“I didn’t argue and neither did B. She is loving life. I’m actually worried she won’t want to come home.”
I came up next to him. The small backseat of the cab didn’t have much room. Lucky had a ruck sack tucked in the corner and a blazer hanging from a makeshift hook in the ceiling.
“B will miss you desperately.”
He glanced over his shoulder. “Are you trying to make me feel better?”
“Well, you are driving me to Connecticut.”
“I can’t believe that’s where this shindig is. Didn’t you say he was a California firefighter?”
“They both were—are—adrenaline junkies. They went where the action was.” Now I didn’t know what Cohen would be. Even more out of control? Or would this change the heart of him?
“Yeah, I get that.” He seemed satisfied with his version of luggage Tetris, then opened up the passenger side for me. “Ready to get on the road?”
“No.”
He tucked a loose piece of hair behind my ear. “Want to do it anyway?”
I sighed. “Yes.”
He gripped the top of the door. “Then get that superior ass in the truck.”
I hopped up and he gave me a smile before he shut the door. His soapy scent hit my nose again. He’d cleaned out the truck for me—pretty sure he’d even hit the car wash, at least on the inside.
A large to go cup was waiting for me as well as a stash of candy. I wasn’t the only one who thought ahead. The truck had a big bench-style seat with the shifter on the floor, giving both of us much needed leg room.
He got in and laid his arm across the back of the seat as he backed out. I couldn’t figure out why I knew his scent, but it was driving me crazy. It didn’t match the kind of guy I’d thought he was.
“So, are you a rock tunes or a podcast girl?”
“You listen to podcasts?”
He shook his head. “I have brain cells too. My life isn’t just smashing walls down.”
“I didn’t—” My jaw dropped open.
“Your face.” He chuckled as he put the truck in drive. “I like that Asher dude’s podcast. Murder in small towns is fascinating.”
I gave him some side-eye. “Should I worry?”
He laughed and made the executive decision to go with some Keith Urban. “Don’t worry, Ruby. I only give killer orgasms.”
“Keep it up and I’ll push you out of the truck myself.”
He threw his head back with a hearty laugh. His not quite perfect baritone serenaded me for an hour before I cried uncle. I didn’t want to own up to the fact that I actually liked it. That was precisely the problem.
We listened to two episodes of Asher Wainwright’s podcast before stopping for a bathroom break. Traffic was light since most people were working. I knew we had snacks. I’d had all the right intentions. Then a McMuffin called my name. I’d pay for it, but right now, I didn’t really care.
I got two for each of us and rushed back to the rest stop’s parking lot. Lucky was sitting on the hood of the truck, tossing grapes into his mouth.
Damn, all that hair glinting in the light was giving me all kinds of very good but very bad thoughts. Lucky was going to kill me, and not the way that led to a trip into the woods.
I was supposed to be thinking about Jimmy and my brother, but just then, nothing seemed to matter but this moment.
The sun had burned through the clouds as soon as we’d left the Cove behind. He’d stripped off his shirt, leaving him in worn jeans and a black tank. His skin was burnished from the sun, and his tattoos were faded like his jeans.
He tipped his head back as he chewed, soaking in the sun.