Page 84 of The Matchmaker Club

“I’m serious. I’ve never been this way before.”

He turned down the music. “Please tell me you’re kidding.”

“I’m not. I have no idea where we are.”

He pulled out his phone, and I held out my hand. “Give me that. No help. Your gut is in charge from here on out.”

He slapped the phone into my palm.

After another mile or so, the intensity oozing from Lucas was so thick even the opened windows didn’t help.

“How much gas do you have?”

“Just under a half tank.”

“How much did you start with?”

“Almost a full tank.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Turn around and go back.”

“Why?”

“What do you mean, why? When was the last time you saw a gas station, or any sign of human existence for that matter? What if there isn’t another gas station for miles?”

“I guess we’re about to find out.”

He reached toward the console for his phone, but I snatched it away before he could and tucked it under my seat.

“Pull over.” He pressed a hand to the center of his chest. “I’m not kidding.”

I eased Blush to the side of the road and shifted into park. Lucas hopped out and started pacing along the edge of woods.

I got out and leaned against the car, letting his moment of panic pass through him.

He stopped, and his eyes cut through mine. “We’re going back, and you’re giving me my phone.”

“If that’s what you want, then that’s what we’ll do.”

He nodded. “It’s what I want.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t know what’s up ahead. Jesus, Taylor. Did you even prepare for this trip? What if we ran out of gas? Broke down? Or what if we lost signal on our phones?” His eyes widened. “Shit, I didn’t check that.”

Just as he was about to head to the car, the sound of rustling leaves and the cry of an animal sounded from the woods.

Lucas turned around. “What is that?”

“I think it’s a deer. I’ll check YouTube for the animal call. It sounds distressed.”

As I started to slide into the passenger seat to grab my phone, Lucas nudged me. “It’s a fawn,” he whispered.

I stood up slowly and watched as the curious fawn made a few limping steps toward Lucas and fell. The fawn cried out again.

“He’s hurt.” Lucas went to help, but I grabbed his arm.

“Wait for the mother. I’ll call animal rescue.”