Page 56 of More Than a Good Friend

He yanks out his phone and taps away on the screen. “It’s Dag. Just give me a sec.”

I wait, and the tapping continues.

Dallas blows out a breath. “Okay. I think we’re good.” He launches into an explanation about the clutch, but when his phone buzzes again, I’m thinking about Dag and the messages.

“Is there something wrong at the ranch?”

Shaking his head, Dallas sighs. “Nope. He’s just out playing fetch with the bull, pouting while I’m giving you a lesson.”

“Are you serious?”

“As serious as a lightning storm in June. He cornered me earlier today and told me that I better be respectful while we’re out alone together.” He sends another message. “I told him that his messages are making the lesson longer. That should get him to stop for now.”

“I wish I could figure him out.”

Dallas laughs. “I have a feeling you aren’t the first person to say that.”

He starts over with his instruction, and I shift into learning mode.

By the end of the lesson, I’ve managed to get the car moving without stalling and drive it across the lot. That feels like success for day one.

We swap seats, and he drives us back to the ranch.

“It’ll make my life easier if you call Dag when we get back.”

“Sure. And I can’t thank you enough for taking time to teach me how to drive this thing.”

“It’s fun. And irritating Dag is an entertaining bonus.” After stopping outside my cabin, he glances over. “It really bothers him that you turned him down.”

I shrug because I’m not sure how to respond. Dag’s ego isn’t mine to inflate. I have a heart to protect and am failing miserably.

* * *

For weeks,Dallas has been giving me driving lessons as often as our schedules permit. My crazy impulsive idea to buy a car I couldn’t drive didn’t backfire, and I’m happy about that. Somehow, it feels symbolic of my new outlook.

I ease to a stop next to Dallas’s truck and engage the parking brake. “I did pretty well that time.”

Dallas grins. “I think the word you’re looking for is great. You’ve got this handled. I am no longer needed. Unless of course you have questions.”

“You think?”

He nods. “Now Dag won’t have to pout and play fetch with the bull while we do our lessons.”

I hug Dallas. “Thank you so much. I’ll call him, so he won’t spend the next hour hounding you.”

“Much appreciated.” He tips his hat and climbs into his truck.

Gripping my keys, I call Dag.

“Dallas said I’m ready to drive without him next to me. Want to ride along while I take this car for a spin?”

“Yeah, baby!” He’s way too excited about my being able to drive. “I’m just pulling up to my cabin. Let me shower, and then I’ll be ready.”

“Sounds good. I’ll be there in about a half hour.” That gives me time to freshen up before we head out. But I’m not even sure of our destination. “Where are we going?”

He drags out a “hmmmm.”

“You think about it, and we’ll decide when I get there.”

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