"You've got a lot of spunk, you know that?"
The look she gave him revealed nothing but exasperation. She spoke through chattering teeth. "It's nice to know you're not angry with me," she said dryly.
He frowned and touched his cheek. "I guess I had it coming." He hesitated, studying her face with a puzzled expression. "You seemed to be enjoying it when I carried you across the creek. And when I . . . hugged you . . .you didn't seem to mind at first."
Warmth returned to her cheeks. What would give him the idea that she enjoyed having him carry her across the creek? And what about the hug? Had it been genuine, or simply a way to get her close enough to kiss? There was no point in arguing the issue. She had her purse, and it wasn't as though he had done any physical harm. She crossed her arms and gave him a level look. "I was cold. You were warm."
An unidentifiable expression lurked in his dark features as he nodded. His gaze dropped to her muddy clothes. "We'd better go in the back way or Mom will have my hide."
She hesitated, wanting to find a way home, but not wanting to ask any more favors of him. Connie and Howard would be at work right now and wouldn't be home until 5:00 pm. They couldn't arrive until after 6:00 at the earliest. By that time the Giddon family would have felt the need to feed her two more times. There was another way, but after what had happened today, she was reluctant to bring it up. Swallowing her pride, she faced the issue head on.
"I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home."
"All the way to Fayetteville?"
Fair enough. His day had already been disrupted enough. She had nearly run him down, slapped his face and taken him away from his work in less than twenty-four hours. By now he had to be desperate to get rid of her. It was an unreasonable request, and yet his response angered her.
"Forget it," she said. "Maybe I can contact a friend."
"A boyfriend? Why don't you call your parents?"
"I said forget it."
They were removing their boots in the mud room when Sarah joined them. After a startled look at Lisa, she turned on Giddon, a frown wrinkling her forehead.
"Yancey! For goodness sakes! Look what you've done to the poor girl. Why, she's shivering."