She rolled her eyes. "Oh please. Save it for someone who believes that sort of thing, okay?"
"Baby–"
"Stop." She gave me a hard look. "Listen, whatever reason you seem to think I'm here, that's not it." She dropped her hands and squared her shoulders. "I'm here because you didn't give me any other choice, remember?"
I looked out toward the driveway. "Where's your car?"
"At work."
"Why?"
"Because the stupid thing wouldn't start." She glanced away. "And I had to beg the busboy for a ride home."
If this were yesterday, she would've calledmefor a ride. She wouldn't need to beg anyone. And whether we were together or not, shestilldidn't need to beg anyone. "You should've called me," I said.
"Yeah? Well, maybe I didn't want to owe you a favor."
"You wouldn't haveowedme anything."
"Yeah, right."
I looked toward the street. "So you walked here? Alone?" Yeah, it was a stupid question. I didn't see anyone else here, did I?
"Why not?" she said. "I've done it before. Besides, I'm just on the other side of your fence."
Except she didn't come the short way, did she? Yeah, there was a narrow gate out back, but the thing was locked. And as far as the fence, it was double Chloe's height, with sharp metal spires all along the top.
I gave her a look. "So you climbed it. That's what you're saying?" I knew she hadn't, but I was trying to make a point.
"No. Of course not."
"So you took the long way." I crossed my arms. "By sidewalk."
"Well, I didn't fly here, if that's what you're wondering."
Did I need to point out the obvious? "It's a fifteen-minute walk."
"So?"
I glanced around. It was pitch-black and cold as hell. She'd been alone and under-dressed. I gave her a serious look. "So it's the middle of the night."
"No. It's early morning."
Maybe. But she knew damn well what I meant. I didn't want her to be afraid. But I didn't want her to take stupid chances either. Yeah, this was a nice neighborhood, but in some ways, that just made it a juicier target.
I had to say it. "So youwantsomething bad to happen to you? Is that it?"
She gave a bitter laugh. "What do you consider bad? Because it seems to me that something bad can happen just about anywhere, anytime. Driveways, parking lots–" Her mouth twisted. "Basements."
Ouch.
What could I say? It was true. Lamely, I said, "You should've called me."
She gave something like a shrug.
"Chloe, I'm serious. Don't do that again, alright?"
She made a sound of impatience. "Look, you were the one who forced me to come here."
