Page 27 of Healing Conviction

And their waitress, Tabitha, was falling for it, hook, line, and sinker. “Ain’t that the sweetest surprise! That girl’s done had a time of it lately. She deserves some kinda happy. Hold on a sec, hon.” She glanced next to the cash register and leaned in like she was about to reveal something Top Secret. “I ain’t supposed to tell you this, now. So don’t tattle on me. But she’s scheduled for second shift this afternoon, around two.”

“Thank you kindly, ma’am. You’ve been such a big help. I’ll keep your lil’ secret if you keep mine. Don’t wanna ruin the surprise.”

“You got it, sugar.” Tabitha mimed locking her lips and throwing away the key.

They said their goodbyes in ‘Southern’, and a full five minutes later, Nora waved and exchanged her final pleasantry before looping her arms around Draco’s bicep. The touch sent a shiver through his body, making him pause for the briefest of seconds. They both stared at their connection, and when she tried to pull free, he wrapped his other hand over hers.

Her fake smile relaxed into her real grin that took over her whole face, forming the faintest of creases at the corners of her eyes behind her rose gold glasses. “Come on, handsome. Let’s go kill some time.”

They exited the restaurant, and the sticky, hot, and humid air clung to them while they walked to Draco’s truck.

“That was easier than I thought it’d be,” Draco admitted and opened her door. “At least she gave us a time to come back.”

“Thank the goddesses for Southern hospitalit—Drake!” Her voice raised higher as he picked her up and deposited her on the seat.

“Not cool, Malfoy! Not coo—”

Draco shut the door on her objections and when he made it to the driver’s side, he was greeted once again by her stern pout. He only grinned back at her. She rolled her eyes and continued to berate him..

“You’re incorrigible, you know that? In-cor-ri-gi-ble. This cannot be athingthat we do.”

He pretended to weigh her words with a tilt of his head. “Eh, I think it already is.”

She huffed and opened her plump lips, probably intending to keep arguing, but a yawn took over.

“You tired?”

“Ya think? It’s not exactly like the last nine hours have been full of beauty sleep, handsome. This truck is big enough to be cozy for me, but I don’t know how you’ll survive, ya giant.”

“I’ve slept in worse. But I have a different idea.” Draco deposited another minty toothpick into his mouth before starting the truck and driving in silence. He made only a few turns before pulling into another parking lot.

“A hotel? How’d you know this was here? You drove straight to it.”

“While you were talking, I searched for one nearby so we could get some rest. This is the best one I could find.”

“Geez, I normally notice stuff like that. I guess Tabby Talks-A-Lot’s conversation was more mind consuming than I thought.”

He snorted and grinned as he parked. “I thought she’d never let you go.”

“I have a feeling my own personal Viking savior would’ve rescued me before that.”

“Always.” He turned and held her surprised gaze for a moment before getting out of the truck.

“Stay here. I’ll get us a room. Keep the doors locked until I get back.”

“Do we really need to get a room?” Her lips pursed. “What if we’re here for only a few more hours?”

“We’ll make them count.” He grinned before closing the door behind him, letting her decide whether there was a hidden meaning.

The bored man behind the lobby counter barely looked up as he gave Draco the room key, only taking a second glance at the black company credit card.

When he got back to the truck, Nora sat with her door wide open, a frown marring her delicate features as she stared at the asphalt.

“Pix, I told you to keep the doors locked.”

“And you know good and well I don’t like being told what to do.” Frustration that hadn’t been present in her voice when he’d left her tinged her reprimand.

“What’s wrong now? And don’t say everything’s ‘peachy keen’. You’re staring at the pavement like it’s challenged you to a fight.”