Runaway by Daniel Z. Knight
With my vision blurred by tears, I take the first step in a journey that will change my life forever…
After her mother’s death, Cassey Black’s violent, controlling stepfather has become a lecherous deviant. She doesn’t dare spend another night in the same house. With her high school graduation behind her, she loads her backpack and runs.
When long-haul trucker Jason McBride pulls over to a remote truck stop, he finds a dirty, hungry, young woman curled up on the ground. She obviously needs help, and Jason’s compassion won’t let him walk past. This could also be his chance for redemption.
Cassey had no idea of the things she’d be asked to do to survive. Jason is offering her hope in dealing with her new adult life, but homelessness has taught her…trust no one. As her armor is chipped away, she discovers that her feelings for Jason run deeper. However, he keeps his feelings to himself, and Cassey is tormented by self-doubt.