by Sable Hunter
His offer made her uncomfortable. “No, I don’t want to be a charity case.”
“Oh, honey.” He moved so close to her that she could feel his breath on her cheek. “I wouldn’t be doing it for charity. I like you. I like spending time with you.”
Bryn giggled softly. “I don’t think that’s very wise. I’m nothing but trouble, or so I’ve been told.”
“I think you’re the farthest thing from trouble I’ve found.” Denver felt light-headed. Breathing in her scent was intoxicating.
Bryn shivered, giving him a quivering smile. She needed to go inside before she did something foolish. “I had a wonderful time, Denver. Thank you for a lovely evening.”
He gave her a quick courtly bow. “Thank you for going out with me.”
The next moment, Bryn almost stopped breathing when their eyes locked and Denver began staring at her lips. If she wasn’t mistaken, he was about to kiss her. “Uh, goodnight. I hope to see you again soon.” Quickly, to forestall his intentions, she held up her hand between them, offering to shake his.
Denver was taken aback and a little disappointed. He recovered nicely, however, taking a step back and accepting her gesture, bringing her hand to his lips for a gentle kiss. “I’ll be counting the minutes, Miss Bryn. Goodnight.”
He waited until she was safely indoors, then retraced his steps over the precarious surface. Once he was inside his truck, he sat there for a few moments until he saw the front light go out and the house go dark. “Well, hell. No kiss. Just my luck.” Denver started his truck and grinned at himself in the rearview mirror. “Oh, well, maybe next time. I do love a challenge.”
CHAPTER THREE
“Yay! She kicks, she scores, she wins!” Bryn giggled and smiled as the can she’d just kicked hit the mesquite tree near the adjacent fence line.
The walk to and from town seemed shorter if she kept herself occupied. Sometimes, she stopped to wade in the river when she needed to cool off or rest. All in all, the journey was a pleasant one most of the time. Once or twice, a driver of a passing car would make her nervous, like a man looking at her strangely. She’d taken to walking nearer the houses she passed, or the woods, any place that might give her cover if someone stopped who might intend to do her harm.
The next moment, her smile was gone. “Oh, nuts,” she muttered, then instinctively covered her mouth, glancing around to see if anyone had heard her. Old habits die hard. There were times she had to remind herself she lived in the secular world now. Bryn didn’t have a potty mouth, by any means, but when she found herself angry or frustrated enough, something would slip out. Like now, when the big toe of her left foot finally poked its way through the fabric of her shoe to make contact with the gravel underfoot.
Removing the offending shoe, she turned it over and examined the tiny hole just big enough to wear away the tip of her sock. “Well, isn’t this just dandy.” With a huff, she plopped down in the tall grass on the bank of the road. For the past three days, rain or shine, she’d made this trip. “Still no job offers, girl.” So far, she’d been turned away at every attempt. A few places said they’d be in touch, but she was growing tired of hearing – sorry, we aren’t hiring at the moment. Her cheerful demeanor was starting to wane. “If you don’t get work soon, I’m not sure what you’re going to do.” The Lord will provide. Bryn held on to Sister Mary Estelle’s words, choosing to place her fate in the hands of powers she didn’t fully understand.
Bryn turned the shoe back over and put it back on her foot. Bending her leg, she looked down to see the single dirt-smudged toe wiggle in the opening. “Looks like I’m gonna need new shoes.” She wiggled it again. “Or some tape.” Being out in the real world was turning into a tougher task than she’d imagined.
Rising to her feet, Bryn dusted off the rear of her dress and straightened herself. The sudden beep of a horn made her jump. The truck was upon her before Bryn realized she wasn’t alone. She edged way over to the side, glancing over her shoulder to see if she needed to run. “Denver!” she exclaimed with joy when she looked through the open passenger’s side window to see his dear face. Letting out a huge sigh of relief, she greeted him. “How are you?”
“Better now,” Denver said with a smile on his face as he eased off on the gas and came to a full stop next to her. “I’ve been looking for you.” The truth was that he hadn’t been able to have a moment’s peace since he learned she was walking to and from town, alone on this stretch of highway. When he’d spotted the sexy little vision in her red sundress on the side of the road, he’d breathed his first easy breath in days.
“Really?” She stepped up on the running board of his truck, leaning with her arms on the open window ledge. Her long auburn hair dangled over her left shoulder and the way the light caught it made Denver’s pulse race.
“Gospel truth.” He leaned over the seat. “Come closer.”
She held her breath and edged further into the window. “What?”
“I told my boss I needed off early today. You see, there’s this really sweet, really cute girl who just moved to town.”
Bryn began to feel the heat in her cheeks. “There is?”
“Yea, I was kinda hoping to spend more time with her, but my damn schedule kept getting in the way.”
“I’d say you should quit your job to spend more time with her, but don’t do that, finding work around this town seems hard to do.” Bryn wasn’t full of herself, but she was almost sure he was referring to her and the idea made her heart thunder in her chest.
Denver settled back into his seat as the tension returned to his groin. God, he prayed Bryn didn’t see how hard he was from just being this close to her. Hell, every time he’d thought about her these past few days he’d gotten rock hard. “Pounding the pavement not working out, huh?”
Bryn wiggled the toe inside her shoe. “Not especially. I don’t know, I just thought it would be easier to find work. If I don’t find something soon, I might have to put the house up for sale and move to Houston or something, where’s there more demand for unskilled labor.” She laughed sadly.
“Don’t be too hasty, something will turn up.” Her mention of moving bothered him, he didn’t want her to leave.
Wanting to think about anything else, she changed the subject to something more pleasant. “Did you work hard today?”
“Oh, yea. I always work hard.” He’d put in long hours on the job, then stayed up late completing the order for Isaac. As much as he’d have liked to, he hadn’t taken time to call Bryn. He’d known if he did, it would be even harder to stay away from her and he needed to if he were going to keep his promise to Avery. “I did finish the baby furniture order, though. Glad to get that off my plate.”
He knew he’d done his share of grumbling about it too. Thank goodness, his boss had a sense of humor. “What’s wrong with you, Bolden? Are we keeping you from something important?”
“I just have things I’d rather be doing, that’s all.”
“Don’t we all? Nobody said cowboying was easy,” Lance had grumbled back. “Now, shut up and hand me that hammer. The sooner we get this done, the sooner I don’t have to listen to your bellyaching.”
“I’m sure you are. I’d love to see the furniture. Did you take pictures?”
“Yea, I did.” He held out his phone and Bryn reached out to take it.
“Wow, these are amazing.” She admired the beautiful, handmade furniture. “You are so talented. That’s one lucky baby.” Bryn felt her insides quiver as she inhaled the air from inside his truck. It smelled like cut grass and leather, warm and masculine. An image of a shirtless Denver, his skin glistening with sweat, as he tossed bales of hay onto a moving trailer came to mind. She was surprised to feel her body respond to that thought, her nipples tingling and the secret place between her legs throbbing as it awakened. “Oh, my goodness…”
“Thanks.” He took the phone from her outstretched hand. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, I…” She hated to lie, but
there was no way she would confess to what she was feeling. “I guess I’m just a little light-headed.” She glanced up at the sky to see the sun. “Today was pretty hot and I worked at the house before making my trek into town.”
“Hop in and sit down with me,” he urged, leaning over to pull the lever to open the door.
Bryn didn’t argue, she was grateful for the ride. “Thanks,” she said, closing the door behind her. “I was more than halfway, but my feet were getting tired.” She laid her head back on the seat and sighed as he pulled back out on the road.
“You should’ve called me, I would’ve come to give you a ride.”
“Oh, I don’t think I could compete with this new girl. What did you say her name was?” she asked in jest, hoping she could be the girl he called sweet and cute.
“Oh, I didn’t. She’s great, though.” He winked at Bryn. “Silky, smooth skin. Long, gorgeous hair. In fact, she’s just about the nicest person you’re ever gonna meet.”
She flipped her hair and giggled with delight. “She sounds perfect.”
“Well…”
Bryn fixed him with a hard glare. “She’s not?”
“She’s about as close as anyone could be, but she has this one glaring flaw.”
“She does?” The smile was gone from her face.
“Oh my, yes. And it’s a whopper.”
Insecurity bubbled up so quickly in her chest, she thought she might vomit.
“You see…” Denver looked around as if he were about to divulge the Caramilk secret and his life was in danger. “She can’t drive worth a flip.”
Bryn felt a rush of relief. “Oh you.” She reached across and playfully punched him on the arm.
“Ouch. Calm down, girl. It’s not my fault you’re a menace to society behind the wheel.”
Bryn was glad to hear he didn’t have anything truly bad to say about her, but she was enjoying her fake anger too much to stop. “I’m gonna get you for this, Denver Bolden.”
Putting on his turn signal, he eased to a stop where a dirt road joined the main highway. “Now, me being the southern gentleman that I am, I’m willing to help you – poor, unfortunate soul that you are – learn how to drive right proper like.” He used his Tennessee mountain drawl to its fullest, smooth as butter melting on a hot biscuit.
Bryn perked up, eyes bright. “Do you mean it?” Clasping her hands together at her breasts, she hoped her heart didn’t jump out of her chest.
Putting on his turn signal, he eased down a little used dirt road.
“What are we doing?”
“Let’s change places. I’m going to give you a driving lesson.”
“Now!?” She couldn’t believe it, she just couldn’t believe it.
“Yes, now.”
Denver climbed out with the keys in hand and took the brown Stetson off his head. “No time like the present.”
“You mean it!?” Bryn was absolutely incapable of containing her excitement. She jumped out of the passenger side and bounded around the truck to wrap her arms around Denver’s waist. “Let’s go!”
“Well, now, hold on there, little darlin’.” Catching her by the arm, Denver halted her from getting away. “I’m gonna need to be paid for my time and expertise.”
Bryn’s enthusiasm waivered a touch. She was as broke as could be. “I don’t have any money.”
The grin on Denver’s face was a mile wide. “Who said anything about money?”
“I could make you some pancakes…or…um…maybe a pie. Do you like apple pie?”
Denver almost couldn’t believe the words coming out of her mouth. He’d dropped in a sexual innuendo and the girl was so pure and innocent she didn’t get it in the slightest. “Oh, heck. How about a little peck on the cheek as payment?”
Bryn began to beam, kissing him would be more fun for her than it would be for him, so she perked up on her tiptoes and placed her soft lips to the side of the cheek he presented.
He gave her a long look.
“What?” His gaze made her feel self-conscious. “Do I have something on my face?”
Again, he was amazed she hadn’t caught on to the innuendo he’d used. Oh sure, he wasn’t propositioning her for sex, but a little make-out session would’ve left him feeling very pleased. “It’s like you just walked out of the woods,” Denver murmured with a chuckle.
“No, not this time. I was on the road. You saw me when you pulled up.”
Denver threw his head back and roared. “You are amazing.”
Bryn took a moment to consider what he was referring to, but couldn’t figure it. She just chalked it up to him being from somewhere else. Maybe she’d done something people found funny back in Tennessee. “Thank you,” she offered politely. “I only run into the woods when I’m scared.”
Her last statement sobered Denver quickly. “Has someone bothered you?” Dammit, this was exactly what he feared most, exactly why he wanted to teach her to drive.
“No, not really. They just watch me.” She thought about her lesson. “Can we go now?”
Denver swallowed, trying to slow down his heart rate. God, she was an innocent to all that was evil in this world. He wanted to wrap her in his arms and protect her from everything – even himself. “Not so fast, little girl. A vehicle is like a lady. You gotta take care of her. Learn what oil she likes and make sure she’s always fed the right fuel. There’s more to driving then just hopping behind the wheel and taking off.”
Bryn was feeling practical and eager, so she stated the obvious. “Well, I don’t own a car. Remember? So, none of that matters.”
Denver tapped a finger on his lips. “Well, you’re right about that.” Opening the driver’s side door wide, he gestured for her to climb into the seat. Guiding her in with a helping hand, he struggled to keep his free hand from spanking that sweet tush of hers. “Put your hands on the wheel.”
Bryn extended both arms, but she could barely touch the worn leather. “It’s kinda far.” She sat up as straight as possible. “And I can’t see over the hood.”
“Well hell, I’ve probably got at least a foot on you.” Reaching down beside her, he pushed a button and Bryn’s seat moved up and nearer the wheel.
“Neat.”
Denver again smiled to himself at how cute she was. “Better?”
“Still a little far from the wheel.”
“We might need to get you a booster seat. I think I have a tractor manual or two in the tool box. Maybe you can sit on those.”
Bryn wanted to swat him, but she was loving how the steering wheel felt under her fingers. “I can see the road well enough! Let’s go, you’re as slow as Christmas.”
“You are a hyper little thing, aren’t you? You comfortable? Feet reach the pedals okay?”
Bryn pumped the gas and the brake pedal with both feet. “They can. I’m all set.”
“One last thing. Hands off the wheel.” Pulling the seatbelt out, he started to guide it across in front of her. When Bryn fidgeted with excitement, Denver’s left forearm grazed across her breast. “Oops. Sorry.”
“It’s okay.” The feel of his body rubbing against her chest sent a charge to Bryn’s feminine area and her thighs began to tingle. She wished he’d do it again, but the click of the belt finding its home put an end to the closeness of his hands to her body. Dratz.
Coming around to the passenger side, Denver slid into the middle of the cab seat right beside her.
“Do I need to adjust my mirrors or anything?”
“Look at you, knowing things,” Denver said with a smile. “Hit those little buttons on the armrest beside you until you can see out both side mirrors.”
Bryn fiddled with the buttons, bringing the mirrors in and then down, then up, then down again.
“This is cutting into your driving time,” Denver told her when it became apparent she was just tickled by the technology.
“I know, but it’s so much fun.” She played for a moment longer and then put her hands in her lap. “Okay. I’
m done.”
He took a minute to show her where the signals were located and how the brake and gas pedals worked.
“Left side stops. Right side goes.”
Bryn repeated at his insistence. “Left stop. Right go.”
“Perfect. You are the best student I’ve ever had. Ready to fire it up?”
Bryn tried to bounce up and down in her seat, but the belt caught at her motion and held her in place. “Well, I guess the seatbelt works.”
“Yea, it looks good.”
“What?”
“Never mind.” He tried not to look at how the seat belt crossed right between her breasts, and how they both looked so round and soft to touch. “Here you go.” Denver held out a silver keychain shaped like the state of Texas. On it hung one single key to the truck. “Slide it in and turn her on.”
God. He felt so dirty after saying that, but he couldn’t stop thinking about what it would feel like to sink his cock all the way inside of the sweet, little honey sitting beside him. Luckily for him, Bryn was so innocent that again, his slightly sexual phrase didn’t register with her at all.
Bryn snatched the key and stabbed it into the ignition. Cranking it, she held in the start position for much longer than she needed to, and Denver cringed at the noise the engine made.
Turning to face him, Bryn’s mouth formed an O. “Was that bad?”
“Rookie mistake,” Professor Bolden told her. “I should’ve explained a bit better. Now, you’re going to pull that little lever I showed you on the steering wheel.” Bryn grasped the gear shift and was about to pull it down into gear.” Hang on!”
Bryn took her hand off the shifter and the wheel as fast as she could. “What? What did I do?”
“Foot on the brake before you put it in gear.”
“Phew. I thought I blew up the engine or something.”
“Nope. Just always have the brake on. Go ahead and put her in gear.”
Bryn eyed the letters in front of her on the dash. Tentatively, she pulled the truck into gear and felt it lurch a touch. “Oh! It moved!” She turned to the handsome man beside her. “It moved, Denver! I drove a bit there for a second.”