The Wild Side. Isabel Sharpe

be about to drag her out to some deserted lot and threaten to shoot her for whatever he thought she’d done, or whatever he thought she had.

      The sooner she was out of Boston, the better. Even by talking to this guy, even if he was innocent, she’d already attracted someone’s attention. Someone who could answer questions about her if he bumped into people who wanted to know. As much as she wanted to linger and listen and look, she had to get rid of him.

      “What time’s your train?”

      “I’m not…it’s not for a while.” Only a few dozen yards into the crowded main room of the station she’d be able to see the departure schedule and take her pick of time and destination. Why couldn’t he have waited to ask until then, so it wouldn’t be so obvious she had no idea where she was going?

      “I’ve got a long wait, too. I’m meeting a friend. Can I buy you a drink?”

      “Oh, gosh. I don’t think so, thanks.” She quickened her pace; he kept up easily.

      “I just want to buy you a drink, that’s it. Juice, milk, soda, whatever…doesn’t have to be booze.”

      “No, really. I’m fine.”

      “I don’t mind. There are some decent places here.” He gestured toward the assortment of eateries in the station.

      Rose stopped and turned to face him, struck again by the depth and complexity of the expression in his eyes. “Are you always this persistent?”

      “No.” He grinned and crossed his arms, hands shoved into his armpits. “Usually I don’t even ask in the first place. So I guess I don’t want to start off a career of asking strange women out with a dismal failure.”

      She couldn’t help a small smile. This guy would probably be a lot of fun. Damn the timing all to hell.

      “I’m sorry. I just have to be so careful.” She bit her lip. “Everyone has to be careful these days.”

      “Okay, no problem.” He held up his hands and backed away. “Nice to meet you, Rose. Have a good trip.”

      He grinned once more and strode off toward the food court. She took a quick, deep breath. Stupid as it sounded, and as much as she had been anxious to shake him off, now that he was gone, she felt terribly alone.

      She pulled herself together, scanned the departure board, chose a train to D.C., so she’d have the most stops to choose from, bought her ticket and a newspaper, and settled down to wait.