(Complete) Michael Bassett will do anything to protect his daughter even if it means sending her away. Soon he finds his trips east mean more than just seeing his daughter, because with each one he gets closer to the mysterious woman he wants to sav...
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Maribelle didn't want to be, but she was excited that Mike was coming back. She didn't know why she felt so comfortable with him. Unlike his daughter, he didn't seem determined to see underneath her hood. She sounded like a car and that thought made her laugh until the thought of a test drive sobered her. Those thoughts always led to Charlie. Why didn't he love her enough?
Mike was scheduled to arrive on Monday afternoon. She had asked Anna why he was visiting while she was in school.
"We have some things to do after school." She shrugged.
Maribelle had been thinking of her houseguest far too much for her own good. When he finally arrived, and she opened the door, she froze for a moment. It had only been three weeks, but he was even more gorgeous than she remembered. That coupled with the equally handsome man standing beside him left her unable to do anything but smile, nod her head and move aside so they could enter.
"Maribelle, this is my friend Bryan."
Bryan reached out his hand and she shook it. He didn't stare probably because Mike must have warned him about her hood.
Finally she found her voice. "Here's the key. You know the rest."
Mike nodded, and she felt a warm sensation radiate from her fingers as they brushed his. She had to gain some control because a girl like her could never have a relationship, not when she had to hide her ugly face.
Mike went to put his bag in the bedroom and she started to return to the safety of upstairs when he turned towards her. "Can I talk to you a minute... Mari?" He spoke her nickname with a smile. She had told him that her friends called her that but had never said that he was her friend.
She nodded, and he led her further into the living room away from his friend. Was he upset that she had encouraged Anna to visit?
"I need a favor. I remember you said you work from home and so... um could I possibly borrow your car for a couple of afternoons. I'll pay for the gas and..."
She smiled because he was definitely nervous, which made her feel sassy. "That's something that friends do for friends."
He smiled. "I'd like to be your friend, Mari."
She liked the way he said her name. "Fine." She never drove her car and worried about it sitting all winter.
"Really?" He looked relieved.
"Yeah, but on one condition. It really needs an oil change."
"I can handle that." He smiled.
She looked away because his smile did things to her. It depressed her because they could be friends but she could never pursue the combustion of feelings she felt inside when he was near.
What Maribelle wasn't prepared for was Mike being around the next morning. She thought he had left, but he returned calling for her up the stairs. He was there again, smiling with two cups of coffee in his hands.
