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“Uh, yeah. But if you’re too busy I—”
“No, not at all,” she replied with a happy smile. “Sorry, I did it again. Interrupted I mean. That would be great.”
“I’d stick around now but I have to get back. Let’s swap numbers so we can stay in touch.”
They exchanged the information, then to his delight and surprise, she hugged him.
“Thank you again—really,” she murmured as she pulled back. “I have to run, but I can’t wait to see you again.”
With his cock stirring, he watched her hurry away, then with a smile on his face he climbed into his Mercedes and hit the road. As he drove, he replayed their short conversation in his head, and pictured her pretty face and her flushed pink cheeks. But when he reached the freeway, he called Rick to let him know the girls and their horses had arrived safely. Then taking a deep breath, he called his father.
“Hey, son, where are you?”
“On my way home. I’ll be there in a couple of hours. Will you and mom still be up?”
“We should be, and we will be if you need us.”
“It’s not urgent, but I would like to speak with you both.”
“Then we’ll be waiting. Why don’t you stay over? I’m sure you mother would love to cook up one of her great breakfasts for us.”
“Thanks, dad, I think I will. It was quite a day and a long drive—which will be even longer by the time I get there.”
“I’ll let her know. She’ll be very happy.”
“Okay, see you when I get there,” Duke replied, then ending the call, his smile faded. His mother might not be so pleased when she heard what he had to say.
* * *
Rick and Bailey had made their way back to town and enjoyed a delicious dinner at The Tavern. They were savoring a delicious chocolate cake for dessert when they spotted Duke walk in and step up to the bar. Rising to his feet, Rick waved him over. Waving back and picking up his glass, Duke strode through the dining room to join them..
“What are you doin’ in here?” Rick asked as Duke sat down. “When did you get back?”
“Just now, and I’m here because there’s something I have to do and I need a shot of Dutch Courage to do it.”
“Then I wish you luck,” Rick remarked. “Maybe it won’t be as bad as your think.”
“Thanks. Hopefully you’re right.”
“Uh, Duke, there’s something I need to tell you,” Bailey interjected. “It’s about that day I stood you up. I never told you why and I’m really sorry. Do you have time?”
“I have as much time as it takes to finish this,” he replied, holding up his glass.
“It’s not a long story, but it is, uh…”
“Worth hearin’,” Rick declared.
As Bailey relayed how she’d become hopelessly lost, and described the frightening events that followed, Duke listened attentively and sipped his drink.
“By the time those guys drove off I was shaking like a leaf,” she finished. “Anyway, that’s what happened.”
“Sounds like you had an angel on your shoulder, and I know why,” Duke said, lowering his voice. “We all do things we shouldn’t, but given what you went through to find those horses, I’d say you’ve still got a positive balance in the karma bank. I have no hard feelings, and I’m very glad you got out of there safely.”
“Thanks, Duke.”
“You’re welcome, and thank you for telling me all that. I wish I could stay and order some of that cake, but I must go.”
“Are you ready to face the drama, whatever that is?” Rick asked with a grin.
