Page 11 of More Than a Good Friend

I know he’s joking, but it still irritates me. “Like I would be that stupid.”

After slowing way down, I turn into the driveway, and a half second later, the black car’s brake lights come on, and he eases off the road. The passenger door opens, and Goldie climbs out.

Her heels sink into the dirt as she marches away from the car, heading my way. I don’t see her in skirts all that often. She’s more of a jeans and T-shirt kind of girl. But she looks good.

Really good.

All thoughts of what she’s wearing evaporate when the guy gets out and waves his arms. I can’t make out what he’s saying, but I hop out of my truck.

When the guy sees me, he jumps back in his car. He obviously has at least one brain cell.

“What happened?” I rush up to Goldie, but she brushes past me and climbs into my truck.

She’s buckled into the passenger seat, looking down. I need some answers.

I open her door, but she doesn’t look at me. She’s tapping away on her phone with the gift bag sitting at her feet.

“Did he hurt you?”

“Nope. I just changed my mind about going out. Will you give me a ride home?” She continues staring at her phone.

After dragging my fingers through my hair, I close her door and walk back to my side. I grip the wheel, planning the lecture I’ll give the guys. If I hadn’t followed her, she’d be out here all alone on this country road. And we’re a few miles from the ranch.

Arms crossed, she shifts so that she’s facing me. “You can’t follow me on dates, Dag. I could’ve called one of the guys to come get me if I needed a ride. Or Bluebonnet or Daisy. It’s not your job to take care of me.”

“But I like looking out for you.”

“I don’t. This guy was a piece of work, but he wasn’t unsafe. The next man I go out with might be a perfect gentleman, and having you around makes things awkward.”

I stare straight ahead, trying to make sense of what she’s saying. “But we’re friends. And aren’t friends supposed to look out for each other? You go with me to parties to make sure I get home safe.”

“I went as your designated driver, but you need to find someone else to do that for you. I have plans all weekend.”

“More dates?”

“Promise you won’t follow me.”

“What if I end up at the same place on accident? It’s not like there are tons of restaurants in the area.”

She looks out the window. “You just don’t get it.”

“Is your mom on your case about getting married? Is that why you’re on all those dating apps?”

“How do you know I’m on dating apps?”

“Because I swiped right on all your profiles, but we haven’t matched on any of the apps. Did you swipe left on me?”

She shrugs. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Please talk to me. Things are different, and I don’t understand why.” I reach for her arm. “Please, Goldie. Talk to me.”

“There’s nothing wrong. I just want a little space. You have a date every weekend. Now let me have mine.”

“I’m not going out this weekend. If you need me, I’ll be sitting at home by the phone, and if you need something, you better call me and not one of the other guys.”

“I won’t need you.”

“Like tonight?” Admittedly, I say it a bit too smugly.

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