I wait until I’ve finished backing up and have the truck in drive before I respond. “Don’t know. Guess we’ll both find out.”
I chance a glance in his direction and find his lips curved into a crooked smile. He doesn’t say anything, but he’s making it hard for me to be angry with him. He’s smiling at me even though I’m being a complete bitch.
The sun is just beginning to rise into the clear sky by the time we get onto the main road. I love being out before the roads get crowded. It almost feels as though we’re the only people in the world. Steam rises from the grass as the air around us begins to heat. It’s nice. I can’t even seem to stay pissed off with the morning as perfect as it is.
“Still mad?” Hayden’s voice breaks the silence, causing my lips to tug into a small smile.
“Maybe.” I try and fail to keep my expression serious.
“Okay, fine. Why are you so pissed? I thought things were finally back to normal with us.”
My hands grip the steering wheel tight enough for my knuckles to turn white. “I never really said I was pissed at you.”
I can see his entire body move as he heaves a sigh. “Come on, Miranda. Like it or not, we’re stuck together the entireweekend. At least tell me why it seems like you’d rather be stuck with literally anyone else.”
Without turning my head, I sneak another glance at him. “Who says I-”
Hayden cuts me off. “Just stop. It’s too early in the morning for games. I’m going to read. Let me know if you get bored or want me to drive.”
I do my best to pretend the silence between us is comfortable. Like his calling me out didn’t feel like he struck me. In reality, I want to crawl out of my skin. I started the day off by acting like the biggest bitch in Cole County, so I’m not sure how I can turn our interaction around. It isn’t Hayden’s fault that my father was being unreasonable. All I know is I’m going to need to figure things out if we’re spending the entire weekend together.
The first portion of the trip is highway driving. I’m not complaining, because it gives me time to shut my brain off and just drive. Hayden sticks to his word and appears to be reading a book on his phone. A smile threatens after I sneak a few glances at him. Gruff, rugged Hayden Scott is a bookworm. Who would have thought? As I pull off the highway and onto the main rural route that we’ll travel most of the way, I can’t take it anymore.
“I’m sorry,” I say, my quiet voice breaking the silence in the truck.
At first, I think he either didn’t hear me, or he’s choosing to ignore me. But then he places his phone on the center console and shifts to face me. Having his undivided attention is a bit unsettling. I use driving as an excuse to avoid looking at him.
“There’s no need to apologize.”
I keep my eyes on the road, but I can feel the heat of his gaze. “I was a bitch. You didn’t deserve it.”
“Deserve what? For you to be human? If anything, I’m sorry for not giving you a head’s-up. I assumed you were aware I was coming with you since you asked if your dad called me. You were surprised, and you were pissed. I get it.”
Taking my eyes off the road, I look at him, certain I must not have heard him correctly. I’ve always been quick to react to things, so having to crawl back with an apology after allowing my emotions to get out of control is basically par for the course. But I’m pretty sure this is the first time I’ve gotten this response.
“I shouldn’t have been so rude.”
Hayden holds a hand up, stopping my words. “Like I said, I get it. You didn’t fly off the handle and call me names or anything like that. I own a ranch and have been a bronc rider since I was old enough to hold on. I’m not going to hold you to a higher standard than the rowdy cowboys I work around all day long. We’re good.”
Forcing my eyes to remain on the road, I let his words sink in. Working around men on a ranch, it isn’t uncommon to see someone get pissed off and throw something. Or for men to get into screaming matches. And while things may not be as strict as they are in the corporate world, women are still expected to be polite. To be the calm around the ranch. It’s bullshit. He’s right.
My hands begin to relax on the steering wheel as I realize we’re okay. I got angry, expressed said anger, and everything is still okay. No groveling necessary. It’s a nice change from the way things usually go when I allow my feelings and emotions to slip out.
Chapter 7
Hayden
Miranda pulls into the parking lot of a small hotel about ten miles from the ranch we’re picking the horses up from. It’s the first time I’ve been in this town other than driving through on my way to a rodeo event back in my traveling days. Miranda didn’t ask me to drive, and I didn’t offer more than that one time when we first started. I won’t let her drive the entire way there and back without trading once we have the horses loaded. She can get as pissed as she wants; it’s not easy pulling a loaded trailer. Especially if we get the weather we’ve been expecting.
“Is this okay with you?” Miranda asks once she shuts off the ignition. “I know it’s early, but I’d rather leave super early in the morning since that’s the way I planned the trip back.”
“I’m just along for the ride. Whatever you planned is fine with me.”
I reach for our bags, slinging the strap of my bag over my shoulder before grabbing hers. When she reaches out a hand totake her bag from me, I simply shoot her a look before continuing to walk to the hotel entrance. I love that she’s determined to do things on her own, but some things just aren’t going to happen when I’m around. I open the door and then step back so she can enter.
“Oh, let me hold the door; you have the bags,” she offers as she takes a step toward me.
Once again, I say nothing, but my face must say it all because she rolls her eyes and then enters the lobby. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t appreciate the view of her walking ahead of me in those tight jeans that show off the perfect curve of her ass.
