Page 26 of The Texas Ranger: Saddled Up
“How about I take you home?” he said.
“You trust me not to defile your leather seats?”
“You can jump in the back.” She blinked and he laughed. He stepped over and opened the passenger door. “I’d rather you didn’t barf in my truck but just in case, there are bags in the glove compartment.”
Once she settled into the passenger seat, he rounded the truck and climbed into the driver’s seat. In the dim light from the dashboard he could see she looked fatigued. “You doing okay over there?” he asked as he backed out of the parking lot.
“Chalk that up to a new experience,” she moaned. “You’ll never kiss me again.”
“Yes, I will. I promise. After you brush your teeth.”
She laid her head back on the headrest, her gaze on him. “There’s something you said back at the bar. How do you think Ishould be loved? When you look at me in that way…it makes me feel like I’m loved.”
Bear hesitated, feeling the weight of her words settle into the charged air between them. He met her unwavering gaze across the shadows and tried to steady his thoughts, realizing she was inviting him past the comfortable boundaries of their friendship. What they’d shared had sent them straight into a vulnerable place neither had explored before. Sure, they’d kiss a few times, explored, but moments ago there had been an electrical current, like a live wire connecting them.
“What about Fletcher?” he finally asked, hoping to deflect her question.
“Who is Fletcher?” she said in a lyrical tone, her playfulness wrapping around them like a promise of something more.
“I’ve been saying that all along. Glad you’re finally on board.”
“Yes. You. Have.” She tapped her fingers against the door, punctuating each word as if driving them deeper. “I need to be a better listener.” She turned slightly, examining him with curiosity. “I think we should run through the drive-thru and grab a bottle. The night’s still young.”
“You really think that’s a good idea?”
“Do you have a better one?” she practically cooed the words. “I’m not done celebrating the end of my relationship.”
The temperature rose some. “I don’t think you need another drink.”
“What are you now, Bear? The alcohol police?” she slurred.
“No, a good friend.”
“Such a gentleman.” She reached over and laid her palm against his cheek. He felt the jolt all the way to the center of his bones.
What hold did she have over him?
Whatever it was he couldn’t control how deeply it affected him.
“I’m not a gentleman. Good men don’t have the thoughts I’m having right now.”
“I’d be heartbroken if I didn’t wreak havoc in you. But you are good, Bear. You’ve been there for me. The best friend a woman could ask for. A true cowboy.”
“Best friends don’t want to sleep with each other. Just sayin’.”
“Really? I beg to differ. Being best friends should be the base of every relationship.”
“Now we’re talking relationships?”
“You’re holding on to every word I say.” She turned her attention to the window. “I’ve had my fill of relationships for a bit.”
“About Fletcher—”
“Oh please. I have no desire to talk about him anymore,” she whined. “Do you know how much time and effort I’ve invested in him? All that time I’ll never get back. Lost. Gone.” She slipped off her boots and pulled her knees to her chest. “His mother never liked me. Did I tell you what she said about me the first time she met me? She said I don’t have birthing hips.” She drew in a breath.
“She said that to you? I don’t know what birthing hips look like but those are perfect hips.” He whistled through his teeth.
“No, she didn’t say it to me. She told Bentley who informed me. Want to know what else? Ms. Rude Francine said I’d never make a good wife because I don’t know how to run a proper kitchen. She told Bentley all he’d get from me is reheated chicken tenders and potato salad. I can cook just fine.” And justas quickly she said, “No, that’s a lie. I can’t cook. Why can’t I cook, Bear?” She sniffed loudly.
