Page 304 of Boots, Bucket Lists & Bad Ideas
“You sure you’re okay?”
“Yes.” Why does it come out husky?
His hand slides to my shoulder, fingertips brushing softly. “Does this hurt?”
“No.”
His hand slides to my back, his palm warm against my skin through the fabric. He trails my spine, palm pressing.
“How about here?”
The closeness makes my heart race.
I lean into his touch. “It’s alright.”
Finally, his hand moves lower, resting on my hip. His touch is gentle, almost reverent, as if careful not to hurt me.
“And your side? How is your hip?”
I bite my lip, cheeks warming under his gaze. His hand gives a soft, reassuring squeeze.
“I’m fine,” I whisper, barely able to speak.
“And here?” His hands don’t make it all the way down my butt cheeks when Dean shouts at us.
“Come on, guys!”
Hart laces his finger in mine. “Ready?”
I finally find my voice. “Ready to kick their ass.”
We tear down another path, clipping the walls of hay, slapping my arms and shoulders. When we reach the end of the trail, Dean and Harper are nowhere to be found.
“And they’re gone.” Hart slows to a walk. “Didn’t have the heart to tell them this isn’t on the bucket list, huh?” He tugs me around the next corner.
“No. Besides, it wouldn’t have stopped them. I think this is more about them reliving their childhood.” I tug him around the next corner.
“You mean they stopped? They grew up?”
I laugh.
We come to a dead end.
“I reckon we might be lost.” Hart readjusts his hat.
“You’re known for getting us lost. Remember our detour here? You straight-up took all the wrong turns.” I turn and stumble.
Hart catches me. “Not lost. Strategically exploring.”
“Strategic? You might need to grab a dictionary.”
His arm tightens around my waist. “Number twenty, get lost on a road trip.”
My lips part. “You got us lost on purpose?”
He nods. “I just couldn’t tell you.”
My hands rest on his chest. “We’re going to have to finish the second part of that challenge.”
