“Okay, I will. When you’re ready, we can talk about it again, and I’ll let Boss know your decision.”
I’m relieved to know Valencia wants to stay here. Truthfully, I haven’t felt a connection like how I do with her in a very long time, and I don’t want to miss out on it.
CHAPTERSIX
Valencia
As Reno finishes his lunch, I decide now is a good time to tell him to forget about the car. It’s too overwhelming for me right now to look for one while trying to keep myself hidden. The best idea is to continue doing what I’ve been doing—laying low and staying out of trouble.
I lean on the counter, resting my chin in my hand, and smile at Reno. He gives me a smirk, and I sigh.
“Listen, I’m not so sure I need a car yet. I think I got ahead of myself with that. It’s probably better for me to save up more money and get something I really want.” I reach over, placing my hand on his. “But thank you, Reno. I truly appreciate you trying to help me.”
He nods, staring at me with a strange expression. It’s not something I’ve ever noticed from him before, and it makes me wonder if something is going on.
“I know something youdoneed,” he says. I raise an eyebrow, and he grins. “A phone.”
A phone. I would love to have a phone again. A way to contact Iris or Reno if I need to. It would be nice to feel some connection to the outside world again.
I smile as I stand to clear the empty plates at the end of the counter. “I would like that, Reno.”
He keeps his gaze on his plate as he speaks. “I’ll take you to the mall when you’re finished here.”
He knows my schedule as well as I do, so he knows I’m getting off in a few minutes. Maybe that’s why he came in for a late lunch, to suggest I get a phone.
I smirk as I go into the back to get my things and sign out. Maybe he’s down for some phone sex or dirty texting.
We walk outside together, and when we step up to his sleek black Harley, my insides twist with excitement. He doesn’t say anything, he just climbs on, and I follow. I wrap my arms around his waist and hold on tightly as the roar of the engine vibrates through me.
He pulls out of the parking lot, and as the wind rushes past me, I feel a freedom I haven’t felt in far too long. I tighten my hold on him and rest my chin on his shoulder. He feels tense beneath my touch, and I start to realize he’s been a little off since he came in for lunch.
It’s a fleeting thought because the thrill of being on his bike outweighs it all.
The ride to the mall goes much too quickly. I’m not ready to lose the warmth of his body, but as he parks, I release my hold on him.
“Ready?” he asks, focusing on the ground.
Unsure why he seems so distant, I nod as we walk toward the entrance. As we make our way toward the shop, Reno doesn’t say a word. He keeps his focus straight ahead.
“Thanks for doing this, Reno,” I say, trying to break the awkwardness.
“It’s no problem,” he mumbles, never looking at me.
I don’t know what the hell is going on with him, but when we get into the phone shop, a salesman comes right over. This isn’t like the dealership. My hair is down, and I feel good knowing that there’s no way for me to be recognized.
Not this time.
“How can I help you?” he asks.
“I’m here for a phone,” I say, smiling as I look around.
You can see the excitement at the idea he’ll be getting a sale as he steps closer. “Fabulous. We have a large selection. You can look around, and when you’re ready, I’ll just need your license to get everything going.”
My stomach tightens as I realize there’s no way I can give my license, even if I have it with me. I clear my throat as I glance his way. “What if I don’t have a license?”
Reno peeks up at me and lifts an eyebrow. Of course, he’s now curious, but I can just say the cult took it from me.
“That’s not a problem. I can run everything with your social security number,” the salesman says, smiling.
