Kerry raised her eyebrows, coolly assessing him. “And?”
“I’d like to drive you to Albuquerque.” He raised his palm. “Before you dismiss it out of hand, hear me out. I called my supplier this morning, and he can squeeze me in earlier than the time we set.” He took in a deep breath, then flashed a slow, lazy smile. “And frankly, I’d really like to spend a bit more time with you.”
A jolt shot through her at the casual end of his statement. She tilted her head and studied him. So far, nothing he’d said or done led her to believe he was anything more than what he seemed. A nice guy. The people last night knew him quite well and trusted him. And—she did have to be in Albuquerque for her appointment tomorrow. There would probably be a bus, but once she got there, she’d have to rent a car, which would seriously deplete the money she’d set aside for this move.
The biggest drawback was his last comment. He wanted to spend time with her. What exactly did that mean? That thought caused butterflies to take flight in her stomach. The tension crackling between them right now was palpable. Damian Greer was not only a nice guy, but a damned sexy one. And the connection she already felt disturbed her. Her plan was to gain some independence and move to Albuquerque.
And that’s what she would do.
It was better if she did this on her own. No more detours or distractions.
She opened her mouth to speak and startled herself when she said, “All right. You can drive me.”
Damian swallowed the last of his coffee. He’d done it! For a minute there, he’d have sworn she was about to turn him down.
Boz discovering the broken water pump only reinforced Damian’s belief that fate had stepped in to allow time to pursue this connection between him and Kerry. And it kept him from having to make up a ridiculous tale about why he should drive her to Albuquerque—starting off a relationship he’d hope would grow into something by lying, didn’t sit well.
“When do you want to leave?” He placed his cup in the sink.
“Right away. Isn’t it about five hours from here?”
“Not the way I drive, darlin’.” He flashed her a grin and checked the silver and turquoise watch at his wrist. “It’s already after ten, sleepyhead, but I agree, we should get started.”
“I can’t believe I slept that late. Usually I’m up at the crack of dawn.”
“Considering it was almost dawn when you fell asleep, you’re excused.” He winked.
She tapped her chin with her finger. “I’ll have to get my moving file and notebook from my car, and check with Boz.”
“What time did you say your appointment was tomorrow?”
“Two o’clock.” She gave him a half-smile. “If we get there tonight, it will give me plenty of time in the morning to take another look at the area.”
“Let me throw a few things together, then we’ll head out to Boz’s shop and leave from there.”
Kerry touched his arm as he turned. The heat where her fingers rested shot from there to his groin. Her huge hazel eyes captivated him, dried up his mouth as effectively as a wad of cotton.
“I want to make one thing clear. When we get to Albuquerque, we will not be sharing a room. I’m not...like that.”
Damian rested his wrists on her shoulders, leaned down, and looked her in the eyes. “I won’t deny the idea hasn’t crossed my mind, but I want more from you than a quick tumble.”
She reared back and gasped at his blunt words. “I don’t know what you want from me, but I’m not in a position to give anything to anyone right now. I have a plan, and I will follow it.”
He kissed the tip of her perky nose. “And I have my plan.”
****
A small airplane buzzed overhead, and the strong odor of animals drifted through the open window of the truck as they drove away from Damian’s house, then down the long drive to the road. After a brief stop at Boz’s service station, they hit the highway.
Kerry still second-guessed her decision to travel to Albuquerque with him. Oh, she wasn’t af
raid of him—physically. So far, he’d proved to be nothing less than a gentleman. It was her heart and determination that concerned her.
She was ready to move on with her life, and fully intended to begin dating. But getting involved with a man in Amarillo while headed to Albuquerque didn’t make sense. Especially a man who rattled her like no one since Cody.
Damian fiddled with the radio until he landed on a Josh Turner song. He grinned at her. “One of my favorites. Makes me want to hold a gal in my arms.”
“Really?” She raised her eyebrows.