Page 42 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

That amazing Gallagher grin spread across his face. “Ready?”

“Think this tank top is okay or should I change into a t-shirt or something?” Standing in the bathroom doorway, I stared at my reflection in the small mirror above the sink.

“You’re perfect.” He met my gaze in the mirror.

I gave an eye roll and shook my head, hoping that he couldn’t see the true effect his words had on me. My heart was thumping. My palms were sweating, and a blush spread across my cheeks.

He probably noticed that.

“For someone with a tiny allotment of daily words, you use them wisely.”

Still grinning, he stuck his hands in his pockets. I wasn’t sure what had shifted by hanging out together while he worked on his car, but something had. And it was wonderful.

I picked up my purse, then dropped it again. “I think maybe I’ll just take my keys and phone.”

“That works.”

I rubbed his back as I passed him, headed to the door. “I can’t wait until I’m out of this place.”

“How much longer?” He reached around me and pulled the door open.

Before taking a step, I breathed in that intoxicating scent of sage and citrus. “They’re thinking two months. Which was the same thing he said a few weeks ago, so we’ll see.”

He grunted.

I knew he wouldn’t like that answer. But to his credit, he didn’t say anything else.

He opened the passenger door, and I climbed in. “Eli, do I get a raincheck on the carburetor rebuild?”

My question danced twinkles in his green eyes.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Whatever this was, I was loving every minute of it.

Chapter 15

Eli jumped out and ran around to the passenger side. He pulled open the door, and the delight on his face made me want to jump into his arms and kiss him. But I didn’t.

“You can leave your keys in the truck. No one will bother them.”

“Okay.” I stepped out of the truck and scanned the rugged landscape.

Up the hill, a white stone house stood, and on the other side of it were trees, not tall, but dense and thick with leaves. The red barn in front of us looked like something that should’ve been on a postcard.

“This is beautiful. Where are we?” I spun in a circle, taking in the amazing view.

“This is my granddad’s place. I come out and ride sometimes. And occasionally I come out here just to visit, and he beats me at chess.” He slammed the door closed, then clasped my hand. “Come on. The horses might be ready. I called Mario to let him know we were coming.”

“Mario?”

“He takes care of stuff out here. Granddad isn’t in poor health, but he isn’t young anymore. Mario handles the horses.” Eli slid the barn door open and never once let go of my hand.

“Eli, you’re here! I have the horses ready.” A man with dark curly hair and a full beard smiled.

“Thanks so much, Mario.” Eli shook the man’s hand, then nodded toward me. “This is Delaney.”

“Howdy, miss. Nice to meet you. Can’t say as I’ve ever had to saddle up two horses before, but Sugar is all ready for you to ride.” He tipped his hat. “Eli, when y’all get back, just shoot me a text. I’ll get these two wiped down and put away.”

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