Surrounded

Chapter Six

"GIRL" - Maren Morris

     Friday afternoon found Laura rummaging around her kitchen. Cursing, she realized that she'd left her bag of remaining snacks in Marcus' truck. She resigned herself to driving into town for dinner since she'd yet to go grocery shopping.

     Driving back with her bag of Taco Bell, the radio was on full blast and the window rolled down. As soon as she rounded the curve that separated the closest city from her little town, she noticed a woman standing beside her car on the side of the road, a flat tire evident. Laura pulled over behind it, readjusting her holster for peace of mind. She knew everyone locally, but she'd never seen this woman and a girl could never be too careful. She approached the stranger slowly, "Hey there! You need any help?"

"Yes, please! Help would be incredible! I got a flat and there's no cell service here and you're the first person I've seen in the half hour I've been here," the poor woman rushed out in one breath.

"Well, I've got some tools in the truck if you have a spare..."

"Yes! There's one in the trunk."

"Perfect! You work on getting that out and I'll grab what I need."

     Laura climbed into the bed of the truck and opened the toolbox, grabbing her jack, jack stand, and tire iron. Walking back over to the stranded car, she began changing the woman's tire and making pleasant conversation, but never letting her guard down. Luckily, Laura was able to steal a few glances at the woman, since she still fiddled with her phone. If she was honest, Laura would have called the woman a goddess. Her black hair hung well past her shoulders and only accentuated her tanned skin. The angles of her cheekbones and sharp jawline made it difficult for Laura to look away, practically entranced.

     As Laura lowered the jack, she heard a motorcycle pull over behind her truck. Glancing up, she couldn't see who it was, so she was immediately on guard. She stood with her hand on her holstered firearm, ready. When she heard footsteps around the bed of the truck, she sighed when she saw sky-blue eyes that could only belong to Asher. He laughed when he noticed where her left hand was positioned and she visibly relaxed.

He raised an eyebrow, "Always prepared, aren't you?"

"You know my dad would kill me himself if I weren't"

     He chuckled again as he pulled her in for a hug. She felt the rumble in his chest and rested her head on his shoulder, breathing in the scent of gasoline and cigarette smoke from him. She felt comfortable when he was around. Since the moment she met him as a child, she'd known she could always be herself with him. He never filtered his thoughts or watered down his personality for anyone and she always felt so free with him.

     They were so lost in one another that the strange woman clearing her throat startled them apart. Laura shook her head and chuckled to herself, walking back over to finish tightening the lug nuts on the spare tire as Asher put the flat into the trunk. The woman thanked them and shook Laura's hand before driving on her way.

     Turning to the man beside her, she couldn't help the smile that formed across her lips. "So, what are you doing in town? Last I heard, you were in West Texas or something working in the oil fields?"

     He shoved his hands in his pockets and took a deep breath before answering, "I was. I came home to visit, but I've only been here a day and I already need a break from my mom. I took two weeks off, so I was going to ride out to the hill country for the night."

"Ugh, that sounds perfect. Nothing like a ride to clear your head. I know a really cute little cabin down there, middle of nowhere with incredible views. I can send you the link if you want?"

"That does sound perfect. But why don't you just book it and come with me?"

"Are you sure? I don't want to intrude on your space."

"Oh, I'm sure. I wouldn't have suggested it if I wasn't. Besides, you always make a good backpack," he reassured her with a wink.

"I'm in. Meet me at my place. I have enough Taco Bell in the truck for five people, we can eat and I'll pack an overnight bag."

Asher nodded and kissed her forehead, "I'll meet you there after I pack my own clothes."