Today she was driving a newer, fancier truck and the situation wasn’t the same at all. But riding shotgun with her in this cozy cab, where he could easily reach over and lay a hand on her thigh, had opened the floodgates. Hot memories swept him right past the warning lights of caution.
Of course he still had a choice. So did she. She had a will of iron forged by her parents’ neglect. She could be strong enough to stay in her room. In that case, he’d be taking a lot of cold showers.
But if she made that three-minute walk, game over. He’d welcome her with open arms and worry about fallout later.
As the string of businesses along the highway became more numerous, Jordan moved to the right lane and took the next exit. A couple of miles along that road the commercial sector gave way to rural countryside.
She broke the silence. “We’re almost there. This shouldn’t take too long. My trailer’s parked next to the barn.”
“How do you like the gooseneck?”
“Love it. I started out with a bumper hitch. When I could afford it, I traded it in for this gooseneck. There’s so much less wobble with the connection in my truck bed.”
“Agreed. That’s all we’ve ever had at Laughing Creek.”
“I’ve never dealt with a hoof abscess. Assuming that’s what’s wrong with Fudge, do you have any idea how long it takes to heal?”
“Monty can tell you better than I can, but it’s probably several days. I doubt he’ll be over it by Monday, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Yeah, I just realized that. I’ll ask Monty to teach me how to care for him since I’ll need to get back on the road by then. I’ll borrow one of the horses at the venue for demonstrations. Fudge shouldn’t be ridden until he’s completely over it. I know that much.”
“When’s the clinic?” He’d seen her schedule on her website, but that had been weeks ago.
“Starts Thursday in Bozeman. I scheduled a few private sessions ahead of the event, so I really need to take off on Monday.”
Bozeman was so damn close. He couldn’t resist tossing out an idea. “How about leaving Fudge at Laughing Creek so Monty can keep an eye on him? Then you can fetch him when you’re done.” The minute the words were out of his mouth, the atmosphere in the truck changed.
“I wouldn’t dream of imposing on Monty and your family like that.”
“What if it’s the best thing for Fudge?”
She gave him a look that clearly said back off.
But it was a logical plan, damn it. She could probably handle Fudge’s care, but this would be easier on her and her horse. He opened his mouth to say so.
“Luis, don’t.”
“I’m only?—”
“Be honest. Is this really about Fudge?”
“Of course it is.”
“Would you swear to that?”
With a groan he closed his eyes and leaned back against the headrest. Dios mio. He’d blown it. “No. It’s not entirely about him.”
“Déjà vu all over again.”
“Forget I said anything.”
“This is why I didn’t give you my phone number five years ago.”
He grimaced. “The guardrails remain in place. I still don’t have your phone number.” She didn’t have one listed on her website, just an email.
“Look, we’re crazy about each other. That scares me.”
Opening his eyes, he looked over at her. “Scares me a little, too.”
