Page 24 of A Cowboy's Claim
When Declan stopped, Sydney was eye to eye with a woman in her late thirties who blinked in surprise.
“Oh. Hello,” the woman offered.
“Lisbeth, this is my friend Sydney. I know it’s completely sideways, but the card you gave me asking about my favorite food made me think of Sydney. She’s good friends with one of the restaurant owners here in town.”
Lisbeth still look shocked, but she politely faced Sydney. “You are?”
Sydney had the presence of mind to clue in, although she wasn’t sure if Declan had come to her rescue or if she was coming to his. “Yes. Are you new in town? Have you heard of Buns and Roses?”
“I saw it, but I wasn’t sure what it’s all about.”
“You’ll love it. Casual, but super tasty.”
Declan stayed silent as Sydney and Lisbeth chatted, a muscular wall of protection as he stood guard beside them and nodded when appropriate.
Across the room, Slimy Mustache Dude glared daggers but wisely chose to head to the bar to grab his second drink instead of coming over to make a fuss.
When the music changed up again, Sydney rolled with the punches and took the out while it was available. She caught Declan by the arm. “Change of plans. You ready to leave?”
“Fifteen minutes ago,” he muttered, striding after her toward the door.
Maddy spotted them but simply shrugged. Sydney made a mental note to stop in and have a talk with the young woman in the week to come.
They hadn’t meant to mess up the social event. Sydney would find a way to make up for their faux pas.
Barely out the door, Declan’s arm slipped around her waist and attached her to his side. “You have somewhere in mind?”
“Out of there,” she admitted. “Want to go for a drive?”
Because she was far too wired up to go home and try to sleep.
He helped her into his truck. Silence enveloped them, peaceful and content. Never awkward, never making her feel as if she had to work hard to fill space with noise.
Instead, she stared into the sky as the few clouds drifted slowly, the edges beginning to be painted with the promise of sunset. Speed dating had been hugely awkward. She was grateful that Declan had been there, and not just to rescue her ass.
Unbidden, an idea popped to mind. Down the road, when she could consider dating, she’d want it to be with someone like him.
The tentatively hopeful thought was immediately followed by a rush of terror shooting ice up her spine.
Okay. That was clear enough.
She leaned her forehead against the window and mindlessly watched fence posts flick by like dominoes waiting to fall.
The truck came to a stop, and she struggled out of her hypnotic state. “Where are we?”
“Somewhere we can enjoy the smart portions of this evening and not have to deal with the bullshit.”
Next thing she knew, Declan had opened her door and was offering a hand. He guided her to the dropped tailgate, and she didn’t protest as he lifted her up into the back of the truck.
Laughter escaped. “Declan Skye, you sly devil. When did you do this?”
She certainly hadn’t noticed on the ride into town. The truck bed had a thick camping mattress on the base and pillows strategically placed to create a backrest.
He seemed pleased to have surprised her. “You came straight to the truck and hopped in. It’s been there all night.”
Sydney kicked off her shoes and wiggled into a comfortable position. She patted the spot beside her. “Time to explain your cryptic comment. What are the smart things we’ll keep enjoying?”
“I don’t have to explain what kind of bullshit we don’t need to put up with?”
