But her well-laid-out plan to spend a quiet weekend at her new home came to a swift end when she backed the low-slung car from her reserved space, drove halfway across the parking lot and listened to the motor sputter twice, then die. When all of her attempts to get the car going again failed, she closed her eyes and barely resisted the urge to scream. She should have known when Zach Forsythe showed up first thing this morning that it was going to be one of those days.
She sighed heavily and, reaching for her cell phone, quickly dialed the number for roadside assistance to send a tow truck. But her already low spirits took a nosedive when, after holding for ten minutes, a representative came on the line to inform her that due to the high number of calls from motorists with stalled-out cars, it would be several hours before one of their drivers could come to her aid.
As she ended the call, she glanced at the water covering the parking lot, then at the school’s front entrance. She couldn’t just sit in the car until they arrived and trudging back into the school through inches of water wasn’t appealing, either.
But her mood lightened considerably when the reflection of car lights in her rearview mirror drew her attention. A Lincoln Navigator pulled to a stop beside her. She briefly wondered if she should err on the side of caution and refuse any offer of help from a stranger. But she instantly dismissed the thought. They were in an exclusive, very affluent area of the city, it was still daylight and how many criminals drove luxury SUVs?
But when the driver got out, opened the passenger door of her car and Zach Forsythe got in, Arielle’s gratitude died in her throat. “What do you think you’re doing?” she demanded.
His knowing grin caused her heart to flutter like a trapped butterfly. “It would appear that I’m going to be rescuing you.”
She shook her head. “No, I don’t need help.” Especially from you, she added silently.
“Then why are you sitting here in your car in the middle of a flooded parking lot?”
“Maybe I just want to.”
“Start the car, Arielle.”
“No.” Why couldn’t he just go away and leave her alone?
His grin widened. “Is it because you don’t want to or that you can’t start the car?”
She glared at him before she finally conceded, “I can’t.”
He nodded. “That’s what I thought. It’s stalled out, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Well, that tells me you are in need of my help.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I’m sure you’ll understand why I have to decline,” she said stubbornly. If he was her only alternative, she’d just as soon fend for herself.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Arielle.”
“I’m not. I’ve already called my auto service.”
“Really?” He didn’t look at all convinced. “And just when is it supposed to arrive?”
“I’m sure it will be here any minute,” she lied, staring at the street. Maybe if she wished long and hard enough, a tow truck would miraculously appear and Zach would disappear.
“Nice try, darlin’. But I’m not buying it.” He leaned close as if he was about to share a secret. “Remember, I’m from Dallas. I know how it is around here in the spring and how long the auto club will take to get to you at this time of day. I also know that calling a cab would take just as long.”
“I don’t mind waiting,” she repeated.
Why did he have to be so darned good-looking?
“In case you haven’t noticed, it’s pouring and doesn’t look like it’s going to let up anytime soon. You’ll be lucky if anyone can get here until this time tomorrow.”
“Surely it won’t take that long.”
“Trust me, it could be even longer. And there’s no way in hell I’m going to leave you sitting here in your car all night.”
“I’ll just go back inside the school until they get here,” she decided, thinking quickly. Sleeping on the narrow couch in her office held very little appeal, but it would be a lot better than accepting aid from a lying snake like Zach Forsythe.
After a long staring match, he finally insisted, “Let me make this clear for you, darlin’. Either you get in my SUV and let me take you home or I’m going to stay right here with you for as long as it takes to get your car towed.”
“You can’t do that.”
He folded his arms across his broad chest and settled back in the bucket seat. “Watch me.”
His overly confident smile and arrogant manner grated on her nerves. “I’m sure you have more interesting things to do with your time than sit here with me all evening, so I suggest you go do them.”
“Actually, I don’t.”
“Then why don’t you go hunt for something to do and leave me alone?”
A tiny ache began to settle in her stomach and she wished he’d leave so she could go inside and find something to eat in the cafeteria before she got sick. Her morning sickness had mostly disappeared a few weeks ago, but she still became queasy if she let her stomach get empty.
Besides, the longer she was around Zach, the greater the chance he would discover that she was pregnant. And although she would tell him that he was going to be a father, she wasn’t prepared to do so at this moment. She was still coming to terms with the shock of running into him again.
Shrugging, he shook his head. “I’m not leaving until I’m certain you’re okay.”
“Why not? If you’ll recall, you didn’t seem to have that problem almost four months ago,” she retorted before she could stop herself.
His smile fading, he uncrossed his arms and reached out to lightly trace his index finger along her jaw. “The circumstances are entirely different than they were then. Now, if you don’t get out of this car and into mine voluntarily, I swear I’ll pick you up and put you there myself.”
A shivering thrill raced up her spine at his touch. “Is that a threat, Mr. Forsythe?”
“No, darlin’. That’s a promise.”
Chapter Two
Zach steered his SUV out of the school parking lot and onto the street. After giving him her address, Arielle plastered herself to the passenger-side door and clutched the front of her oversize raincoat like a security blanket. He’d also noticed she’d become quite pale.
His earlier irritation with her stubbornness quickly turned to concern. The woman he’d known in Aspen had been vibrant, outgoing and exuded good health. But Arielle’s demeanor and the disturbing pallor of her complexion gave him every reason to believe that she was coming down with something.
“Are you all right?” he asked, glancing over at her again.
“I’m fine.”
Stopping at the red light on the corner, he turned to face her. “I don’t think so. You make a ghost look colorful.”
She shook her head. “I’ll be a lot better if you’ll just take me home. Once I have something to eat, I’ll be okay.”
When the light changed, he gave serious consideration to taking her to her apartment, bidding her farewell, then leaving town as he’d planned. But his conscience nagged at him and he just couldn’t do it.
Arielle