To Love Someone (Baytown Boys #14) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,35

know! I know exactly what you’re going to say! I should always have a spare! Especially when I go out by myself at night! I know! Well, guess what? I can’t always remember everything! And you know what? Most of the time I’m fine with everything I’m trying to do! There’s just something about you… something about you that gets me flustered and makes me feel stupid! You can’t change my tire because I don’t have a fuckin’ spare! So, just tow me and deal with it!”

She immediately felt ridiculous having lost her cool but refused to look away. His face had been carved in stone as she ranted, but now the corners of his lips twitched upward. Uncertain if she was hallucinating, she lifted her hand to shade her eyes again. Yes… Joseph smiled, and her heart stumbled. Christ, he’s beautiful. Every time she’d seen him he was gorgeous, but right now, right here, right in front of her, his smile threatened to capture her breath. And steal her heart.

She opened her mouth to speak, croaking instead. Clearing her throat, a blush heated her cheeks, and she mumbled, “Sorry. I shouldn’t have taken my frustrations out on you.”

“Never be sorry for saying what’s on your mind.”

His words were soft and deep, and they curved around her like arms hugging her tightly. Whatever quip was on her tongue faded away, and she nodded slowly. They continued to hold each other’s gazes, and unable to think of anything to say, she finally glanced toward her truck and said, “I guess the sooner we go, the sooner I can get going.”

Without saying a word, he nodded, turned, and walked over to his truck to maneuver it into place. While she stood to the side, he hooked up her vehicle. Before she had a chance to get to the passenger side of his truck, he was there, his hand on the door, pulling it open. She smiled at the repeat of the gallant gesture, reminiscent of her father always opening the door for her mother.

Climbing inside, she glanced down at her clothes. Her blue jeans had seen better days, and upon closer investigation of her big rubber boots, she realized there may have been a bit of blood and fecal matter smeared on one of them. Her green T-shirt was emblazoned with the logo Hoofs and Paws across her chest. She dropped her chin and stared at her hands, her unpainted nails trimmed short. The way she looked, if Joseph was being gallant, it must be a habit… sure as hell not because she looked like someone he would want to impress.

He climbed into the driver seat and looked over, not starting the engine. Uncertain why he was staring, she cocked her head to the side. “Is something wrong?”

“Buckle up.”

Jerking slightly, she grabbed the seat belt and pulled it across her, clicking the latch in place. He started the engine and the growl of the large truck vibrated through her as he pulled onto the road.

“So… um, do you think it’ll take long to get my tire fixed?”

“Not sure. If he’s got the right kind, it shouldn’t take long. If not, then it might be tomorrow before he gets it.”

“Oh. Um… should I have you drop me off at—”

“Let’s see what he’s got first. I can always take you home if he needs to keep it for a day.”

It was on the tip of her tongue to refuse, but the thought that he would drop her off, even if it was out of his way, sent a tiny spiral of pleasure through her. Sucking in her lips, she nodded. “Thanks.” She wished she could think of something more to say than the single-word answer, but a side glance exposed his lips quirked upward again.

As they pulled into Jason’s garage, she couldn’t help but smile when Jason walked out, his hands planted on his hips as he stared at the two of them, shaking his head. She climbed down from the tow truck and immediately walked over, her hands up. “I know, I know. I didn’t have a spare when I had a flat tire.”

Jason looked at her truck as Joseph lowered it to the ground. “I’ve got one that will work, but I’m not letting you get out of here without having a spare. I can get it tomorrow.”

“But Jason, I need—”

“What you need, Sam, is to make sure you have a spare!”

Considering she’d been stuck on the side of the road, she