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Cord maneuvered the truck into traffic. “Would you like me to stop and get you something to eat? Name your craving, and I’ll do my best to get it.”
She crossed her arms. “I’m not hungry.”
“You will be, once that medicine kicks in.”
“Right now, I’d like to get some fresh clothes. Would you mind stopping at the motel?”
He pulled up to a stop sign and glanced her way. “You promise to keep your word and come home with me?”
A little voice in the back of her mind warned that it was not a good idea—in fact, it constituted an awful idea. “I’ll be fine at the motel. You don’t need to bother. I promise to call you if I have any problems—”
“That wasn’t our agreement. I gave my word to Doc Willard that I’d take care of you, and I’m not going back on my word, even if it’s uncomfortable for the both of us.”
“Is your word like some sort of cowboy code?”
“Something like that.”
The last thing in the world she wanted to do was spend time alone with him. That kiss kept haunting her. It’d been oh-so-much better than she’d ever imagined. Just the memory of it made her insides shiver with excitement. Of course, she knew that some of that came from them reaching a deeper connection as they’d strolled down the dusty main street in Haggerty. Cord had given her a glimpse of the man inside the coat of armor.
Her head started to ache. She leaned it back against the seat and refused to rub her temples, not wanting to give Cord another reason to play caregiver. But maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to have a sexy cowboy at her beck and call.
And if truth be told, she was curious to learn more about him. Not that she was interested in him—that kiss had been a one-time thing. Most likely, it had been the result of too much sun. Even the doctor had confirmed she was suffering from sun exposure. Rather, her interest was business-related. The more she learned about Cord, the easier it’d be to strike an irresistible deal.
Deciding she could move past the kiss, just like he’d obviously done, she said, “Fine. I’ll go to the ranch with you. But first I’d like to stop at the motel.”
“That’s doable. I just have to get us turned around.” He slowed the truck and checked traffic.
In no time, he parked in front of her motel room. Without a word, he leaped out and rushed to open her door. He was forever the gentleman, which made her wonder about his offer to care for her. Was it out of concern? Or was it some sort of obligation?
He stood there, blocking her exit. “I can get whatever you need if you’ll just tell me where it is.”
She shook her head, chasing away the thought of him sorting through her lacy undies. “Thanks. But I’m not helpless.”
He shrugged before offering her a hand to help her out of the truck. He didn’t say anything, but his brows were knitted together in a definite frown.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
He followed her to the motel door when her cell phone began playing Beethoven’s Fifth. She stopped and turned to Cord. “It’s my father, and I really need to make sure he’s okay. Would you mind waiting in the truck for me?”
“Don’t take long. And let me know if you need any help.” Surprisingly, he didn’t put up a fight and quietly turned back toward the truck.
She grabbed the phone and pressed it to her ear. “Hi, Father. I didn’t expect to hear from you again so soon. Is something wrong?”
“Yes.”
Her hand tightened around the phone at the sound of his clipped tone. “What is it? Do you need to call the doctor?”
“No. I told you the ticker is just fine. It’s the land deal. I don’t understand what’s taking you so long to get those papers signed. We’ve received the surveyor’s report and the geological reports. In fact, we’ve gotten all of the paperwork except for a signed sales agreement.”
Alexis unlocked the motel door. “I told you I’m working on it—”
“Don’t feed me any more lines. I’m not some flunky. I’m your father—your boss.”
“Yes, sir.” Her body tensed.
“Now, out with it.” Agitation laced every syllable. “What’s the problem? Is the seller holding out for more money?”
She bit down on her lower lip. What in the world was she supposed to tell him? What had she been doing? The steamy kiss beneath the desert sun came to mind. Just as quickly as the memory came to her, she dismissed it.
