Page 67 of Caught Up In You (The Monroes 2)

Cora froze. “What?”

“You’re going to drive. Don’t worry, I’ll be in the passenger seat.”

Instantly her eyes burned as tears clogged her throat. “Are you making fun of me? Where the hell are we?”

Braxton’s strong hands framed her face. “I would never make fun of you. I’m giving you a bit of your freedom back. I heard that sad tone in your voice when you mentioned the things you haven’t done since you lost your sight and it gutted me. I just want to give back, Cora. That’s all.”

Damn it. Now her tears did spill over and Braxton promptly swiped them away. “I can’t believe you thought to do this,” she whispered. “I’ve never had anyone . . .”

Words failed her as she closed her eyes. Braxton’s soft lips settled against her forehead as he muttered, “I’m finding I’d do anything to see you happy.”

Oh, man. How could she fight this battle with herself? How could she keep denying the fact she was falling for this man? He’d proven over and over again that she mattered more than on a physical level. He was the most giving person she’d ever met.

“Where are we?” she asked again, once she trusted her voice.

“At the edge of a wide, open field. One of my students has a farm and this field isn’t occupied by any livestock. I called him earlier today and he was more than happy to let us use it.” He swiped her damp cheeks and tipped her chin up. “So get in the driver’s seat and take me for a ride. You’ve got seventy-five acres to do what you want.”

Cora turned toward the car and reached out to find the steering wheel. Braxton didn’t help her, he didn’t attempt to get her belt or anything. Once she was in, she reached back for the handle and closed the door. The back door opened and closed and Heidi’s head was instantly at Cora’s right side. The passenger door opened and Braxton blew out a breath as he settled in the seat.

“There’s not a tree or fence around. I made sure to pull in the middle gate, so let loose.”

Cora couldn’t contain her smile as she felt the steering column for the keys. She pressed her foot on the break and brought the engine to life. Gripping the wheel, she simply sat there for a minute, unable to believe this was happening.

“Take your time,” he told her. “I’ve got nowhere else to be but with you.”

Cora bit her lip to keep it from trembling. He got it. He got her. Braxton knew she wanted to savor this moment, to cherish her sliver of freedom . . . a freedom he’d understood was so important to her.

“I’ll thank you for this properly later,” she promised.

“If you keep talking like that, this ride will be cut short.”

With her right hand, she felt around for the gear shift and found it in the center console. Such simple things as gliding the gear from park to drive were a thrill.

Easing off the break, she started forward, clutching the wheel. Her foot barely touched the gas as they crept along, the bumpy field shaking the vehicle.

“You can give it more gas. We’re in an old Jeep that belongs on the farm. They use it out here. You can’t hurt a thing.”

Maybe not, but she was still getting her feet wet with being the driver. “Can we put the windows down?” she asked.

“I’ll do one better. Stop the Jeep and I’ll put the top down.”

Cora stopped the car and waited while Braxton removed the top. Once he was settled back inside, she decided to let loose.

Instantly the wind whipped her hair around, the uneven ground jarred her entire body, and she felt as if she were flying. This was by far one of the greatest moments of her entire life. She actually tasted freedom and it was all thanks to Braxton.

He never said a word, but she could feel him at her side. He’d made these arrangements only to see her smile and keep her happy. Everything about Braxton Monroe filled her with more joy than she ever knew possible.

“Can I turn?” she asked.

“Do what you want,” he yelled over the wind. “Nothing is around us.”

She slowed down enough to turn the wheel and once she started, she just kept making circles. Then she started zigzagging. This was like being a kid at an amusement park on one of those silly car rides for children. There was nothing to worry about and fun was the top priority.

Cora didn’t know how long she drove, but she could feel the air turning a bit cool, so she knew the sun was starting to set.

“Where are the lights on this thing?” she asked, slowing down.

“I can still see just fine,” he told her. “The sun hasn’t faded completely yet. Are you planning on driving all night?”

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