Hand In Glove

Chapter 49

As they drove, the terrain changed from rolling hills to mountains and winding roads that seemed to go on forever. Judging from the shape of some of the homes they passed along the side of the road, Chloe hoped they'd just keep on driving as fast as they could.

Ashton smiled at the frown on her face. "Yep, this is as backwoods as it gets. Let's just hope we don't run into any car troubles out here," he joked. "I wouldn't want to have to lend you out to some hillbilly in exchange for parts." Giving her knee a reassuring squeeze, he couldn't help but chuckle at her horrified expression.

A few hours later, they rolled into a small town and pulled in front of a motel. Chloe winced at the look of the place but she was tired and Ashton was road weary from all the driving. He looked over apologetically at Chloe and stepped out of the car. He and Jamie went to the office to see about rooms. It looked full, Chloe surmised, judging from the amount of cars parked outside. Part of her wished it was. Slumping back in her seat, she startled when Nick opened her door.

"Come on out, Chloe. Stretch those legs," he said, taking her arm.

"Okay, sure, I guess I should," she said, straining to stand.

Chris came over and joined them. "How's it going, Chloe?"

"I'm all right, maybe a little tired. Hey, let me get a picture of you two in front of the motel," she said, grabbing her camera. After taking a few pictures of the guys, Chris took a few of Nick and Chloe together. Nick was all too pleased to be photographed, especially with Chloe, holding her in various poses within his eager arms.

"There, just don't let Ashton see those," Chris warned, handing her back the camera.

"Why not?" Chloe asked laughingly as she played them and had a look.

"Quick, here they come," Nick said covertly. "Turn that off!"

"Well?" Chris asked, seeing the odd looks on their faces.

Ashton returned with Jamie and gave Chloe another apologetic look.

"Well, there's good news and bad," Jamie said with a smirk. "The good news is we have a room. The bad news is we're all sharing it tonight." He winked at Chloe when she stared blankly at him.

"You're kidding..." Chloe gasped, looking at Ashton.

"I'm afraid not," he said, averting his eyes from her.

"Aw, don't fret. We won't bite," Jamie teased. "Well, maybe just a little. Come on, let's check out the digs." He turned and led the way to the room.

"All right, pajama party!" Nick said, smiling encouragingly at her.

"Great," Chloe muttered under her breath as Ashton took her by the hand.

"Look, I know this isn't easy for you," he said, taking her aside. "But it's late. We're all tired and hungry. Let's just try and get through it."

"Okay, I guess." She shrugged.

"Good, go on ahead and I'll grab our stuff."

Chloe hesitated but figured she might as well face the music. She turned and followed Nick. Passing a few motel rooms along the way, she couldn't help but notice the motorcycles parked out front. Moving quickly past the open doors, she scrambled forward, closing the gap between her and Nick. She watched as Chris and Ashton pulled their vehicles around closer to their room.

Jamie opened the door and Chloe and Nick followed him in. "Home sweet home," he said sarcastically as he turned on the light and flung himself down on one of the two beds.

Chloe looked around at the small space and cringed. It smelled musty and appeared well used from the looks of the scuffed up furniture. Stepping around Nick, she went into what she assumed was the bathroom, figuring she may as well use it first while it was still somewhat clean. Closing the door behind her, she looked around and decided it wasn't as bad as she had envisioned. Grateful for the clean towels, she washed her face, trying not to think too much about how far from home she was. After taking a much-needed deep breath and telling herself that she could do this, she left the sanctuary of the bathroom.