“Ford, this is Gretchen, my friend I told you about.”
I shook her hand. She crossed her arms immediately and frowned at me. “I want to ask you some questions about this ‘research.’” She uncrossed her arms long enough to air quote me.
“Gretch, I told you all about it. Leave him alone.”
The redhead walked backward and collected a bag. When Suzie turned to face me, her back to her friend, Gretchen pointed two fingers to her eyes, then pointed them to me and then back again. Threat received loud and clear. I kept my face impassive.
She and the other women chatted as they collected their things. Suzie wiped off sweat as she came up to me. Her eyes were bright and her cheeks full of color.
“Need something?”
I decided my talk with her could wait. I couldn’t talk to her now. Not when she looked so distractingly full of joy. Instead, I took the coward’s way out.
“Can you turn down the music? I’m going to go work in my office.”
“We’re done. Are you okay? How’s your face feeling?” She pressed her cool fingers to my cheek and I fought from purring into them.
“I’m fine. I have to go work.”
“Weren’t you supposed to talk to Suzie about something?” Jack, who had the world’s worst timing, appeared out of thin air to ruin my life. He spoke through a mouthful of cereal as he leaned coolly in the doorway.
I hoped he choked on his Frosted Flakes.
“What's up, Ford?” Suzie asked as the room cleared of women.
“It’s okay. It can wait.” I ground out, glaring at Jack.
“I’m free.” She waved to a chorus of goodbyes at the front door.
“Fine.”
“Why don’t you show her Obed or Clear Creek?” Jack had to tilt his head back to slurp around his words.
I glared at Jack again. The bastard smiled.
“Thanks, Jack. That’s a great idea,” I gritted out.
“I’d been wondering if you’d show me your secret life.” Suzie grinned with such eagerness there was no way I could dampen her spirits.
“We can go for a walk,” I said. “It’s too late to climb today.”
“Let me make sure the girls got off okay and I’ll go get ready.” She hopped up and down with a little clap.
She was gone before I realized what was happening.
“You’re smiling,” Jack told me. “I wanted to let you know in case it hurt.”
I scratched my beard. “I hate you.”
“I hate you too, buddy. Go have fun. Talk. Thank me tomorrow.” Jack disappeared into the kitchen.
Suzie and me, alone, in beautiful nature. No pressure. I could handle this. I’d be too distracted watching the trails and not her lips. This would be fine. I would be fine.
* * *
Suzie
For someone who wanted to talk, Ford spent most of the drive in his usual stony silence. I'd grown used to quiet drives with him though so I didn't usually take it personally. Today his silence felt extra loud. I ignored it. He needed to figure out what he wanted to say and how. That part made me a bit anxious, because it meant he was in knots over something related to me. He'd talk when he was good and ready. I watched the passing forest grow denser as the roads got windier.
