Page 32 of A Rancher's Love

Only one thing was non-negotiable. “We’ve had good reasons to keep our adventures discreet. Until there’s a need to change that, I’m okay with Dare being the only one who knows.”

Okay, so Ashton had also implied he had his suspicions…

Tucker met Ginny’s gaze steadily. It was mere days at the most before he’d be able to confess to that part.

Ginny twisted her head slightly. “You didn’t say thebutyet, did you?”

“Smart woman. Thebutis… if anyone finds out, we agree to tell the truth and don’t scramble like we’re living in some awkward sitcom. We tell them that we’re adults, and our decision didn’t involve them. Keeping something from my friends because it’s none of their business is completely different from lying to their faces.”

Ginny raised a hand in the air. “I am the most truthful person in the entire Stone family. Plus, I agree with you, but please, can we avoid spilling the beans, if possible? I really don’t want anybody to beat you up. It’s bad enough when you and Luke go off and pound on each other—I still do not approve, by the way.”

Tucker raised his brows, ignoring her comment about fighting because that was a confrontation just waiting to happen, and he didn’t want it now. “I’m sure Luke would claim it was your fault. Which it totally was if we’re being honest.”

“You wanted me just as much as I wanted you,” Ginny said.

He had, after the shock of her coming onto him had faded. “I never suspected a thing, but I’m damn glad you made a move when you did. At least, looking back.”

She grinned hugely. “Yeah, once you got over trying to be heroic. And then once you got over being scandalized at the idea of doing Luke’s sister. And once you got past the…”

“You done anytime soon?” he drawled.

She smacked a hand down on his ribs then turned it into a tickle.

She knew all his hot spots and took merciless advantage. By the time he had caught her wrists and tugged until she was spooned against him, they were both once again relaxed and content, comfortable with each other in a way that made Tucker drift back to some very specific thoughts.

It was good to have some things be straight forward and simple. Everything else was tangled these days. Even one of the messages from Luke had been a little off. In the middle of hockey talk and a plot that involved skidoos, Tucker’s friend had dropped awhat the hell.

Sometime today we need to talk.

Um, yeah? Tucker was all for that, but the mysterious comment made him wonder if Luke had an inkling about Ginny and Tucker’s real relationship.

Currentrelationship, which Tucker couldn’t wait to move to the next level.

Ginny squeezed the arm he had tucked around her. “Let me up. I need to know.”

She crawled out of bed as he sat, curious what she was up to.

Before they’d started fooling around, she’d placed the envelope on the present balanced on top of the dresser. Now she returned with the envelope in her hand, staring at it as if it was a snake about to strike.

“You going to open your present?” he asked quietly.

One long, slow inhale later, she shook her head. “Just this.”

Then damn if she didn’t crawl right into his lap. She arranged his arms to her liking, curling them around her torso until he anchored her in place.

She slipped the envelope open and pulled out a card.

“Merde,” Ginny whispered.

Tucker pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. “Stop when you need to.”

“I want to do this.” She twisted the card upright and held it so he could see as well. It was a store-bought one with an idyllic pastoral scene on the front. Horses grazed in the foreground with huge mountains rising behind them.

She cracked the edge open, and a folded piece of paper and a silver chain slid into her lap. Ginny ignored them both and finished opening the card.

The inside was blank except for two separate bits of writing.

Happy sweet sixteen to my little girl who’s not so little now. This coming year will be full of adventure, and all the years after that. I know that whatever you choose to do, you will be brilliant at it, because you’re my live-wire. Always full of energy, always brightening up wherever you go. Happy birthday, sweetie.