Page 16 of Giddy Up, Daddy

“No. I feel so bad about breaking your grandma’s teacup. It must be so special to your grandfather.”

“It is,” he said with a sigh. “Along with everything else in the house. I think he wants everything to stay the same as when she died. But everything was already out of date and worn, then. However, that’s the reason he was so upset. He shouldn’t have yelled at you, though.”

“I get it,” she said as he checked her hands and turned off the tap. “But he won’t want me living there.”

“Like I said, Grandpa Jack isn’t paying your wages. I am. Now, we need to bandage these hands up and then you can direct me with your packing. Because no way are you doing much with those hands.”

Chapter Six

Just over an hour later, she was standing out on the curb by her car. Everything she owned was packed in Stafford’s truck. It was a bit embarrassing to let him see how little she had. But it also meant that it didn’t take long to pack.

It would’ve been quicker if he’d let her help.

Instead, she’d just had to sit there and direct. With her hands fully bandaged. Although he had let her pack her panties and bras, as well as her toiletries.

Thankfully, she always kept the apartment clean. So she’d been able to just drop the key in Mr. Brandt’s mailbox and leave.

“You could have put my things in my car,” she told him.

“Why would I do that when you’re not driving your car?”

What?

“But I have bring my car out to the ranch,” she protested.

“It’s not safe.” He frowned at her car as though it gravely offended him.

“There’s nothing wrong with Frank.”

“Frank?” he demanded.

“My car.” She tapped the driver’s door, holding back a wince. Her hands were actually feeling a lot better, and she didn’t wantto give Stafford an opportunity to insist she see a doctor. She couldn’t afford that.

“Well, Frank looks like he’s on his last legs. He doesn’t look road-worthy. And you shouldn’t be driving with your hands bandaged. So you’re coming with me in my truck.”

“I can’t leave him here. Mr. Brandt will likely have him towed. I’m fine to drive.”

He shook his head with a sigh. “I will get one of my guys to drive Frank to the ranch. All right?”

She bit her lower lip. “Isn’t that a hassle?”

Stafford shot her a look.

Right.

It was a hassle, but it was that or leave Frank here.

“Thanks,” she said meekly as she followed him to his truck. He opened the passenger door.

Wow. That was so nice.

Then she realized that his truck was so high that she was going to have to grab onto something to haul herself up into the seat. Before she could figure that out, he put his hands around her hips and lifted her.

A squeal escaped her as he settled her in her seat, then grabbed the seatbelt, pulling it over her and buckling it in.

What . . . what had just happened?

He tested the belt. “Just checking.”

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