Just Say Yes by Elizabeth Hayley Page B

nice to have company on the drive for a change.”
    Tim and Quinn wished Clarabell good luck at the auction before saying their good-byes and heading for the motel office. “See, told you we wouldn’t get murdered,” Tim said confidently.
    â€œToo bad we can’t say the same for the pigs she’s about to buy.”
    They both laughed loudly, and Tim held the door for Quinn to enter. A woman greeted them warmly as they stepped inside. “What can I do for ya?” She spoke in a strong Southern accent, and her gray hair was as big and round as she was.
    â€œWe just need a room for the night,” Tim said, reaching into his pocket to grab his wallet.
    â€œSure. So what brings you to Sceaty?” she asked as she reached behind her to grab two keys off the hook.
    â€œJust passing through. You have a beautiful town,” Tim replied. And it wasn’t a lie. The place was as rural as he’d expected, but from what he’d seen, the landscape was pretty, with bright green grass that seemed to go on for miles due to the flat terrain. They’d passed a few quaint shops on the way to the motel, and Tim guessed they were still owned by the same families who had originally opened them. He could see the appeal of a town like Sceaty, with its slow-paced living.
    â€œWhy, thank you,” the woman replied. “Hope you enjoy your stay. It’s room six. To your left when you walk outside.”
    Tim handed the woman some money and thanked her before taking the keys. But just when he was about to turn around, he spoke again. “Sorry. I totally forgot to mention this, but is this a room with two beds?”
    â€œJust a king bed. It’s the only one we’ve got left. Lots of folks are in town for the auction.”
    Tim hesitated, turning to Quinn, whose expression gave no indication of her thoughts. “If that’s all you have, it’ll be fine, I guess. You have a cot or something, right?”
    The woman stared blankly before answering. “We have a
floor
, honey.”
    â€œRight,” Tim replied with a polite nod before turning toward the door.
    â€¢Â Â Â â€¢Â Â Â â€¢
    â€œYou hungry?” Tim asked, tossing the bag onto the small burgundy desk chair near the door.
    â€œYeah, I am, actually,” Quinn replied. “I guess we haven’t eaten anything since this morning, huh?”
    â€œNope. I’m starving. All that talk of swine made me want some bacon or something.”
    â€œI actually may never eat that again,” Quinn admitted. “I did see a pizza place up the road though. Not sure how it’ll be, but it’s probably one of the safer bets. How bad can you screw up a pizza, right?”
    Tim shook his head and let out a soft laugh. “You and your safe bets.”
    Quinn gave an innocent shrug. “Shut up,” she said playfully. “I’m making progress.” She pointed over her shoulder toward the bathroom. “Do you mind if I hop in the shower first? Clarabell’s backseat had some sort of a red stain on it, which I tried to pretend was fruit punch.”
    Tim furrowed his eyebrows in disgust. “By all means.” He gestured to the bathroom. “Don’t let me stop you.” Then he added, “Actually, why don’t you relax and take your time. It’s been a long day. Do you want me to just go pick it up and we can eat it here?”
    â€œThat works. You sure you don’t mind?”
    Mind? Is she kidding?
First of all, Tim felt it best to escape the room while a naked Quinn showered just a shabby wooden door away from him. And second, Tim would never mind being alone with Quinn. Because even though he reminded himself hourly that there could never be more between them, that didn’t stop him from wanting it. Wanting a private evening with Quinn—one away from piercers, amateur singers, and friends—that he could store in his mind for when he