Her CEO Stalker and Her Second Chance Mate (Adelaide) novel Chapter 16

Her CEO Stalker and Her Second Chance Mate

Chapter 16

Chapter 13

10

Briar

Travis was quiet for a while, sipping the coffee I had poured for him, and eating the pie

quietly. Maybe I had misjudged the best way for him to come to the conclusion of helping me

himself. Alex slid my bill across the bar minding her own business as she went about

collecting mugs and plates to take to the kitchen. I pulled out my wallet from my bag and

produced some bills. Alex went over to the cash register to ring me out and I covertly slipped

a hundred under my plate. I was aware of Travis‘ gaze out of his peripheral vision. His phone

vibrated when he went to check it. Alex walked back with my change, I took it and thanked

her.

“Well, Briar, that’s an interesting name.” she said, glancing at my card.

I shrugged. “My daddy gave it to me.”

“Safe travels to you. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you,” she said, before Travis called for his

check. I didn’t correct her. Suppose I was out of luck with Travis, he seemed ready to leave as

his fingers tapped at the counter.

“Suppose I can give you a lift to Divide, Briar; at least, to the filling station,” Travis said,

looking at me with a warm smile.

“Really! I’d be so appreciative if you could. I can pay you for the lift!” I offered, trying to

sound bubbly and excited.

“That isn’t necessary, it’s on the way. Doesn’t seem right to leave you here on your own when

I’m headed that way anyway. Not to mention, my wife would chew me a new hole if she knew I left a young lady alone at a truckstop, full of men with unknown intentions, in the middle of the night. Alex brought his check and he slapped down a few bills telling her to keep the

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Chapter 16

change.

I gotta go get my rig. I’ll meet you here in 30 minutes. Stay away from the truckers camped

out, and stay where it’s lit up ‘til I get back,” he warned.

“I’ll just hop over to the convenience store and wait for you there,” I let him know. The

convenience store was just next door. He nodded in agreement. When he left, Alex tossed me a

wink. “Thank you,” I mouthed her, before hopping off the stool and hefting my bag up onto

my shoulder. She just smiled.

I had raided that convenience store for every possible thing I could fit in my bag, because I

wasn’t sure what state Uncle Jake’s house would be in when I got there. I went to wait for

Travis outside of the diner. I didn’t miss the “holy shit!” when Alex found her tip, just as a

blue semi without its trailer rolled up, its air brakes screeched to a stop. I hefted my heavy

bag up on my shoulder and realized I had a new dilemma. Climbing up into the big rig with

my broken ribs. I heard Travis climb out the other side and he came around and opened the

door. I handed him my bag and I swallowed, knowing this was going to hurt. He looked at me

strangely, as the sun set in the background around us.

“You gonna get in?” he asked. I nodded against my better judgement, and reached up wincing,

as I pulled myself into the cab. I tried to bite back the cry of pain, but failed. I whimpered, my

lips trembling as the tears fell. I felt Travis‘ eyes on me for a long moment before the door

slammed shut, and he climbed into the driver’s seat.

“Take the glasses off, Briar. I ain’t taking you anywhere ‘til you tell me what’s going on and

why you’re going to Divide, of all places.” I was too close to Divide to back out now. I looked

down, pulling the glasses off my face, before peering over at him. His hands gripped the

steering wheel and he swore. I was breathing through the pain in my ribs still, when he said,

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