With a snicker, Wendy tossed one last longing look at the desk then headed after him. Just as she’d expected, the tow had arrived and had enough time to attach the line to Tripp’s truck. She watched with morbid fascination as Tripp hollered at the driver and demanded to have his truck released.
There was no telling what words were spoken, but she didn’t have to know. Todd owed her a favor, and he was going to take Tripp’s truck back to town. He probably wouldn’t charge Tripp to get it released, but Tripp’s afternoon would be inconvenienced enough to make her smile.
Wendy slinked off toward her own truck and unlocked it. The door screeched in protest as she opened it, but seconds later, it was slammed shut by a large, heavy hand.
She could feel his breath on the back of her neck, hot and angry. Hairs stood on end, warning her to play it cool or risk his wrath.
Oh, who was she kidding? His wrath was already at her doorstep.
“You,” he growled.
Slowly, she turned and set innocent eyes on him. “I beg your pardon?”
“You did this. I don’t know how, but you did.”
Her eyes darted to where the tow was pulling his Chevy down the long drive toward the highway. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Maybe you double parked?”
He squeezed his eyes shut, a clear indication he was searching for patience he didn’t have. When he opened them, he set those smoldering, blue eyes on her. “You’re taking me to town to get it.”
“What? No, I’m not,” she snapped indignantly. “I’m not your chauffer.”
“You’re the reason I’m stranded here, so yes, you will be taking me to get the truck.” His low voice rose slightly, causing an elderly couple who had just arrived to look their way. She didn’t need him making a scene. And she definitely didn’t want him telling anyone about her hand in this whole thing.
Her jaw tightened as she considered any other options. Then she huffed. “Fine. Get in.” Well, that had just backfired.
CHAPTER SIX
In one hand,Tripp cradled the vase, his prize.
Had he lied about the timeline of events?
Yeah, he had.
Did he regret it?
Maybe before he found out that Wendy had gotten his truck towed. But now?
Absolutely not.
His other hand rested on his thigh, his fingers tapping in an irritated staccato.
Hallie had called him this morning to ask him if he’d like to pitch in on her idea. It wasn’t a half-bad one, either. In fact, if he hadn’t been paying attention to the rest of her comments on the subject, he would have taken full advantage of it.
But then she’d gone and put Wendy in his crosshairs and he couldn’t resist.
Without realizing it, Hallie had spilled Wendy’s plans to come to this estate sale to get a last-minute wedding gift and Tripp hadn’t thought twice about it.
He’d arrived shortly after Wendy. Then he’d followed her as she trailed her delicate fingers along different pieces of furniture and antique works of art. She’d thumbed through some books and he’d nearly given up on the whole plan when her body went ramrod straight.
The excitement in her expression was palpable. It was almost like he could hear her heart dancing to a rhythm only meant for her. He’d gotten one good look at her smile and he’d known.
The vase was the perfect gift.
He didn’t know why, and maybe that was where the small amount of guilt came from. Wendy had found something worthy of her friend and Tripp swooped in like the villain he was.
He cast a glance in her direction, noting the way her knuckles had started losing their coloring. Her face had turned a few shades redder. And every few minutes she muttered something to herself.
Wendy was actually adorable when she was mad and the sight of her caused a swell of something strange in his chest. He wanted to grasp her chin with his finger and thumb to force her to stop grinding her teeth. Heck, he wanted to pry her hands from the wheel so he could rub soothing circles into her palm.
