truck.
Okay, if Jake wanted to yell, she could match him.
âThe last time that what?â Sam shouted back.
Ace sidled away, eyes rolling all over again, as if heâd known sheâd turn into a beast, some time.
The best defense was a good offense, Sam thought. She had no time to explain it to Ace, but she knew Jake had no respect for people who just rolled over and played dead when they were challenged. Her number-one rule in dealing with Jake was to stand firm, even if she was wrong.
Jakeâs glare turned into something dangerous. Sam swallowed hard and wondered if today might be an exception to her rule.
Just how late am I? Sam wondered.
Jake drew a deep breath, shouldered past her, and began stripping the tack from Ace.
âGet in the truck,â he ordered, without turning around.
âIâm just going to run inside and take a quick shower,â Sam began. âI have to wash my hair.â
âNo,â Jake said. He slung Aceâs saddle over a fence rail. âIâm not letting you out of my sight.â
Because sheâd heard him make that sort of silly vow a dozen times before, Sam relaxed a little.
Jake was nervous about the wedding, not mad at her. Although today might not be a good day to stand toe-to-toe arguing, she could still get what she wanted. She made her voice quiet and reasonable.
âMy hair is dirty,â Sam explained. âI canât get in the truck until Iâve taken a shower. Iâm sure you understand.â
âThereâs no time,â he said. He removed Aceâs bridle and pumped some fresh water into the trough so the horse could drink.
âOf course thereâs time,â Sam told him, calmly. âWhile you put Ace up I can run upstairs, wash my hair, and be ready to go in ten minutes.â
âAce can put himself up.â Jake slapped the bayâs rump and he trotted toward the barn. âAnd your hairâs fine.â
Jake walked toward the truck as if he expected her to march along behind him. Even then, Sam tried to sound tranquil.
âNow, Jakeâ¦â
He wheeled around, pointing his index finger her way.
âI donât know what you think youâre doing, Samantha, but you can stop talking to me that way. Iâm not a bull pawing the ground, about to charge.â
âCoulda fooled me,â Sam muttered.
Jake closed his eyes for a minute. When he opened them, he didnât look any more peaceful, but he spoke slowly and clearly. âYou need to get in the truck and let me drive to the church. Now.â
Sam sighed. He was the one wasting time. âJake, have you looked at my hair?â
âIf I hear one more word about your hairâ¦â Jake began, but he didnât finish the threat. Instead, he began lecturing her. âThey arranged it so you didnât have to remember anything. Your dress, shoes,all your makeup and fancy gear are at the church. Thatâs what Brynna told me. Your Aunt Sueâs even bringing a beautician or something, isnât that what you said?â
Sam nodded.
âAll you had to do was show up. And I was going to help you with that. You coulda just sat on the porch until I got here, but you couldnât even manage that.â
âWhy are you so mad?â Sam asked. She grabbed Jakeâs wrist and turned it so she could see his watch. âWeâve got time. Iâm only ten minutes late.â
Sam could hear the amazement in her own voice. Maybe that was what pushed Jake over the edge.
âWhy am I so mad? Letâs see. Could it be âcause youâre making both of us seem like careless kids?â Jake squared his shoulders and drew up to his full height. âIâm sixteen. I drive. I earn money for training horses. I donât need you making me look badâ¦and speaking of looking bad,â Jake said, really focusing on her for the first time. âWhat happened to you?â
Sam wanted to scream.