But the alternative was walking sixty miles along the highway until she reached Elk View Corner. Returning to her wedding was not an option.
“Want to talk about it?” His rich, masculine voice pulled her out of her thoughts.
She ventured a look at him, noticing again his rugged good looks. His long-sleeved cotton shirt and jeans looked as if they’d been tailor-made for him. Her heart fluttered. Only inches separated them in the leather seats of the SUV.
“It’s embarrassing,” she muttered. She was having trouble processing her own feelings right now. How could she explain what had happened to a sexy stranger?
He glanced at her. “I’m a good listener.”
She twisted her fingers. “I don’t know if I can even explain it all.”
“Then just share the parts you’re comfortable with.”
Peeking up at him from under her lashes, she noticed his attention was focused on the road ahead. Could she really share what she had discovered earlier today?
“Today was supposed to be my wedding day.” She drew in a deep breath. “Until I found out that my parents had arranged my marriage. Without telling me.”
There. It was out.
Garrett sent her a surprised glance before turning his attention back to the highway. “So you walked out?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
“How did you find out?”
“I went to my parents’ suite for the antique silver necklace Mom said I could borrow.” She twisted to look at him. “For the something old and something borrowed bit.”#p#分页标题#e#
“And?” His voice was gentle.
Maddie shifted, her restrictive, form-fitting bra digging into her. “And I heard my father tell Mom that Howard was a good addition to his law firm and he was glad he’d agreed to marry me. And that on our first year anniversary he would make Howard a partner.”
“And you had no idea?”
Maddie glanced at him, but he seemed focused on the road ahead. “Not a clue.” Just thinking about that moment when she had discovered the truth sent ice down her spine. Confronting her parents had been painful but necessary. And when her father had confirmed the awful reality, she couldn’t think of anything but escape.
“How did your...ex-fiancée take the news that you weren’t going ahead with it?”
Maddie grimaced. “I haven’t spoken to him. My parents tried to tell me they only had my best interests at heart, and they thought Howard would make me a satisfactory husband.”
In fact, her father had been blunter than that, telling her that Howard might be her last chance for a partner and a family. And even her mother had commented that she thought Howard would make a good husband.
“So he doesn’t know why you left?”
Maddie shrugged. “I’m sure my parents have told him by now.” She hesitated. “I guess I should have listened to my instincts.”
“In what way?”
She blushed. How could she tell him that Howard had never seemed madly in love with her and his proposal had come as a complete surprise? Now she knew why. Her father had bribed him to marry her.
“It’s too mortifying,” she mumbled, turning her head to stare out of the window.
The miles flashed past and just as she felt herself nodding off, Garrett slowed down and turned into a parking lot. He hadn’t asked her any more questions, which she was grateful for.
“We’re here.” He gently placed his hand on her shoulder.
Maddie blinked. They were parked outside her favorite chain coffee shop. A sign nearby stated Elk View Corner had a population of 4,163.
“Let’s get some coffee.” Garrett exited the SUV and opened her door before she barely had time to unfasten her seatbelt. He held out his large, tanned hand and she clasped it, a warm tingle racing up her arm.
The familiar mahogany and cream décor soothed her jangled nerves as they stepped inside. Garrett snagged a table before she was fully conscious of the curious glances her outfit received.
“What would you like?”
“Hot chocolate with marshmallows.” She didn’t have to think about it. Even though it was summer, right now she needed to be comforted by the taste and aroma of chocolate.
“Be right back.”
She watched Garrett stride to the counter and order their drinks. Tall and muscular, his broad shoulders filled out the pale blue shirt, while his black denim jeans hugged his lean thighs and trim, sexy butt.
Maddie opened her tiny purse. “I can pay for mine.” She pulled out a twenty-dollar bill and handed it to him when he came back to the table.
He waved her money away. “I’ve got this.” He looked at the miniscule purse for a second. “What else have you got in there?”