Page 23 of Trucker
“He didn’t leave it to your father?”
“No.” I sat and leaned my back against an oak tree that as older than I could remember. “And even though my father could have taken care of things until I grew of age, my grandfather appointed an advocate who could overturn my father if any decisions were made that wasn’t in my best interest the land’s. And there were many.”
“I’m sorry.”
His voice held a hint of anger—almost as if he wanted to protect me from my father’s dishonestly.
“It’s okay.” I shrugged, trying to lighten the moment. “My father wasn’t a nice man, and Pop knew that. Dad never wanted to stay here—the moment he could, he left. But Pop knew my father would sell this place the moment he got his hands on it. Either that or lose it gambling. .”
Trucker nodded but didn’t speak again.
He stood with his chest puffed toward the sky, his hands akimbo and his eyes closed.
“I’m glad you didn’t sell it.” He finally spoke. “They probably would have turned it into a resort or something—killed off the wildlife and ruin the air. Have strangers driving their fancy cars all over the place.”
“I know.” I sighed, mimicking his position. “I used to love playing hide and go seek with Pop here. It has all the best places to hide. I always dreamed of my kids doing the same thing.”
“That sounds like fun.”
“It was a blast. I think I love this place because here, I’m a superhero.”
Trucker laughed.
“Understandable.” He nodded.
Once I finished the tour, I led him back to the house.
The moment we stepped through the door, he borrowed my charger on the kitchen counter then hurried off for a shower.
I chewed on my bottom lip, watching him walk away.
His back was straight but even in his clothes I could still tell hugs from him would be amazing.
Those wide shoulders, that strong back that tapered down into a perfect waist.
For a moment, I hung my head, closed my eyes and tried remembering how to breathe.
I listened to the sound of water running in his bathroom and cleared my throat.
It wasn’t particularly loud and if I didn’t have a brain full of Trucker, I probably wouldn’t have noticed it. But as I sliced up some watermelon to add to the fruit platter I’d made for lunch, I couldn’t help wondering about how he would look covered in clear water or suds.
Did a man have the right to be that sexy with his clothes on?
Why was that even a thing?
I shook my head.
The plan was to show him around after breakfast, but even I could tell the drive into Albright had taken it out of him. Pretending I had some work to finish before I could go, I gave him some time to breathe and to take a little bit of a nap.
After lunch, we’d go tour the town, where he’d be working and a few other places he might be interested in.
When Trucker entered the room, he was fully dressed and looked completely refreshed.
Without asking, he helped me carry the last bowls to the table. I couldn’t help almost fainting at how good he smelled.
“Taji?”
“Hmm?”
