"Not if they want privacy."
I drew back. If that wasn't a hint, I didn't know what was.
Joel's expression softened. "I didn't mean you."
I studied his face. Did he mean that? Or was he just being nice?
He glanced toward my bicycle. "You didn't ride your bike here?"
"Well, yeah. I mean, it's not like I have a car."
He frowned. "But it's dark out."
I gave him a tentative smile. "But it wasn't when I left."
He was still frowning. "You've gotta be more careful."
"Why? It's perfectly safe."
"Well, you're not biking back," he said. "Hang on, I'll get the car."
What was this? A dismissal? "But wait, you haven't asked why I'm here."
"Iknowwhy you're here."
I gave him a perplexed look. "Why?"
As an answer, he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a credit card. Wordlessly, he handed it over. I took a look. It wasn't just any credit card. It wasmycredit card, the one I kept tucked in the front pocket of my purse for emergencies.
"Where'd you find this?" I asked.
His voice was deadpan. "In the Camaro."
Oh. The Camaro.
Obviously, it was still a sore subject, and I could totally see why.
About the credit card, I was beyond grateful to have it back, even if I hadn't realized it was missing. I met Joel's gaze. "Thanks."
"You're welcome." He glanced toward my bike. "You ready to go?"
"Actually, not yet." I tucked the card into the pocket of my shorts and said, "I'm not here because of the credit card. You want the truth? I didn't even know you had it."
"Then whyareyou here?"
I gave him a shaky smile. "I was awful earlier, wasn't I?"
Joel shoved his hands into his pockets. "I wouldn't say that."
"Oh come on," I said. "You would, too. Because I was." I cleared my throat. "Anyway, I just wanted to say, well, I'm sorry."
"Forget it. Not a big deal."
I studied his face. Did he mean it? I wasn't so sure.
"No seriously," I said. "On Friday, you were so great about taking my side, and I should've done the same for you, with the Camaro, I mean. I don't know why you took it, but I'm sure you had a good reason." I took a deep breath. "And lastly, I never thanked you."
"For what?"
