or money for barrel racing in years.â She tilted her head back to see into the taller manâs eyes; a wistful smile flickered at the corners of her lips. âBut itâs nice that you remember.â
âItâs not likely Iâd forget after all the bragging your dad used to do about your rankings. He thought you could have gone pro. And I always suspected you were an urban cowgirl at heart. Matter of fact, I thought maybe this hardware-store cowboy was your beau.â He angled his head downward and cocked an eyebrow, obviously a reference to Guyâs boots. Boots in Texas seemed to be a functional thing. Guy was starting to feel guilty that his were only about fashion and comfort.
âOh, no.â Abby shook her head vigorously, alittle too much so for Guyâs ego. Was it that bad having somebody think she might actually be with him voluntarily?
Chapter Six
âM r. Hardy and I are only acquainted because Mama fell and broke her hip in his store and heâs been helping Dad around the house while she recovers.â Abby turned wide brown eyes on Guy.
âIs that a fact?â Patrick narrowed his dark gaze and shifted his weight toward the subject of his examination. âSo youâre just staying close out of professional duty?â
The two waited for a response from Guy.
He felt like a stink bug trapped under a jelly jar. Scrutiny was one thing, but the look on the Texas Turboâs face was bordering something akin to suspicion. Guyâs polo-style shirt began to feel uncomfortably snug and warm. He was definitely not accustomed to experiencing heat for that purpose. Especially since it was being ignited by Abby herself.
First sheâd been emphatic that there was nothing personal between them, then sheâd called him Mister for crying out loud, and now sheâd gotten this man who was infamous for his aggressively competitive nature on high alert. Was there even a slim chance he was losing his ability to charm a female? Guy really needed a gaggle check. He could hear Casey cackling already, especially when she learned it was Curbo the Turbo impatiently jangling keys at her brother.
âQuite honestly, sir, it started as professional concern, but the Reagans are a wonderful family. Itâs a pleasure to be around them.â
Patrick straightened. The furrows between his eyes relaxed.
âIn that caseâ¦â He pulled the set from the front right pocket of his well-worn jeans. Without notice he tossed the keys skyward. Guy scooped them from the air, grasping the fish-shaped foam object that would keep the set afloat if dropped overboard.
Patrick continued, ââ¦Take this little lady for a boat ride. I have a feeling itâs something she needs, whether sheâll admit it or not.â He beamed affectionately at Abby and the smile of gratitude she returned made Guyâs heart ache. This girl really wasnât used to people doing nice things for her, something the women in his life had long taken for granted.
âThat really isnât necessary.â She tried to sound convincing, but the adorable flush of anticipation that rushed into her cheeks said otherwise.
âItâs not only necessary, itâs an order. Take the woody.â He pointed toward the dock. âSheâs got a full tank and youâll find bait and everything else youneed in the boathouse.â He nodded at Guy. âI wonât take no for an answer so get her out of here before she makes the effort.â
Patrick turned and with the greyhound at his heels walked twenty paces to a wide entrance in the white fence, removed the padlock and swung the gate open.
âWhat about our corn dogs?â Abby asked, her bottom lip protruding in a fake pout.
âHelp yourself.â He motioned toward the trailer.
Abby bounded up the short row of steps and disappeared inside the ancient trailer. She emerged moments later carrying a brown paper sack