“Yeah, well,” I muttered, “he was a lot of things. Supportive wasn’t one of them.”
Diego was quiet for a long moment, and I could feel him studying my profile again. When he finally spoke, his voice was gentler than I’d ever heard it.
“For what it’s worth, I think you’re plenty interesting. And anyone who’d make you feel otherwise is a damn fool.”
Something warm and unfamiliar bloomed in my chest at his words, but I pushed it down. I couldn’t afford to let my guard down, not again.
“Thanks,” I said stiffly. “But you don’t really know me.”
“Maybe not,” Diego admitted. “But I’d like to.”
The sincerity in his voice made me glance over at him despite myself. He was watching me with those dark eyes, and for once there wasn’t a trace of his usual cocky smirk. That look sent a warmth through me that pooled low in my belly. This was dangerous territory.
“We should focus on the shopping,” I said, clearing my throat. “Lucas will have our heads if we come back empty-handed or with the wrong stuff.”
Diego nodded, seeming to understand that I needed to change the subject. “Right. So cool boots and a jacket. Any particular stores we’re hittin’?”
I pulled out my phone and checked the notes app where I’d written down the places Lucas had recommended. “There’s a western wear place that supposedly has good boots. And Lucas mentioned wanting something from one of those fancy outdoor stores for the jacket.”
“Fancy outdoor stores,” Diego repeated with a chuckle. “You mean the kind where they charge three hundred dollars for a jacket that does the same thing as a forty-dollar one from the feed store?”
“Probably,” I admitted. “But Lucas said he wants Beau to have nice things. He said something about reminding him that they’re not struggling anymore.”
“Can’t argue with that. Beau deserves nice things after all the work he’s done and how much the ranch props up the town.” Diego stretched again, his shirt riding up slightly to expose his hairy midriff. I definitely didn’t notice. “Are you doin’ any Christmas shoppin’ while we’re here?” he asked.
“I… I don’t know,” I said. “I haven’t really thought about it. My parents are in Italy, and I feel like I hardly know Aunt Dolly enough to buy her a gift. And honestly…” I hung my head. “I don’t have more than a couple hundred bucks to my name. Enough for gas to get home after the new year. Dolly’s the only reason I’m eating right now.”
“Are you gettin’ enough?” Diego asked, a real tone of concern in his voice.
“Honestly, I can’t get her tostopfeeding me,” I replied, a grin slipping through. “I’m not gonna fit in my clothes by the time I leave here.”
Diego laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “That’s Dolly foryou. Woman’s mission in life is to make sure no one’s stomach is ever empty.”
“Yeah, well, she’s succeeding,” I said, patting my flat stomach. “I’ve gained like five pounds since I got here.”
“Looks good on you,” Diego said with a wink that I pretended not to see.
The highway stretched out ahead of us, empty except for the occasional semi-truck. Fields of winter-dry grass rolled by, and in the distance, I could see the silhouette of Amarillo slowly growing larger.
“You know,” Diego said after a moment, “I could help you find some odd jobs around town if you need cash. Folks are always looking for extra hands during the holidays.”
I glanced at him, surprised by the offer. “I’m not a charity case.”
“Did I say you were?” He raised an eyebrow. “It’s just work, Hayden. Everyone needs help sometimes.”
“I don’t,” I said automatically, the words coming out harsher than I intended.
Diego just shrugged, unperturbed by my tone. “Sure. Whatever you say, Freckles.”
“I told you?—”
“Not to call you that. I know.” He grinned, completely unrepentant. “But it suits you.”
I rolled my eyes, focusing back on the road. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re incredibly annoying?”
“All the time. But they usually come around.” He stretched his arms above his head, his shirt riding up again to reveal a strip of tanned skin and a trail of dark hair disappearing beneath his belt. “Like you will.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” I muttered, though the heat in my cheeks and the tightness in my jeans betrayed me.
