Page 55 of More Than a Good Friend

I can be a bit too trusting. “The owner drove me around. There weren’t any weird sounds or anything.”

He opens his mouth, but I hold up a hand because I have more to say. “But the guy said you can drive it before we sign on the dotted line.”

Dag stands very close to me. “Why did you buy a car you can’t drive?”

I point at the Volkswagen Golf.

His gaze follows, and he smiles. “You found one.”

“Yep. In that purple color I like so much. And it’s a great deal. I’ll just have to learn to drive it.” I look over at Dallas. “Will you teach me?”

“Of course.” He starts walking toward the car. “Let’s take this thing for a spin and see how it is.”

I catch up and call back over my shoulder, “We’ll be back.”

Dag is scowling, and I’m not sure if it’s because I’m with Dallas or because I’m leaving Dag with Tandy.

The guy selling the car hands over the keys, and Dallas slides behind the wheel. It’s getting late, and I don’t want to keep the guy longer than I have to, but making sure the car actually runs well is important.

I buckle my seat belt. “Thank you so much for hurrying over. I know this is impulsive, but I don’t want to miss out on it.”

He revs the engine, then shifts gears. “It sounds good so far.” After a bit, he pulls back into the parking lot. “I see no reason you shouldn’t buy it.”

“Thank you. And I promise not to blame you if something goes wrong.” I jump out and head toward the seller. “I’ll take it.”

“Great. And your timing is good because my ride just pulled up.” He nods to Tandy. “I’m happy y’all saw the for sale sign. My wife will be thrilled that it went to someone who loves the color.”

“Have a nice evening, and thank you for waiting on my friend.”

“No problem.” He waves as he walks away.

Dallas hands Dag the truck keys. “Good thing you came. You can drive my truck back.”

After taking the keys, Dag opens his arms. “Congrats. I can’t wait until you take me for a spin.”

I close my eyes, enjoying the feel of those muscular arms around me. “Just as soon as I can safely drive it.”

Things seem to be okay, so turning down a date didn’t blow apart our friendship, which makes me happy. I hope Dag’s in my life for years to come.

Tandy gives me a hug and whispers, “He’s thinking, my dear. I can tell by looking at him.”

“You know what we talked about.” I spent most of dinner explaining that I didn’t want to be his pity date or his dating instructor. My heart couldn’t take it if I taught Dag how to be a great boyfriend just to have him flitter off and go find someone else. I’d do almost anything for Dag, but not that.

* * *

Dallas drivesto an empty parking lot. Since it’s Sunday, not many businesses in this small town are open, which is helpful today.

He shifts into park, then opens his door. “Okay, come on around.”

I’m nervous as I slide behind the wheel. Why didn’t I listen when Dad told me that driving a manual was a good skill to have? My brain was better at learning new things when I was a teen. But I’m properly motivated now.

“I’ll try not to wreck my car.”

He chuckles. “You won’t. You might not even get out of first gear today.” His phone buzzes, but he continues. “Main thing for this first lesson is to get a feel for the clutch, to learn where the gears are, and then get moving without stalling.”

The phone buzzes again, and he sighs.

“If you need to get that, I don’t mind waiting.”

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