Page 21 of Forever Enough
She narrowed her eyes and nodded. “Chasing money, then?”
I pointed to her. “Exactly. I don’t encounter a whole lot of that anymore, but every now and then it does happen. A woman waiting for me in a hotel lobby, or they somehow figure out which room I’m in.”
Mackenzie looked surprised. “Do you sleep with them?”
Her blunt question caught both of us off guard.
“I’m so sorry—that is none of my business.”
I chuckled. “Let’s just say I find myself in hotels with room service and a good book more than I find myself letting some strange woman into my space.”
She shook her head. “I’m sorry I asked that.”
Blowing it off, I asked, “Ready to go?”
She appeared to relax as she grinned up at me. “Ready!”
Chapter Four
MACKENZIE
After Bradly helped me up into his truck, he made his way around the front and climbed in. “Looks like we might get some more snow later today.”
“I’m still a bit fresh when it comes to driving in the snow. I’ve only gone from the barn up to your parents’ house, and once into town, but the roads had been plowed, so I’m not sure that counts.”
He let out a laugh that made my insides feel soft and warm. I liked his laugh more than I wanted to admit.
“Well, it does take some practice. Even the most experienced drivers will hit ice occasionally. So, I have to ask—do you always sing to the animals in the barn?”
Feeling my face heat, I pressed my hands to my cheeks. “I do. Well, only when I think I’m alone, and I honestly didn’t think anyone would be popping in Christmas night.”
I could feel his eyes on me, so I turned to look at him. He winked, and my stomach fluttered. “You have a beautiful voice, Kenzie.”
“Thank you,” I said as I focused on my clasped hands, now in my lap. “In addition to reading, I’ve loved singing since I was a little girl.”
“Have you ever sang professionally?”
I snapped my head and looked at him. “I have.”
“You have a beautiful voice so I’m not surprised.”
“It was a long time ago. I was part of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus.”
“Wow! That’s like a big deal, right?”
With a soft laugh, I nodded. “Yes. We sang at the Grand Ole Opry once. That was neat.”
“Wow. How long did you do that?”
I felt the happy memories quickly fade away. “Um, maybe until I was about fourteen or so.”
Bradly nodded when I didn’t elaborate, then said, “Well, like I said, you have a beautiful voice.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
He winked at me once more, and I felt myself blush again. The rest of the drive into Hamilton was filled with casual conversation.
“Did you like growing up on a ranch?” I asked.