7

7

Claire couldn’t help but be nervous as she rode beside him in his truck. Her nerve endings were strung taut, and she was certain that if he said anything, she would jump in surprise and let out a startled squeal. So far, he seemed content to let her maintain silence, and she was trying to avoid saying anything that would make her seem gauche, moronic, or eager to be with him. He didn’t need to know that part was particularly true.

She had little reason to be nervous, except if her parents saw him dropping her off at the house. It wasn’t like Bodie was suddenly going to jump on her. A strong surge of regret went through her as she had that realization, and then she acknowledged she’d been hoping for some indication that he cared about her as more than someone he pitied and was worried about after her near attack last night.

In her mind, she couldn’t help imagining how it would be if he pulled over to the side of the road and suddenly jumped on her, pulling her into his arms. No doubt