Erik. He came back. I knew he would but I didn’t think he would go to the police. It was a big risk on his part, one that’s now backfired. I’m sure he thought the police would side with him or out think them.
The first cruiser pulled into the parking lot just as I was placing the key to my room on the counter of the office. Roland had stepped out back for a smoke. The officer in the cruiser hadn’t seen me and I took advantage of the moment to creep back up the stairs toward my room. There was no other choice but to go up, unless I wanted to be seen. I made it to my door only to remember I hadn’t picked the key back up. Cursing at myself I realized I only had one option. I knocked on his door out of desperation. I honestly didn’t think he’d answer but it was worth a shot. When he opened the door I didn’t hesitate to push my way into the room, just as two more cruisers pulled into the lot. Thankfully our rooms were the exact same layout, just flipped. I headed straight for the closet.
I waited for him to haul me out and throw me to the wolves. He didn’t, he protected me.
“They’re gone,” his voice brings me back, it’s even and calm. “Are you hungry? I have an extra sandwich.”
I hear a plastic bag rustle, “Ham and cheese.”
My stomach growled. Loudly. I place my hand over it. I hadn’t had a full meal since yesterday and the small granola bar I had early this morning kept the hunger pains at bay. I couldn’t afford to eat more than once a day if I planned on leaving soon. I needed every dime I made for bus fare. The more money I have, the farther I can run.
I move closer to the door separating us, knowing I can’t hide in here forever. It was a nice concept but unrealistic. He’d kick me out sooner or later. I hear him move closer as well but he’s careful not to come too close.
“They took him in for questioning,” I gasped, as his words penetrate. “The officer in charge, Detective Edwards, he’s a good guy. I spoke with him about what happened earlier, and the story Erik told him doesn’t add up. He was already on the fence but now he knows something is up. They’ve arrested Erik for providing false information.”
They really arrested Erik.
I hang my head and silently send a prayer to keep him behind bars. I know it’s unlikely though. I’ve been down this road before. Erik always manages to find a way out. I have to get going while the opportunity presents itself, while he’s locked away.
I push the door open and peer out. The room is bathed in the soft glow from a decades old lamp on matching pieces of furniture. The entire motel is dilapidated and is need of some serious renovations, not that I’m complaining, the price was right for the budget. Sure the olive green carpet had probably seen better days and I wouldn’t chance walking barefoot on it, but it was nothing compare to the crumbling yellow and orange retro wallpaper. I’ve seen worse places and I had to look on the upside of things, this motel didn’t smell nearly as bad as the one in Tulsa.
My eyes find him sitting on the floor at the end of the bed. He’s watching me, curiosity burning behind his blue eyes.
Damn, he’s a sight.
His faded blue denim shirt is unbuttoned halfway revealing a broad chest sprinkled with dark hair. Just enough to make me want to reach out and run my fingers through it. His shirt is untucked but rolled at the sleeves, revealing sinewy forearms. His large hands are clasped in his lap, casually, showing how completely at ease he is with my eyes taking him in. Long denim clad legs are crossed at the ankles. The jeans tight in all the right places, even sitting I can see they fit him well but also gave me a good sense of just how tall he is. He’s also barefoot.
Hudson.
My eyes make their way of the length of is seated body, appreciating the maleness seeping from every pore of his body. Damn, he was even more gorgeous the second time around. When my eyes reach his face, I hesitate to meet his gaze, afraid of what I meet see. He looks at me with more than curiosity, his own observations of me being made.
His dark brown hair is unruly and in desperate need of a trim. The urge to run my fingers through his curls is strong, it frightens and excites me at the same time. His jaw is firm and set, covered lightly with a day or two of whiskers, rugged, like he belonged in some expensive clothing ad. In a word he looks, delicious.
Hudson.
I move further into the doorway, careful to keep my sweater tucked around me. The years I’ve spent with Erik have left me shredded and insecure. My clothing was nowhere near the shield I longed for to hide what this man stirs inside me. I’m nothing compared to the Adonis before me. I cast my eyes down out of habit and wait for instructions.