Page 3 of Welcome Home, Cowboy
Thunder crackled and then the light sprinkle turned into a sudden downpour. “Please, move over,” he said, unsure if she heard him anymore over the white noise of rain splattering the pavement all around him. If he had any sense he’d just get into his truck and leave her here. That was obviously what she wanted. She could call for help inside if she needed it. Instead, true to his roots, he stayed put.
Finally, she crawled into the passenger seat and he whipped the car door open, stuffing himself behind the steering wheel of the little car. This was one of the reasons he drove a big truck. He needed leg room, arm room, room to wear his cowboy hat inside if he wanted. Pulling off his hat so he could straighten, he turned the key several times before pulling it out of the ignition. “Looks like you’re riding with me.”
“I…well, I…That’s really not necessary.”
“You want me to leave you sitting here in the rain?” he asked. “A ride is the least I can do for interrupting your meeting like that. I’m really sorry.”
Julie folded her arms in front of her chest again. It wasn’t her cleavage that caught his attention this time; it was the look sparking in her eyes. Something about him was rubbing this woman all wrong. “And splashing in the parking lot like a bat out of hell,” she added.
“I was driving the speed limit. You opened your car door as I was turning in. How was I supposed to know that would happen?”
If looks could kick a guy in the nuts, he’d be bent over right about now.
“She just needs a little time. A few more cranks and I’m sure she’ll start.”
Lawson stared at her. “She?” he asked, a small laugh escaping.
“My car.”
He ran his hand over the side of his jaw, willing himself not to laugh again. Julie was obviously in no mood for his humor. “All right. I’ll make you a deal. I’ll crankherone more time. If she starts, then I’ll leave you alone. If she doesn’t, then I’m giving you a ride. I can come back and look under the hood later, after the storm passes.”
Those crossed arms hugged her body even tighter, and he had to force himself not to look down. “Fine,” she finally said. Her gaze dropped to the keys in his hands.
“Good.” He slipped the key into the ignition and turned, expecting the metal gnashing sound to answer back. In which case he’d add chauffeur to his list of job duties this morning. Instead, her car revved to life.
Julie pushed on his shoulder. “See? Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll slip back behind the wheel and be going home now.”
Lawson didn’t budge. “I don’t trust it.Her,” he clarified, unable to help himself. “Let me follow you back to your house. I want to make sure you get there all right. And I meant what I said. I’ll come take a look later.”
“Not necessary.”
Lawson contained his grin. He couldn’t decide if her stubbornness was a turnoff or a complete turn-on. “Have you ever heard of chivalry? Women are supposed to like that stuff.” And most usually did. He slid his hat back on his head and pushed open the driver-side door. “I’ll follow behind you and then be on my way. You’re staying at your sister’s old place, right?”
Julie’s eyebrows lowered. “How did you know that?” she asked.
“Relax. Micah mentioned that you were staying in Kat’s house right now. Just wait for me to get in my truck.” He stepped out, adjusting his cowboy hat to keep the rain out of his eyes, and walked toward his truck. It’d been attraction at first sight when he’d met Julie last year, on his end at least. Julie, on the other hand, wasn’t interested. Same as now, only he wasn’t flirting with her at the moment. All he was trying to do was help.
He opened his truck door, got inside, and looked over at Julie’s car as he cranked his own engine. Except Julie’s car wasn’t there anymore. With a glance in the rearview mirror, he saw her turning out of the parking lot. “Ah, hell,” he said, rearing back and chasing after her.Turnoff,he decided.
Five minutes later, he slowed his truck as Julie pulled into her driveway. He watched her step out of her car, then hurry toward the front door, not bothering to look back.
“You’re welcome,” he muttered to himself, watching her fidget with her house keys. They dropped to the porch and she bent to pick them up, reminding him of the position she’d been in when he’d walked up on her this morning.
Turn-on,he thought, despite himself. Julie Chandler was definitely a turn-on.
Seeing that she’d gotten home safely, he continued driving, creating as much distance as he could between himself and the pretty yogi who clearly hated his guts. That served him well. Otherwise, he might be tempted to go knock on that front door and offer to help pull that stick out of her sweet little ass.
He didn’t have time for another sparring match with Julie Chandler, though. He’d been released to get back to regular duty last Friday. No more paper pushing for him. He needed to go home and put on some dry clothes. Then it was time he got back to doing what he loved—flying.
—
Julie peeked through the blinds in the front window and exhaled as she saw Lawson’s truck fade into the distance. Her morning so far had gone about as disastrously as possible.
Heading to the fridge, she collected some fruit for her morning smoothie. She might as well enjoy this, because if she didn’t secure a job quickly, this might be her last decent meal for a while. She peeled a couple of bananas and tossed them into her blender. If Lawson hadn’t walked in, Allison might have found a job for her. If he hadn’t ruined her proposal packet, Allison might be reviewing it right now.
Tossing in some frozen berries, she chided herself. She wasn’t being fair and she knew it. Lawson had only been trying to help. After her experience with her ex, she’d promised herself she wouldn’t turn into one of those bitter, man-hating women. But that’s exactly how she’d acted this morning.Ugh.
She scooped a couple generous spoonfuls of yogurt into her blender and pressed theONbutton, watching as the fruit swirled around, surrendering to the machine’s blades. Next time she saw Lawson, she owed him an apology. She was a nice person. Daren hadn’t robbed her of that. She didn’t owe Lawson a date, however, which is what he’d tried so hard to get when she’d first met him last year. Dating was the furthest thing from what she needed right now.
