He tugged her hand, so she was leaning across the truck, and put it on his crotch, smiling wolfishly. The light changed, and he turned the corner. A minute later, he pulled into the lot for Lowry’s Garden Center, a massive red barn flanked by two enormous greenhouses, sending her nerves into a frenzy. She looked at the people milling around the entrances, checking out lush plants, bountiful flowers, interesting pots, and beautiful garden statues. It was easy to picture her mother working there. But was her mother the same person now? Or had she changed as much as Tracey had?

Diesel parked and turned in his seat, giving her his full attention. “You’ve got this, baby girl.”

His encouragement was everything. She drew in a deep breath, blowing it out slowly. “We’ll see. I sure wish I had a little magic right now.”

He took off his hat and put it on her head. A lump lodged in her throat. She had a momentary thought about wanting to look good for her mother, but if ever there was a time when she needed a little extra something, it was right then. Plus, the smile lighting up Diesel’s face bolstered her confidence.

“You’re damn cute in my hat, sparky.” He leaned in and kissed her. Then he climbed out of the truck and came around to help her out.

She shifted on the seat, and when he reached for her hand, she pulled him closer. “No matter how this turns out, I want you to know how much I appreciate you for finding my mom and being here for me. I’m so nervous, I feel like I’m going to throw up, but I know I’d be even more nervous if you weren’t by my side.”

His hands slid up her legs as he leaned in. “You’re my girl, Trace. We’re a team. Where you go, I go. If you puke, I’ll be right there to clean you up.”

She laughed. “Now, that’s commitment.”

“I take care of the people I care about.” He winked, lifted her off the seat, kissed her, and set her on her feet. He slung an arm over her shoulder, but he didn’t move toward the garden center. She knew he was giving her time to pull herself together, his dark eyes scanning the parking lot.

She took a moment to try to prepare, but it only made her more nervous, so she put her arm around Diesel and nodded, indicating she was ready. He held her a little tighter as they headed toward the garden center. Every step made her heart beat faster. She fisted her hand in the back of Diesel’s shirt, trying to focus her nervous energy in that one spot, but it was like trying to rein in a swarm of bees. She reminded herself she was only going to get a glimpse, then she could escape.