9. Haylee

The drive to Pinebrook felt like it took forever. She was thankful that she didn't have to drive it by herself after all. Kane seemed deep in thought during much of the drive, but every time she said something, he gave her his full attention. Not that she had said much. What would she say to this massive, terrifying-looking man? It was still nice to have the quiet company.

Being in such a confined space with him made it that much more difficult to ignore the inviting smell of him. She wondered how he smelled so good when he had been driving all night and didn't have any luggage with him. Maybe he just had a naturally yummy scent.

Wow. Get it together, Haylee. He's rescuing you, not taking you on a date.

Glancing over at him as slyly as she was able, she studied his features. Despite the fact that she was sure that he fought alligators for a living, she found him quite handsome. His dark beard was neatly trimmed, accentuating his sharp jawline, and his matching dark hair was combed but not perfectly gelled like Tim kept his. Her eyes wandered to the steering wheel, where his large, rough hands steered the car toward Pinebrook. She had a thing for men's hands, particularly when they were large and masculine like Kane's.

When they passed the Welcome to Pinebrook sign, Haylee felt herself relax against the seat. She was finally home. The place she thought she wanted to leave but had missed and longed to come back to for years.

You don't know anything, you stupid bitch. You are just a piece of white trash who is trying to fit in somewhere you don't belong.

Tim's words flashing through her head made her flinch. Kane looked over at her immediately with concern.

"You okay?"

Nope.

"Yep, I'm fine."

Kane furrowed his dark eyebrows at her, making her feel a little uneasy in her seat.

"No, you're not."

How would he know?

"Why do you say that?" she asked suspiciously.

"Because I read people. It's what I have done for a living for many years. So, hiding stuff from me or lying to me is not going to bode well for you, little miss, because I will know, and I will find out the truth."

Well, shit. That didn't seem fair, considering she was usually in her own head about stuff that she didn't always want other people to know about. She hoped he wouldn't always be so tuned in to her.

"I will be okay. At least, I hope I will."

He seemed to ponder her words for a minute before answering.

"You will be okay, Haylee. I won't let anything happen to you. I can promise you that. But I need you to be honest with me when I ask you questions." His gentleness disappeared, and he was back to being, well… Kane.

"What if I don't want to answer your questions?"

He frowned. "Then I guess you tell me you don't want to talk about it. But I can tell you this: I really won't like it if you do that. But at least you won't be lying. Deal?"

She nodded at that.

"We're here."

Haylee looked out the windshield at the large two-story house that had natural wood siding and a green metal roof. A porch ran along the entire front of the house, with several wooden rocking chairs spread out, along with a porch swing. It was a house that dreams were made of. Why did Kane need such a big house? How was she ever going to pay him back for letting her stay in this beautiful place?

"It's beautiful," she whispered, eyeing him.

He smiled, but she could have sworn that she saw a tiny glint of sadness in his face.

"Thank you. I've only been here for four months, so I'm still getting settled in, but the apartment above the garage is all ready for you." He pointed up to the huge windows above the three-car garage that overlooked the long, curvy driveway.

Okay, so she would be in a separate living space. A small pang of disappointment swept through her, knowing she would be so far away from the alligator man. It was probably for the best, even though the thought of being alone at the moment scared the daylights out of her. She had no idea why she was so afraid, but she was, and it sucked.

Suck it up, Haylee. He is doing you a huge favor.

Kane was out of the car and at her side, opening the car door for her before she could say anything else. The smell of Pinebrook hit her nose, and she smiled appreciatively.

Home.

She followed him up the path to the large deck. A massively large pair of boots sat near the door.

Holy cow. Were his feet really that big? Hmm… big feet, big…

Oh my God, get it together. You are being a hussy.

"This is the main part of the house. You can get to the apartment by going through the door over there, which leads you into the garage. There's a staircase in the garage that leads up to the apartment. You will have everything you need in the apartment, though the kitchen space is just a small kitchenette with a fridge, sink, and microwave, so if you want to cook anything in the oven, which you're welcome to at any time, just come use the main kitchen."

Haylee nodded, though she wasn't really paying attention to his words. She was too busy looking around the house. Realizing she was being snoopy, she brought her attention back to Kane.

"Oh… uh, I probably won't cook. Tim always said I was the worst cook in the world, so I don't even try anymore."

She startled when Kane cursed. She was used to cursing but not when it came from such a deep, growly voice.

"I'm sure you are a great cook, and I would love to try your cooking sometime. Besides, there is no way you could be the worst cook in the world because I hold that trophy. I burn cereal."

She smiled appreciatively at his attempt to make her feel better. He grinned down at her, his perfectly straight teeth nearly sparkling. He had a really nice smile for someone who fought alligators.

"Well, thank you. I need to use the restroom. Could you show me where to find one?"

His grin dropped, and he nodded quickly, leading her to a large guest bathroom. She stepped in and turned to see him standing in front of the doorway, staring at her. She looked around awkwardly, unsure of what he was waiting for.

"Uh… Kane. I really need to go."

He quickly stepped back, "Oh, right. Sorry, little one. Sorry."

He disappeared quickly, and she shut the door, hurrying to the toilet before she exploded.

When she returned to the living room, Kane smiled, and she couldn't help but lower her eyes to the floor shyly. She didn't know why she was so shy all of a sudden. Maybe because she was standing in the house of a man she barely knew, and he was looking at her with those warm, sexy eyes. Not that he had anything good to look at with her. She knew how bruised and battered she looked. Even the thought of looking at herself in the mirror made her cringe. She'd made sure to keep her head down so she didn't see herself when she had washed her hands in the bathroom.

"Ready to go see your place?"

"Uh… sure. Yeah."

He led her out of the door he had shown her and motioned for her to move up the stairs first. She was halfway before she realized that her ass was probably swaying right in his face. She blushed at that thought.

When she stepped into the apartment, she was greeted with a warmth that made her feel instantly welcomed. It was a large studio apartment with windows spilling in light all around three sides of it. A large bed sat in the corner with nightstands on each side, a comfortable-looking couch was on the other side of the room with a coffee table and flat-screen TV, and then the small kitchenette with a two-person dining table took up the other corner of the room. An open door near the bed disclosed a decent-sized bathroom. Her white Converse shoes sank into the thick plush carpet, and there were throw blankets on the couch, as well as at least six decorative pillows on the neatly made bed. It was heaven. At least it felt like it right then.

Turning to Kane, she smiled softly. "This is too much. I don't know how I'm ever going to repay you."

Kane shook his head. "You will not repay me. So don't even think about it."

She would definitely think about it and figure out a way to save money to pay him, but she nodded, knowing he would turn into stern Kane if she pushed it.

"I had Ally pick up stuff for you. I think most of it is in the closet that's through the bathroom. I asked her to make it as cozy in here for you as possible. But if you think of anything else, just let me know, and I will get it for you right away."

Without thinking, Haylee turned, wrapped her arms around his waist, and began to cry.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Kane brought his arms around her gently, "Shh… baby girl, you're welcome. You are safe here. I got you."

She was safe. And even though she barely knew Kane, she felt as though she could trust him with her life.