Lois Richer - Gift-Wrapped Family

“To do some driver training.” He flashed a grin before pulling onto a seldom-used gravel road. “Ready?”

“I can’t—” Mia gulped, then swallowed her words when he jumped out of the car. When he opened her door, she reminded him, “I don’t have a permit.”

“We’ll rectify that later. This is my land, so right now you’re perfectly legal to drive on it since I’m with you. Trust me. I’m a lawyer.” He gave her a cheeky grin. “If you get into trouble, I’ll bail you out, or sweet-talk the cops.”

Trust wasn’t something Mia was ready to give, but what choice did she have?

“You may regret this,” she advised. When it became clear he wasn’t backing down, she sighed her resignation, walked around the car and climbed in on the driver’s side. “Fasten your seat belt,” she ordered as if she knew what she was doing.

Caleb obeyed with a deep-throated chuckle. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Now what?” She prayed she didn’t ruin his vehicle. It looked expensive. She flicked the key as told and flinched when the motor ground too long.

“Twist, then let go,” Caleb directed calmly. Mia repeated the action with better results. “Good. Now you need to start moving. Right pedal is the gas.” He waited for her nod. “Left is the brake. Keep your foot on that while you put the car into gear and then gently press on the gas pedal.”

Mia followed his words and gave a little squeal when the car started rolling forward. She froze, her fingers clinging to the wheel as the car headed for the ditch.

“You do have to steer,” Caleb said in a mild tone as he turned the wheel so the car returned to the middle of the road. “Don’t worry about oncoming traffic. I’m the only one who lives on this road. I moved out here after Lara died.”

It took all Mia’s concentration to keep the car centered. She knew he was impatient for her to speed up, but she was terrified to do so.

“You can move a little faster,” Caleb hinted after she’d driven at a snail’s crawl for five minutes.

“I’ll try.” She pressed the gas, but the wheels felt squishy, so she slowed down until she was comfortable. Well, as comfortable as she could be driving his car. “I like this speed. I don’t feel as if I’m losing control,” she said when he hissed in a breath of frustration.

“Maybe it’s the gravel,” he suggested. “I doubt you’ve driven on that before.”

“I’ve never driven on anything before,” she reminded him with an impish smile. “Oh, there’s your house.” She studied the sprawling ranch home. “It’s nice.”

“Eyes on the road,” he reminded her.

“Oh, dear.” Mia jerked the wheel to center the car once more then realized the road turned in a circle. Steering around it wasn’t as easy as it looked. When she found herself heading for a massive pine tree, she pressed her foot against the brake pedal with all her strength.

Caleb gave an “oof” as he slammed back against the seat. Mia risked a look at him, disgusted to find he was laughing.

“It’s not funny,” she said, irritated that he’d put her in this situation.

“Yes, it is.” His silver eyes glittered with amusement. “You drive like a scared girl.”

“I am a scared girl,” she growled, but he only laughed harder. “I think it’s time for you to take over.” She lifted her hand to unclasp her seat belt, but Caleb laid his over it. “What?”

“You’re still in gear, Mia.”

Too aware of his warm hand on hers, she shifted the lever into Park then glanced at him. “Okay?”

“Uh-uh. One thing you’ll learn early on is that when you get in a driving pickle, you have to get yourself out.” His gentle voice soothed her skittery nerves. “Don’t expect to do everything right at first. You haven’t done this before. It’s natural to make mistakes.” He drew his hand away. “I’m sorry I laughed at you.”

“No, you’re not,” Mia contradicted, frowning as the corners of his lips tipped up.

“No, I’m not,” he agreed. A chuckle burst from him. “You’re a good sport, Mia.”

“Thank you. I think.” Her breath caught as she met his gaze. Why did Caleb Grant have to be so good-looking?

“Now try again,” he ordered.

She sighed, shifted back into Drive and turned the wheel, slowly easing down the road.

“Very good,” he praised. The words sounded like music to her ears.

“I’m sure most women have their driver’s license long before they’re my age,” she said, suddenly awkward in his presence. “I must seem like a dinosaur to you.”

“Pretty young dinosaur. Actually, I think you have a lot of guts.” The quiet compliment drew her glance his way. Caleb smiled. “Not everyone would meet her husband’s daughter and then take on learning to drive after what you’ve been through today. I don’t think Harlan had a clue about what a strong woman you are. You have a lot of courage, Mia.”

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