They traveled through miles of wild country where the hills were covered with a dense undergrowth of brush. Trees of all kinds sprang from the earth in the strangest positions. Some had their roots in the side of cliffs, curving up to meet the sky. The rain had refreshed the vegetation and the trunks of the trees were dark against the bright green leaves. With each bend of the highway they found breathtaking views. Huge bluffs erupted from the ground and oozed with water. One minute they seemed to be driving in the middle of nowhere, and the next they would come into a little town. She couldn't get over the number of chicken houses. They were everywhere. Obviously there was plenty of work for anyone interested in working. No wonder Justin had concocted the story about working on a poultry farm.
He drove with skill and confidence, which was no surprise. The little mustang responded smoothly under his loving guidance. How long had he owned the car? She frowned, glancing at him. But he had flown to Arkansas on a plane with her. How did he get his car to Arkansas?
He met her gaze. "What's the matter?"
"I was wondering how long you've been here."
He regarded her with a puzzled expression. "You mean in this town, or in Arkansas?"
She stretched. "All right, I'll play your silly games. How long have you been in this town?"
He frowned. "Since just before you arrived. I drove out here the night before you did."
"And your car just happened to be waiting there at the airport."
He shook his head. "No, it didn't just happen, I arranged it that way. What's all this about, anyway? You've been making sounds like you don't believe anything I say ever since I met you. Do you want to see where I live?"
He swung the car off on a side road and turned around, heading back toward the cabin. Was he angry? His profile was smooth, but his mouth was grim. She leaned forward and tried a sheepish smile on him.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you mad. If you want to keep your business private, I'll mind my own."
He glanced at her and his expression softened. "I don't have anything to hide."
He turned into a drive and brought the car to a halt. "Here's where I live." He opened his door and started around the car. "Come in and see it."
He guided her up the steps that led to an apartment over a garage. A window air conditioning unit hummed, and when he opened the door to the apartment, a surge of cool air invited them in. She turned toward the unit lifting her arms in delight.