Page 19 of More Than a Little Spark

He nods and rubs his jaw.“We could.Or you could use those sleepover nights for going out, dates, and things of that sort.”

I chuckle.“Dates?What are those?”

“After you went up to the hospital three times, I figured maybe you and that lady were—you know—planning to go out possibly.”

I shrug.“Not sure.She’s way outta my league.Absolutely stunning.She’s Rose’s best friend.”

“Dallas mentioned that you rescued her.”

“I felt horrible for Daphne.Some guy pulled a surprise pit maneuver on her.I’m honestly shocked her injuries weren’t worse.And I’ll keep your offer in mind.”My phone rings, and Rose’s number shows up at the top of the screen, so I swipe to answer.“Hello.”

“Carson, I’m so sorry to bother you, and if you can’t help me, I totally understand.”

“What’s up?”

“The storm that came through last night knocked out a few trees and washed out part of the road.The only way to my house right now is the back way in, which is gravel, and my car will not make it with the condition of that road.But Daphne called that they’re releasing her.”

“I can pick her up.Does she need me to take her home?”

“She can’t get up the stairs.I was going to bring her to my place.”

“I can do that.There are a few things that I need to?—”

Kent shakes his head.“Just go.”

“Actually, after a super-fast shower, I’ll be on my way.”I’m a little too excited that I get to spend more time with Daphne.

“Great.Thank you so much.You have her number, right?”

“I do.And I’ll let her know the plan.”After saying goodbye, I end the call.“Thanks for covering for me.I’m not sure there’s anything romantic happening, but Daphne is really sweet.”

“I didn’t know there was anything romantic between me and Poppy until I realized that every other thought was about her.Mason talked about her all the time, so that played a part.”

I choose to skip over the part about thoughts because I think about Daphne a lot.But the second part is easy to address.“If I do ask Daphne out on a date, I won’t be talking to Fred about it.He’s enjoying stability for the first time in his life.He doesn’t need to meet the women I decide to date.”

“At first.But eventually…” Kent lifts an eyebrow.

I slide off the tailgate.“I seriously doubt it will ever be that serious.As I said before, she’s way out of my league.”

Chapter8

Daphne

Daphne

Carson leans around me and snaps the seat belt into place.My hands work just fine, but if he wants to help, I’m not going to complain.Plus, this gives me a chance to sniff his shirt.

Do all cowboys smell this good?He smells like leather and citrus.And maybe juniper.I’m not sure how that actually smells, but I like the word.And it grows everywhere in these parts.

He pulls back and meets my gaze.“You good?Everything okay?I don’t want you to be in pain while I drive.”

“I’m okay.But I have a question.”

He puts his hand on the top of the door, which shows off his broad chest.He’s like a wall, only padded.“What’s that?”

“What did you do to smell so incredible?”

Carson blinks.“I showered.”

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