Twelve Days of Christmas (18 page)

“I'm not married.”

“Okay, your girlfriend.”

“I'm not involved at the moment.” Just the way he spoke told her his patience was wearing thin. Too bad. She wasn't about to team up with someone she didn't know without a whole lot of assurances.

“Yeah, right.” Men this good-looking never stayed out of relationships for long.

“Come on, lady, you have nothing to lose.”

“I don't think so,” she said.

“Miss Davison?” the agent said, returning her credit card and identification.

“Yes?”

“If I were you, I'd reconsider.”

“You really should,” Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome reiterated. “I'm taking on the responsibility and you'll ride for free. That's the deal. Take it or leave it.”

Ashley hesitated and looked to the agent. “You really think I should do this?”

The agent nodded.

Ashley inhaled and did her best to size up the other man.

“Dash Sutherland,” he said, and extended his hand. “If you want to talk to my mother, then I'd be happy to call her. You'll find I'm no evil threat to you or anyone else. We both need to get to Seattle, and this is a viable solution.”

Ashley had to admit she was tempted; still, she wasn't sure. “We'll drive straight through?”

“Whatever you want.”

She chewed on her lower lip, indecision gripping her.

“Having a companion will make the drive easier,” he said, encouraging her.

Ashley sighed. What tempted her most was the idea that he was willing to pick up all the expenses. And despite everything, she found herself attracted to him, which she wasn't entirely happy about.

“What more can I say to convince you?” he asked, growing impatient.

“Miss.” The rental car clerk focused his gaze on her. “Take his offer.”

Ashley studied the agent, not understanding why he was siding with this stranger. “Why do you care?”

The clerk met her look head-on. “Because I can't rent a car to anyone under twenty-five.”

“Ah…” Ashley swallowed hard.

A smile slowly took over Dash's features as understanding came. “And you're not twenty-five, are you?”