“Do you have access to a private plane I don’t know about?”
“What? No.”
“Well then, you won’t find anywhere decent here.”
I pause as we reach the car, a giddy feeling swelling inside me. “Reed Coombs, are you a secret cowboy?” I suspected as much, but I’m excited to finally get my answer.
Our driver opens my door as Reed jogs to the other side, hiding his expression until he glances at me over the roof. “I—”
“Wait. Don’t answer that until we’re inside. You can’t lie when I’m looking you in the eye.”
“Sure I can. I lie all the time. And you never guess.”
“Mm-hmm. You’re lying right now.” I don’t think he’s ever been able to lie to me, but still I want to look him in the eyes while he tells me this delicious bit of news.
I climb in awkwardly, lifting my dress to above my knees, and when I turn to Reed he cringes. “Shit. Sorry, I should have helped you in.”
“I’m good. I problem solved.” I point to my dress and Reed’s eyes drop to my now visible thighs before he winces and quickly glances up, lifting his gaze to meet mine.
“I’m a football player,” he deadpans. “Not a cowboy.”
“But you were?” My eyes narrow as I attempt to see the truth in his words.
“I lived near a ranch, if that counts.”
“Oh my God. Yes! I knew it. I knew you had a country twang.”
“I don’t have a twang.”
He turns to face the window, but I grab his arm and stop him from moving. “You have to take me dancing. One day.Please.”
“One day?”
“Yes, one day. To a real cowboy bar.”
Reed stares at me for a moment as if deciding whether or not that’s a good idea, until I press my palms together and beg. “Okay. Deal,” he finally agrees.
“Good. We can go now.”
“Where are we going?” Reed asks warily.
“I’ll know it when I see it. Can you please head toward my place for now?” I ask our driver. “But there might be a stop along the way.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
Reed
We make it all the way to Hayley’s apartment without stopping, prompting me to assume she gave up on the dancing idea when our driver drops us off.
But I should have learned by now—never assume.
“I’m going down.” Hayley motions to the basement as we walk to the elevator, before skipping ahead and pressing both the up and down button. “I’ll wait by your truck while you grab your keys. Here…” She hands me the key to her apartment and smiles while I stare at her, confused. “I don’t want to wear out my dancing feet.” She giggles.
“Are you sure you don’t want to sleep?” I ask, though I know it’s a lost cause.
“Not yet? Do you?”
A little bit, yep. I have practice at eight a.m. tomorrow and I could use some rest. But that’s not what I tell her. Because tonight is her night, and I promised to be there for anything she needed. “Nah, I’m good,” I lie.
