Page 26 of Destined Chaos
I shoved from my seated position and hobbled back to the counter. “I need you to fly me home to take care of some issues and so I can pack some more things. I’ll pay for your services and your stay in town. It’s hopefully just for one night.”
“What’s in it for me?” he asked with a grin.
“Did you miss the part where I said I’d pay you?”
“How about instead of paying me, you tell that other guy that made the offer that you’ll need thirty days to decide.”
“You want me to pay you in time?”
“Yep. Take it or leave it. You’re frustrated with Slaughter House right now, and I don’t want you to make any rash decisions that could affect both our lives.”
“You think I’m unstable?” I asked, raising a brow.
“Unstable in a good way.” He grinned. Humor shined in his eyes. “So, what’s it going to be?”
“Fine,” I answered. Calling me unstable took courage few men possessed. “Thirty days, but that doesn’t mean that I’m selling it to you.”
“Fair enough,” he said with a grin that suggested he had plans to convince me otherwise.
12
Libby
We spent the night getting to know each other. He mentioned some of his family as being of the special variety, much like himself. He had elaborated on little more than that.
I had a deep sleep regardless of being in a stranger’s house. The house was quiet. Hugh even more so, and the worries about Slaughter House seemed to have disintegrated with distance. Was my fog like the cell service? Just being around Slaughter house made the reception spotty and hazy.
The morning had been a whirlwind. He’d packed and made some calls and I’d just stayed out of his way. Every time I tried to help, he gestured to the couch and reminded me to prop up my foot.
The plane ride in the Cessna had been smooth sailing. The views from the cockpit were breathtaking. I’d never gotten to sit shotgun in a plane before.
I’d texted Champ before takeoff and asked him to send a car, and it was waiting for us when we landed.
Hugh helped me off the plane and handed me the crutches. “Looks like you know how to travel in style.”
“I asked for a driver and a Town Car. Not the limo,” I said, shoving the crutches beneath my arms. “And this isn’t typical. Trust me.”
The back door opened as we headed in that direction. Champ stepped out. His smile fell when it reached my foot.
“You didn’t tell me you’re hurt,” Champ said.
“I didn’t ask for an escort,” I replied.
“Looks like you brought muscle for your dilemma.”
“She has a dilemma?” Hugh asked.
“I don’t, and Hugh is my friend,” I said, immediately regretting the word choice.
“Friend in a couple of days?” Champ said, gesturing to the limo. “You don’t use that word ever, well, other than with me. Should I be jealous?”
“You don’t have many friends?” Hugh asked.
Champ grinned as I shoved my crutches against his chest and climbed into the back of the limo with Hugh following behind me.
Champ handed off the crutches to his driver and rounded the limo and climbed inside. “So, friend, tell me everything. How did you two meet? Was it serious? Let me guess. You two were childhood sweethearts.” He held up his hand. “Or, more likely, she’s paying you to be her new boyfriend so the last one will take a hint.”
“She keeps falling into my arms.”
