“That’s why I come here, darlin’, to cheer you up.” He winked, and added, “One cola and a beer.”
“You got it, cowboy.”
She shuffled off—actually more like waddled away. Having worked in Labor and Delivery for a few years, Kerry felt a stir of sympathy for the woman. She should be off her feet and resting. But, Kerry knew as well as anyone, no bills got paid if you didn’t show up for work.
Couples drifted away from the dance floor as the song ended and their waitress returned with drinks. No one added more coins to the jukebox, and only the sound of the cue ball clacking and the hum of conversation filled the crowded room.
Damian took a swig of his beer and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “There’s a motel a few miles down the road from here.”
“Great. Can you call about my car now?”
“Sure.” He plucked his cell phone from his shirt pocket and pushed a few buttons.
Her initial concern about riding with a stranger faded as she surveyed the bustling room. This minor bump in the road wouldn’t do anything to halt her plans. She’d budgeted for a three night stay, so whether she spent the first night here or in Albuquerque really made no difference.
Her gaze shifted to Damian. Even though nothing like Cody in build and coloring, something protective in this man brought warm memories of her husband, and felt comfortable. She could always count on Cody—or his parents—to handle things.
And that had been the problem.
Time to rely on herself.
His deep voice drifted over her as he spoke with the mechanic who apparently wasn’t being very helpful. Damian glanced at her and rolled his eyes. That didn’t appear very promising. How difficult could it be to fix a flat?
He dropped the cell phone on the table. “Just as I thought. Boz is already into his sec
ond six-pack. We can drop the keys off in the box outside his garage, and he’ll get the car in the morning.”
“Will it be all right out on the road all night?”
“No problem. I’ll call Glenn Major, a buddy of mine. He’s a cop, and on duty tonight. I’ll make sure he keeps an eye on it.”
She relaxed even further. He was friends with a cop.
Damian covered his ear as he spoke into the phone once again, then pushed a button to disconnect the call, tucking the cell into his pocket.
Kerry downed the rest of her drink. “Can I ask you to make one more call?” When he nodded, she continued. “I need a taxi to take me to the motel.”
Damian shook his head. “I’ll drive you.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to mess up any plans you might have had.”
“No plans. I spend most nights here.” He gestured to the ever increasing crowd.
She wrinkled her nose, her eyes skimming the boisterous room. “Sounds lonely.”
He flinched, making her wish she could take back the words.
Damian leaned in. “Can I ask a favor before we leave?”
Kerry tensed, her suspicions re-surfacing. Maybe she had been wrong about him after all. Was he looking for some type of ‘payment?’
He studied her, a slight tilt to his lips. “Dance with me?”
Kerry’s heart did a double thump. She could fall into those eyes and never come out. And that indecent smile did things to her stomach she hadn’t felt in a long, long time.
As the next song started up, he left his seat, then moved around the table and extended his hand. His upper body blocked the light, so he stood in shadow. But she could still see those eyes, challenging her. Why did she feel his request required some sort of major decision on her part? It was merely a dance.
Kerry mentally shook herself. “Sure.” If he made her uncomfortable, she’d thank him for his help, and ask the bartender to call a cab.