“Besides, our deal was for last night. I didn’t say anything about this morning.”
“Woah.” He waved his hands. “Look. Last night was fun and all, but I have to work today and you’ll only get in the way.”
She threw her keys into her purse and set it on the hood of his truck. “I’ve never been in the way in my life.”
“There’s a first time for everything honey.” He spun on his heel and went into the garage to get a box. How could one woman look so good and make him so mad all at the same time? He didn’t have time to ponder that one and he definitely didn’t have time to argue with her.
“Don’thoneyme.” She pointed to her chest.
“Sorry. Look, this weekend is important. I don’t have time to babysit, so if you’ll leave a card or something, I’ll be in touch. Okay?” The last word was meant to dismiss her and he cut a wide path around her to avoid enjoying her soft scent.
“Not okay,” she called after him, the sound echoing in the garage. He shook his head and dropped the box on the tailgate. A half-second later, another landed next to it.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“I’m helping you load.” She stomped back to the garage. “Idiot,” she muttered just loud enough for him to hear. She came out with another load.
He planted himself in front of her and put his hands under the box to take it. “You’re not helping me load.” He pulled on the box, but she held fast.
Yanking it back, she replied, “Yes, I am.”
“No, you’re not.” He pulled, bringing the box flush with his chest and her close enough that he could smell her fancy perfume that smelled like vanilla and flowers and beaches and peaches and all sorts of scents mixed together to drive a man crazy. It was intoxicating. Her gray eyes sparked with anger and he had a strange urge to drop the box, take her in his arms, and explore the rough seas between them.
“You’re my ticket to Trent and I’m not leaving your side until these papers are signed. So I’m going with you.”
Cash spun, taking the box out of her hands. “My dad would tan my hide if I let a woman carry somethin for me.”
She headed back to the garage and came out with another box and a smirk.
Cash groaned. Some women were just impossible. There was no explaining their crazy. He ran his hands through his hair. What was he going to do with her all day?
“Where are we going, anyway?” she asked.
“The Outdoor Expo.”
“Really?”
“You ever been?”
“Can’t say as I have.” She dusted her palms.
Trying a new tactic, he said, “You’ll love it. We’re gonna talk huntin’ and fishin’ for three days straight. There’s lots of greasy food and a beard contest.” He snapped his fingers. “You can enter the hot dog eating contest.” His eyes went up and down her, and he had to stamp down the sharp edge of attractionbefore he could continue. “A bitty thing like you the guys would never see you comin’.”
A worry crease appeared between her eyebrows. It was quickly replaced by a determined set of her jaw, and he knew he’d lost.
CHAPTER FIVE
Rubi really did not want to spend the day at a fishing expo or whatever this guy called it. At some point, someone would figure out who she was and there’d be cameras and screaming fans and groping hands.
She shuddered, remembering the last time a group of fans went nuts on her. They treated her like an object, like something sold in an infomercial that was suddenly on shelves at a steep discount the day after Thanksgiving.
However, lining up security would take a couple hours. They’d want to do a sweep of the area, background checks on anyone who breathed in her space, and keep her out of sight untiltheywere ready. She couldn’t afford to let her fears get in the way of finding Trent. If she pulled her hat down and lay low, she’d be able to glue herself to Cash. Otherwise, Trent could come and go and she’d be oblivious.
Tugging on the brim, she mapped out an escape route in her head. At the very least, she could get to her car, lock the doors, and call the police. What mattered was getting Carolyn out from under the influence of that creep. Keeping that goal in mind would give her the courage to do what she needed to do.
Cash rested his arm across the side of the truck. “You can’t seriously want to hang out at our booth.”
She eyed him warily. He seemed like a nice enough guy. He held open doors, carried boxes, and had never called her a derogatory name or curse word even though she’d gotten under his skin. “Why not? You’re going to.” Maybe he had horrible taste in friends and that’s why he allowed Trent to stay here. Or, maybe Trent had pulled the wool over his eyes like he had to Carolyn.
