Page 60 of River Wild

“It’s a thirty-minute drive from here.”

And my little shred of hope disappears. “Oh.” Well, that’s out then because I still haven’t invested in a car. I really don’t want to use the money I took from Neil. I want to pay for it with my earnings from the diner, and so far, I’m nowhere near getting one, especially not with the money I had to pay out for Buddy’s vet bill. “Do they maybe deliver?” I guess I could call up and say what size tree I wanted. Then, I could pick up some decorations from town while I wait for it to come.

He shakes his head.

My lips turn down a little. “Oh. Well, never mind.” I force myself to perk up. “A rubbish tree is better than no tree. Right?”

“Not really. It’s just a waste of money.”

Well, thanks for that, River.

So damn honest. It’s annoying.

“Well, it’s my only option. So, I’m going with it and making the best of it.”

The look on his face … it’s like he’s looking at a brand-new species. Something he’s never seen before.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” The words are out before I can stop them.

Surprise flickers across his countenance. But it’s gone as quickly as it arrived.

“Because you’re so fucking odd.”

Well … okay. Guess I asked for that.

He shifts on his feet and shoves his hands in his jeans pockets. “Look … Red, I’m heading out to Thistleberry Farm later. I have something to drop off there. I can take you with me.”

That brightens me up.

He’s being nice again. Mean one second. Nice the next.

It’s whiplash city with this guy.

And I do really want to take him up on his offer. But I don’t want to impose. I’ve done that once already—the night he took me and Buddy to the vet. Well, twice, if you count last night. Although his truck wasn’t involved in that. Just penises. Well, one penis—his—this garden fork, and my ridiculous pajamas.

Why am I thinking about it again?

Because, now, I’m looking at it again. Well, the bulge in his jeans.

Christ almighty.

Pregnancy hormones are wreaking havoc on me.

I blink my eyes away and up. “Are you sure?” I brush my hair behind my ear. “I don’t want to put you to any trouble.”

“Wouldn’t offer if I wasn’t.” He’s already backing away from me. “Look, take the mutt for his walk, and when you get back, we can head out to the farm. You can pick a tree out, and we’ll bring it back in my truck.” He turns on his heel and heads back to his house without waiting for my response.

I watch him walk away. Then, I look down at Buddy. “Well … that was unexpected.” I laugh softly. “Come on, Bud. Let’s get you walked, so I can go pick out our Christmas tree with the whiplash king.”