Page 23 of Fierce Lies

I glanced at my dead phone. "Twenty minutes, maybe? The next one isn't for another forty, I think. My phone died, and I don't have a watch."

"That's ridiculous." He shook his head. "Come on, I'll give you a ride."

"I can't ask you to do that."Nor do I want you to see where I live.

"You didn't ask. I offered." His voice was firm but not unkind. "Macey would kill me if I let her new protégé catch pneumonia right before her vacation. Besides, if it doesn't come and your phone is dead, you'll be here overnight. I don't like the thought of that."

Of course he didn't. Damn him, being all sweet when I didn't want him to be.

I hesitated, stuck between not wanting him to know my living situation and wanting to get home and warm before I did, indeed, get sick. "Are you sure? I don't want to put you out." I should've just taken Macey up on her offer in all honesty. But I was out of options now.

"It's no trouble. My car's right there, and you look like you're about to turn into an icicle." A hint of a smile touched his lips. "Besides, Macey's been talking about that wine tour for weeks. I'd hate to ruin it for her."

I laughed despite myself. "She has been pretty excited. I've heard all the plans."

"Try sitting through lunch with her. I now know every winery in the Napa Valley by heart."

The rain intensified, and a gust of wind sent a spray of water into the shelter.

"Okay," I conceded. "Thank you."

Jackson nodded and led the way to his car, opening the passenger door for me. I slid into the leather seat, immediately feeling guilty about my wet clothes.

"I'm sorry about your seats," I said as he got in beside me.

"They'll dry." He started the engine, and warm air began flowing from the vents, making me let out an audible sigh.

"Where to?" He arched a brow at me.

I gave him my address, watching as his brow furrowed slightly.

"That's in Westbrook?"

"Yeah." I shifted uncomfortably. "I know it's not the best area, but it's what I can afford."

He didn't comment further, just nodded and pulled away from the curb. The windshield wipers worked furiously against the downpour, and I huddled into my seat.

"Thank you again for the ride," I said after a moment of silence. "I really appreciate it."

"You apologize and thank people a lot."

"Force of habit, I guess." I looked out at the rain-blurred streets. "My mom always taught me to be polite and respectful."

"She sounds like a good woman."

"She is." My throat tightened as I thought about my conversation with her last night. "The best."

Jackson glanced at me before returning his eyes to the road. "You two are quite close then?"

"Very. It's been just us for most of my life."

"And your dad?"

I tensed. "Not in the picture."

He nodded, seeming to understand not to push further. "What about your roommate? You said she has your car?"

"Ivy. We've been friends since we were kids. She's basically family."