by JoAnn Durgin
“Of course not.”
He laughed. “Didn’t think so, but a guy can hope. Like I said, nothing comes easy with you. There is one exception to the rule.”
Something stirred inside her. “Do I want to know?” Amy stared straight ahead, her mind racing. Trying to guess what he’d say at any given moment kept her on some weird kind of adrenaline rush but it was also exhausting.
His brow furrowed. “Sorry. It’s not the right time for this discussion.”
“You brought it up.” Now she really wanted to know.
“I’ll tell you when the time is right.”
She nodded. “I’ll trust you to know when that is since I have no clue what you’re talking about.”
“You’ve got a deal.”
He exaggerated his drawl, and she couldn’t resist her smile. Nestling further into the seat, Amy closed her eyes. He’d stolen her breath . . . again. She liked this man she barely knew. Liked him a whole lot more than she should. Worse, perhaps, she trusted him and was in serious danger of the very thing she feared for her brother—surrendering her heart too easily and too quickly. Her greatest fear? The barriers she’d tried to build to keep him out of her heart were tumbling by the wayside, faster than a stack of children’s blocks.
~~**~~
Sipping hot chocolate during a short break, Amy savored the flavor, watered-down though it was. Dispensed from a vending machine in the otherwise abandoned rest stop, it was scalding hot. Curling her fingers around the cup, she inhaled the steam, thankful for the warmth. With the sun dipping lower on the horizon every minute, the temperatures had dropped fast. Adjusting Cooper’s jacket on her shoulders, she absently glanced over the display of colorful tourist brochures. Stifling a yawn, she was glad they’d soon be in Austin—a little over an hour away. A hot shower and a warm bed never sounded so inviting.
“Ready?”
Amy startled from her daydreaming to see Cooper already by the door, one hand poised on it. “Coming.” They walked in silence to the car.
“Everything okay?” he asked after helping her inside and sliding behind the wheel.
“Appreciating your good manners. If I ever meet your mama, I’ll have to thank her.”
“Thank you.”
“That’s all you have to say?” Surely the man had another comeback.
“Shh. I’m relishing the compliment.” He turned the key in the ignition several times. Nothing. After trying a few more times with no response, he hit one fist on the steering wheel in what seemed like a rare display of anger. “I don’t believe this.” Closing his eyes, he leaned his head back on the seat and exhaled.
Stay calm. Another adventure. Amy stole a glance, but his eyes were still closed. “Um, Cooper, are you praying, cursing under your breath, power napping or thinking?”
He opened his eyes. “Figuring out the next move with a good dose of prayer on the side.”
“At least you can’t blame this one on me.”
“Of course not. I guess it’s time to call the rental car company. The contract’s in my overnight bag. Be right back.” A minute later, he leaned against the side of the car, and she heard him speaking.
Frowning, Amy hopped out of the car and shrugged out of the jacket. His eyes held a question as she draped it around his broad shoulders, but she glimpsed the gratitude in his expression.
He covered the phone with his hand. “Go back inside and stay warm. I’ll be there in a minute.”
Five minutes later, Cooper strode into the small building. If the tautness in his expression didn’t warn her of his disgruntled mood, the set of his jaw and hunched shoulders did.
“Should I ask?”
“Not if you want the answer,” Cooper said. “Sorry.” His eyes were lined and heavy; he rubbed a quick hand over his brow.
Amy brushed dark hair off his forehead and glimpsed the scar. With one finger, she traced its outline. “How did this happen?”
“Teenage foolishness. I flipped on a motorbike and hit the ground running.” His gaze softened as she removed her hand. “Okay, here’s the situation. There’s nothing the rental car company can do since we’re in the middle of Nowhereville, Texas on a Sunday. They advised me not to tinker with the car since it’s a rental and trying to repair it would violate the terms of use agreement.”
“You’re saying we’re stuck?” Amy bit her tongue not to whine. She’d never been one to do it before—although she’d had plenty of circumstances to warrant it—and she wasn’t about to start now. “Isn’t it their contractual obligation to either remedy the situation or make amends in some way?”
“They’re sending a driver, and he’ll take us wherever we want within a twenty-mile radius. Plus they’re refunding the full rental fee.” Cooper shrugged. “At least it’s something.”
“They can’t send another rental car?”
“They don’t have one available anywhere near here until sometime tomorrow.”
Might as well accept it and move forward. Complaining wouldn’t get them any closer to Austin. “So, what do you suggest?”
“Since it’s pretty clear we’re not going to make it to Austin until sometime tomorrow morning at the earliest, the most pressing need is finding a place to lay our heads for the night. Let’s pray there’s a motel within twenty miles.”
Crossing to a nearby bench, Amy plopped on it and hugged her arms over her chest. “What if there’s not?”
Cooper dropped down on the bench. “Where’s that positive, optimistic spirit I love?” Leaning close, he nudged her shoulder.
“I’m afraid it’s gone missing. I’m trying my best not to venture into whine territory here—that’s w-h-i-n-e.”
He chuckled. “Oh, I don’t know. A glass of w-i-n-e doesn’t sound so bad right now.”
“I’m sure we don’t need to go far to find you a watering hole.” Amy laughed when he elbowed her.
“Don’t worry. There’ll be no imbibing tonight. I need all my faculties and wits about me.”
“This day keeps getting better, doesn’t it?” she said.
A grin curled his lips. “That’s one way to look at it. It’s also what God’s given us, so we might as well accept it.”
“Maybe you could call your parents or a friend in Austin to come out here—wherever we are—and get us? We’re not that far away, are we?”
“You want total honesty? I’m beginning to really like the idea of being stranded with you, especially since the original purpose of this trip was to get to know each other better. I was going to get you a room in one of Austin’s best hotels, but given our current circumstances, what’s the difference whether you’re in an Austin hotel room . . . or somewhere else?”
“Are you absolutely positive that car won’t start?”
Reaching into the pocket of his jeans, he pulled out the rental car key and dangled it in front of her. “Be my guest if you don’t believe me.”
Amy shook her head, frowning. “That won’t be necessary.”
Stretching out his legs, he leaned against the wall beside her, shoulders touching. “If you’d be kind enough to watch for a white van, I’m going to try and grab a little shut-eye.”
“Sure. Here,” she said, guiding his head to her shoulder. Then she thought better of it. “That’s probably not comfortable.”
“I’m not going to bypass one of God’s opportunities.” Adjusting his position, Cooper smiled.
The silkiness of his hair was irresistible and Amy ruffled her fingers through it before running them over his scalp in a light, circular pattern. Her mother used to do the same thing for her when she was tired.
“Mmm . . . that’s nice.”
Her shoulder started to ache not long after, but no way was she going to move or shift him. Something about such a strong man giving up control for even a minute proved he trusted her. Soon, she felt the rise and fall of his breathing and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
Amy felt the blood drain from her face. Lord, I don’t know muc
h about this man, but I trust him. Problem is, should I? “But I trust You,” she said under her breath. Stealing a kiss on the small scar on Cooper’s forehead, she leaned her head against his.
Chapter 25
Within a half hour, a white van pulled in front of the rest area. It had to be their ride since no one else was around. Tapping him on the arm, Amy kept her voice low. “Cooper. Wake up. The van’s here.”
He ran a hand over his eyes. “Thanks. Let me talk with the driver first. Wait here, and I’ll be right back.” A couple of minutes later, he returned and retrieved their bags. Chivalry was alive and well in Nowhereville, Texas.
Gathering her purse, Amy hurried outside as Cooper loaded their cases onto the van. Offering his hand, he assisted her on the steps. A rush of hot air blasted her as she took a seat in the middle. “Whew, from one extreme to the other.” After thanking the driver, she scooted over to make room for him. When he climbed in beside her, she was more aware of him than she wanted.
He leaned close, keeping his voice low. “By the way, there’s only one motel in a twenty-mile radius.”
I will not complain. I will accept my circumstances with a good attitude. “Fine. As long as it’s got a bed and a hot shower, I don’t care.” When she spied his quirked brow, she stifled a groan. “It’s one of those seedy, by-the-hour places, isn’t it?” So much for positivity.
“Not for us, it’s not.”
Not sure how to respond, she focused on the nothingness passing by outside the van. She yawned a few times and felt her lids growing heavier every second.
“Come here.” Moving one arm around her, he nestled her close. “My turn. You were there for me, and it’s time to repay the favor. Lean on me.”
She gave him a grateful smile. “Don’t mind if I do. Thanks.” Snuggling against his shoulder, she gave into the temptation to catch a few minutes of rest. He smelled so good, all masculine, and he was warm. “I can hear your heartbeat.”
“Then you know how fast it’s beating with you in this position.” His hold on her shoulder tightened. “Don’t think of moving.”
A half hour later, after talking with the desk clerk at the motel, Cooper took her by the elbow and led her back outside. The van driver had already departed and their bags stood in the small lobby. “Why are we outside? I realize it was hotter than a sauna in that van and this actually feels good after that inferno, but—”
“I wanted you outside when you scream. At least it’ll muffle the sound.”
“You’d better explain.” She tapped her foot in an impatient rhythm on the concrete walkway. She’d done that a lot when in this man’s presence. “Let me guess. There’s no room at the inn?”
He shook his head back and forth, but the corners of his mouth twisted.
“Just spit it out, whatever it is.” She stopped her foot and stared. “Don’t tell me this fleabag motel doesn’t have a vacancy.” Aware her voice rose, she didn’t bother mincing words or trying to be quiet.
“Oh, they have a vacancy all right, but there’s only one room available.”
“What?”
“You heard me. Come on, let me escort you.” Going inside the small lobby, he picked up their bags and headed back out and down the sidewalk. “We’re looking for Room 116.” He stopped. “Are you coming?”
“Of all the stupid clichés,” she sputtered, glancing around the parking lot as she followed him. “I don’t see a hubbub of activity around here, so it makes no sense.”
“According to the manager, they’re currently doing renovations and not many rooms are available right now.”
“Well, that makes more sense.” Her words came out more a mutter and she coached herself to be more upbeat, calling on the inner cheerleader she’d been in school. “I guess there’s nothing else we can do but make the best of it, right? And thanks for carrying my bag.”
“That’s my girl. I mean, that’s the spirit,” Cooper said, his voice wry. “I hope you know I had no idea any of this would happen. It’s not like I planned it.”
“Of course not.” Amy’s stomach rumbled, reminding her it’d been hours since their last meal. Cooper must be starving, too, for more breakfast food or whatever. “I hope there’s a place to eat around here that’s open. Vending machine food doesn’t sound very appealing. Unless you’ve got more granola bars stashed in your bag.”
“I’ll ask the clerk. There’s bound to be a local pizza or hamburger joint, but I have a few granola bars left if we get desperate. Or we can save them for a quick breakfast.”
When they reached the room, they discovered it only had one bed—a double. Her brows rose. “I suppose you didn’t know about this either?”
“That there’s only one bed? Call me silly, but I assumed there were two doubles. I can always get some extra linens and sleep in the bathtub.”
“I’ll call and see if they have any cots.” Dropping onto the bed, she ran one hand through her hair, fighting the strong urge to cry a steady stream of tears if not a full-on, sobbing gush. “I’m trying to make the best of this situation. Give me a minute.” She surveyed the room through narrowed eyes.
“Let me make sure the heat works before we settle in.” Fiddling with the dials on the thermostat control, Cooper switched it on. Within a few seconds, she heard the sputtering and rattling of the heating unit. She almost laughed when he said, “I guess that means it’s working?”
Amy eyed the cheesy art prints nailed to the walls, the plastic cups and ice bucket and small coffee maker on the desk. At least the television looked new, unlike everything else. “Why is it even the cheap motels have a really big, nice TV?”
“I don’t know. Been in a lot of cheap motels, have you?”
“Be quiet. It’s a generalization.” She gave him a warning glance. Stretching out on her back, she covered her eyes with her arm. “I’m absorbing. Be right with you.”
~~**~~
Amy’s eyes fluttered open and she propped herself on her elbows, dazed. She blinked hard. Cooper sat by the table in the far corner of the room, reading by the light of a floor lamp. As she struggled to awaken more fully, she thought she glimpsed eyeglasses. When he shifted and turned toward her, no glasses were in evidence.
Lowering the magazine, he smiled. “Hello, sleepyhead.”
“What time is it?” She yawned and sat up on the bed.
“Almost seven-thirty.”
“That late?” She ran a hand through her disheveled hair and frowned. “Wow. Sorry. Hope I didn’t snore.”
“You didn’t. You were very lovely in your sleep,” Cooper said. “You actually smiled and whispered my name a few times. Sounded pretty hot.”
Amy drew in a quick breath. “Surely not.”
“I’m teasing. Relax. But you did make a rather odd sound.”
Oh, no. She groaned. “It’s probably the one I make when I’m exhausted. It started when I was a little girl. Did it sound sort of like a little clucking noise?”
“That’s the one.” He laughed. “I think I’ll call you ‘My Little Hen.’”
“Not if you want to make it through the night.”
“Oh, but we’re in Texas now. Don’t forget the capital punishment thing. Do anything to me and you’ll pay the ultimate price.”
“What are you reading?”
He held up the latest issue of Habits. “Never miss an issue.”
Her mouth gaped. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you bought it since we met, but considering I’ve been with you most of—” She waved her hand. “Never mind. Doesn’t matter. Glad to see you read something other than engineering journals or whatever.”
“I can appreciate a high-quality magazine. Reading about the newest method of screwing in a lightbulb isn’t nearly so interesting as some of the articles I’ve read in Habits.” He gave her a pointed look and flipped a few pages.
“But it’s mainly a New York magazine. Where did you, how did you . . . ?” She stared at him, at a loss for words.
“
Wanna see the subscription label?” He pointed to the small white rectangle on the front cover.
“You’re a subscriber? So, you know . . .” Why was she faltering? Spit it out, woman.
“I know you’re one of their best editors and a terrific writer in your own right. You should do more of it. For instance, I just read a fascinating piece on a woman’s shelter in New York and how they’re helping the women find jobs and get back on their feet again. Eye-opening stuff. The story of the girl named Rita was riveting.” He put the magazine on the table. “It’s obvious the junior editor who wrote the piece holds a close personal interest. And, if I may say, your articles are why I buy it. It gives this particular magazine a very nice balance. Some of the other pieces are more, well . . . let’s say the magazine could be called Highbrow.”
“Are you saying it’s fluff?” Tucking her hands beneath her, she shifted on the bed.
“Sometimes it is. Hope that doesn’t offend you.”
Amy shook her head. “No. It’s your honest opinion and I can certainly appreciate that. Besides,” she said, lowering her gaze, “I agree.”
“Ever think of leaving and going to another magazine?”
Mitch’s comments at Café Eduardo came to mind, and she frowned. “You and my brother should join forces. He asked the same question.”
“Great minds think alike. Something to consider, anyway.”
“Perhaps.” She rose to her feet. “Ever read New York Scene?”
His eyes widened and he looked like she’d shot him with a stun gun. “I’ve read it, yes.”
“What do you think of it?”
He hesitated before answering. “I like it enough.” Rising to his feet, he stretched his arms above his head. “If we’re going to eat, I suggest we get going.”
Accepting his hand, Amy slid off the edge of the bed. “First, I want to show you something.” He watched as she opened her suitcase and pulled out the copy of Landon’s magazine. Finding the page with his photo, she opened it and held it up for him to see. “This man,” she said, pointing to it, “is the publisher of New York Scene. Landon Warnick.” When he turned away, unresponsive, she put it back in the suitcase. “Surely you see the resemblance? It’s uncanny, really.”