Paul turned from the booth at the airport. Rachel had already left. He'd gone to the airport to try and stop his imprint and after a whole lot of coaxing and flirting with the fat, old lady with greasy hair he finally was told about Rachel's booking information.
And, as usual he was too late. He walked slowly towards the exit.
"Goddamn fucking hell. Why does fate fucking hate my damn life!"
The voice was familiar, the amount of cursing was not. He turned to see the small woman throwing her hands in the air in frustration. The corners of his mouth twitched in amusement. She looked like a kitten throwing a tantrum.
"Chill, Swan."
She spun around, surprise evident in her eyes before they narrowed and her expression turned to anger.
"What the fuck are you doing here, Lahote?" She growled.
"What do you care? The big question is why are you here, buying a ticket?" He tipped his head to the ticket counter. "I don't think I remember hearing anything about you taking a vacation."
"So you're not here to get me?" Her expression eased.
He snorted. "Don't flatter yourself, I have my own life you know."
Bella's eyes widened. "You're here for Rachel, aren't ya?" A condescending smile stretched across her lips. "She left yesterday. You're a day late."
"Thanks for stating the obvious." He sneered but then he looked defeated. "It's the story of my life. So, where are you going?"
She sighed and looked resigned. "I'm not going anywhere. I couldn't afford even the cheapest ticket."
Paul stared incredulously at her. "You're a dollar short? So where were you planning on going?"
"Yeah, just a fucking dollar. Story of my life." She shook her head. "Doesn't matter. Anywhere I can afford that's not here." She looked up at him, hope filling her eyes. "Hey can I borrow a dollar? Then I can buy a ticket."
"Nope, have no money to give you." He looked at her. "Let's get out of here." He grabbed her duffle bag and started for the door.
She followed him slowly. "I don't have my car here. Can you give me a ride?" She called out to him.
He stopped and turned slowly to her, raising an eyebrow. "The ride of your life." He smirked when her breath hitched and she blushed.
"Come on, Swan. Let's get coffee. I'm buying."
"Thought you didn't have any money?" It came out more venomous than she'd intended.
"Not to let you leave, I haven't. So how did you get here if you didn't drive?"
She came up close to him and they started to walk to the door, her elbow lightly grazing his arm as they moved. "I hitchhiked."
"What?! You really have no sense of self preservation, do you?"
She smiled at that. "Probably not."
"What the hell were you thinking? Do you know how dangerous that could be?" He was upset.
She raised am eyebrow at him in dark amusement. "Don't you know anything about me?" She looked away. "Couldn't leave a trail that obvious if I was running away." She stated with a cold, logical detachment.
"I will never figure you out, Swan."
"Shut up now and give me that ride."