Exposed (Let Me Love You #3)

Chapter 2

2

LEVEL UP

LUCY

T he temperature is cool tonight, and the refreshing sea breeze is a welcome respite after that guy cornered me in the parking lot. Matt coming to my rescue was a surprise. Who knew wedding photographers could be so badass?

We’ve run into each other a few times while I catered wedding receptions, and he’s tried to talk with me. Although he’s super hot and seems nice, I avoid him. He’s a distraction I can’t afford right now.

Admittedly, I’ve never had anyone fight for me before, and I felt protected with Matt. In my life, I’ve always had to create my own sense of safety. I’ve never known the luxury of fully depending on another person.

Just because he protected me once doesn’t mean I’m letting him know where I live. I want to be safe inside my car, so I walk quickly through the darkness. There’s enough traffic on the lively Miami streets that I’m not scared.

When I get to the empty YMCA parking lot where my car is parked, a sleek, dark gray Chevy Camaro silently rolls up next to me in the lot.

The hair on the back of my neck rises. The YMCA is closed now, so there’s no reason anyone should be in the lot.

The driver’s window rolls down, and I aim my pepper spray at the driver. Then, I recognize Matt’s blond hair.

“Easy, Pepper. It’s me, Matt.” He lifts two fingers in a wave like we’re old friends.

“ Pepper ?” I question.

“Yeah. You and that spray can are joined at the hip,” he chuckles.

“You obviously don’t know what it’s like to be a young woman on a dark night then,” I snap.

“I’ve never used pepper spray, no, but it’s not safe for you to walk at night. That’s why I offered to give you a ride, obviously,” he throws the word back at me with a smirk.

Hmm. Good point. Matt doesn’t seem like he wants to hurt me. Maybe I should’ve taken him up on his offer. But what if he wants to hurt me? Ugh. I hate being in a position where I need help and have to trust someone other than myself.

“What are you doing here?” I question.

He parks his fancy Camaro in the empty lot and gets out.

“You’re not in the lines of a parking spot,” I point out.

“I don’t have to be. The Y is closed, Pepper,” he raps his knuckles on the hood of his car.

My eyes go to my beat up Mazda, the cheapest vehicle I could find in the classifieds section of the newspaper. My maroon hunk of metal is parked perfectly in the lines. I used to never break rules, but now, I can’t afford to follow many of them.

“Wanted to make sure you got home safely. Why are you parked in a YMCA lot?” He presses.

Bathed in the light of the nearby street lamp, his blond hair gives him an angelic aura, as if he's here to save me. He’s a chivalrous guy, but if he finds out what’s going on in my life, I don’t think he’d want to help me.

I look down at my black work shoes and roll my lips between my teeth.

“Saves me gas money if I keep my car in one place,” I mumble, fixing my gaze on the hood of my very used car.

Also, I use the YMCA showers. Being homeless is a humbling situation. Two months ago, I would’ve never guessed I’d be here. Eight weeks later, and this is all I have.

“You have to keep your car in one place,” he slowly repeats. “Why not keep it at your house?” He counters, and I look back up at him.

“I’m crashing here for now,” I mutter.

He looks around the empty parking lot in disbelief. “You live in your car ?” He asks, his eyes wide, then he shakes his head. “Nope. Not happening. Come home with me.”

I think back to the way he ordered around the drunk guy harassing me.

“You like bossing people around, huh?” I cross my arms over my chest.

“Only when I’m right.” He gives me a flirty smirk.

“You’re so sure of yourself.”

“I’m confident,” he pushes back.

He’s different than other arrogant guys I’ve known. Matt actually protected me tonight.

“I won’t even get in your car. What makes you think I’ll go home with you?” I ask.

“My small town charm,” he says with a grin.

“You’re from a small town?” I ask.

“Yeah, a little island east of here.”

“Is this spiel how you get girls to sleep with you?”

“No. If that’s what I wanted, I’d ask to hook up with you. I wouldn’t have to take you home to do it either. Don’t change the subject.” He waves his hand in front of my car. “Get in your clunker and follow me to my house, or drive in my car with me. It doesn’t matter, but don’t stay here. Anyone could break the window and harm you. I’ve got a perfectly safe house for you to sleep in.”

I sigh as I contemplate his offer. My back hurts from laying on the metal springs that poke out of the backseat. I can’t stomach being in my car tonight when there’s another option on the table.

I feel exhausted thinking about how I don’t rest in my car, because I’m keeping watch for anyone lurking outside. I shuffle back and forth on my feet nervously. Outside of a couple minutes of dozing off, I haven’t gotten a single night’s rest in two months. It’s tempting, but getting help from a stranger is terrifying.

“Who offers up their home to someone they don’t know?” I ask.

“What’s your favorite movie?” Matt asks with a sly grin.

“Jurassic Park.” I answer slowly, wondering where he’s going with this.

He nods his approval. “Classic. We share the same favorite movie. We just leveled up to the friends category, and friends help friends. Come home with me. Call it small town hospitality ingrained in me.”

“Are you expecting to get in my pants if you take me home?” I ask.

“No,” he shakes his head, then grins. “Unless you really want me to, in which case I’d be an incredibly gracious host.”

It’s been a long time since I’ve had a warm, cozy man to lie next to, and Matt is handsome with his angular jawline and tall stature. His wide shoulders and sculpted biceps are easily visible with the white polo he’s wearing with his photography logo on it.

“I was joking. But if your silence and staring at me are any indication, seems like you’re considering the idea,” he says softly. “Look, we’re both tired. My offer is simple. You’re apparently a strong woman who’s hit a rough patch. Let me help you for the night, and we can talk in the morning.”

He reaches for his back pocket. I step back with a sharp inhale. He’s going to hurt me, so I raise my pepper spray to douse his face.

He must notice my reaction, because he holds his hands up in a surrendering gesture. “Whoa, I’m getting my phone. I won’t hurt you, Lucy. ”

When he pulls his expensive looking mobile device from his back pocket to show me, I breathe a sigh of relief.

“Trigger happy, huh?” He asks.

When you’ve had almost zero sleep and been on the run for two months, yes.

“What are you doing?” I ask, ignoring his question.

“Calling a friend. She’ll verify I’m safe to go home with,” he answers while he pushes a number he’s got on speed dial. He pushes the speakerphone button so I can hear.

“Hello?” A female voice answers.

“Hey, Hope. I’ve got a friend who needs a place to stay for the night,” Matt explains.

“We’re busy, Matt,” a man’s deep voice interrupts on the line.

“Noah, stop,” Hope giggles. “What do you need, Matt?”

“Vouch for me,” Matt answers and winks at me.

“Who am I talking to?” Hope asks.

“Lucy.”

“Lucy, Matt is totally safe, caring and trustworthy. I’ve known him since we were kids. Definitely go home with him. You won’t regret it. Get to know him. He’s a keeper,” Hope says in a cheery voice.

Matt raises his eyebrows at me.

“Thank you, Hope,” I tell her.

“Good night,” she says cheerfully.

She sounds nice. I bet she’d be a good friend. I made friends when I moved to my new job. Then, my life fell apart, and I left everything behind. It won’t be forever though. I’ll fix it.

“Night,” Matt replies and ends the call.

“She sold you pretty well,” I admit .

“Hope’s one of the best people in the world. Now, your car or mine?” He points to each of my choices. His hands are big, with long fingers that would wrap perfectly around my waist if he hauled me up in his strong arms. Honestly, I’m lonely, and Matt seems like a good guy.

While I can’t be certain, I’m sure of one thing: I need a good night’s rest. I can’t afford to pay for a hotel, and he’s offering me a free bed to sleep in. If I don’t get sleep soon, I’m going to collapse at work from exhaustion and lose my job. Money is my ticket to freedom, so I need to work. I’ve nearly reached zombie level fatigue, and I won’t last if I keep going like this. Right now, sleep sounds like heaven. I’m going for it.

“You’re sure you don’t mind?” I ask.

“Positive.” He nods once.

“Okay.” I open my car door. Well, I try, but the handle sticks.

“Here,” he covers my hand with his and opens the creaky door. The warmth of his hand sends goosebumps up my arm.

“Thanks. It does that sometimes.” Every time, actually . “I’ll follow you,” I decide.

“That’s what I’m talking about.” A huge smile erupts on his face, one that reaches his sparkling blue eyes. His face is incredible when he smiles.

“Are you happy because you got your way or because I’m coming home with you?” I ask.

“Both. You can put your pepper spray away. Nothing bad will happen to you while you’re with me.”

I blush at his proclamation. If only he knew exactly what it would mean to protect me. It’ll take a lot more than pepper spray for me to be safe again.

Tonight, though, I’d like to forget. Taking him up on his “gracious host” offer is enticing.

Like everyone else, I’ve had my share of shitty experiences in life. In high school, I was with a few unsavory guys to escape my home life. Yes, I realize now that I was searching for love in the wrong places.

I dated several guys in college, but I’m not very good at picking out winners. I’ve never had a one-night stand before, so this could be my first with Matt. He can’t be any worse than the guys I’ve been with before.

In the past two months, I’ve done several things that I’ve never done before. This could actually be a good new experience, as opposed to the other bad experiences I’ve encountered.

I choose to hope. That’s how I survive, holding out that something amazing will happen one day. Life can’t be all bad. I’ll find the good. I have to, because giving up isn’t an option.