A Vow of Forever by Lylah James
EPILOGUE
“Piece of crap,” I hissed at my car before kicking my flat tire. “Did you really have to give up on me today? I have an important interview!”
My car was practically a piece of junk but it wasn’t like I could afford much from a part-time babysitting job. And now I was probably going to be miss my interview.
I bent down to examine my tire more closely, only for my handbag to fly open, dumping all my contents onto the ground.
With a frustrated growl, I dropped my handbag next to the mess and then stomped to my trunk, taking out the jack and my spare tire. I could change a flat tire, except the only issue was that I wasn’t really good at it and it might take me more than ten minutes. Goddamn it, could this day get any worse?
“Excuse me, miss,” a deep voice called out from behind me. Heavy footsteps approached me and then his voice was much, much closer. “Do you need any help? It seems like you might be having a bad day. I can change the tires for you.”
“Thank you,” I responded politely without turning around. “But I can do it.”
I knelt beside the flat tire and tried to probably angle the jack but then it slipped from my hand. My eyes squeezed shut and I took in a deep breath before opening my eyes again. A quick glance at my watch told me that I was going to be very late for my interview and I couldn’t afford that.
If I got this job, I’ll finally be able to quit waitressing and babysitting. I might be able to pay my rent on time and have enough money to spare for basic necessities, like food.
I spun on my heels to face the stranger and my breath staggered at the sight of him. He was tall, like really tall. I was five foot seven, so not particularly short and this man towered over me. He had to be at least six foot five.
Mr. Stranger Danger crossed his thick arms over his wide chest, the muscles of his biceps bulging under the long sleeves. Was he a bodybuilder? Because damn, he was all muscles.
My gaze roved over his chiseled face, messy black hair and his blue eyes. He looked like he walked right out a romance novel, the smutty ones I like to read on my kindle.
His blue eyes raked over me just as I had done to him and his lips twitched in a slow smirk. “The tire,” he muttered. “Do you want me to change it?”
I gestured toward my crappy car, my heart stammering. “Be my guest,” I responded, slightly breathless.
He sauntered over to my car and then squatted down, immediately getting to work. “Do you have somewhere to be? You seemed in a rush when you left the store,” he said smoothly, his voice a deep timbre that sent a tingle down my spine.
“Yeah, I have an interview.” I took a small step back, admiring his tall and masculine form. His dark jeans clung to his ass tightly and I quickly looked away. Okay, I lied. I definitely sneaked a peek at his ass.
It only took him a few minutes to change my tire and when he was done, he wiped his hands over his jeans and stood up. “There you go. All done, milady.”
“Thank you,” I breathed, a smile playing across my lips. “I really appreciate it.”
Mr. Stranger Danger extended a hand toward me and I took it, without question. Almost like it was purely instinct; an invisible string pulling me toward him. It didn’t make any sense. Why was I so taken by him? I’d dated a few men before but no one have had such effect on me during our first meeting.
“Elias,” he said, introducing himself.
“Nice to meet you.” My smile widened. “I’m Arabella.”
Elias squeezed my hand and when he spoke again, my name rolled off his tongue in seductive manner, as if he was tasting it. “Arabella.”
Time slowed and I exhaled a shuddering breath. I’d never met this man before yet I couldn’t explain the familiarity of his voice, his touch or his smell.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
THE END
