Page 8 of A Little More

“Don’t rush away on my account.” Gina shifted a fraction closer toward Nash who slid down the railing the same distance. It was like watching a real-life cat and mouse game. Although, she’d never expected her big, tough farmer to be the mouse.

Lexi shot a pointed look at the young girl playing a woman’s game. “I really should get back, so I can make sure Nash gets everything he’s paying me for.”

With one curt nod, Nash stood and took several long, determined steps to the other side of the warehouse, flipping off the lights. “Let’s go. You too, Gina.”

“But—”

“Now.” It was a soft, but stern command that she complied with. Lexi sympathized for the girl. She obviously had a major crush on Nash. Didn’t really blame her. The poor man avoided her like she had a disease.

Lexi squinted in the sunlight as they exited. Gina’s white SUV sat beside Nash’s truck. The mud had started to dry, light red patches on the edges of the dark, wet Georgia red clay. There still wasn’t any way to get in without getting covered.

“Your truck looks like you had some fun earlier. You still never took me out in the mud with you.” Gina did the pouting thing again. Lexi almost pointed out that it was time to change tactics. That one didn’t seem to work with Nash. “Junior said he’d take me.”

“Good. Let Junior take you to movies, too. He’s your age.”

“I keep telling you age is just a number.”

“See you later, Gina.” Nash opened the passenger side door and then turned toward Lexi.

Getting a running start and leaping into the truck didn’t seem like the best idea. For once, she was thankful for being taller than average. Lexi set her right foot on the edge of the door frame, using the inside handle to hoist herself up. Nash’s hand slid around her waist, helping her the last bit, holding on a second longer than necessary. A jolt of excitement from the contact annoyed her even more.

Gina’s SUV peeled out of the parking lot as Nash climbed into the driver’s side. Keeping her mind on the project, Lexi babbled from the time they left the gin until they reached Nash’s house.

Nash’s only comments were in the form of a head nod or grunt. At least the unwanted attraction was only on a physical level. Nash hadn’t engaged her in any conversation about world news or the latest documentary. No. That was why she enjoyed Charlie. He stimulated her brain if nothing else.

Nash met her at the front of the truck. He shoved his hands in his pockets, eliminating her shameful hope that he’d find an unnecessary reason to touch her again. “Drive safe back to Atlanta.”

Perfectly professional and disappointing.

“I’ll be in touch.” She had a long, three-hour drive ahead of her to focus on her job and not the tiny sliver of regret that nothing would ever happen with Nash.

“I really appreciateher programming this computer for Mom.” Nash leaned against his mom’s porch railing with Cameron Dempsey, one of his best friends since they could both get into trouble. “I’m decent with technology and stuff, but it frustrates the life out of me to sit still that long and stare at a little screen. I don’t know how Addie does it all the time.”

Cameron, his jade-green eyes turning into slits as he watched Addie through the screen door. Nash didn’t think Cameron had yet to take his eyes off his new girlfriend since she’d officially, and permanently according to Cameron, moved to Statem.

“Addie loves computers.” He took a sip of his coffee, which, even from this distance, Nash knew tasted like tar by the smell. “I can function with the relic at the Sheriff’s station and my phone. That’s my limit.”

“When do you go on duty?”

“In about fifteen minutes.”

Nash motioned toward Addie, his mom hovering over her shoulder and giving her bossy directions. “I’ll drive Addie back to your place. That way, you can head in on time.”

“I’d appreciate that. You know how whiny Dewey can get if he has to work a minute past his shift.” Cameron pushed off the railing and tapped on the outside of the screen door. Addie, her long blond hair trailing down her back, and his mom both turned to look at Cameron. “Nash said he’ll drive you back when you get done.”

At Addie’s hesitation, Nash shouted from behind Cameron, “I promise to use my nice truck.”

“Okay,” she shouted back, smiling.

His mom patted her on the shoulder, bringing her attention back to the computer screen. “We’ll get you home, darling. Just go ahead and set up that account. I didn’t realize how gullible online poker players were.” Ms. Peggy waved Cameron away. “Go on, Cam. You too, Nash. I can drive the girl home. I’ll see if I can’t get her to recommend a friend for you.”

They both turned away from the door, Nash ignoring his mom’s poor matchmaking skills. Nothing new there. “I might not have asked Addie for help if I knew Mom wanted to find another way to play poker.” Nash thumped Cameron on the back. “She likes taking money from strangers. Gives her less of a guilty conscience than taking it from me.”

“My mom said that she had a small fan club of older women when they were up in North Carolina gambling.” Cameron opened the door to his patrol car, shaking his head. “That is when she wasn’t making casual conversation with any woman under the age of sixty about their marital status. And those above sixty, she specifically asked about daughters and granddaughters. Don’t be surprised if you travel through North Carolina and get hounded by several dozen women. She might have taken out a billboard-sized advertisement by this point.”

Nash rolled his eyes. “She wants me married and with children so much. I’ve told her I’m not marrying again, but that doesn’t seem to matter. I’m not even in the market for a girlfriend.” Although his mind hadn’t stopped replaying his afternoon spent with Lexi. If he dated, that’s who he’d set his sights on. Smart and beautiful.

At the brief flicker of relief on his friend’s face, Nash held up his hand. “Don’t even talk about my ex-wife. Dewey’s already laid into me about what happened when I left the first time. I’m not leaving. No matter what. No woman is worth putting my mom or anyone through that again.”

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