Five minutes later they were on a back road. He was laughing and Tuesday was screaming about loving driving and yelling for help at the same time. He claimed she drove like a snake wiggles along, and hit every hole in the dirt road. The third time his head hit the roof of the truck, Ketch figured he’d better finish the lesson before he got brain damage.

When they finally made it to the Honey Creek Café, they were starving. They each ordered the special. Ketch added a side of sweet potato fries and pie.

She drove the dirt roads back with less screaming and a lot more laughing.

When she pulled up to her house, she cut the engine and danced out, whirling. “I love driving. Thanks.”

“No problem. I’ll help you find a car, or a little pickup if you like. I could probably find something for a thousand that would run.”

“I could dip into Grannie Eva’s nest money. She moved stocks and cash over in my name so my mother wouldn’t accidentally take everything. I guess it would help to have something other than just a bike.”

Ketch held out his hand. “Deal.” He’d find her something even if he had to come up with half the money.

She hesitated, then slowly walked up to him. She didn’t take the handshake he offered. “Lift me up, Ketch. I want to hug you.”

He carefully placed his hands on her waist and lifted her to his eye level.

Tuesday put her arms around his neck and hugged him, just like she said she would.

Ketch fought the urge to pull her closer just as he fought the urge to love her.

Friends. That’s what they needed to be. It hit him that he’d rather be a friend to Tuesday than a lover to Crystal. Tuesday was far easier on his heart.

Chapter 19 - Benjamin

Chapter 19

Benjamin

Benjamin walked through his last day of spring break. Empty hallways. Spotless lecture rooms. An organized lab.

In a little over a week the governor of Texas would be dropping by to deliver a grant to Clinton’s library. The award and grant were given to small colleges with strong education programs.

If he and Jenny could win the Westwin Research Award, that would be another feather in the college’s cap.

He grinned, thinking of Jenny. The break hadn’t been as silent as he’d thought it might be this year. He closed his hand, wishing he could keep the feel of Jenny’s skin on the tips of his fingers. He loved touching her. They’d been professional yesterday, both busy, but when he went home to his place he’d slept around the clock without dreaming. After all, he was now living his dream.