42. Jack
JACK FLEW OUT OF HIS TRUCK. HE’D NARROWLY MISSED AN EIGHT -point buck, now long gone. Another truck had pulled to the side of the road. They must’ve seen the deer as well. Luckily, everyone was safe. “You all right?” he yelled into the dark. The other truck’s door slammed. They must be okay.
He climbed back into the driver’s seat and fumbled for his keys. In the rearview mirror, he watched the other truck leaving. Close call. He vowed to slow down and keep his eyes peeled for Teddy’s Jeep.
In the light of a flashing blinker, Jack noticed a dented tailgate—just like Pops’s truck. Thousands of trucks drove on these roads. Besides, Teddy had her Jeep. Or, did she? He spun the wheel, did a one-eighty, and revved the engine.
Jack sped toward her. That old truck putted along. He’d catch up with the rig in a jiffy. He pulled behind. The driver put on her turn signal and pulled onto the shoulder. They probably thought he drove like a maniac. He sounded his “Deep in the Heart of Texas” horn, just in case Teddy’d decided to drive the old truck.
He braked slowly and steered onto the shoulder behind the truck. Teddy! She waved her arms in the air like she wanted to see him.
His headlights illuminated her face while her long hair sailed on the breeze. A gust caught her skirt revealing her beautiful legs. Jack felt a stab of desire.
“Stay right there,” Jack yelled from the window. “Don’t move.”
Teddy opened her arms to him, and he fell into her. He felt like he’d finally come home.
His chest heaved against hers. “I can’t believe you’re here.” The intensity in her eyes stole his breath.
What he said now could change their lives forever. But he couldn’t remember the words he had practiced. He kissed her deeply with clear intentions.
Her hands stroked his back as they kissed. He had been waiting for this moment for a very long time. He whispered in her ear. “I love you.”
Teddy pulled back. “Don’t say something you don’t mean.”
“Don’t ruin this by talking.” He touched his lips to hers. “I’m going to kiss you all night. I’m never going to stop.”
His heart raced with a passion so deep that his body ached. He kissed her again, remembering the math that Jimbo had calculated. He counted to himself to assure the kiss exceeded ten seconds. The kiss lasted well over ten, almost thirty.
“I guess we can’t stay out here all night.”
“I don’t suppose so.”
“Leave the truck and come back tomorrow?” Jack moved his mouth to her neck.
“Pops would have a fit. I’ll meet you at the ranch.”
“I don’t want to leave you,” Jack hugged her tightly. He kissed her again taking in the scent of her hair, a citrus smell on her face. “Something for you to remember during your drive.”
“I’ll remember,” Teddy said.
He opened the door for her. Pepper licked his face. “Everyone wants to play this game,” Jack said, then he sent Teddy off with a dog-slobbery kiss.
Jack woke to the smell of coffee and opened his eyes to see Teddy perched on a wagon-wheel armrest, mug in each hand. She wore thin cotton pajamas, and a pair of thick socks. Jack sat up, took his coffee, and patted the seat beside him. They propped their feet on the wagon-wheel coffee table and snuggled under the blanket.
“I worried last night might only be a dream.” He rubbed a foot against her feet.
“Want me to pinch you?” Teddy asked.
“Yes, right here.” He pointed to his lips.
“I haven’t brushed my teeth.”
“I don’t care.”
Teddy pinched his lips and then kissed him. He couldn’t believe his luck. After all this time, he’d finally found love again.
“Do you still think I’m cold as a beer at the bottom of the ice chest?”
“You’re hotter than a fur coat in Marfa.”
“That’s pretty hot.”
“What now?” He asked.
“We need to get back to town for the bird count,” Teddy said.
“Maybe we could stop at Buccee’s on the way. I have an idea I want to run by you.”
“I’m all yours,” Teddy said.
Jack hugged her, burying his face in her silky hair.