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I laugh and shake my head. “It’s fine. I swear. Go home, and I’ll help Ben get your car back.”
She nibbles on her bottom lip as she tries to smile, and I think she’s trying to hold back tears. I’m not surprised. Today’s been so stressful for her. She steps away from Trey and swoops me up into a big hug. Her arms are so tight around my waist I couldn’t escape even if I wanted to. It’s been so long since I’ve had a hug like this, and I’m momentarily frozen, unsure of what to do. Oh right…hug her back.
“Thank you for being so nice to me,” she says quietly. “You really are the sweetest.”
I’m so embarrassed by the lump in my throat that I just smile and shake my head, trying to shirk off her compliment.
When she releases me, I step back to see Ben watching us curiously.
“Thanks again, Raelynn,” Trey says, throwing me a friendly wave.
I dip my head and start to head toward my car, already worrying over what a mess it is inside. The cleaning supplies that don’t fit in the trunk overflow into the back seat. My dress and apron from the diner are back there too. The passenger side is clear since Leanna was sitting up there all day, but when Ben opens the door and looks in, I can’t help but laugh.
“Will you fit?”
It’s a legitimate concern. The guy is somewhere north of six feet tall with shoulders that are probably twice the width of mine. This vehicle is minuscule compared to his SUV.
“Guess there’s only one way to find out.”
Chapter Ten
Raelynn
I watch as he attempts to shrink himself down to fit inside the vehicle, hunching his shoulders and curving his spine. When he tries to sit up straight in the seat, his head skims the roof. His knees are bent up, hitting the dashboard, and then he looks over at me as if to say, Well? Are you going to drive or what?
I can’t help but burst out laughing.
“You should see yourself. It’s like you’re inside of a clown car.”
His dark brow arches. “Are you going to start driving any time soon?”
“I can’t,” I say, unable to curb the laughter. Soon, there will be tears rolling down my cheeks. “If I drive now, I’ll…I’ll…”
I can’t even get the words out.
He stares at me with furrowed brows and fake annoyance. I know it’s fake because he’s fighting back a smile.
I inhale a deep breath and force it out slowly. “Okay. Phew, I’m good. I just won’t look at you while I drive, and I should get us there in one piece.”
Sadly, the diner’s not far from Dr. Sanders’ office. Before I even work up the courage to talk to Ben beyond asking him how his day was, I’m pulling up beside Leanna’s sleek sports car and putting mine in park.
“Thank god,” Ben says with a sigh of relief as he opens the door and tumbles out of the car. He stands to his full height and twists around, stretching out his back. His t-shirt rides up a little, just enough to afford me a quick peek at the side of his rock-hard abs. My cheeks blaze with heat and I whip my attention back out the front windshield before he catches me gawking. I feel like my eyes are the size of quarters when he rests his forearm on the roof of Nan’s car and leans down to poke his head back in.
“C’mon, I’ll drive you home in Leanna’s car.”
His demand catches me off guard, and I forget I’m trying hard not to look at him.
My gaze whips to his. “What? Why?”
“I don’t want you driving around by yourself this late. That highway is dangerous with the truckers barreling down it. This car’s so tiny they won’t even see you coming.”
I want to tell him I drive at this hour all the time, but I don’t think that’ll convince him of anything.
“I appreciate the concern, but there’s no need. I’m fine. Besides, if I go with you, I’ll be stranded back at my place, and I need to be able to get back to work in the morning.”
“I can have someone come get you.”
He has an answer to everything, doesn’t he?
“I’m fine, Ben.”
His head cocks to the side as he studies me. “Just curious, do you ever just do what you’re told?”
I smirk, making sure he hears me loud and clear when I reply. “On principle, I try not to let men like you browbeat me into falling in line.”
He grins. “Good. I like that.” He taps twice on the roof. “Now, let’s go.”
Is he serious?
I don’t even bother trying to hide my scowl. “Do you have faulty hearing or something?”
That grin doesn’t waver. “Nope. I’m letting you drive your car, just like you asked, Little Bird. But I’ll follow behind you, make sure you get back safe. It’s a win-win.”
