His nod was noncommittal as he examined the place where the car had gone over. Completing his appraisal, he gave her a hard look.

"Close," he said curtly.

She peered cautiously over the edge, but couldn't see the car. Feeling dizzy, she stepped back and turned to the man hesitantly. He had done enough for her, especially considering the fact that her carelessness had put him in mortal danger. Yet her need to reach the car was vital. He would probably know the fastest way. Lifting her gaze to meet his intent regard, she implored him.

"Is there any way down? I need to get my purse and clothes out of the car."

His smile was sardonic, yet his eyes held a glint of humor. "Do you want me to assist you over the edge?"

"That wasn't exactly what I had in mind," she answered in a dry tone. No doubt he was ready to do exactly that by now.

Sobering, he folded his arms across his chest and rubbed his jaw. "Yeah, you could get to it, but it would take a while, and you'd be subjecting yourself to thorns, ticks, snakes and about ten miles of the roughest country you can imagine." His lips twisted into a wry smile. "But after what you've been through, I guess it would seem like a picnic."

Glancing down at her sandaled feet, it occurred to her that she was hardly dressed for a walk in the woods. In her urgency, she had climbed out without her purse, so she had no money or telephone, and her cell phone was in her purse.

He stuck out a big hand. "My name is Yancey Giddon." He lifted a brow inquisitively.

"Lisa Anderson." His big hand engulfed hers gently, yet his grip was strong. His skin was warm to the touch.

Abruptly, he dropped her hand and turned away, marching off to his car. "Come to the house with me. You couldn't get to the car before dark anyway," It took a moment to comprehend his words, although the fact that he was walking away registered instantly. Her spirits did a roller coaster as she desperately watched his retreating back, and then comprehended his words. He wasn't abandoning her; he was offering help. Still, years of warnings about getting into cars with strangers compelled her to hesitate.

He reached the passenger side of the car and held the door open for her. His gaze bored into hers, immediately identifying the source of her apprehension. "Don't worry. I live with my mother and daughter." His mouth twisted in that wry smile again. "You'll be safe from me there."




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