“We’re off.” He gestured for her to go ahead of him.
“Thanks for the pound cake,” her mom called after them.
“You’re welcome,” he called back. On the way through the living room he glanced at the sizeable tree in the corner. “I’m glad your mom is nimble.”
“So am I. Evidently they had many offers of help, but they were determined to do it by themselves.”
“I’m all for folks doing for themselves. More power to ’em.” He ushered her out the front door and quickly closed it behind them.
Thunder was parked horizontally right by the steps with the passenger door facing her. Good thing her folks hadn’t put in a walkway yet.
“You do know you just contradicted yourself by opening the door for me when I was perfectly capable of doing it myself.”
He sighed. “Are you still having trouble with cowboy manners, Lani-lou?”
“No.” She turned and flashed him a smile. “I just said that to get a rise out of you.”
“Doesn’t take much.” Slinging an arm around her shoulders, he hustled her down the steps as snow whipped around them. “That gold sweater does the trick. And you’re flirting with me.” Opening the door, he gave her a hand up. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re sending me a signal.”
“Against my better judgment.”
“I like the sound of that.” He closed the door and jogged around to the driver’s side. Once in, he started the motor before fastening his seat belt. Thunder beeped at him. “Yeah, yeah. Gotta keep the lady warm, buddy.”
She ducked her head to hide a smile. Rance talked to his truck. One more adorable trait added to a growing list.
He buckled up, switched on the wipers and put Thunder in gear.
“Did you remember the two manuscripts?”
“Damn, I knew there was something I was supposed to bring.”
“Don’t tell me you forgot the most important part of?—”
He grinned. “They’re in a box behind my seat.”
“Are they mine and Granny’s?”
“I got up early and printed out another one so Granny can keep hers. Now let’s hear what’s going on in that top-notch brain of yours.”
“I think you fried it. I can’t stop thinking about last night.”
“Join the club. It’s a wonder I remembered to bring those manuscripts considering I forgot to put water in the coffee pot this morning.”
“Oh, no!”
“It was okay after it cooled off. But then I burned the eggs I was making for Granny and me, and I never burn eggs. When the toaster began smoking, she sent me out of the kitchen and took over making breakfast.”
“Wow. Are you safe to drive?”
He grinned. “I guess we’ll see.”
“You’re in worse shape than me. Pull over. I’ll drive.”
“Much as I’d love to watch you take the wheel, a snowstorm isn’t the best time for your first experience.”
“I know, but?—”
“Don’t worry, we’ll get there just fine. It’s not far and Thunder knows the way.”
