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She ignored the shiver of trepidation running up her spine. “I’ve always thought it was better to solve disputes with compromise rather than brute force.”
“I’ve played in the NFL, sweetheart. Bloodshed’s about all I understand.”
With those ominous words, he reached for his door, and she knew within seconds, he would come around to her side, pick her up, and toss her out on the street. Quickly, before he could push down on the handle, she grabbed his arm.
“Don’t throw me out, Bobby Tom. I know I irritate you, but I promise, I’ll make it worth your while if you let me go with you.”
He turned slowly back to her. “Exactly what do you mean by that?”
She didn’t know what she meant. She had spoken impulsively because she couldn’t face the idea of calling Willow Craig and telling her that Bobby Tom had set off for Telarosa by himself. She knew all too well what Willow’s response would be.
“I meant what I said,” she replied, hoping she could bluff her way out without getting down to specifics.
“Generally when people say they’re going to make something worth your while, they’re offering money. Is that what you’re doing?”
“Certainly not! I don’t believe in bribery. Besides, you seem to have more money than you know what to do with.”
“That’s true, so what do you have in mind?”
“I—. Well—” She frantically searched for some glimmer of inspiration. “Driving! That’s it! You can relax while I do all the driving. I happen to be excellent behind the wheel. I’ve had my license since I was sixteen, and I’ve never once gotten a ticket.”
“And you’re actually proud of that?” He shook his head in amazement. “Unfortunately, sweetheart, nobody but me drives my cars. Nope, I think I’m going to have to throw you out after all.”
Once again, he reached for the door handle, and once again, she clutched at his arm. “I’ll navigate.”
He looked annoyed. “What do I need a navigator for? I’ve made this trip so many times I could do it blindfolded. No, sweetheart, you’ll have to come up with something better than that.”
At that moment, she heard a peculiar buzzing sound. It took her a moment to realize that the Thunderbird was equipped with a car phone. “You seem to get a lot of calls. I could answer them for you.”
“The last thing I want is somebody answering my phone.”
Her mind raced. “I could, uh, rub your shoulders while you’re driving, to work out the kinks. I’m very good at massage.”
“That’s a nice offer, but you have to admit, it’s hardly worth taking an unwelcome passenger all the way to Texas. To Peoria, maybe, if you do a good job, but not any farther. Sorry, Miz Gracie, but so far you haven’t offered a single thing that’s caught my interest.”
She tried to think. What did she have that a worldly man like Bobby Tom Denton would find at all interesting? She knew how to organize recreational activities, she understood special diets, drug interactions, and had listened to enough of the residents’ stories to have a fairly comprehensive knowledge of World War II troop movements, but somehow she couldn’t imagine any of that persuading Bobby Tom to change his mind.
“I have excellent vision. I can read road signs from incredible distances.”
“You’re grabbing at straws, sweetheart.”
She smiled enthusiastically. “Are you aware of the fascinating history of the Seventh Army?”
He gave her a faintly pitying look.
How could she make him change his mind? From what she had seen last night, he was only interested in two things, football and sex. Her knowledge of sports was minimal, and as for sex . . .
A pulse leaped in her throat as a dangerous and very immoral idea popped into her brain. What if she offered her body for barter? She was immediately appalled. How could she even think of such a thing? No intelligent, modern day woman who considered herself a feminist would consider . . . The very idea . . . Of all the . . . This was definitely the consequence of allowing herself too many sexual fantasies.
Why not? a devil inside her whispered. Who are you saving it for?
He’s a libertine! she reminded the lusty part of her nature that she tried so hard to suppress. Besides, he wouldn’t be interested in me.
How will you know if you don’t try? the devil replied. You’ve dreamed about something like this for years. Didn’t you promise yourself that having a sexual experience would be one of the top priorities in your new life?
An image flashed through her mind of Bobby Tom Denton lowering his naked body over hers. Her blood raced through her veins and her skin prickled. She could feel his strong hands on her thighs, pushing them open, the touch of his— “Is something wrong, Miz Gracie? You’re looking a little red in the face. Like somebody just told you a dirty joke.”
“Is sex the only thing you think about!” she cried.
