Page 5 of Home Is Where You Are

“You wouldn’t dare,” she challenged. Her hand went to her hip in defiance.

“Try me, butterfly. Get in the truck,” I said with a smug grin, taking a step toward her, letting her know I meant business. Hoping she chose option one because touching her again might just do me in.

She crossed her arms and looked at me with that defiance I’d always loved.

I didn’t have time for this today. There was too much for me to do.

I stomped into her proximity, giving her one more chance to just get in my truck. She doubled down as she looked up at me and swallowed.

“Have it your way,” I said as I bent down and picked her up, her stomach over my shoulder, grabbing her suitcase with my free hand.

“Gentry, put me down,” she shrieked as she squirmed in my arms.

“Stop squirming, or I’ll drop you,” I warned as I tightened my grip around the back of her legs.

She stopped squirming and went limp over my shoulder in defeat.

I ignored how she felt in my arms after four long years as I walked us over to where my truck was parked.

I bent down and put her on her feet, and made sure she was steady before I stood.

“You didn’t have to do that.” She scowled as she looked up at me and crossed her arms.

“You gave me no choice,” I said as I threw her suitcase in the bed of my pickup.

“There’s fragile things in there,” she screamed at me, but I couldn’t make myself care.

“Get in,” I demanded, willing her to just listen for once. She’d only been in front of me for a few minutes, and I wanted to throttle her already.

“You still have this old thing?” She warily eyed the only possession I owned. “I’d thought it’d be on its deathbed by now.”

“You never seemed to mind before,” I bit back before I could stop myself.

Her cheeks flushed a bright shade of pink. She used to get so embarrassed over everything that her brothers and I loved taunting her with when we were younger. I wouldn’t go there with her again.

Not now.

Not ever.

Speechless, she opened the door and climbed inside, resting her head against the window as soon as the door closed.

Fine by me.

I’d enjoy the quiet and could get my thoughts in order.

Ainsleigh Courtright wouldn’t derail me from my plans. I was so close to becoming a foreman at her parents’ ranch, and I wouldn’t allow her to come between me and my future ever again.

Only she didn’t remain quiet.

A few minutes into the drive she spoke.

“Why were you the one to pick me up?”

Because I’m a glutton for punishment, that’s why.

“Because I was the only one able to come get you.” I’d have rather been back at the ranch dealing with the issue in the kitchen with the freezer and the fence that had to be mended that I’d put off due to coming to get her. Anywhere other than in this vehicle with her.

“What am I in for when I get home?”