Page 21 of Steal My Heart (Prosperity Ranch 2)

Carson nodded. “The hangout place, huh?”

“For some.” Evie pulled forward with the green light.

“Not you?”

She shrugged. She didn’t really want the questions, so she didn’t elaborate.

“You weren’t drinking when you were with Devon,” Carson said.

Evie stiffened, wondering how much she should say to him. As far as she knew, they’d get to her place, and she wouldn’t see him all week, and possibly ever again. “I don’t really drink.” She felt his gaze on her. Curious.

“Ever?”

“I’ve tried it, if that’s what you mean,” she said. “But it’s not for me, I guess. I don’t want to be one of those girls who gets sloppy, then regrets stuff or can’t remember anything.”

Carson didn’t answer for a moment, but she could feel his gaze on her. What was he thinking? That she was a prude?

“Good for you,” he said at last.

Evie didn’t have to be told that. The light changed, and she pulled forward. “Plus, my brothers would kill me if I became a party girl. Even more so than my parents.”

Carson’s dark brows shot up. “I think I like your brothers.”

Evie scoffed, even though she hadn’t meant to.

And of course, Carson picked up on it. “What?”

“Believe me, three older brothers is enough to drive a girl crazy,” she said. “I only went on one date in high school.”

“You’re kidding me,” Carson said.

“Not kidding.” Evie slowed the truck and turned the final corner leading out to Prosperity Ranch. They’d pass by the old Anderson ranch on the way, which was now apparently owned by Carson’s grandpa.

“We’re almost there,” Evie said, if only to effectively change the subject.

“To your place?”

“We’ll pass by the old Anderson place on the way—the homestead your grandpa bought.”

“Oh, wow.” Carson leaned forward in the seat, his eyes intent on the road. “Just drive to your place, then I’ll take the truck back.”

Fine, that was fine. But . . . what if her family was around? And they met Carson? Evie was already cringing at all the questions that would happen. Of course, they’d be around. They were expecting her to arrive on the bus and text when she got off at the bus stop. But with the delay of the accident, carpooling with Carson had taken about the same amount of time.

She pointed out the turnoff for the old Anderson place, then she took the next road to Prosperity Ranch. Although she’d grown up there, she never failed to appreciate it. The rambler home with a wraparound porch, the circular driveway, and the pristine barn, fields, and small horse arena beyond. Everything was green this time of year.

Carson released a low whistle. “Wow, this place is gorgeous.”

A bubble of pride expanded inside of Evie. “Yeah, my dad is kind of a perfectionist, and he passed it onto my brother Holt. He’s the manager now.”

“They breed horses?” Carson said, obviously noticing the huge barn and the arena just behind it.

“They rehabilitate horses, and they also take on rodeo training,” Evie said.

Carson nodded, his gaze full of appreciation as he took in the surroundings.

Evie’s heart sank when she saw her dad’s truck, her mom’s car, and Holt’s truck all in the wide circular driveway. And just beyond, another truck that Lane drove. So. Everyone was home.

Evie parked a good distance from the other vehicles. “Thanks for the ride, Carson,” she said quickly. “Are you sure I can’t give you some gas money?”

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