Just Say Yes by Elizabeth Hayley

the things on her list, that was the only one that had real potential for getting them both kidnapped, tortured, and executed in the woods somewhere.
    No. But that’s why it’s on your list, isn’t it?
    His response made her smile.
    Do you trust me?
    And that one made her warm all over. She didn’t have to think before replying. Yes.
    Then trust that I won’t let anything bad happen to you. I promise.
    A part of Quinn wanted to ask if he would let
good
things happen to her. Or more truthfully, if he would
do
good things to her. The thought made her squirm in her seat. But, I know , was all she could bring herself to type.
    Good. So I’ll see you Wednesday for our jog?
    Ugh. You know . . . running wasn’t on my list. We should probably table it until after my article is complete.
    Nice try, Quinn. See you Wednesday.
    She set her phone back in her drawer, acting more disgusted by the thought of running with Tim than she actually was.
    â€¢Â Â Â â€¢Â Â Â â€¢
    â€œWhat if we get raped?” Quinn was traipsing after Tim as he walked down the highway about five miles outside of Falls Church. They’d, or rather Tim, had decided that it would be a good idea to park their car in a shopping center next to a busy highway that ran the length of Virginia. That way they would be unlikely to encounter anyone they knew who might have them committed once it became clear what they were doing.
    â€œRapists usually like men
or
women. Not both,” Tim replied as he shifted the book bag he was carrying on his shoulder. He had told Quinn to pack a change of clothes, since part of the plan was for them to go wherever their chauffeur was heading. When she’d arrived, Tim had shoved her stuff into his large Under Armour bag and hit the streets.
    â€œGreat. They’ll just kill me so they can have you all to themselves.”
    Tim looked over his shoulder and shot her a half-withering, half-amused look.
    â€œSeriously, Tim. All of the nice people are at church right now. We’re left with the sinners.”
    â€œWhat do you think we are, sweetheart?” Then he shot her a wink that nearly leveled her. “Now, stick your thumb out. We have a better chance of someone pulling over for you than for me.”
    â€œI’m not sure that’s a good thing,” she muttered as she raised her hand in the universal symbol for “Pick me up. I swear I’m not a criminal.”
    They walked for an hour, not talking but not minding the silence either. The businesses were becoming more sparse as they walked, and Quinn was suddenly confronted by another unwelcome thought. In addition to one that left them decapitated in someone’s basement. “Is it legal to hitchhike?”
    â€œWhat?” Tim slowed down so he could walk beside her.
    â€œIs it legal to hitchhike?”
    Tim thought for a second. “Probably not.”
    â€œSo we could get arrested for this?” Quinn’s voice was nearly a screech.
    â€œIt’s a real possibility.” Tim laughed when he turned to look at Quinn. “Relax. I think we’ll be okay. We aren’t trying to do anything harmful. We’re just looking for a ride. I’m sure we’ll be fine if a cop stops us.”
    â€œDamn, and here I was hoping to get our prostitution ring off the ground.”
    â€œYou know, you’re getting much snarkier the more I hang out with you. I’m beginning to think I’m a bad influence.”
    Quinn slid her hand into the crook of Tim’s elbow. “You know what they say about dancing with the devil,” she joked.
    Quinn watched Tim’s face fall slightly, and she immediately wished she could take back her words, though she wasn’t sure what she’d said wrong. He didn’t drop her arm though, so she guessed that meant he wasn’t mad at her.
    They were back to walking in silence, but it was charged and tense. Quinn actually