His Hart's Command (Nothing Special 6)

Hart thought he was going to tip over. Twenty-two years. Not once had she uttered a sentence even close to that. Hart had to clear his throat, “I appreciate that, Reese. I do. And I accept your apology. I’m not holding any bad feelings. Let’s just be respectful of each other from this point on. How’s that?”

“I knew you wouldn’t make this painful. You’re too good a man.” She wiped her eyes and smiled nervously. “Um. Is. Is your boyfriend here? I’d like to apologize to him too.”

God leaned in, his voice intense, “He saved Hart’s life, ya know. He was beside himself the entire time—”

“Cash. That’s enough.”

God slowly pried his glare away from Reese and locked eyes with him. He relayed to his friend that he had this and he could go. God dropped his shades onto the bridge of his nose and leaned in for another hug. “All right man, I’m out. Have fun this weekend.”

“I plan to.” Hart released his friend and watched him get into his big diesel truck and roar down the street.

“You going somewhere?” Reese asked after God’s truck was out of sight.

“I am, but not sure where. Len has a surprise planned.” Hart smiled.

“Wow. Look at that.” She squinted up him. Her features softened and for a moment. She eyed him as if she found him attractive. “I never really paid attention to that smile,” Reese huffed. “But, I’m glad he brings it out of you. Len sounds pretty awesome.”

“He is. I’ll let him know you want to apologize and let you know when he’s ready to talk.” The RV’s blinds were parted. He knew Free could see them. “I’m really happy, Reese.”

“You wear it well. You…look good.” Reese stepped off his porch, her pale cheeks pinking slightly. “And I’m glad you’re okay. I should’ve come by sooner but…I was afraid. I thought after that last time that you hated me.”

“I could never hate you, Reese,” Hart told her.

“Thank you.” She hesitated then nodded and turned to go to her car. Just before she got in she looked in the direction of the RV then back at him. “Len’s one lucky guy.”

Hart watched her drive away, feeling as if a chapter of his life had just closed and another was beginning. He turned toward the camper and crooked his finger.

Get your ass back in the house, baby.

Free

“Just tell me where we’re going and I’ll happily get behind the wheel,” Hart said, leaning against the side of the truck. He’d loaded all Free’s equipment and their two pieces of luggage; now Free was trying to get them moving, but Hart was being his usual teasing, annoying self. “And what’s all that equipment in those black crates? You look like a rock star’s roadie.”

Free hissed, pressing his body against Hart’s, “If you ask another question I’m going to scream. Just get in the truck… or you can let me drive.”

“Not a chance.” Hart laughed.

“Then let’s go.” Free got into the passenger seat.

Hart raised a brow when Free put in the GPS destination. “I thought we had an entire day of driving or something. We’re literally going thirty minutes away?”

“Yes. It’s a staycation, but still with a different atmosphere,” Free said, tapping on his tablet. “Now drive.”

“I don’t know how different Fulton County will be, but okay. You’re the boss,” Hart said and pulled out of the driveway. “Hell, you could’ve planned a trip to Pee Pee, Ohio and I would’ve been just fine with it after finishing a mandatory two week leave.”

Free laughed. “Is that a real place?”

“Sadly, yes.” Hart slid his shades on.

When they were on Highway 74, there was nothing on Hart’s map screen except a long stretch of road and green landscape on either side. Just countryside for miles. It really was a different world away from the bustling noise of the city. Free found himself no longer able to stare at his tablet, forced to admire the gorgeous fields that stretched until they appeared to meet the blue sky.

“This is so peaceful out here. I miss the country living, sometimes,” Hart murmured, more to himself, his arm hanging out of the window, letting the fall air cool them, instead of using the AC.

Free was glad to hear that. So far so good. “We’re almost there.”

“There where?” Hart laughed, glancing over at Free. He couldn’t see his bright blue eyes behind his mirrored shades, but he could feel the sparkle in them. “You’re incredible.”

Free was about to respond when movement caught his eye outside of Hart’s driver side window. He gasped, unable to stop himself.

“What?” Hart jerked around.

Free slammed his hands on the dashboard when Hart skidded to a hard stop in the middle of the desolate highway. “Oh my god,” he whispered, yanking his shades off.

Free beamed beside him, “Surprise.”

Free watched the beautiful string of horses crest the hill and shift to another direction running along a five-foot fence. Their manes waved majestically in the breeze as they galloped with each other.