Dad replaced his glasses. “Neither can I. I wouldn’t have thought he’d be your type.”
“Not really, but he’s not a bad guy. I’ve been out with worse,” I said with a teasing wink.
He snorted. “That’s not saying much. Have you ever thought of going out with Will? I think he likes you.”
“Our Will? Dad, I’m not dating a co-worker. It would make things too weird.”
“But you don’t exactly workwithhim. You have the whole back mechanic shop to yourself, and he’s up front in body repair.”
“Still too close. Don’t worry about it! I’m not getting serious about Luke Walker. He flirts with everything that walks, and that’s not for me, but he’s fun to dance with. You’re always after me to get my nose out of the book and get out more.”
He sighed. “Well, have a good time, then. See you later.”
I walked over to kiss him on the cheek. “Bye, Dad.”
The motion lights came to life when I pulled into the darkened driveway. I parked in front of the barn and zipped my coat as I got out. I only had one horse now, but Kelli had just moved her new horse in a couple of weeks ago, so old Nash had a friend again. Two horses made for a little more work, but Nash was happier now that he had another horse to talk to over the bars. It was good for everyone.
I switched into my mud boots in the tack room and walked out to the stalls. Both horses were already fed, with fresh bedding and topped-off water buckets. I shouldn’t have been surprised. Kelli had been beating me here lately, and I had hardly picked a stall since she’d brought Joy home. I just reached through the door frame and stroked Nash’s forelock. “Good night, sweet boy. See you in the morning.” He nudged my hand, then went back to his hay.
I got back in my car and drove around to the house. It was weird living back at home after being on my own for five years. Even weirder with Mom gone. But Dad needed me more than he’d admit, and it was just the change I’d needed. My time in Oklahoma had left a hole in my heart that I was just now discovering. I didn’t know what the cure was, but somehow I felt like it had to be here.
I sent a text to Kelli, thanking her for doing my chores again. It meant I’d have more time for a proper shower, which was definitely in order. I wasn’t exactly trying to impress Luke, but a girl just didn’t go out to dinner with automotive grease under her fingernails. I untangled the grimy handkerchief from my hair, grabbed the bottle of heavy-duty hand soap, and got to work.
If I hurried, I’d have time to pick up my book for a few minutes before Luke showed up.
“Hey there, sweet thing.” Luke leaned against the porch railing, giving me a cheesy wink when I opened the door. And suddenly, I wasn’t sure this was a good idea.
“Let me get my coat,” was all I said. He gestured that he’d wait and stuck his hands in his pockets like he was looking for a can of chew that wasn’t there.
“I thought you quit that.”
He froze—caught like a little kid. “Huh?”
I pointed to his pocket, where a faded ring in his jeans testified to his old habit. “Chewing. I heard you talking about it at Morgan and Cody’s wedding. You said you’d quit because your dad and Dusty finally nagged you into it.”
“Oh. Yeah.” He pulled his empty hand out with a sheepish grin. “Once in a while, I forget it’s not there anymore.”
“Well, I hope you don’t start again. I saw a cowboy once who had a hole rotted all the way through his gums.”
Luke’s face went slack. “Nuh-uh.”
“Scout’s honor. Besides, you’ll have better luck with the ladies if you don’t have brown stains on your teeth and on your breath.”
That cocky grin returned. “So, you’re saying I have a chance with you?”
I patted his cheek with a sweet smile. “Hell would freeze over first. Ready to go eat?”
He just shrugged. “Sure. Where do you wanna go?”
I gave him a confused look as I locked the front door. “I thought you had something planned.”
“Oh, I did, but it just came to mind that maybe you’d like somethin’ fancy.”
“Like the steakhouse? That would be fine. Were you thinking of something else?”
“Nachos are on special at the pub.”
I blew out a sigh. I should have known not to expect anything too nice. This was Luke Walker, after all. “Fine.”