Randall Riches by Judy Christenberry Read Free Book Online Page B

clothes, too. Fancy shoes. He was beginning to suspect Sam didn’t have much more than he’d seen.
    He wondered if she’d asked about the traffic near Rawhide because she was planning on hitchhiking back into town. As if he’d let her. But that worried him most of all. Keeping Sam safe. He didn’t want her running into another Brad, wanting her, taking advantage of her.
    Maybe he’d ask his dad’s advice.
    He wasn’t asking Uncle Jake. He’d suggest Richmarry the woman. He didn’t intend to marry for a long time. He was only twenty-six. His father and Jake had both waited until they were thirty or so. Brett and Chad had married earlier. Because Jake had done some matchmaking. He was still fond of playing those games.
    Of course he’d gotten caught in his own trap. After all his brothers had married, their wives had conspired against him. Not that Jake complained. He and B.J. were perfect for each other.
    Rich leaned his head back on the pillow and closed his eyes. He was a little surprised at how tired he was, since he’d slept over ten hours last night. But it would pass the time.
    When the truck pulled off the road about three hours later, he woke up. First he checked his watch. Then he looked at Sam. “What’s up?”
    “I’m getting gas. I hope you still have money.”
    “Sure,” he said, frowning. Leaning toward her, he saw the gas tank registered half-full. “Is the truck driving okay?”
    “Yes.”
    “So you just wanted to fill up?”
    “Yes. Is that a sin?”
    “Nope, but—”
    “ I have to stop. Coffee goes right through me!” she snapped, her cheeks flushed.
    He grinned. “Well, why didn’t you say so? I could use a pit stop, too.” He chuckled as she glared at him. So independent, but embarrassed about having to stop. She was a character.
    When he returned to the truck, she was waiting for him.
    “What are we going to do about lunch?” he asked.
    She stared at him. “It’s not even noon yet.”
    “In half an hour. They’ve got some barbeque sandwiches inside. We could get some and eat while we drive. Or there are some picnic tables under those trees.”
    “All right, I can get them when I pay for the gas,” she abruptly said and held out a hand for money.
    “Naw, I’ll get them. You stretch your legs.”
    She opened her mouth to protest, but he stared her down. He wouldn’t let her get the sandwiches because he knew she’d use her own money to pay for hers. He headed back to the little grocery store. Inside he paid for the gas and four sandwiches. He added chips and cold sodas. Then he picked up a bag of Hershey’s Kisses. He’d bet Sam didn’t treat herself often. He added a couple of apples so he could say he chose healthy things.
    She was leaning against the hood of the truck, watching him as he approached.
    “Did you think we had a family of six with us?”
    “What are you talking about?”
    “It looks like you bought enough to feed a crowd,” she said suspiciously.
    “It’ll help pass the time. And I want to have supper at home tonight, so we’ll save time not stopping for more food.”
    He put the bag on the seat and reached over to get their coffee cups to throw out. Then he pulled himselfinto the cab. He took out the two sodas and put them in the cup holder. He settled back against his pillow as Sam slid behind the wheel.
    “You sure you’re okay with eating while you drive?”
    “I’m fine,” she said. “There’s not much traffic out here. I’m going to need some directions later, so maybe it is best if you stay awake. How’s your ankle?”
    “Fine. You get started and I’ll unwrap your sandwich.”
    She started the engine and pulled out onto the highway. Once she was up to speed, he unwrapped her sandwich and handed it to her. Then he opened a bag of potato chips and put it on his legs, between them. “Your drink is in the holder. If you can reach it, I’ll open it for you.”
    “I can open it.”
    He covertly watched her eat. He liked knowing