After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 92

The driver pulled over smoothly, barely missing a beat. As soon as the car stopped, Waldo swung the door open and stepped out.

He spotted Catherine right away, standing in the shade of the trees. Next to her, Lawrence was crouched down, changing a tire. The sight made Waldo bristle. Here was a man who couldn’t even buy Catherine a decent car, and now he was getting his hands dirty fixing it. The whole thing just rubbed Waldo the wrong way.

Nettie had already noticed the luxury car pull up. When she saw Waldo get out, she nudged Catherine, her voice low and urgent. “Catherine, look who just showed up.”

Catherine followed Nettie’s gaze. Waldo was striding toward them in a crisp suit, looking every bit the picture of confidence, one hand tucked in his pocket like he owned the world.

“Catherine, you shouldn’t be standing around in the dust,” Waldo called out, flashing a smile. “Why don’t you and your friend wait in my car? It’s much more comfortable.” His eyes flicked over to Lawrence, filled with judgment. “Lawrence, is this the car you gave Catherine?”

Nettie raised her hand, stepping in. “Actually, Waldo, it’s my car.”

Waldo didn’t miss a beat. “Nettie, since you’re a friend of Catherine’s, let me know if you ever need anything.”

Nettie blinked in surprise and glanced at Catherine.

Catherine just scoffed. “My friends don’t need your help, Waldo. You should probably get back in your car and enjoy the air conditioning.”

Lawrence finished tightening the last lug nut, then stood up, brushing the dirt from his hands. Sweat shimmered on his strong jaw and forehead, and his black shirt was plastered to his chest. He didn’t wear anything fancy, but the way he carried himself, the raw, quiet confidence, was impossible to ignore. Any guy would feel threatened.

Waldo unconsciously straightened his back, suddenly aware of Lawrence’s presence.

Catherine reached into her bag, pulled out a tissue, and stepped up to Lawrence. She rested a hand on his shoulder. “Hold still, let me help you.”

She was petite next to him, but as she reached up on her tiptoes, Lawrence lowered his head to meet her. She gently wiped the sweat from his face, her touch soft and intimate.

He came back and pressed it into Catherine’s hand. “Here. Take this.”

Catherine blinked, surprised. “Is this your bank card?”

Lawrence nodded, his smile gentle. “Yeah. I want you to have it.”

Something warm settled in Catherine’s chest. She knew Lawrence didn’t make much, but the fact that he’d give her his bank card meant more than any fancy present.

“Okay,” she said softly, accepting the card. She was determined to be a good wife to him.

“The PIN is your birthday,” Lawrence told her, his voice low. “Buy whatever you want. Don’t worry about saving.”