5. Kip

5

KIP

I don’t know who this girl is, but I’m captivated by her…instantly was when she jumped out of this old beat-up truck. Dark hair cascades down her back, contrasting with her fair skin. There’s a fierceness in her green eyes, a guarded intensity that both intrigues and sort of intimidates me. She’s got a sort of wild beauty about her, untamed and alluring.

I’ve never seen her before, and the thought of not seeing her again is unwelcome to me.

“Name’s Kip. Kip Harlow. What’s your name?”

She hesitates, a defensiveness in her eyes. “Ayla.”

She doesn’t reveal much about herself, does she? “Well, Ayla, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” I extend my hand, and after a moment, she takes it. Her grip is firm, her skin soft against mine. A jolt of electricity runs through me at her touch, and I wonder if she feels it too.

As I finish filling her tank, I can’t shake the feeling that this chance encounter is the start of something big. There’s a pull between us, an undeniable chemistry that crackles in the air. I know I should probably let her go, but I’m not ready to say goodbye just yet.

I take a deep breath, steeling my nerves. “Listen, I know you’re probably just passing through, but I’d kick myself if I didn’t at least ask. Can I buy you a cup of coffee? There’s a great little diner just down the road.”

I want to kick myself for how awkward I sound, but the more I think about it, the more I realize I can’t remember the last time I’d actually tried to ask a girl out…when I’d been interested in something other than sex.

Ayla arches an eyebrow at me, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. “A cup of coffee, huh? Is that your go-to move with every girl who rolls through town?”

I laugh, holding up my hands in mock surrender. “Guilty as charged. But in my defense, it’s not every day I see a woman like you.”

“Woman like me?” she repeats. “What do you mean by that?”

“A woman who takes my breath away.”

She rolls her eyes, but I catch the hint of a smile she’s trying to suppress. “Smooth talker, aren’t you?”

“I prefer the term ‘charmingly persistent.’” I flash her my most winning grin, hoping to break through that wall she’s got up.

Ayla shakes her head, but there’s a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. “I don’t know, Kip. I’ve got a long drive ahead of me, and I’m not really one for pit stops.”

My heart sinks a little, but I refuse to give up that easily. “Come on, one cup of coffee won’t derail your whole trip. And I promise the pie at the diner is worth the detour.”

She hesitates, glancing back in the truck at the German shepherd in the passenger seat. I can see the indecision playing out on her face, the internal battle between her guarded nature and the undeniable pull between us. “You don’t even know me.”

“You’re right, I don’t. But I’d like to.”

I catch a glimpse of vulnerability in Ayla’s eyes before she looks away, her hand reaching out to stroke her dog’s fur. The dog leans into her touch, his tail wagging slowly. I take a chance and extend my hand, letting the dog sniff my fingers. He eyes me warily but doesn’t growl, which I take as a good sign.

“Shadow’s a good judge of character,” Ayla says, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “Looks like he’s giving you a pass, for now.”

I chuckle, feeling the tension between us ease a bit. “I’m honored. I know I’d be in trouble if I got on his bad side.”

Ayla’s smile widens, and I can’t help but be captivated by the way it transforms her face, softening the hard edges and making her eyes sparkle. “Oh, you have no idea. Shadow’s not one to mess with.”

Emboldened by her more relaxed demeanor, I gesture towards her truck. “I’ve got to say, that’s quite the ride you’ve got there. She’s a beauty.”

Ayla snorts, shaking her head. “More like a rusty old heap. But she gets me where I need to go, and I don’t have to worry about car payments.”

I nod, impressed by her practicality. “Smart.”

The moment is broken by Shadow’s impatient whine, and Ayla sighs. “I should get going. Thanks for the offer, Kip, but I really do need to hit the road.”

I’ve never been cock-blocked by a dog before….

I nod, trying to hide my disappointment. “I understand. But if you change your mind, the offer still stands…” I reach into my pocket, pulling out a pen and an old receipt. Scribbling down my number, I hand it to her, our fingers brushing for the briefest of moments. “If you change your mind about coffee and pie, or if you ever need anything, give me a call.”

Ayla hesitates, her green eyes searching mine as if trying to gauge my intentions. Finally, she takes the slip of paper, folding it carefully before tucking it into her pocket.

“I appreciate the gesture, Kip. It really was nice to meet you. Thank you again for the, um, gas.” Her words are guarded, but there’s a softness in her voice that gives me a glimmer of hope.

With that, she climbs into her truck, the engine roaring to life. I step back, watching as she pulls out of the gas station, her dark hair whipping in the wind. As her taillights fade into the distance, I can’t help but feel a sense of longing, a desire to know more about the mysterious beauty named Ayla.