Chapter 4

Later into the morning, I woke up with a pleasant tingling between my legs and I sighed, stretching my arms above my head.

"What a night," I exhaled, turning to the side and coming face to face with the handsome stranger from the diner.

And then it hit me.

Running away from home. Boarding a plane to Elko. Coming to the motel with Jess and Todd. And then Jason.

The blue eyed southerner I was graced to meet at the dinner, with the lilting accent and charming smile.

Jason. The man who'd made me scream my lungs out until the sun rose.

Jason. The one who was still making my center moisten and tingle.

Shit! Had I just broken my pact and had a one night stand with a guy I barely knew?

Did it even count as a one night stand seeing as it happened in the early hours of the day? What time was it even?

I cursed as I tumbled out of the bed, searching through the dark room for my things until I spotted my clothes and bags.

Once I was dressed, I took a quick look outside and had to stifle the gasp rising in my throat.

The sun was fully up now, it had to be past eight or so. Realizing that I had to leave before Jason woke up, I grabbed a paper towel and a pen, scribbling messily on it.

'I think I agree that we were really fated to meet.'

I drew a wonky kissy face emoji and wrote my initials on it before placing the note on the bedside table.

Jason was still fast asleep, his muscular arm draped over his belly as he snored lightly.

It was truly sad that I wouldn't meet him again after today but I was definitely going to treasure the bliss he'd given me.

"Good bye, Jason," I whispered before slinking out of the room like a thief in the night.

I was able to find the bus station after asking an employee at the motel and headed to the bus station to get tickets for Elko.

He said it was a thirty minutes drive but all I could hear was that I was closer to my destination.

I couldn't take any more of the road travel anymore.

The bus was packed full with all kinds of people, especially tourists and I realized that I didn't have to be so anxious anymore.

I was far away from Chicago. Far away from my crazed family.

This was my life now.

I joined the locals in the bus to sing some rodeo even if I was tripping over the lyrics. They were nice people and one of them even gave me a cowgirl hat as a gift.

It didn't entirely go with my ensemble but I couldn't reject the gesture.

When we finally rolled into town, I was the most relieved, rushing out of the stuffy bus immediately the doors pulled open.

"My, my," I whispered in awe. Elko was exactly like the photos online.

Quaint yet beautiful. It was almost like time had decided to slow down here, and I admired the little flower boxes in different windowsills.

This was it. The beginning of my second chance.

I wrapped my fingers tightly around the straps of my bags and meandered forward.

Shops were just beginning to open, the scent of donuts and cinnamon rolls had my stomach growling in protest.

"Just give me a moment," I said softly, tearing my gaze away from the pastry store.

People passed by, some with coffee and heading to their various jobs, others were on their morning walks, and more than a few gave me second glances.

It had to be because of my all black look and the out-of-place cowgirl hat on my head.

I ignored their stare, fixing my mind and eyes on the mission ahead.

And that was finding a place.

I doubted I would be able to get a permanent residence immediately but I could-

"Hey, there!"

"Holy cow!" I screamed, nearly jumping out of my skin.

Whoever it was cackled madly and I glared at him. "Easy there," the strange looking guy said. "You're acting like you just saw a ghost."

"Well you jumped out of nowhere," I told him bluntly, cocking a brow.

He smiled, dirt brown teeth flashing at me. "I'm guessing you're new here."

I was about to respond but he cut me off, "You a tourist?"

"What? No!" I rebutted and he smiled again, flashing that awful dentition.

As a matter of fact, everything about him seemed off. From the raggedy jacket draped over his shoulders to the converse that was blackened at the sides.

Something inside told me to walk away, get as far away as possible from him and never look back.

And that was what I was going to do until he mentioned-

"Long term stay then?" My head whipped towards him. "You're looking for where to stay, I got a lease on an apartment. Pretty good price too."

My eyes widened and I stepped closer, ignoring the odor oozing from him.

"Really?"

He bobbed his head erratically, his fingers reaching for my bag.

"I can take you there right now. You'll love the place."

I smiled with appreciation, almost handing the bag over when a sharp voice cut through the air.

"You better leave, Smokey before I call the sheriff on your ass!"

He froze, his large eyes bulging out even further as we both turned to face the new comer.

"Shit!" He cursed and took off before I could even blink.

What the hell?

"Hey," the girl who'd caused the commotion came beside me. "Are you okay? Did he nick anything from you?"

"What?" I blinked in confusion.

She gave me a pitiful stare. "That's Smokey, the local troublemaker. He's known for ripping off tourists and newcomers such as yourself."

No wonder he was acting dodgy. I knew there was something off about him.

"Did he offer you a place with cheap rent or something along that line?"

I chuckled, shaking my head at my own naivety. "I can't believe I almost fell for that."

"Don't worry, love," she said with a shrug, "it happens to the best of us."

I took the time to look at her, admiring her bold red hair and the tattoos lining the length of her arm. She was a stunner with large brown eyes that seemed to suck you if you stared for long.

"Love your boots," I said with a genuinely smile, nudging towards her metallic style knee-length boots.

I didn't know what entranced me more; the tattoos lining her arm and neck or her gothic fashion sense.

"Love the hat," she said with a smirk but I caught what she meant and I laughed, prompting her to do the same.

"What's the name?" She asked.

I stretched an arm for a shake, "Tara," I answered and then added boldly. "Tara Henry."

She took my outstretched arm for a firm shake and flashed pearly whites, "Tracy McCoy. Welcome to Elko, Nevada."

"Thanks, and it's nice to meet you."

"Likewise," she squeezed my hand but didn't release it. "I think we'll be very good friends, Tara."

I smiled in response because deep down, I had the same feeling as well.