Chasing a Dream Read Free

she found out I’d let a woman change a tire in the rain when I could’ve done it for her.”
    She lifted her chin a notch, grabbing for the wrench again. She needed it for a weapon if nothing else. “Well, I won’t tell your mother, if you don’t.”
    His grin blossomed, lighting his face with a handsome smile that caused a flutter in her pulse. He put a hand under her elbow and stood, drawing her to her feet as well.
    “Come on. Stand back. I’ll take care of this.”
    The idea of locking herself safely in the car appealed to Tess enough to let him slide the lug wrench from her hand. “All right.”
    Stepping away from him, she wrapped her arms around her chest to ward off the chill of the rain and the nip of apprehension that shimmied down her spine. She watched him remove his hat long enough to push wavy hair, as black as his Stetson, off his forehead.
    He moved into position beside the flat tire and fit the wrench in place. She heard him grunt as he tugged until the lug nut gave. While he continued working, his attention riveted on the task, she rounded the front bumper to take refuge in the driver’s seat.
    Locking her door, she then searched for something to dry her hands and face but didn’t find anything. Nothing short of a hair dryer and a complete change of clothes from her hastily packed suitcase would do her much good anyway. She surrendered to the idea of being wet and closed her eyes, leaning against the headrest.
    She focused on relaxing her tense muscles and gathering her wits. The car jostled while the dark-haired cowboy finished changing the damaged tire. The full-sized spare that came with the car proved a fortunate option she’d taken for granted when she picked a Jimmy from the dealer’s lot. Basic transportation, something Randall wouldn’t recognize, had been her only concern when she’d switched cars that morning.
    A rap on her window pulled her from her musings, and she opened the window a crack to speak to the man who stood by her door.
    “All done. Where do you want me to put these?” He held out the jack and lug wrench.
    “I’ll take them.” She lowered her window enough for him to pass the tools in to her. Relief that she could now get back on the road mingled with gratitude for the tall, handsome cowboy who’d come to her aid. She fished some money from her purse, and a smile found her lips as she met the man’s blue gaze. “Thank you so much. You don’t know what this means to me.”
    You may have just saved my life.
    Waving off the money, he flashed her a warm smile. “No problem.” He stepped back then paused, narrowing his eyes. “Can I give you a little advice?”
    She eyed him suspiciously. “Excuse me?”
    “Gettin’ in the truck while I was working . . . you could’ve made the truck fall off the jack.”
    “Oh.” She stared at him blankly for a minute, until he stepped back from her window.
    “Just remember that next time.” He gave her a wink as he turned away.
    The tension in her chest eased, and she cranked the engine, eager to make up for lost time. When she checked her mirrors for a break in the traffic, she spotted the man on the shoulder of the road behind her car, hoisting a backpack and stooping to pick up a guitar case. While she watched, he turned and struck out along the side of the road, passing the passenger side of her Jimmy and moving on.
    She’d been so preoccupied with worry and her suspicions of him that she hadn’t realized he had no car until that moment. Staring at his retreating back, Tess told herself all the reasons why she’d be crazy to offer him a ride. The risk she’d be taking by picking up a stranger didn’t outweigh the guilt of leaving him to walk in the rain. Common sense forbade her from anything as foolish as letting a strange man in her car.
    But . . .
    Compassion for the friendly cowboy with the lazy grin swamped her, battling with the voice of reason. Tess shook off the jab of tender emotion and shifted the