Page 86 of The Second Dance
The nest boxes.
The line of service berries.
The beautiful sweep of the ravine with the deep blue sky overhead.
By the time I trudge back up to my car, my skirt is stuck to my legs and my calves are scratched and muddy.
And my heart? Forget about it.
It’s wrecked.
Slipping behind the wheel, I throw my head back with a sigh.
Throwing the car into gear, I hit the gas and listen to the wheels spin.
“You’re kidding me.”
I try the gas again, and the car bucks, but it’s not going anywhere.
Climbing out again, I stop by the wheels and realize the back tires were parked right in a deep puddle.
That figures.
I wanted to talk to him again. Someday.
But not with my legs all muddy like a kid who was playing in puddles. I hardly cut a figure of dignity.
But short of setting up camp and changing address, I need help getting out.
I press my phone to my ear and he answers after the first ring.
“Andy.”
The low rumble of his voice feels like a cozy blanket around my shoulders. It shouldn’t feel this good to hear my name on his lips.
I take a shuddering breath. “I’m stuck.”
“Okay. I’ll be right there.”
He hangs up before I can tell him exactly where I’m stuck.
49.
Bo
I park the truck behind her car and climb out.
A surprised chuckle slips off my lips.
It doesn’t surprise me that she got stuck again, but I am not prepared to see her in such a state.
She stands by her car, bare legs covered in mud. Those flimsy shoes are fucked.
And her skirt is… clinging to her thighs. I force my gaze higher, to that beautiful face. Even flustered, she’s beautiful. Maybe even more when she is.
“You aren’t planning on getting me muddy again, are you?” I call out, clinging to humor. The alternative is to sweep her off her feet and carry her away. Not sure we’re there, yet.
“Hilarious,” she calls back, tone dry.
