Is she out of her mind? She barely knows me. Kay studied the face across from her. "You're serious, aren't you?"

Randi nodded. "Hell, yeah, I'm serious." She blinked. "I mean, yes, I am. Look, you're stuck out here with no transportation, and I have a feeling that your family will be less than helpful while your leg heals."

"True, but- -"

"Wait! Hear me out." Randi took a deep breath before continuing. "You said yourself that you can't look for a job right away. I live alone in a two-bedroom apartment, so there's plenty of room." She took the plunge and said what was in her heart. "Kay, I really like you. And no matter how tough you talk," she smiled, "I know that it would be hard to take care of yourself all alone without any help." Randi looked down again, unable to meet the hazel eyes. "Before I met you, I was barely existing, Kay. Your friendship has given me something worth living for." To try and diffuse the seriousness of the conversation, she chuckled. "Hell, I ran out of cigarettes yesterday afternoon, and haven't even wanted one. Doesn't that tell you something?"

Kay laughed and shook her head. "That tells me that you're going to live a bit longer, if you keep it up," she joked. "Randi, I really appreciate your offer. But it wouldn't be right for me to take advantage of your sweet nature, and let you take care of me for a few weeks."

"Sweet nature? Are you crazy? I'm one of the crankiest people around. Just ask Dr. Wilde."

"I can't believe you actually work with another vet named Wilde." Kay looked into sad brown eyes. "Oh, Randi. Don't look at me like that."

Randi tilted her head slightly, never changing her expression.

"You're not playing fair," Kay complained. Less than half a minute later, she threw up her hands. "I give up! All right, Randi, you win. I'll go back with you." Like it was that hard of a choice. There's no way I could let her leave without me. Something about those eyes.

"All right!" Randi yelled, jumping up from the couch. "This is gonna be great, Kay. I think you'll really like Fort Worth."

Chapter 8

The early glare of the sun was bright, but not completely uncomfortable since they had waited to start traveling until mid-morning. Randi adjusted her sunglasses, and even the glare off the truck bumper in front of them couldn't wipe the smile off her face. They had stayed up well past midnight the evening before while Kay tried to pack everything that she could for the three-week stay. Glad I packed light, otherwise her stuff would have never fit in my car. She glanced over at her friend, who had dozed off shortly after they left Woodbridge.

Kay was curled up in the bucket seat facing Randi, using the older woman's jacket as a blanket. The car heater worked fine, but when Randi saw the younger woman snuggle up once she dozed off, she couldn't help but cover Kay with whatever had been available.

She just looks so cute. Randi shook her head at the thought. I've got it bad. She thought back to the conversation of the evening before. Kay never even blinked at her outburst when she was on the cell phone with her associate. She even made a joke about it, Randi recalled fondly. And then she…wait! Did she call me honey? The smile widened into a full-fledged grin. She did! "Yes!" Randi cheered, slapping the steering wheel in excitement.

"What?" Kay mumbled, waking up and looking around. "Did I miss something?"

Oops. Busted. "Uh, no. You didn't miss anything, really. Sorry I woke you." But the smile that had blossomed on her face didn't falter.

Kay was charmed by the undisguised joy on her friend's face. Although Randi was wearing sunglasses, she could easily imagine the sparkle in the brown eyes that usually accompanied the wide grin. She's just so adorable. Realizing that she was staring, Kay cleared her throat and looked through the windshield. "So, how much further?" she asked, sitting up.

"About twenty minutes, actually. Have you ever been to Fort Worth?" Randi asked. She knew the question was just a ruse to cover Kay's embarrassment, but decided to play along.

"No. This is actually the first time I've ever been north of Woodbridge, to tell you the truth. I've been further southwest to visit family a few times, but that's about it. I haven't lived a very exciting life." Kay looked around at the grass-covered hills. She could barely make out a cluster of tall buildings off in the distance, and was awed by the amount of traffic they were already encountering on the multi-lane road. "It's nice, seeing all this open land before you get to the city," she remarked.

Unable to help herself, Randi laughed. "I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at you. But the reason for all this open land is because it can't be built on. The land is too unstable."