Without Limits: Austin (Rugged Riders Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page A

don’t. You look perfect.”
    “Austin…?”
    “It doesn’t have to be anywhere formal. What about the Sub Shop? That’s still your favorite, right?”
    “It is, but can I take a rain check? Not only do I look a mess, despite what you say, I’m so very tired.”
    “Sure. I wish you had called me. I would’ve taken care of everything.”
    “But I don’t do handouts, remember?” I teased.
    “Right? So where’s your car now?”
    “At my apartment. It wouldn’t start and I probably won’t figure out what’s wrong with it until this weekend when I can get it to the shop.”
    “I can have my mechanic look at it for you. They’ll also tow it for free.”
    “I…”
    Austin held up his hand. “I insist. What’s your address?”
    Reluctantly, I gave Austin my address and make and model of my vehicle and within fifteen minutes he’d already confirmed that a mechanic would tow it to a shop to diagnose the issue.
    “Now since you’ve turned me down once again for a date, why don’t I give you a ride home?” he asked. “Can I at least do that?”
    “I’m not exactly dressed to ride on a motorcycle,” I said.
    “All of my bikes are in storage at the moment. I’ve been driving a rental around town while I’m here.”
    “Just promise to drive within the speed limits.”
    “I think I can do that.”
    After Austin locked up the office, we took the elevators down to the parking garage level to get to his car. As soon as I slid inside the BMW and onto the leather seats, I was wrapped up in Austin’s scent, which was a mixture of cologne, and his underlying signature scent. I would never forget it. The aroma reminded me of a mixture of sandalwood and freshly cut grass. It also brought back a lot of memories of me feeling safe and secure in his arms.
    “Ready to go home?” He buckled his seatbelt and then plugged my address into his GPS navigator.
    “Yeah. I think I’ll crash as soon as I reach the bed.”
    “For the record, if you need any help, all you have to do is ask me.” He put the car in reverse and backed out of the reserved parking space.
    “You’ve done enough to help me. I forgave you a long time ago and there wasn’t anything to forgive. We both moved on.”
    It took him less time to reach my apartment complex than it did it was taking the bus. And just under fifteen minutes later, he was in front of my unit.
    My car was gone when I got there.
    “Wow,” I exclaimed. “That was quick.”
    Austin smiled. “I pay my guy very well. You should receive a call from him in the morning.”
    “Thank you.”
    “My pleasure.”
    He maneuvered the BMW into a parking space, turned off the engine, and then got out to walk me to my front door.
    “So, do you live alone?” he asked just as we reached my door.
    I nodded. “Yeah, ever since Rick and I separated, I’ve been on my own.”
    “And your parents?”
    “They both retired a few months after the wedding. They moved to their vacation home in Charleston and they haven’t returned since. Of course, they offered me to come stay with them for a while to get through the hard times, but I think I just need some time to myself.”
    “Understood. As long as you’re safe.”
    “I’m fine, really.”
    “And income-wise?”
    “I’m fine,” I said, picking at the ends of my dress.
    “You haven’t changed, have you?” he asked softly.
    “Is that a rhetorical question?”
    “When you lie, you bite your bottom lip first,” he said.
    “I’m not lying. I’m not living the lifestyle that I used to, but I’m fine with what I have.”
    “I want to help you get back on your feet, just like you helped me when you showed me what love was all about.”
    I turned slightly in my seat. “But don’t you see my issue with this? If you cared anything about love, you would’ve never left me to wonder what I did to turn you away.”
    “Valerie, I left because your parents begged me to leave you alone.”
    My mouth parted and my breath rushed