Page 77 of Lead Me Knot

“We have more than that in common.”

“Like?”

His pause only reaffirms my statement.

But then he says, “We both love strawberries, and Texas sunrises rival the sunsets for best in show, but we’d choose the early morning spectacular every time.” I catch my breath, afraid to make a noise in fear the mask that has slipped again will work its way back around his heart. “When I look at you from the long side of the picnic bench, I see how much you care about me. I care about you more than you can imagine. You’re not alone in feeling you’ve found something special, something most people will never experience.”

Is it fair to make him continue like this? Probably not, but I gobble it up heart and soul and swallow it down, savoring every word he says. “Which is?”

He pauses, his fingers still wrapped around the steering wheel and his knuckles whitening. As if it pains him to admit, he replies, “True love.”

“Well,” I start, the growing anxiety vanishing in an instant. “I have no comeback because I can’t argue with that.” I stretch forward, and say, “Does anyone else know what a romantic you are?”

“No. I’ve worked hard to conceal it, but you just bring it out in me.” When he grins, the world feels right again. I do just from seeing it.

Laying down my emotional weapons, I say, “I’m thinking one of those chocolate-dipped ice cream pops sounds good.”

He nods in silent understanding. I like that we both know when the war is over and peace is restored. “You want to go in with me or wait here?”

“I’ll waithere.”

“I’ll be quick.” Opening the door, he steps out, but before he closes the door, he makes sure to lock it. Protected and safe. Always with him.

Watching him walk away is quite the view, too. He gives fantastic backside, even better when he’s naked. My insides shiver in giddiness that he’s mine. Even if only for the time being.

I sit back, adjusting the seat belt from scraping my neck when Baylor’s phone lights up on the console. Tagger texts:Four rims and a new steering wheel showed up today. You can order all the parts you want. You’re still losing this bet, fucker.

Having no idea what he’s talking about, I glance up to see Baylor at the register inside. He waves the ice cream like he struck gold. Laughing, I wave back.

Another text pops up, causing my gaze to deviate back to the lighted screen:Pris said she thinks Lauralee is seeing someone. Is it you? Did you finally score to win the bet?

I read that again.

And then once more until Baylor exits the store and walks to the driver’s side of the vehicle. Bending down, he taps the glass and then points at the lock, which is fastened.

My gaze moves back to his phone just before the screen goes dark again. “Did you finally score to win the bet?”loops in my head.

A tap on the glass brings me back to him . . .Am I just a bet?He did this for a car? I know what car he wagered, too. The only one that would be worth sacrificing me for in return—the 911.His mom’s car.

God, I’m such a fool for falling for him.

I feel sick.

“Open the door, Lauralee. The ice cream is melting.”

Glancing over, I say, “I don’t want it.”

His brows buckle together in the middle. “Why not?”

Wrapping my arms over my stomach, I try to keep myself from vomiting. He gets the hint I wasn’t intending and walks to the trash can outside the door to toss it. I push the button to unlock the door and then angle away from him toward my window.

When he gets in, he rubs my shoulder. “Feeling carsick?”

“Yeah,” I reply, deciding it’s easier to go with that until I can process what I’ve discovered. A bet. Just thinking about it brings me closer to tears.

“Do you want to sit here a bit longer or go for a short walk to get fresh air? We’re not far from the house. Less than an hour if you want me to drive to get there sooner. Tell me what you want to do.”

His voice is distancing as I fade into my thoughts. I summon the strength to reply, “Just drive.”

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