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Brand cocks his dark head to the side in thought, and merely studies me for a moment. Heat floods my veins. OMG, have I been a whiny crybaby during this whole conversation? I know I definitely haven’t come off as a sophisticated, mature woman able to tackle the challenges in her life.
“What?” I question after a minute, getting shy.
He nods, still looking at me while stroking his chin.
“I’m just thinking that maybe you should come with me on my next long haul trip,” he muses. “It’s crazy but not impossible.”
Those words shoot a jolt through my veins.
“Really?” My eyes widen as I sit up a little straighter. “Do you really mean it? In your truck, right?”
He grins.
“Yeah, in my truck. It’s not unheard of. I’m leaving next week for a six-week trip that will take me all over the US. It could be the perfect adventure for you because we’ll hit up different cities, get in some sightseeing, and eat some good food. Plus, if Claire’s is really that horrible, I think they’ll still have your job ready for you when you come back if you want it.”
I stare at him as my mind whirls because this is really unexpected. Taking off for a six-week trip with Brand? It sounds crazy, but also perfect at the same time. After all, he’s right: I’d get to travel basically for free for six whole weeks and see places I never thought I’d lay eyes on. And best of all, I’d get to spend more time with this gorgeous man. It’d be just the two of us traveling and getting to know each other, and seeing how comfortable I am with him already, I want to follow this path. In fact, the thought of him leaving for six weeks makes my heart contract, and suddenly, I know that I want to be with him.
I open my mouth to say yes, but Brand beats me to it with a hesitancy in those blue eyes that I’ve never seen before.
“To be honest with you, Janie, I really want you to say yes,” he growls in a low voice. Harsh streaks decorate his high cheekbones as he looks down at his drink. “I know we haven’t known each other for that long, but it could be fun and I’d like you to come. I know you’d be gambling somewhat, but I hope you’ll consider the invitation, sweetheart.”
I try to appear calm and cool even as I feel like I’ll explode internally. I merely tilt my head to the side and smile softly.
“Well, Mr. Danner, actually I’m leaning toward accompanying you on your trip. You’re right: I’m missing nothing in New Jersey, and my job will still be here when I get back. It might be kind of cozy in your cab though with two of us, wouldn’t you say?”
His blue eyes flare as hope fills his gaze.
“Cozy in a good way,” he growls. “You know that I have a full size bed in back, right? There’s enough room for two. Couples truck together all the time and I think they like it.”
I inhale sharply because are we a couple? My heart contracts again as I try not to appear too eager.
“Well then, I think my answer is yes, Mr. Danner. I’d love to travel with you.”
He seizes my small hand in his big one, those blue eyes flaring as they stare into my own.
“Good, because I’ll make it worth your time, baby girl,” Brand promises. “You’ll never regret coming with me.”
I smile beatifically at him and squeeze his palm in answer because I already know that this is the right choice. I want to get to know this gorgeous man better and traveling with him for six weeks is the next step in our blossoming relationship.
6
Janie
We’ve been on the road for two weeks now and it’s been amazing. Brand and I spend the majority of our time driving, of course—well, he does the driving and I take in the scenery from the passenger’s seat. I actually asked to drive the big truck once, but my man flat-out refused, saying something about it being illegal and too dangerous. I just smiled and called him a party pooper.
“You’re so cute,” Brand chuckles, moving one hand off the steering wheel in order to reach over and squeeze my thigh with a big palm. It drags me out of the blissful daze that I was previously in, and I shoot a secret smile his way. “What’s on your mind, pretty girl?” he asks. “You look happy.”
To be honest, I am happy. Happier than I’ve ever been in my life. I didn’t even realize that I’d been smiling from ear to ear this whole time because it’s so peaceful and calm in the truck cab, watching the landscape roll by.
“I guess I’m just excited to be on the road with you,” I say in a soft voice.
