her hand. "In fact, I'd be honored if you stayed. But only if you want to, Emma."
"I do." She squeezes my hand, smiling shyly. "I trust you, Luke."
Something flares in my chest at her words, and I fight the urge to pull her closer. Instead, I give her hand one last squeeze and lead her down the hall. "Right this way."
I show Emma to the guest room, a little space tucked away at the end of the hallway. There's a bed, a dresser, and a small desk. It's a little plain, maybe—I haven't had a lot of visitors—but it's clean and comfortable.
Emma looks around the room, exhaling in relief at seeing a bed. "It's perfect, Luke, thank you. I can't believe how kind you're being to me."
I shake my head. "It's nothing.”
She smiles up at me, and for a moment, we just stare at each other, the air charged with something powerful. It’d be so easy to take her hand and lead her to the bed. Then, she clears her throat, looking away.
"Well, um, thank you, Luke. For everything. I don't know what I would have done without you tonight."
"It was my pleasure, Emma. Anything you need, just ask."
Emma nods, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Well, I guess I should try to get some sleep”
"Get some rest. My room is just across the hall if you need anything, alright?" Like me to bury my face between your legs?
"You’re too sweet."
She offers me a soft, tired smile before closing the door. I linger in the hallway for a moment, feeling like something important has just happened. It's more than rescuing her, more than inviting her to stay—the bond between us growing, becoming harder to ignore.
In my bedroom, I strip off my leather jacket and flop down on the bed. It's been a long night and day, too. I'm exhausted. But at the same time, a part of me wants to rush back into the hall, throw open the door to Emma's room, and take her in my arms.