Free Luke's Crazy California Christmas by Cindy K. Green Page B

view. “Luke, what are you doing here? I told you not to come.”
    This conversation sounded a lot like the one I’d had with Charli. I guess I understood why she came over. She thought she was helping me. Now I needed to help Andrea.
    “Before you slam the door in my face, let me talk.”
    She firmed her lips, but she didn’t say anything or close the door. That had to be considered positive.
    “I know you said not to come, but I had to. I couldn’t let you take the Metro. You have no idea what you’re in for.” She didn’t. She came from a smallish Southern town—the kind where you drive on mostly single-lane country roads.
    Her mouth moved slightly toward a smile, and then turned back down to a frown. “Georgia’s at the garage right now with the mechanic, going over the estimate to fix her car, but don’t worry.” Her mouth turned into a pout as if she held back crying. She had redness around her eyes.
    I hated knowing that I was the reason she was so upset.
    “I’ve got it covered.” Her voice broke slightly. She started to shut the door.
    I stuck my foot in the way.
    “I know you’re mad and you have every right to be, but please can you give me a second?”
    We stood close with only inches between us and stared into each other’s eyes. It was like time had temporarily slowed just for the two of us.
    The door drew slightly open, and I stepped back again.
    She tilted her head, her mouth straight, and she waited.
    “I heard what happened from Alisha. She was worried about you and so was I. I know you don’t think you need me, but…”
    Her mouth puckered for a second. “What makes you think I don’t need you, Luke Ryan?”
    Did that mean she did still need me? Because I most definitely still needed her. “Then let me drive you today.”
    From behind her, a voice called out her name. A distinctly male voice.
    She glanced back and then was joined in the doorway by a guy in a USC football T-shirt and cut-off jean shorts. He was broad shouldered and shorter than me but built like he played football. From his blond scruffy hair and tanned skin, he was also a surfer. Of course, around here both could be true.
    “This is Gary,” Andrea introduced.
    Gary worried me more than the idea of her taking the Metro alone.
    “He’s the son of Georgia’s neighbor, who has offered to drive me to my audition. He goes to USC.”
    “Yeah, go Trojans!” He pumped his arm in the air.
    “And, Gary, this is my friend Luke.” At least she’d called me a friend and not the scumbag that just broke her heart.
    Gary grinned wide as if he knew something I didn’t. “Hey, man, nice to meet you.” The way he looked at Andrea made me clench my hands into fists. “We should get going if you want to make it on time.”
    “No need, Gary. I’m here now. I’m taking her.”
    Gary scrutinized me with his pale blue eyes. He set a hand on Andrea’s shoulder. “It’s OK. I got it. I wouldn’t feel right letting old Georgia down now that I said I’d do it.” He knew exactly how to play me.
    I grabbed Andrea’s hand and pulled her out of the doorway. “Like I said, I’m taking her.” I wasn’t taking no for an answer. If I had to, I’d toss her over my shoulder and sprint out of there. Threading my fingers with Andrea’s, I didn’t give Gary a chance to contradict me as I led Andrea down the driveway.
    “Luke, what are you doing?” She tried to pull her hand away, but I wouldn’t let it go.
    “I’m saving you, that’s what.”
    We made it to the street where I’d parked, and I unlocked the door and held it open for her.
    She stared at me, and I could tell she debated whether to comply or not. “I don’t have time to argue with you. Do you know how to get there?”
    “Sure.”
    “Really?”
    “I’ve got it all mapped out on my GPS.”
    “Fine.” She moved inside the car, and I shut the door.
    Soon we were driving on the 10 Freeway toward USC.
    Silence pervaded the vehicle.
    Andrea was dressed in