The ride back to Sagebrush took a little longer than it would’ve normally. Diego was driving a little slower, and I had a feeling that had something to do with the fact that his hand was on my upper thigh for the entire ride. Every now and then I felt his fingers dig in, squeezing me, his pinky just barely caressing my obvious boner through my jeans. I wanted to ask him to stop so we could have one last romp. But everyone was waiting for us, and I’d been wearing those same clothes for three days. It was time for a change and a proper washup. But that didn’t stop me from enjoying the attention and teasing him back in my own ways.
However, all that came to an end when we pulled into the long driveway at the Turner Ranch. There was no sign of snow and the place looked like it was running just fine without Diego there. The guest cabins were still standing, all the decorations were finished, and the ranch hands were bringing in the cattle to their winter pastures. And Lucas was sitting on the front porch in a rocking chair, bundled up in what looked like one of Beau’s sherpa jackets. He was waiting for us.
As Diego parked the truck, Lucas waved at us with a knowing smilethat made me want to crawl under the seat. I removed Diego’s hand from my thigh, suddenly aware that we were about to face reality. The bubble we’d been living in for the past two days was about to burst.
“Ready for the inquisition?” Diego asked, turning off the engine.
“Not even a little,” I admitted, adjusting myself in my jeans. “Maybe we should just drive back to Amarillo.”
Diego laughed, the sound warm and rich in the cab of the truck. “Tempting, but I think Lucas would hunt us down.”
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. “Okay. Let’s do this.”
We climbed out of the truck, and I immediately felt the distance growing between us. Diego grabbed the bags of presents from the back while I stood awkwardly, unsure what to do with my hands or where to look.
“Well, well, well,” Lucas called from the porch, his voice carrying across the yard. “Look who’s finally back! Enjoy your little snow day?”
“It was fine,” I replied stiffly, feeling my face heat up.
Diego shot me a quick glance, something like hurt flashing in his eyes before his usual cocky grin slid back into place. “The whole situation was a mess, but we managed.”
Lucas’s eyebrows shot up as he looked between us. “Uh-huh. I bet you did.”
“We got all the presents,” Diego said, lifting the bags. “Everything on your list.”
“My hero,” Lucas grinned, standing up from the rocking chair. “Bring them in. Beau’s out with the hands, but he’ll be back for lunch.”
I shifted uncomfortably, suddenly feeling like an intruder. “I should probably get back to the diner. Dolly will be wondering where I am.”
“She knows exactly where you are,” Lucas said with a wink. “And who you’re with.”
My face burned hotter. “Still. I should go.”
Diego set the bags down on the porch steps and turned to me. “I can drive you back.”
“No, that’s okay,” I said quickly. “I could use the walk. Clear my head.”
Something flickered across Diego’s face. Disappointment maybe, or resignation? “If you’re sure.”
“I am.” I forced a smile that felt brittle on my face. “Thanks for... everything.”
Lucas looked between us, his expression shifting from amusement to confusion. “You’re leaving already? At least stay for coffee. Mabel always cooks too much for lunch too, so you’re more than welcome.”
“Another time,” I said, already backing away. “I’ve been in these clothes for three days. I need a shower.”
Diego’s eyes darkened at the mention of a shower, memories of our time together clearly flashing through his mind. I swallowed hard and turned away before I could change my mind.
“I’ll see you around,” I said, giving one last wave.
“Hayden, wait,” Diego called out, jogging after me as I made it halfway down the drive.
I stopped but didn’t turn around. My heart was hammering in my chest, and I wasn’t sure if it was from walking too fast or from hearing him say my name like that… like itmeantsomething.
When he caught up, he grabbed my arm gently and turned me to face him. “What’s going on? Did I do something wrong?”
His dark eyes searched mine, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. How could I explain that this, whatever this was between us… it terrified me? That the way he looked at me made me feel things I’d sworn I’d never feel again?
“No,” I said finally, my voice softer than I intended. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
