NOMAD'S BRIDE

Lyndie

One day.

She just wanted one day that wasn't a struggle.

Lyndie Harwood stood waiting after she swiped her debit card a second time.

Craig Milton stood across from her behind the register. "It's declined," he said flatly.

Shit. There had to be money on the card. Mentally she tried to go back over what she bought the last few days.

The bell at the door went off, signaling they were no longer alone in the store.

Lyndie stared at the pack of diapers she was going to have to leave on the counter.

If Sarah had been on shift instead of Craig, then she could have finagled a credit.

In a last ditch effort, she quickly searched her wallet for cash. Seconds ticked on and embarrassment flushed her entire body.

"We don't take checks," Craig added unnecessarily. She heard the smugness in his voice. "I hope you read the sign."

Lyndie's teeth grit behind her lips.

Her eyes snapped up from her wallet.

Craig was looking over her shoulder.

Lyndie knew without turning someone was standing behind her.

"Fifteen on the pump."

A deep voice filled the space behind her, and she saw a large tattooed hand place a bill on the counter next to her.

Craig nodded and she heard heavy footsteps, then the bell, signaling he left.

Lyndie swallowed and shoved the wallet back into her bag and turned to leave.

"Don't forget your stuff."

She was about five steps away as Craig opened the register.

"You said my card declined."

"It did." Craig gestured to the door. "He paid for it. And since he left you can take his change."

Lyndie glanced at the exit.

Craig bagged the diapers and held out his hand with the change.

For a second she wondered if Craig was joking. He'd been an asshole since elementary school and was committed to not changing. And his father owned most of the town, so he never worried about consequences.

She stepped forward and took the bag from the counter before accepting the cash.

"I know you need it," he added with a smile.

Ignoring the sting she felt at his words she left the store.

On the opposite side of the lone working gas pump she could see the wheels of a motorcycle.

Lyndie held the money tightly in her hand as she rounded pump to face the bike.

"Thank you for the –" she rushed out, then stopped when she realized she was speaking to thin air.

The motorcycle was huge, nothing but black and chrome that glinted in the light.

It was an intimidating machine to say the least, but well taken care of.

Lyndie wanted to at least give the man her thanks and return his money, but she was going to be late for work if she kept fooling around.

She scrambled in the pocket of her diner uniform and found her order pad and pen.