“It’s the part that worriesme.I don’t?—”
“Then you don’t object to the idea of me and Kieran?—”
“Look, I’ve been watching you two and you’ll find a way before the week is over. I’d rather you guys are in a safe spotand supplied with condoms instead of out in the woods with the bears and playing Russian roulette with your cycle.”
“I wouldn’t have risked getting pregnant.”
“Okay, but don’t pretend you wouldn’t sneak into the woods with him because you’ve already done it once. And he’s from Ireland. He knows less about bears than we do.”
“Then you like this plan?”
“I wouldn’t saylike,but it’s okay, except the truck-driving part.”
“There’s no other way to work it, but that’s not why I’m hesitating. I’m afraid I’ll?—”
“There is another way. Rance can come here, get you, drop you at his cabin and then drive back here to spend the night. Then he can do it in reverse before dawn.”
“That’s so many extra trips. Extra time and extra gas. I can’t ask him to do that.”
“I can and I will. That’s the only way I’m greenlighting this thing. You’re a good driver but that truck is massive and there are no streetlights or signs out here.”
“But—”
“I wouldn’t risk it myself and I’m sure as hell not going along with a plan that puts you in that position. I’ll be happy to call him and say so.” She reached for her phone on the nightstand between the beds.
“You have his number?”
“Only because he grabbed my phone when I had it open and added himself. I just haven’t taken the time to delete it. And his texts are kind of funny.”
“Wait. Don’t call him. I’m not even sure I should go.”
“Why not?”
“What if he falls in love with me? But he can’t leave Ireland? Then I’ve put him in a bind, just like I was worried Angie would with her job offer.”
“What if you fall in love with him?”
“I sort of have already. But I’m prepared. I can handle it.”
Lani rolled her eyes.
“Ican. I just don’t know if he’s thought it through. Also, he’s gotta be exhausted. I need to call him. For starters, we probably should postpone this until tomorrow night.”
“Then call him.” Lani flopped back on her bed. “If you decide to go for it, have him put Rance on.” She blew out a breath. “I can’t believe he expects you to drive Thunder. What was he thinking? Oh, yeah. I keep forgetting. He’s crazy.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Kieran had downed one mug of black coffee and would have another after Rance gave him a few tips on his pool game. Didn’t fancy being scundered the first time he played at Rowdy Roost.
He chose a cue from the rack and stepped over to the grand table that took up most of Rance’s living room.
“You played in your local pub, right?” Rance rubbed chalk on the tip of his cue.
“Yeah, some, but mostly darts. Our tables are smaller. And the—” His mobile chimed and leprechauns danced in his gut.Sara.He laid his cue on the table and reached in his pocket.
Rance put down his cue, folded his arms and looked at him.
“This is it.” He tapped the screen and put the phone to his ear. “Hello, Sara.”
