Shit. “Fine, I could use a ride.” Her window stopped, and her brow cocked over her shades. “Please.”
“Get in.” She released a breath so deep she seemed to deflate, and I hurried around the car and got in.
“Thanks.” I put on my seatbelt, and she handed me a phone charger, which I plugged into my phone.
“Maybe it will charge enough on the way so you can see what the damage is. Have you contacted anyone since the accident?” She pulled up to the highway and put her arms out. “Where am I taking you?”
“I’m at the Olde House in the historic plantation district.” She turned out on the highway, and I waited for her to remark on my address.
“Nice area. I love the old trees out there. They’ve always been my favorite part of its charm.”
“Yeah, it’s beautiful.” I had mumbled the words and stared out the window hoping to avoid conversation.
She gave me a nudge. “So, have you? Contacted anyone, that is? You never answered me.”
“There’s no one to contact, really. I don’t have any family, or friends for that matter. But then again, it’s nice not having anyone ask me unnecessary questions all the time.” I gave her a blank look, hoping to make my point.
“Wow, Aiden, you’re a real peach. It’s hard to believe you don’t have any friends.” Her phone buzzed, and she gave it a glance.
“I suppose a girl like you has enough for the both of us.” I turned to stare out the window as she changed lanes and took the next exit, which led to my end of town.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean? A girl like me?” Her tone told me she was offended, and I tried hard not to smile.
“Come on; you’re not taking a special interest in me because of my sparkling personality.”
I wondered if she knew who I was. She didn’t seem surprised that I lived in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Savannah, and my name wasn’t exactly unheard of. The accident had been all over the news, sure, but my family had great influence in the community.
She held her hand up over her shoulder as if she could slap the piss out of me. “Excuse me?” Her hand fell to her chest. “Y
ou act like I came onto you in some bar. Might I remind you that I’m the only person who has given a damn, despite you behaving like an asshole.” She shook her head and then gripped the wheel with both hands, white-knuckled.
I shifted in my seat to face her. “Because you probably know who I am. You can’t tell me my name’s not familiar, especially considering where I live.”
Her face fell, and she didn’t deny anything. “Maybe your wealth doesn’t mean shit to me. Have you ever considered I’m not some poor little gold digger after your money? My bank account is nothing to sneeze at.”
“So, you do know who I am? And, I’m to assume that’s why you’re being so charitable.”
“Not at all. I guess if I was in your situation, I’d hope that someone would help me. That’s all. Nothing more, no hidden agendas. But trust me, I understand.”
“My situation.” I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Yes, being in the hospital after a horrible accident.” She turned down my street and then approached my gate. “You know, I don’t care if I ever see you again after today; you obviously have issues with trust, and while I can understand that, your defensive nature is a tad too much for me.”
Her words hit me like a brick. I hadn’t considered myself defensive, but I guess that was one way to size me up. “I don’t do well with pity. I guess it makes me a little defensive. Eighteen fifty-five.”
“Eighteen fifty-five?” She seemed confused, and I smiled.
“The gate code.” I pointed to the small black box by her window.
As a soft, tiny laugh escaped her and broke the tension between us, I realized I wanted to see her again. “Could you come inside for a drink?”
She lowered her window and punched in the code, then as she drove through the opening gate, she sighed. “I don’t know. I’ve worked a long night, and I wouldn’t want you to mistake my company for pity.” I let out a breath, and my jaw clenched. I didn’t like her fucking with me.
“When my family died, everyone was treating me like a ten-year-old orphan. I finally had enough of it and let all of the staff go, even the groundskeeper, as you can probably tell.” I wasn’t sure why I was telling her that, but I hoped it would help her understand the reason I hated being pitied.
She stopped the car just outside the front entrance and shifted in her seat to face me. “This place does look like hell, but it won’t take much to get it back to its glory, I’m sure.” She reached out and stroked my beard, and my blood rushed right to my cock at her touch. “The hedges aren’t the only things that need a trim. I have a feeling there’s a good-looking man under all this.”
“Or a complete asshole, right?” I opened my door, but she grabbed my arm before I could stand.