“I’ve got this clinic thing grooved in. I don’t know if you noticed on my website, but I have gigs in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. It’s the second winter in a row.”
“I saw you’d expanded your territory. Congratulations.”
“I’ve even talked to folks in Australia and New Zealand.”
“That would be amazing.” Made his gut clench to think of her that far away. He made a mental note to never look at her schedule.
“I’ll get there. I know I will as long as I stay focused.”
“Message received.” He’d seen an opportunity to keep her within reach for a few more days and he’d blindly grabbed onto it. He hadn’t acknowledged his hidden agenda until she’d called him on it.
In the process he might have ruined any chance she’d pay that visit to his casita. If he’d screwed that up, maybe it was for the best.
“We’re here.” She turned down a paved road bordered by a rustic fence. They passed a large arena similar to the one at the clinic where they’d met.
Nice facility. “How many did you have last weekend?”
“Twenty-four.”
“Impressive.”
“It was a good turnout. I always cap attendance at thirty, and a few times I’ve had to put folks on a waiting list.”
“That’s a good sign. Clearly folks are excited about your clinics.”
“Yeah.” There was a smile in her voice. “They are.”
His chest warmed. Confidence looked great on her. He wanted her to be a success. She had a lot of talent and she was making use of it.
She was justifiably proud of what she’d accomplished and the life she’d created. He’d keep that knowledge front and center from now on. Eventually he’d get used to the bittersweet taste.
When he glimpsed her sleek white gooseneck trailer, he let out a whistle of surprise. “You travel in style, lady.”
“Took a while to pay it off, but I kept reminding myself that I was saving the money I would have spent on a motel room and Fudge has better quarters than he had with the old trailer.”
“Speaking of Fudge, once you get the truck lined up, I’d be glad to do the hitching if you want to fetch him and settle your bill.”
She hesitated a fraction of a second. “Okay, that would save time. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I’ve never trusted anyone to hitch up my trailer before.”
“I fully believe that and I’m honored to be the first.”
“But a bystander can be helpful for unlatching the tailgate and guiding me into position.”
“I’m happy to be today’s bystander.”
“Thanks.”
The lilt in her voice reminded him of the way they’d teased each other five years ago. The light mood had lasted right up to the final couple of hours.
Until then, he hadn’t believed they’d go their separate ways. He’d learned his lesson. Evidently he’d have to relearn it.
Pulling into the complex, she swung her truck around, backed toward the trailer and stopped a couple feet away. “You’re up.”
“I’m on it.” He climbed out, lowered the tailgate and raised the coupler on the gooseneck. Her trailer was a beauty. Once they’d returned to Laughing Creek and Fudge had been doctored, he’d ask for a tour of the living quarters.
