Page 107 of Rogue's Path

But we can’t stay here forever. I need to get settled in, and he promised me a sunset walk. “Just to warn you—” I step away from him and grab my purse. “—I plan on paying here too.”

“Peaches.”

“I need the points.”

“You don’t need anything.”

He’s right. Not that I’m going to let a little detail like that matter. “But I want them, and a deal’s a deal.”

“The next deal we make—” He leaves the threat hanging.

I love that man! “Who says I’m going to make a deal with you?”

“You will.”

“Well, for now, I’m going to enjoy the one we have.” I strut off.

Rogue opens the clear glass door to the front office for me.

The blue formica counter matches the vibe of the place. Over in the corner, they have a fish tank set inside one of those old wooden cabinet televisions.

“How can I help you?” the clerk says.

“We’re checking in. Two adjoining rooms under Chaos Custom Rides.” Rogue steps up next to me at the counter.

“Told the kid making the reservation, we can’t guarantee connecting rooms. I got two rooms for you, but one is up front and the other is back by the mini golf course.”

A hundred-dollar bill appears on the counter in front of us.

Rogue is smooth.

“That won’t help none. There was a big accident on the other side of town. A semi knocked out all the power lines and a gas line. People were forced to move out of their houses for the night. I’m having to turn people away. Those are the only two rooms, take them or leave them.”

“We’ll take the one room up front.”

I guess that means we’re sharing a room. Before Rogue can get tricky, I hand the clerk my card. “We’ll pay for the other room too. Give it to someone who needs it.”

“That’s kind of you, ma’am,” even as he says the nice words, the clerk gives Rogue a pitying look.

Say something. “We’re planning a trip to Africa soon. My card gives these bonus miles towards travel there. Have you ever been to Africa?”

The clerk takes my card with a smile towards Rogue. “No, ma’am. I can’t say I have.”

“It’s a beautiful country. You should go someday.”

After the man hands us our key cards and shows us where our room is, we step out of the building.

Rogue hooks an arm around my waist. “Have I ever told you that I love your quick mind and stubborn spirit?” He starts to lean down and kiss my hair.

Does that count as a real kiss? It certainly wouldn’t feel like one.

He stops and stands upright. “Let’s go get the cases and unpack.”

By get the cases, Rogue means he gets all the bags, and I stand and watch him. Occasionally, I can nab one before him, but that just earns me a grumpy look and him stealing it back.

This evening, I just watch the road and wait. Traffic is heavy this evening, and everyone seems to be moving slowly, not quite at a standstill but not much more than a crawl. It must be that accident. I really wasn’t paying attention as we were driving. It turns out that writing while a passenger princess agrees with me.

Is that—No, it can’t be. The guy is driving a red SUV this time. But he looks like the guy from the gas station. Why doesmy mind keep playing tricks like this? Am I going to see that guy in every car?