“Yeah, but this is my business. I could jaw about this stuff for months on end.”
She shrugged and went back into the garage for another load. Moving the boxes of T-shirts and hats wasn’t all that difficult. She’d red the labels as she worked, grateful for something to do that kept her mind off the way Carolyn curved in on herself every time Trent’s name came up.
Sheshouldbe practicing her lines forEgypt’s Gold. Having secured the part of the female lead shortly after reading the script, she’d worked her tail off during the eventful read-through and the rehearsals. The cast and crew were on their way to Utah to film a few Dead Sea scenes around the Great Salt Lake that she wasn’t in. She was scheduled to meet them in a few days. The Velcro technique she’d applied to Cash was her last-ditch effort to get the divorce papers filed before she left.
Cash followed her every step. There was only one box left and she grabbed it before he could. With a growl, he snatched a broom and swept the floor where the merchandise had been stored.
Just as she dropped the box on the tailgate, an old truck, old as in circular headlights and no aerodynamics, turned up the drive. Squinting, she could just make out the boxy man with light gray hair behind the steering wheel. Not Trent. He parked next to her car and let out a low whistle.
“This yours?” he called through the rolled down window.
Rubi took in his worn jeans and soft plaid shirt. He had on a Sweet Birch Outfitters tan ball hat and a pair of silver-rimmed glasses. He looked like a weekend fisherman.
Most of all, Rubi liked the soft happiness in his eyes. “Yes, sir.” She brushed her hands on her pants and made her way over to introduce herself. “I’m Rubi.”
His wrinkled cheeks wrinkled even more. “Major Lowell.”
“Ah, you must be Cash’s daddy.” They shook hands. “I’m Cash’s assistant.”
“No, you’re not,” Cash said to her, coming up fast. “She’s not,” he said to his dad.
Major looked back and forth between them as they glared at one another.
“Come on Dad. We need to get going if we’re going to get set up in time.”
“You riding with us?” asked Major as he offered his arm.
“She’s not coming.” Cash hooked his elbow and pulled him along. “You’re not coming,” he yelled over his shoulder towards her.
“Just because you say somethin’ twice doesn’t make it true,” she called back. Hurrying forward, she grabbed her purse off the hood of Cash’s truck. She had no idea where the expo-thingy was and she worried they’d lose her in traffic. “Major?”
He turned, and she held up her keys. “Wanna go for a ride?”
He winked at his son. “I’m goin’ with her.”
Cash shook his head, but he let him go without putting up a fuss. He took his time finding his keys and getting situated behind the wheel.
Rubi gave him a saucy wink as she held open the passenger door and waited for Mr. Lowell to get settled before shutting it behind him. Grinning, she caught Cash glaring at her through his windshield as if he could melt the back tire with his eyes.
She checked to make sure Major wasn’t looking before throwing her arms out to the sides and sashaying her hips for Cash. He shook his head, but she was almost certain she saw him smile. He pulled forward and the passenger window went down. He passed her a card. “Here’s my number in case you get lost.”
She leaned in and took the card. “Wow—we’re making somemajorprogress here.”
“You’ve moved from stalking to kidnapping—congratulations.” The corners of his eyes wrinkled with amusement even though his tone was sharp.
She didn’t take what he’d said personally. “I can’t help it if your dad’s got good taste in company and cars.” She raked her gaze over his pickup as if it were a pair of last season’s pants.
With a harrumph, he pulled out.
Feeling all sorts of good, Rubi hopped behind the steering wheel. She started the car and turned off the radio. “So, Major, what do I need to know about this expo?”
He chuckled. “It’s a good time. Lots of people. They bring in celebrities.”
“Oh yeah? Like who?” She wondered if anyone she knew would make an appearance. That could get awkward.
“The guys fromGold RushandDuck Dynastywill be there for sure. They’ve been on the commercials. A few national fishing champions and some guys who do tricks on motorcycles and four-wheelers. They have a slew of beauty queens and some models help sell product.” His neck splotched. “Not that I’m lookin’”
Rubi laughed. “No worries, Major. So why’s this so important to Cash?”
