Page 28 of Stealing Kisses

“I’m searching for better adjectives, ones that more accurately paint the picture you make…an image I won’t soon forget. Can’t you help me just a little?”

Teddy opened the driver’s side door for her and held out a hand to help her up…debonairanda gentleman. Great.

Instead of climbing in, Baylin pressed the keys into his open palm.

“These heels aren’t made for driving,” she explained, walking around the cab to the passenger’s side. Teddy followed.

Of course he did. And extended his hand as he’d done before.

The urge to be persnickety surged in Baylin’s veins. Teddy got his way too often, winning every tug-of-war they fought. Baylin needed to win a few rounds to even the score.

In the end, though, she relented. She grasped his strong, warm hand and stepped on the running board to settle into her seat.

“But theyareimpressive,” Teddy said, eyeing her boots, one eyebrow waggling while his lips lifted in a suggestive yet playful grin.

She shook her head as he closed her door and hurried around the bed of the truck.

His unflagging and light-hearted demeanor weakened Baylin’s resolve to see their night as a responsibility to the community instead of a potential date with a drop-dead gorgeous guy she had no business fancying.

“Geranium,” she said, riding along the highway leading into Green Hills.

He cast a confused expression her way.

“I’d call this shade of redgeranium,not as yellow as orange and not as pink as salmon. It’s a DVF…Diane Von Furstenberg. She’s a fashion genius and a cultural icon. You should read about her sometime; her story’s incredible, impactful, and inspiring. I dreamed of owning one of her dresses for years. Then, I saw this one in an ad last year, and I couldn’t get it out of my mind.”

“I can relate.” Teddy glanced over to flash a look of teasing commiseration.

Baylin displayed an annoyed look at his silliness. In reality, the compliments meant a lot, far more than the flirting. Despite his easy-going disposition, his perpetual loquaciousness, and his permanent smile, Baylin didn’t take Teddy for someone who’d lie…not even about something as silly as saying she looked nice. If he didn’t mean it, he wouldn’t have said it.

“I hate spending money on things that don’t benefit the farm, but this dress— well, I just went for it.”

“I, for one, am glad you did.” His voice dropped deeper and his smile softened as he looked her way. “And youshouldtreat yourself now and then,” he said. “You work way too hard as it is. I’ve only been around a few days, and I can unequivocally attest to that. You deserve to pamper yourself, take a break now and then…you know, stop to smell the roses.”

“I do love flowers,” she conceded, gazing out the window.

“What’s in the boxes?” he asked a few miles down the road.

“Hm?” Her attention had wandered to intentions and plans and hopes and dreams she’d set aside years before, when Papa Joe died and someone had to step up as farm manager. If she hadn’t, her family would have lost their land, their business, and their legacy. In another life, though, perhaps the sweet scent of flowers in bloom would’ve filled her days.

“I notice you loaded a bunch of stuff into the truck after I went to the barn to shower. I would’ve done that for you.” He pinned her with a knowing look.

“I’m sure you would have, but I didn’t need any help. I did it just fine myself.”

“Hmph,” Teddy grunted. Baylin grinned. The inelegance of the noise juxtaposed with the suave figure driving her three-quarter ton farm truck humored Baylin.

His contradictions kept her guessing. Fancy sports car versus faded jeans and five-and-dime t-shirts; high-end cowboy boots that bore the scuffed marks of age and use; the intense determination to work but no apparent job; his talent for active listening while talking... The desire to explore the paradoxical facets of Teddy’s personality tugged at Baylin, growing stronger every hour they spent together.

Keep it casual,she reminded herself.Keep it safe.

“Popcorn,” she said, earning herself another cute puppy dog eyes look of bewilderment. “The boxes don’t weigh a thing because they’re filled with bags of white chocolate popcorn. I made and bagged them right after you left for town yesterday, while the sugar cookie dough chilled in the fridge. They’re my contribution to the refreshment table tonight.”

“Popcorn, huh?” Teddy paused before flashing a warm smile at Baylin, the one that always sent her pulse into overdrive. Afraid her voice might reveal too much, she only nodded in response. “In that case, I guess I’m not offended you didn’t ask for my help. And I know which dessert I’ll choose first. But don’t even think about unloading those boxes when we get there. I’ve got ’em! There’ll be no buts about it.”

“We’ll see.” Baylin lifted one shoulder to feign indifference.Yes, we’ll see.

12

“The Lady in Red”

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