Page 80 of Playing for Keeps
“I know. Take my car.”
Tears filled her eyes then. “I can’t take your car.”
“Why not?”
“For one thing, I’ve just bitten your head off for no reason. Also, I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. You’ll need your car.”
“I’ll manage.” He shrugged. “Just take it. It’s fine.”
She hesitated, then thought of her dad lying on an operating table. “You can use mine,” she said, giving him her car key. “Thank you so much,” she said over her shoulder, rushing to his car.
“Just drive safely, okay?”
“I will, I promise. I’ll get your car back to you without a scratch.”
He gave a gentle smile when she turned back to him. “I wasn’t worried about the car.”
A rush of emotions hit her and she moved to hug him. “Thank you,” she said again.
“I hope your dad’s okay. Call me when you know anything.”
“I will.” She gave his hand a squeeze and got into the car, adjusting the seat as she started the engine.
CHAPTER 29
After staring at the sporty-looking Porsche for a few minutes, Hugh’s lips twitched upwards. Given how upset Allie had been it seemed wrong to take any pleasure from the situation but he just couldn’t resist.
He took a step back, feeling slightly idiotic as he took a selfie in front of the car. Immediately, he sent the photo to Leo and Damian on their group message.
Dots ran across the screen and stopped. The pause made Hugh wonder if he’d managed to leave them speechless. Finally, a message from Leo appeared on the screen.
Mid-life crisis?
Hugh grinned, keeping his eyes on the phone.
That’s not yours, is it? Damian asked.
No, he typed in reply. Allie’s. She borrowed my car and lent me hers.
She drives a Porsche?! Leo wrote.
Apparently so. It was a little strange that he was only finding this out now, but she’d mentioned her dad owned multiple golf courses. Presumably that meant she came from a wealthy family.
Where are you? Damian asked.
Up at the golf course.
Damian sent a thumbs up symbol and instructions for Hugh to stay put.
“I’m not going anywhere in this thing,” he said aloud, moving to peer in the driver’s window.
“Everything all right?” a low voice called out, an unmistakable edge of warning to it.
The way Hugh startled probably didn’t do anything to make him look less suspicious. “Hi,” he said, registering the manager. He knew Kevin by sight, but that was about it.
Recognition dawned in Kevin’s eyes. “If you’re looking for Allie, you can join the club.” He propped his hands on his hips. “She’s late for work, which isn’t like her. I’m on my way up to check on her.”
Hugh grimaced. “I was supposed to come and let you know she won’t be able to work today.”