“You got it.” He signed the check sitting alongside him and stood.
Kerry gestured to the bill. “I need to pay my share of that.”
“My treat.”
“No, Damian. I’m serious. You paid for dinner last night. I’ve budgeted for this trip, and I want to pay my own way.” If she was going to assert her independence, it might as well start here and now.
He grinned, raising her ire.
“What?”
“Nothing. If you want to pay your share, fine.” He glanced at the check again. “With tax and tip, six dollars should cover it.”
Kerry fished through her purse, plucked out her wallet and handed him a five and a single.
Still smiling, he shook his head, and stuffed the money into his shirt pocket. “Let’s go.”
He placed his hand on her lower back as they left the hotel. Her skin burned right through her blouse where his hand rested, making her want to purr like a contented kitten.
Located next to the river, the Rio Grande Zoo also encompassed an aquarium and botanical gardens. Once they’d passed through the entrance gate, Damian recommended they take the train, which circled the entire zoo. With the limited time they had to spend, it was the quickest way to decide which exhibits they wanted most to explore.
“I suggest we start with the Africa section.” Head bent, Damian studied the colorful map they’d received at the entrance.
Kerry tugged on the paper. “I’d rather start with the Australia Section. I love koalas.”
“Koalas? Those little furry things with weird faces?” He snatched the map back. “We can see the elephants and camels if we get off at the Asia Train station.”
She stared at him open-mouthed. “What do you mean weird? Koalas are cute. And cuddly.”
“You want to cuddle, I’ll oblige.” He twitched his eyebrows.
She laughed and shook her head. “All right, if no koalas, then let’s start at the monkey house.”
“Anxious to visit your relatives?” He grinned, and she swatted his arm.
They alighted at the Asia Train Station, and spent a bit of time with the elephants and camels. From there, they wandered down to the monkey house and then the koalas.
The entire time Damian kept her hand in his. How normal that felt disturbed her, made her want to pull her hand away and run to the nearest exit. Away from him and the feelings she didn’t want. Eventually, his touch became so natural she dismissed it, and enjoyed Damian bringing her attention to various things she would have missed had he not been with her. So far, she’d been quite impressed with his knowledge of exotic animals.
Her initial suspicion of Damian had eased the night of Bev’s delivery. Now, after spending time with him, it pleased and irritated her to find him smart and interesting. Anymore time together and he could easily chip away at her new resolve to stand on her own two feet.
Cody had been a boy when she’d fallen in love with him. Over the years, he’d grown into a man, but in some ways he’d remained a boy to her. On the other hand, Damian was all man. A strong, powerful male. Who was also fun, thoughtful, and ever the gentleman. And sexy. Her heart sped up, and she cast him a glance.
Better steer your thoughts far away from that direction.
“I thought a rancher only knew about cattle?” she teased. Anything to divert her mind from how her body hummed with awareness.
“He better know a great deal about cattle, but I’ve always found all animals interesting. In fact, I plan to one day venture on an African safari.”
“Really?” Her lips tilted in a slight smile.
“I looked into it, and you can go with a group, led by professionals.” His face glowed with enthusiasm. “The thought of waking up to an amazing sunrise over the Savannah, and then heading out on safari really appeals to me. I thought about either Kenya or Botswana. They both have safaris where people even take their children.”
“Seriously?”
“Absolutely.” He chuckled. “It’s become the new Disney World.”
She stared at him as they walked.
“What?”
“I’d always thought I would like to go on an Alaskan cruise, but now you’ve given me the itch for a safari.”
“Tell you what.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. “You go with me on an African safari, and I’ll go with you on an Alaskan cruise.”
Goosebumps rose on her skin from where his warm breath fanned her neck. “Damian. No involvement, remember?” The no involvement slipped out, but despite uttering the words, her body’s reaction to his closeness made her wonder if it was already too late.
He shrugged. “Doesn’t hurt to ask.”
Kerry shaded her eyes as she looked up at the large clock in front of the Administration Building. “It’s one-twenty. We’d better leave.”
The warm breeze wafting into the truck from the open window blew curls into her eyes. With the sun emerging from morning clouds, she fished in her purse and whipped out large sunglasses. With her eyes covered, she snuck a glance at Damian.
If ever there was a man she could consider getting serious with, it was this sexy cowboy. Unfortunately, with him in Amarillo, and her in Albuquerque, it would probably not work. The idea flitted across her mind to give up on the Albuquerque move, but she quickly dismissed it. This was her first adventure beyond Tulsa, and her provincial life there. So far, that life had consisted of one boyfriend and one husband—she was a babe in the woods.
But heavens, Damian was hot. And no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t ignore the thumping of her heart when he flashed her that killer smile. His touches caused tingles to skim her body, shooting right to her center. Hard to disregard.
She shifted her gaze out the window at the bustling city. Shoppers strolled from store to store, lugging packages, anxious to see more. They passed an ice cream parlor where a young boy licked a cone that dribbled down his hand. His mother texted as she walked, totally oblivious to her son’s dilemma.
Could she be happy here, where she knew no one? Or would this adventure of hers have her scurrying back to the safety of her life in Tulsa? Or…
Don’t go there.
****
“Ms. Mackenzie?” A short, stocky blonde approached them, her navy blue blazer identifying her as an associate of Spencer Realty. The heels of her black pumps clacked on the hardwood floor of the hotel lobby as she extended her hand.
Kerry shook her hand. “Yes, I am. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Marilyn Spencer.” The woman smiled and glanced at Damian. “Is this Mr. Mackenzie?”
“No. I thought I explained on the phone, I’m single. This is Damian Greer. He’s a friend.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Mr. Greer. Will you be moving with Ms. Mackenzie?”
“No,” Kerry snapped, her cheeks heating. She glanced at Damian who seemed to be enjoying her discomfort. “He drove me here. Car trouble.”
The realtor fumbled. “Oh. I’m sorry. I assumed…”
“That’s all right. Marilyn, is it?” Damian grinned and stuck out his hand to the flustered woman.
“Yes. I’m sorry. Marilyn Spencer.” She took a deep breath. “Well, shall we go? My car is right out front.”
Kerry hadn’t planned on Damian going with her. So far, he hadn’t been very encouraging about her move here. The last thing she needed was him sabotaging her efforts to find a nice place to live. “You don’t have to go,” she hissed.
“Are you kidding me, darlin’? I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I want to make sure you have the absolute best condo Albuquerque has to offer.”
Kerry narrowed her eyes, then followed Marilyn through the door. She climbed into the white Nissan Sentra, tugging the seat belt and snapping it closed. A quick glance into the sun visor mirror confirmed her fears as Damian stretched out his long frame in the back seat, flashing her a grin. She stifled a groan. This was going to be a very long afternoon.
“Mr. Greer,
I assume you also live in Tulsa?” Marilyn glanced at Damian in the rear view mirror as she swung the car into traffic.
“No. Actually I live in a small town right outside of Amarillo.”
“Oh.” Probably completely confused by now, the realtor kept her eyes on the road and lapsed into silence.
The car rolled to a stop in front of a large condominium complex in the northwest part of town. The façade of each building resembled vintage New York City townhouses, with cement steps, wrought iron railings, and doors painted different colors. Damian hated it and hoped Kerry would, too.
“These are brand new condos, and we’re very proud to be the exclusive agency in town to offer them.” Marilyn shifted into park and smiled, her face aglow.
They climbed out of the car, and Damian bent to Kerry’s ear. “Ugly.”
She glared at him before following the navy blue jacket up the steps of number thirty-seven.
Damian took in the surroundings as he climbed behind them. The sound of saws, hammers, and music blasting sounded in the air as construction crews worked on buildings further down the road. None of the units on the street seemed occupied. No curtains on the windows, no cars parked in the miniscule driveways allotted each resident.
“I’m sure you’ll adore this unit,” Marilyn gushed. “It’s one thousand square feet, with a master suite and one smaller bedroom upstairs. Downstairs, we have a living room, dining area, kitchen, and half bath.” She flashed a bright smile at Kerry like she offered her a prize.
Kerry looked around and nodded.
Damian walked up to her and whispered in her ear. “Small.”
“Um.” She glowered at him, and strolled toward the kitchen. “This is a bit small.”
Bingo!
Marilyn hurried behind her. “Yes, it is small, but for a single woman with a full time job, think how easy it will be to take care of.”
The three stood in the kitchen and eyed the modern layout. Typical condominium décor. New stainless steel appliances. Damian hated them. Granite counters that everyone drooled over. He loathed them as well. Too clinical, cold. He felt as though he stood in an operating room, the terrified patient the only thing missing.
“Let’s take a look upstairs at the master suite. I’m sure you’ll be very impressed.”
They trekked up the stairs to a suite that was no larger than any ordinary bedroom. White walls, neutral beige carpeting, a cheap light fixture hanging from the center of the ceiling. The tiny bathroom attached to the suite had a shower stall, a sink with a mirror, and toilet. Marilyn had to step out of the bathroom so Kerry could step in.
“I don’t think this will suit me.”
Kerry wrinkled her cute little nose, and Damian’s insides shifted. God, was there nothing the woman could do that wouldn’t affect him?
“Oh. Well, that’s fine. We have others to look at.” Her smile a bit strained, Marilyn moved toward the door.
They all climbed back into the car and headed south.
The next complex she took them to was an older one, with mature trees lining the streets and plenty of cars parked in slightly larger driveways.
“This one is a re-sale. The owner is getting married and moving into her new husband’s house on the outskirts of town. It’s been perfect for her, living alone, so I think this may fit you very well.” Marilyn beamed as she looked at Kerry and even threw a glance in the back at Damian. “Ready?”
Despite medical evidence to the contrary, the new bride who owned the condo must have been color blind—or legally blind. The walls in the hallway were lime green, which led into a bright blue living room, the woodwork painted a pale yellow.
“Don’t take off your sunglasses,” Damian mumbled to Kerry as he walked by.
Against his advice, she slid her sunglasses down her nose and stared. “Oh my.”
Wide-eyed, she moved through the living room, into the orange kitchen. Well, not exactly orange, more a melon color. Complete with more pale yellow on the ceiling, and dark red trim. Walmart must’ve had a sale on circus paint.
Marilyn seemed taken aback, no doubt not having seen the unit before. “If these colors are not to your liking, then imagine how charming it would look with your own color choices and lovely possessions in here.” Kerry continued to stare slack-jawed, and the realtor nudged her. “Let’s take a look upstairs.” She glanced quickly at the paperwork in her hands. “This one has three bedrooms on the second level.”
Not sure he was brave enough to traipse upstairs with the women, Damian elected to stand by the door for a quick retreat.
Within minutes, they were out the door.
Marilyn shook her head as she started the car. “I’ll have to make a note to suggest to the owner that she paint those rooms before we bring anyone else out here.”
The third condo sat in a neighborhood that could only be called ‘up and coming’—or ‘down and leaving.’ A couple of the buildings they passed had been decorated with graffiti.
They didn’t even get out of the car for that one.
The next stop produced a condo that reeked of animals and cigarette smoke.
As soon as Damian had convinced himself Kerry would be leaving Albuquerque with no intention of returning, Marilyn presented them with the perfect condo. No matter how hard he tried, there wasn’t anything even he could find wrong with it.
The unit was large enough, well laid out, muted colors on the walls, and freshly laid carpeting. The neighborhood was a short drive to the hospital and priced in her range.
Damian watched with a heavy heart as Kerry signed her name on the dotted line.
She would rent the place for six months to allow time to sell her home in Tulsa before taking title. The owner was willing to do it, and by seven o’clock in the evening, they were back in the hotel lobby.
“I guess I should say congratulations.”
Kerry nodded, her smile missing.
He pulled her close. “If that’s what you really want.”
“Of course it is.” She chewed her lower lip, not meeting his eyes. “That’s what this whole trip was about.”
His index finger raised her chin, and he tilted his head, his eyes boring into hers. “I thought maybe you might have changed your mind since you left home in Tulsa.”
She shook her head vigorously. “No. No changing my mind.” She took a deep breath, and attempted a smile. “Let’s get something to eat. I’m starved.”
****
After spending the night tossing and turning, not sure she was doing the right thing, Kerry had arisen tired and cranky, but ready to continue with her plan. An embarrassing moment occurred, however, when the waiter who served them breakfast in the hotel dining room referred to them as ‘newlyweds.’ Quick to correct him, Kerry then had to listen to a speech about how surprised the waiter was because he rarely made that mistake. Damian simply sat back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, and smirked at her.
He’d left her to her own devices while he met with his supplier. Kerry used the time to take a local bus to a tourist area filled with intriguing small shops. She lost herself for a couple of hours in a bookstore before heading back to the hotel to meet up with Damian.
They talked the entire trip back to Amarillo. Since she changed the subject whenever he brought up the Albuquerque move, they had a pleasant drive discussing movies, books, and music. No surprise they liked all the same things. It especially rattled her to discover, in spite of the miles separating them, they’d attended two of the same country and western concerts in Oklahoma City.
Her attempt at independence should have been an exciting and satisfying prospect, but now faded in direct proportion to the time spent in Damian’s company. There was simply no denying the pull. Being close to him in the truck on the way home wreaked havoc with her emotions.
****
“That’ll be four hundred ninety-seven dollars and forty-nine cents, Miz Mackenzie.” Boz held out the greased-stained paper with the breakdown of parts an
d labor for fixing the flat and replacing the broken water pump.
Luckily, her insurance covered the tow.
“Ouch.” Kerry sighed as she pulled out her checkbook, wrote out the payment, then handed the check to him. “Thank you so much.”
The mechanic tugged on the brim of his grease-stained baseball cap and smiled. “Welcome, ma’am. I suggest you invest in some new tires, though. I fixed your flat spare, too.”
“I will. Unfortunately, this has already put a serious dent in my moving fund.”
“You moving to Amarillo?”
“Ah. No. Albuquerque.”
Her smiled dimmed when he scratched the side of his nose with a dirt encrusted fingernail and mumbled, “That don’t make no sense.” He lumbered away, shaking his head.
“Told ya.” Damian walked up behind her.
Kerry opened the Chevy’s door, took a deep breath, and extended her hand. “Thank you for rescuing me, and the drive to Albuquerque.”
Hands resting on his hips, Damian stared at her. “Seriously, Kerry?”
She dropped her hand to her side. “What?”
“Do you honestly believe I’ll take your hand, shake it, wish you well, and walk off?”
She clamped her lips together and blinked rapidly. No way would she cry. This was for the best. She didn’t know Damian well enough to throw away everything she’d done to gain her independence. For heaven’s sake, they’d only known each other a few days!
Sometimes that’s all it takes. Especially with the right person.
“In any event, Ms. Mackenzie, I don’t trust those tires of yours, and since it’s getting onto evenin’, I’d prefer if you listen to reason and wait until tomorrow to rush off and begin your new life.”
She narrowed her eyes. “I’m not staying at your house again.”
“Fine. We’ll get some dinner, and then I’ll drop you off here so you can find a motel.”
Drop me off? That stung. Maybe he was ready to walk away despite all his assertions to the contrary.
“All right.” She raised her chin. “But I pay for my own dinner.”
“Darlin’, if it pleases you, then have at it. In fact, I’ll let you pay for mine, too. Actually, why not pick up the check for everyone in the place to celebrate your new life?” His eyes flashed and his jaw clenched.
Choose Your Heart Page 5