Page 18 of Lavender Lake

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“Well, this is us. Have a good one,” the male doctor said.

“You too,” Bowman replied.

When it was just the two of us again, I intoned, “Please let me down.”

“You promise to behave?”

“No.”

“Behave or I’m carting your ass out of the lobby this way. So far only a few nurses and two doctors have seen you like this. Your choice if you want to draw a crowd.”

I grumbled. “Fine. I’ll be good.”

“Doubtful.” He lowered me to the ground.

I stepped away from him and raised my fist.

His jaw ticked. “Don’t even think about it.”

I lowered my hand.

“Keys.” He held his palm flat. “I’m driving you. I’ll take you wherever you want to go, but you’re not getting behind the wheel.”

I handed over the keys.

The doors to the elevator opened. Bowman gestured for me to go out first, and then he followed, keeping close.

We stepped out of the hospital, and the warm, late Idaho spring air bathed my cheeks. It did nothing to soothe my temper.

“Probably should’ve asked your grandmother where she parked,” Bowman said.

“Look for a rust bucket with no modern safety features. Ah, there it is.” I pointed and immediately began my trek toward the old farm truck.

“That’s not a rust bucket, that’s a liability.”

“Dad bought her a new truck with all the bells and whistles and she hates it. She prefers a truck that doesn’t try to think for her,” I quipped. “Can you handle a stick?”

“If I ask for lessons, will you teach me?” he teased.

“You and I are talking about two different sticks entirely.”

“Yeah, babe, I can handle a stick without a problem. Even the one you have up your ass.”

I glared at him and picked up the pace.

When we got to the truck, Bowman went to the passenger side.

“What are you doing?” I demanded.

“Opening the door for you.”

“Why?”

“Because even though you’re in a mood, I still have manners.”

With a grumble, I climbed into the passenger seat. He shut the door and I buckled myself in.

He started the truck and backed out of the lot. We didn’t speak for a few minutes, and then I asked, “I’ll give you directions to the family ranch.”

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