Page 43 of Kiss and Tell

Miles couldn’t argue with that. “He’s dragged me into a few sketchy places, but damn if the food hasn’t been killer. And we’ve seen some interesting sights. Remember that literal hole-in-the-wall in New Orleans?”

“Literal?” Lucy asked.

Miles nodded. “Yep. We entered via hole in the wall. Best damn breakfast I ever had.”

“What about Carhenge in Nebraska,” Joey said. “I sure as hell had to drag your assthere.”

Miles grinned, then explained to Lucy, who looked confused. “It’s this exact replica of Stonehenge, made completely out of cars and car parts.”

Lucy’s eyes widened. “No way.”

“It was really cool,” Miles admitted, hoping he’d changed the subject enough to distract Joey from continuing his campaign to take Lucy on the road with them. Even though the idea of her coming with them sounded more appealing than it should, considering he’d set his mind on leaving and letting Joey continue to woo Lucy long-distance style.

If she joined them on the road…

The tune to “Jessie’s Girl” started playing in his head, but Miles found himself changing the name from Jessie to Joey.

Miles and Joey had never fought over a woman, and Miles intended to keep it that way. Since sharing wasn’t an option he would consider, what other choice did he have except to step aside?

Of course, that step would be easier to take without Lucy around.

“See what you’re missing?” Joey asked.

He hadn’t laid down the gauntlet. In fact, Miles braced himself because it looked like his friend was only just getting started.

“Yeah, but—” Lucy started.

Joey steamrolled right over her. “It’s a ten-hour drive to Nashville. We’ll be there four days before we head on to Texas.”

“Nashville,” she whispered, clearly tempted.

Miles remained quiet, though the smart thing to do would be to put his foot down, come up with some solid reasons why Lucy should remain on the farm.

“I can’t just pack up and go,” she said with a lot less force.

Joey leaned toward her. “Why not? You just finished saying you longed for an adventure. We’re offering you one.”

Lucy took a long sip of her wine, clearly stalling. It looked to Miles like she was seriously thinking about the offer. “So I would just fly home after Nashville? Just one week?” she mused, speaking more to herself than them.

“Or venture on to Texas with us,” Joey added. “I saw the way your eyes lit up when I talked about our plans on that ranch. You should be a part of that.”

Miles fought hard to swallow his groan.

Lucy shook her head, obviously thinking that Joey was starting to get carried away. “And what comes after Texas?”

Joey’s grin proved he was claiming the victory, even though Miles thought it was premature. “We make our way back to the East Coast—Baltimore, to be exact—to film the next show, so it would be very easy for us to drop you off at home on the way.”

“Oh,” Lucy breathed.

Miles had to hand it to Joey. He’d certainly tied up Lucy’s dream trip in a big bow.

“Or you could just pack in the day job and join us in our adventurous lifestyle,” Joey joked.

She didn’t laugh. “I couldn’t do that. I wouldn’t… I’m not…”

Miles couldn’t tell if Lucy was trying to convince herself or them.

“Come on, Lucy,” Joey said. “You’ve spent your whole life on that farm, taking care of your grandparents, working in the brewery. Do something for yourself. You deserve it, honey.”

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