Page 25 of Her Cadillac Cowboy
CHAPTER EIGHT
One block from the dealership, Sara got out of the same cab that had delivered K.C. White to the house. If anyone could handle Carl Carson, the young man in the white uniform could. Still, her father’s objections to the male nurse had occupied her thoughts all the way in to town.
Now she needed time to regroup and focus on the upcoming staff meeting. The short walk to the dealership was just what she needed. As she started to cross the drive that led to Carson’s Cars’ service center, tires squealed.
The Cadillac Orleans cut across her path and came to a halt. She eyed the shiny black sedan as she would a rattler about to strike. While she hesitated, the car disgorged a man as lethal to her emotional equilibrium as any poison.
Josh McKinley came around the car, his stride swift and smooth.
Sara stumbled to a halt.
His hand on her elbow steadied her.
Her gaze fell captive to his hard stare.
“What are you doing on your feet?”
She’d had one too many men questioning her actions this morning. Sara shook off his hand and snarled. “Walking, not that it’s any of your business.”
“Don’t play games with me, Sara Anne Carson.”
In his eyes she saw the intent to pick her up and carry her as he had the night before. She skittered away.
She was not shaken up and injured. Thieves hadn’t just robbed her of property and peace. It was broad daylight on an open downtown street. Why was she acting as if she were cornered? Helpless? She wouldn’t allow it. Just once, she’d be in control with Josh McKinley or know the reason why.
“Oh no you don’t, Josh McKinley. I’m fine with both feet on the ground, thank you very much.”
He looked her up and down, staring for a long time at the sensible shoes on her feet. Why did this man have the power to change her from cucumber cool to melted butter with only a glance?
He’d sped to her rescue last night without a thought for his own safety. That she and her father despised all McKinleys didn’t seem to matter to Josh.
Did he want to change things? Go back to how they were in high school, just before he’d betrayed her with Lurlene then left town like a coward? Of course he did. If she fell starry-eyed for him, she’d want to please him, and she couldn’t do that. Did she want things to change? Maybe, but right now the cost was higher than gaining Dad’s approval.
“At least you’ve got decent shoes on. What made you do a damn fool thing like chasing after that kid?”
Sara frowned. “You would have done the same, Josh McKinley, so don’t get all high and mighty on me. In fact, you did do the same thing.”
His gaze shifted to the back lot, and he rubbed the back of his neck. “But...”
“But what?”
“I’m... You’re...”
“I’m a big strong man, and you’re just a meek little woman?” Sara mocked.
Josh laughed and looked her over again. “You don’t look like any big strong man I ever saw.”
Caught in her own sarcasm, Sara laughed too. “And I never met anyone less meek, little, or womanly.”
He held out his hand. “Pax, Sara?”
She placed her hand in his. Peace, she could do. In fact, she’d welcome a little peace between them.
“Pax.” His warm fingers closed about hers in a strong grip, and she shook on the deal. They turned and ambled around the car toward the showroom. She tugged on her hand, but he didn’t let go.
“Seriously, why did you go after that kid?” he asked.
She gave another tug, but her hand remained firmly in his clasp. She didn’t want to go to war over whether or not they held hands. Not when they’d just declared peace.
