Page 18 of Mister Cowboy

“No. It isn’t an ex-boyfriend thing. I’ve never dated anyone like that.” She waved a hand in the direction of Tres Amigos.

“You mean, someone like me?”

“I’m certain there is no one else like you.”

He grinned at that, glad she hadn’t lumped him in a category of un-dateables.

“So, tell me, what is it then? Why the bitter feelings toward the people at fancy restaurants?”

She pushed the empty food basket to the middle of the table. “My father is a senator, a member of the House before that. I grew up following him to parties and campaign events.”

“And…”

“And I spent a lot of time infancyrestaurants withfancypeople.”

“Doesn’t sound so bad.” In fact, it sounded a hell of a lot more exciting than the cornbread and chili dinners he’d had as a kid.

She lifted her chin and sat a little straighter, something he was noticing she did often. “Tell me about the ranch, why haven’t you told the ranch… people.” She shook her head as if she were trying to figure out what to call them.

“Ranch hands or wranglers,” he offered, which made her smile.

“Why haven’t you told the wranglers when you’re selling the ranch?”

“I’ll tell them when I have a more concrete plan. Right now, all I know is it has to be done and you’re the first step to getting it ready.”

She nodded, seemingly pleased with his answer. “I should get home. You people get up at an ungodly hour.”

“Are you sure you don’t want another drink? I feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface.”

“You know more about me than any other boss I’ve ever had.”

“What can I say, I’m thorough.”

She stood, and he followed her, reluctant for the night to end. Outside, the wind whipped around them, and January shivered, crossing her arms over her body. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close to share some of his body heat. She didn’t protest, but she didn’t cling to him like he’d hoped, either.

“This night has been nothing like I planned,” he admitted as they walked toward his car.

“Funny. I was thinking the same thing.”

He stopped abruptly, tugging her to a stop next to him. “Go out with me?”

“Tonight has been great. Really. But you’re still my boss.”

“Minor details.” He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers whisper soft. “Come home with me.”

She shook her head but didn’t pull away or scold him for stealing the tiny kiss.

It was enough to let him know there was something between them, even if she wasn’t ready to admit it. He pulled back and ran his fingers across her chin. “Let’s get you home.”

9

January

Coffees in hand, she was already waiting at the curb when Edward pulled up. She hung back waiting for him to get out and open her door, as she’d become accustomed to him doing, when the back door of the town car opened, and Brecken stepped out. “Good morning.”

Excitement she couldn’t hide came out in her enthusiastic tone. “What are you doing here?”

“I was up early.”