“Yeah, it’s on the back seat.” Gary went to fetch theluggage, and the cowboy turned to Zona. “Hey, we got off on the wrong foot somewhere. I really am a nice guy. I’m Carl.”
“Safe travels, Carl. Gary will take you the rest of the way,” she said, sounding properly professional.
“I really would like to see you sometime,” Carl said.
Yes, she wanted to hang out with Carl from the Planet Clueless. “I don’t think so.” She pointed to the SUV. How had Gary managed to get such a nice car? “Your ride’s waiting.”
“Oh, come on. How about a phone number?” He pulled his phone out, ready to share.
Gary was with them now. “You ready to go?” he asked the cowboy.
“As soon as I get this nice lady’s phone number,” Carl said, smiling at Zona.
“You’re not going to, so feel free to leave,” said Zona.
“She’s not kidding,” Gary added.
Cowboy Carl’s brows did the irritation dip, but he recovered and shrugged. “Okay, your loss,” he said, and sauntered to where Gary had parked.
“What are you doing?” she demanded as her passenger walked away.
“Same thing as you, trying to make money,” said Gary. “I took a second job on top of my one at Macy’s.” He looked at her sadly. “I’m sorry you’re having to do this, Zona.”
“Yeah, well, me, too.” Her voice was frosty.
He looked around in concern. “Are you going to be all right here by yourself?”
“Yes, I’ll be fine. And a lot happier by myself than standing here with you.”
He pressed his lips together and nodded. Then he walked off. Howhadhe managed to get a nicer car than hers? Oh, who cared?
She was standing by the side of her car calling for helpwhen a truck appeared and pulled up behind her. Oh, good grief. Really?
Alec James got out and joined her. “What’s the trouble?”
“My car died and now it won’t start.”
“Let me try,” he said, and got in.
Man to the rescue, she thought, and was pleased to see that it didn’t start for him, either.
He got out and walked to the hood and Zona followed him.
Gary reappeared. “Zona, I’m going to stay with you until a tow truck comes,” he said, giving Alec James the big dog look.
Yes, that was what Zona needed, her ex who’d screwed her over deciding he now wanted to be her knight in shining armor. Except Gary’s armor was rusted and useless.
“Oh, Gary, go away,” she said irritably. “I know this man.”
Gary’s eyes narrowed. “You do?”
Alec James simply stood there, saying nothing. Looking ten times buffer than Gary, his collection of muscles stuffed into his jeans and T-shirt and windbreaker.
“You’re dating? Already?” Gary looked at her as if she’d somehow betrayed him.
“No, I’m not. Not that it’s any of your business.”
“Then who is this man?” Gary demanded.
