Read Online The Price of Trust by Amanda Stephan - Free Book Online

same," he said, grabbing at his chest and hanging his head in defeat.
    "Don't get me involved with your little dispute. I'm staying neutral," Penny said good naturedly. "But you better get. They've got to go to work in the morning."
    "Thank you for dinner, Mrs. Baird. It was wonderful," Carly said, giving Penny a hug.
    "Thank you for coming. I really enjoyed myself. Especially the mopping! You come on back another time. You're always welcome." Penny smiled kindly. "Take care of yourself."
    "Well darlin', looks like Joe's got himself a little bit of spice," Tom said as the young people were walking out to the truck. He put his arms around her and drew her close.
    "Yes, I do believe she'll keep him on his toes. I just hope he's careful." Penny sighed.
    "He knows what he's doing. He's got a good head on his shoulders." Tom kissed her forehead. "Let's go watch a movie."
     
    They dropped Kelly off first. She lived with her uncle and aunt in town, and then they proceeded to drive Carly to her place. The town was dark and looked lonesome.
    "You can just drop me off here, and I'll walk around to the back. I don't like to go in the front during the night."
    "We'll take you back there," Joe said before Todd could answer. "I wouldn't feel right just dropping you off like that."
    "I'll be all right; I can handle it. I wouldn't want you big strong farm boys getting lost in the dark alley. You might get scared," Carly teased.
    "Joe, I think we should just kick her out here and make her walk all by herself!" Todd retorted, slowing the truck down.
    "Just park in the front, and I'll walk to the back. I don't think the garbage has run, and there's an awful lot of boxes and trash back there. I really don't think the truck will fit," Carly said nervously, her stomach in knots.
    "Go ahead and park. I'll walk her back," Joe directed Todd. "Don't fuss about it either. You're going to have a chaperone to make sure you're okay."
    "Yes, Daddy," Carly said in a little girl tone, but she was touched by his thoughtfulness. "Thanks for driving me home, Todd," she called as she got out of the truck.
    "You're welcome, and thanks for coming out for dinner. I know Kelly really enjoyed your company. We'll have to do it again sometime," he called back before Joe shut the door.
    He followed Carly to the door in the back and waited patiently as she got out her keys and unlocked the door. She turned to face him. She was self-conscious and wasn't sure what she should do. She didn't need to worry.
    "Thanks for coming out to dinner. I had fun," Joe said, shaking her hand. She was very much relieved.
    "Thanks for putting up with me," Carly said quickly. "It was very nice of you all to make me feel so welcome. Tell your parents I said thanks."
    "There wasn't anything to put up with. I'm glad to have gotten to know you a little bit, and I'd like to get to know you more," he said meaningfully.
    "Joe, at the risk of looking like a complete fool, I just have to let you know that I might not stay here long. I'll probably be leaving soon," Carly gushed out, looking down at the ground, feeling stupid.
    "Going? Where? Why do you want to leave?" he asked, surprised.
    "I don't want to leave. I have to," she spoke so quietly that he had to lean down to hear her words.
    "I don't get it. If you don't want to leave, then don't," he said simply.
    "Joe, you're very kind to make me feel so welcome, and I really appreciate it, but…"
    "Do you think the only reason I'm nice to you is to make you feel welcome?" he interrupted, lifting her chin to make her look at him. "I am interested in getting to know you better."
    Carly was stunned.
    "Okay, now I think you're on drugs," she whispered awkwardly. Joe laughed and let her go.
    "Don't think about leaving yet. There's just no sense in it, and you've no reason to go," Joe said, hoping to make her believe him. "Go on in and turn on your light so I know you're okay. All right?"
    "All right. Good-bye." And she was gone.
    Joe walked to the front