Chapter 2

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Warren had no idea what to think of the woman curled up in the seat across from him. She was beautiful; there was no doubt about that. He almost felt like Dustin should have given him some kind of heads up on that note.

"Hey, by the way, this gal is an absolute gorgeous babe."

It didn't change anything, he'd still bend over backwards to help her, just now he'd also have to fight back any desire to make a move on her. Which would be damn hard.

She had thick wavy blonde hair that was braided back for them most part except for some stands in the front that had come loose and settled around her face. She had fine bones and large hazel eyes set above a mouth that was beautiful in the tired frown it held now and would be stunning in a smile he imagined.

He'd been shocked by how tall she was. She'd been sitting in the grass beside the road when he'd pulled up. When she'd unfolded herself she'd came clear to his chin. Warren was 6'4" and not used to having anyone near seeing him eye to eye. He'd guess she was 6 foot easy. He also liked that she was a nice healthy, curvy girl, by no means fat, but not a stick either.

She was a skittish one, that was for sure. Warren had made a point of trying to be friendly but matter of fact once he'd seen the wary look she'd given him through the window when he'd pulled up. He got the distinct impression this was a woman who'd been on her own a lot and wasn't quite sure she wanted to intermingle with others.

If Dustin hadn't called him he was sure she'd have simply walked the bike into town before asking anyone, or trusting anyone, to help her. She was only in the pickup now because Dustin had given him the seal of approval.

She relaxed visibly as the miles passed beneath his tires and before long they were pulling into town. He drove directly to the shop.

"We're here. The owner's name is James. We'll go in and talk directly to him."

He unbuckled his seatbelt as she did the same. He noticed the almost imperceptible wince as she turned to lower herself from the raised pickup.

"Hey!" She turned to face him and he tossed her a small plastic bottle of Aleve. "He'll have soda, water and coffee inside." She smiled slightly and nodded a thank you his way.

*************

Forty five minutes later they'd deposited her bike into the safe keeping of James who promised to delve deeply into rooting out all its damage in the morning. His quick assessment hadn't sounded good. The older man had stared in astonishment at the woman who'd been riding the bike and stood before him for all intents and purposes unmarred.

"You're one lucky lady."

"I know. So you'll call tomorrow when you know how much and how long?" The older man assured her he would and he could see the relief in her eyes that their business was done. He guessed she was in a lot more discomfort than she was willing to admit.

Warren reached down and shouldered the leather bags they removed from her bike and the small backpack she'd had attached to the back rack.

"I can get those." She protested.

"Not on my watch you're not." He put them in the bed of the truck. When he turned he caught her running her hand lovingly along the seat of her bike.

"I'll see ya soon babe." She turned and looked a little embarrassed he'd caught her emotional parting with the machine. Neither of them said anything.

Back in the truck she leaned back into the heated seat again with a sigh.

"I really appreciate all your help. I'll get out of your hair now. Any Holiday Inn or Super 8 will do. I don't need luxury, just a clean, safe place with a shower. I'd like to at least cover your gas and pay for your time if you'll let me?"

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