A month ago, he would have said yes, but she'd lived as simply as any other small-town resident these past few weeks. She was even canning jam with his mom and cooking from scratch.
"I decided serving others was more important than making money."
"But you shouldn't have given up your dream to follow his."
"I didn't really have any specific dreams. And yeah, I guess I made a lane change and adjusted my priorities, but I feel like it was all for the better." He shrugged. "Besides, I've since completed a computer science degree online. I do some programming and even game development on the side occasionally, but I like the social interaction that comes with being a deputy."
"No wonder you knew how to build the website." Her brow furrowed and she cocked her head. "You've completed two degrees plus the police academy? And you're only twenty-six?"
"Twenty-seven. And the computer science degree wasn't a four-year program. It was really more of a series of certificates."
"Still." The incredulous look remained on her face as she shook her head. "Are you a genius or something?"
Heat filled Rudy's face. He hoped that with the porch light behind him she wouldn't see the color in his cheeks. He cleared his throat before admitting, "I have a higher-than-average IQ. I tend to remember things really well."
"A deputy, a computer geek, a gamer, and a basketball and football player. You're the complete package, aren't you?" Her gaze dipped to his chest and abs.
A warm flush enveloped Rudy's body under her appraisal. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means you're...an all-around good guy. I don't understand why you're still single."
Rudy laughed. "Well, if you haven't noticed, there aren't a lot of single girls around here. Besides, I don't plan on getting married for another three years or so."
"Why not?"
He shrugged. "Marriage is part of the ten-year plan."
"Ten years? You're following Parker's plan for your personal life too?"
He stiffened. "I want to be prepared financially to raise a family."
"Don't you think that's taking things a little too—"
"Okay, I have more tomato juice." Mom walked out the back door of the house, carrying another laundry basket full of large cans of tomato juice. "Phew! You guys still stink. I think I'll let you guys open these yourselves." She handed Rudy a can opener and disappeared back inside.
Grateful for the diversion so he didn't have to defend his life plans, Rudy opened a can and handed it to Eden. They continued to bathe—or rather juice—in silence for a time.
"Ugh! I can still smell it. I can't tell if it's in my nose or just still stuck to my skin." She pulled her hair to one side. "Every time I move my head, it grows stronger." She poured a can next to her head, but much of the juice missed her hair.
"Here, let me help you." Rudy shifted to his knees and gathered her hair into his hands. He slowly poured half a can over her hair then worked it in with his fingers before adding the rest of the can.
He'd dreamed many times about running his fingers through her thick, silky hair, but none of those fantasies had included tomato juice. Even the thoughts he'd had earlier about this scene being romantic had dissipated, and he decided there was nothing sexy about tomato juice.
It made Eden's hair clump in his hand and even though the juice had a strong odor, it still hadn't masked the smell of the skunk that seemed to encompass them. Add to that the chill of the night air, and Rudy was ready to take a hot shower. Or at least pull Eden into his arms again.
Just thinking about their kiss warmed him all over.
Once her hair was thoroughly soaked, he shifted to sit beside her again. "So, are we going to talk about...that kiss?"
Her brows shot up, and pink tinged her cheeks. "Do youwantto talk about it?"
"Not really."
"So, why did you bring it up?"
He let his gaze drift to her bare shoulder before returning to her face. "Because I'd like to do it again." He angled toward her then waited for her to lean in.
She pulled away. "I'm not sure we should."
