by JoAnn Durgin
Giving each lug nut a solid, full turn to make sure they were equally tight, he lowered the car to the ground and removed the jack. “That should do it.” He checked the tire one last time, satisfied it was secure. “We’d better get moving. We’re already behind schedule.” He gathered the old tire and tools and piled them into the back of the car.
Not waiting, Lexa flung the door wide and climbed back in the car. It was a surprise when she leaned across the seat and pushed his door open. “I’m sorry if picking me up at the bus station put you behind schedule. I could have just flown in on an airplane like a normal person and grabbed a taxi to the camp.”
Easing behind the wheel again, Sam replaced his sunglasses and decided to ignore the normal person comment. From the fancy suitcase and clothes to her overall demeanor, Lexa seemed pretty pampered. Maybe the humidity made her irritable. It had that effect on a lot of women. He hoped she’d get used to it sooner than later or he’d be better off to steer clear. A narrow line between her brows surfaced and she crossed her arms.
Starting the engine, Sam pondered her comment. He cleared his throat, searching for something to say that might not offend her. “First of all, I would have opened the door for you.”
Judging by her deepening frown, that wasn’t the best comment. He pulled out on the road again and avoided looking at his watch.
“Not that I don’t appreciate your gentlemanly, old-fashioned chivalry, but I thought it’d get us on the road quicker if I’m self-sufficient and don’t stand on ceremony.”
“And also for the record, picking you up at the bus station didn’t put us behind. It’s more the matter of a nail in the road causing a flat tire. And no way would a taxi driver be able to find his way to the camp. All roads definitely do not lead to the TeamWork camp. Let’s just say it’s the road less-traveled.” Lexa kept her eyes trained out the window as if there was actually something to see, but Sam could tell she listened. “If I’ve learned anything in my life, it’s that God always knows what He’s doing.”
“Are you saying God made the tire go flat?” Her tone sounded more curious than defensive as she turned to look at him again.
“No. I’m saying He allowed it to happen. He has His reasons. It’s up to us to try and figure out what He’s trying to tell us.” Wow, that sounded high-handed. Lexa met his gaze before lowering her lids. The luminous, blue-green color of those eyes reminded him of the Mediterranean. He’d flown over it enough times to appreciate the beauty of the sunlight reflected in its waves.
A vision of eyes similar in clarity and brilliance still haunted him, but Sam pushed the thought to the back of his mind. He had a job to do, houses to build. But mental fortitude couldn’t prove a match for the sudden pumping of his heart. This woman might prove to be trouble in more ways than one. Texas-sized trouble.
Lexa Clarke intrigued him whether he liked it or not. As he drove them closer to the TeamWork camp, Sam resolved to keep his thoughts occupied with something other than the fascination sitting beside him on the front seat.
End of Sample
Awakening
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