Page 20 of Not Over You (Prosperity Ranch 3)

Knox waited until Jana got in her car and pulled out before he stepped on the gas again. But then she braked in front of him, so he braked, too. He couldn’t have been more surprised than he was seeing her climb out and walk toward his truck. Her black jeans followed her curves to a T, and her hair hung in waves down her back. Waves he’d been tempted to touch when she was sitting next to him in the truck. His windows were already down, and when she reached his side, she rested her fingers on the windowsill.

“Where are you headed?” she asked.

Again, he was surprised. “Heading to the truck stop for a shower and some grub, then I think I’ll call it a night.”

“You’re sleeping in your truck again?”

“That’s correct.”

“Because it’s less complicated that way?”

A chuckle escaped. “Correct again. Changed your mind about lunch tomorrow?”

“No,” she said, then leaned in a little closer. “But I’ve got a free shower and two extra bedrooms. Or a couch. Whichever you prefer. Just don’t expect anything fancy to eat.”

Knox couldn’t help the grin that emerged, although he really should say no. He knew he wouldn’t sleep much a wall or two away from a beautiful woman such as Jana. Even if he’d sworn off his past indulgences.

“I’d be crazy to turn down an offer like that,” he said. “But I don’t want to impose, or, uh, start any tongues wagging. Besides, what would your boyfriend think?” He was almost positive she didn’t have one, or wouldn’t he have seen signs of the guy by now?

“I don’t have a boyfriend to chase away, so don’t worry about that, Mr. Prosper.” Her smile was soft, teasing. “No one in the town has to know unless you tell them.”

“I think it would be pretty obvious if my truck is parked at your place, sweetheart.” His hand strayed to the fingers resting on his windowsill. Her fingers were warm, and her skin smooth.

She didn’t pull her hands away, even though her brows lifted. “So park your truck somewhere, and we’ll take my SUV.”

Knox could do this, stay the next night or two at the Harris house. No big deal. He and Jana were in the past. Now, they were… friends? “You got a deal.”

Jana nodded and stepped away from the truck. She was smiling, and he was, too. Easy, cowboy. There were about a hundred complications between them already, and first one up was that Knox didn’t want to jump into anything too fast. Things with Macie had… wrecked him. And he didn’t want bad decisions and stress to send him down another dark path.

But his thumping heart wasn’t listening as he pulled over to the side of the road. Parked. He snatched his duffle bag, then climbed out and made his way to Jana’s SUV.

Once inside, he found that his heart was racing much too fast for his liking. This was nothing, he told himself. Just some neighborly hospitality. By the time they pulled up to Jana’s house, every part of his body felt jittery. He’d shower, eat a sandwich or something—a jam sandwich—then call it a night. And hope to heaven, he’d fall asleep quickly.

The inside of the house smelled amazing. The signs of jam-making were cleaned up, but the sweet scent of fruit remained.

“Want some water?” Jana went to the fridge to pull out a pitcher of cold water.

After pouring him a glass, he told her, “You don’t have to wait on me. Just point me to the shower.”

She took a sip of her water, then said, “First door on the right. I’ll have dinner ready when you’re out.” Then she stifled a yawn.

“Really, Jana, I can fix a sandwich or something.”

“Off with you.” She waved him toward the hallway.

So he finished the water, then headed to the shower. By the time he returned to the kitchen, there was a new aroma. That of something delicious.

Jana was at the stove, frying up hamburger. On the counter, she had small bowls of different things like diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and torn lettuce.

“You’re cooking?” Knox said as he crossed to the stove.

Jana glanced over at him, then returned to stirring the sizzling meat. “Making tacos. Hope you’re not allergic.”

“Now, who in their right mind would be allergic to tacos?” Knox said, bracing his hands on the counter next to the stove. “What can I help with?”

Another glance at him, and he wondered if the flush of her cheeks was from the heat of the stove. She’d taken off her boots, but she still wore the black jeans and blue shirt. “You can set the table. The plates are in that cupboard.” She nodded toward the cupboard closest to him.

He set the table quickly, then carried over the bowls with the various toppings.

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