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DAISY HAD BEEN as good an excuse as any to put a halt to their conversation. Riley recognized her action for what it was.
She couldn’t figure Justin out. If she took him at face value he seemed too good to be true. And things that were too good to be true were exactly that. Not true.
Unzipping her pouch, Riley took out a small container of water and let Daisy lap from the lid. When she was done drinking the dog sat down and stared up at Riley with big eyes.
“Had enough, girl? I don’t blame you. If I looked as good as you I’d demand to be carried too,” she cooed, earning a few hand-licks as she picked her up and cuddled her in her arms.
“All you have to do is say the word?”
Riley blinked at Justin. “Pardon?”
“I’ll carry you anywhere you want to go,” he offered, his eyes full of challenge.
“You’ll carry me?”
Grin on his face, he nodded.
“That would be humorous. Not that I’d do it to you,” she added quickly, patting her thighs. “Wouldn’t want to hurt the hospital’s best orthopedic surgeon’s back.”
His smile fading a little, he met her gaze. “Don’t do that.”
“What?” she asked, not following what he meant.
“Insult yourself or imply that you aren’t perfect.”
Heat flooded her face, but she stood her ground as she stroked Daisy’s fur. “Stating facts isn’t insulting oneself and no one is perfect—least of all me.”
“Then you were insulting me when you implied I’d hurt my back if I carried you?”
“I—Can we just get back to jogging?”
He studied her a moment, then challenged, “Hop on, Riley.”
“What?”
“You heard me. I need to prove that carrying you is no big deal. My man card demands it.”
She looked toward the evening sky and shook her head. “You’re crazy.”
“Think of it as part of my workout,” he teased, leaning forward a little and lowering himself for her to hop on.
She rolled her eyes. “I should—just to teach you a lesson.”
His eyes sparkled. “I’m always up for learning a new trick.”
Something in the way his eyes glittered, as if he didn’t think she’d do it, had her contemplating taking his challenge. Made her want to. How rebelliously teenagerish of her.
“Scared I’ll drop you?” he pushed.
“No, that didn’t cross my mind.” It hadn’t. “I just don’t think Daisy would like me riding on your back.”
“Think she’d be jealous? You could hold her.”
His grin was full of mischief—as if he could read her thoughts and knew she was tempted, as if he wanted to tempt her further.
“I’m all sweaty,” she warned him, not believing she was even considering taking up his offer.
“It’s summertime in South Carolina. Everyone is sweaty. Come on, Riley. Have some fun.”
