Page 12 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

“I’m not even going to get mad at you about that. I know how it goes. When I lived in San Francisco, I had a friend who was a model – I know how it feels when everyone overlooks you because their focus is on someone else. But I assure you – I have no interest in Tanner. He seems like a nice guy, and I’ve heard the tales about how all the girls fall for him. But for one thing, he’s a happily married man now. And even if he weren’t, he’s too pretty for me.”

Ford chuckled. “Thanks for spelling it out. And for not getting mad at me. I was only trying to hide my reaction because it felt like I was being immature to feel that way.”

“I think it’s called human. And like I said, I’m all too familiar with the feeling myself.”

He felt as though something tight in his chest started to loosen a little as he smiled back at her.

“You really are different, aren’t you?”

She chuckled. “Thanks for the compliment.”

“So, what’s it to be, then?” he asked. “Dinner, drinks, horseback riding, a picnic in the park, a sightseeing tour of the valley … or something else completely?”

She leaned back against the cushions with a smile. “Are you free on Saturday?”

“I am. All day,” he added, not wanting to influence her choice.

“So how about we say we’ll spend the day together – and if we still want to, by the time evening rolls around, we can decide where we’ll go? How does that sound?”

“It sounds good to me.” And it did.

He’d enjoyed spending time with her since she’d come to stay at the ranch. But over the course of the week, they’d only had odd moments alone. Cash had been around. The girls had stopped in to see her. She’d spent time with Sierra and Wade and the kids. And tonight she’d gone to Shane and Cassidy’s for dinner. She might be sharing his space, but he hadn’t seen anywhere near as much of her as he would like.

Taking a whole day off on Saturday and getting to spend it with her was something he’d look forward to.

In a big way.

Chapter Three

Amelia took her headphones off and set them down on the desk when Cash poked his head around the door.

“You doing okay, Amelia, honey? Can I get you anything?”

“I’m good, thanks. What time is it?”

“It’s almost five. Do you want to call it a day?”

“We can if you want.” Her fingers were already flying across the keyboard. “I just want to finish this up. What’s up with you wanting to finish early?”

“You know me, honey, I don’t keep a schedule. I’ve had enough for today. Thought you might have, too. But if you want to keep at it, you’re welcome to stay.”

“Are you going out?”

“Yeah. I’m going over to Trav’s place. I want to check in with Eli and see how Zeke’s doing while I’m there.”

She hit enter before looking up at him again. “You know, for the amount of time you spend over at Travis’s place, hanging out with the guys, I don’t get why you didn’t just take one of the cabins like he offered.”

“Because then every fucker would know where I was every minute of the day, wouldn’t they? This way, you’re the only one who knows how to find me.”

She shook her head with a smile. “Do you really think they’d be beating down your door every five minutes?” she asked. “Or is it just that you like to maintain this air of mystery?”

Cash threw back his head and laughed. “I’ll let you be the judge of that.”

“And how come I’m the only one allowed to know where you are? I would have thought you’d rather trust one of your old buddies.”

“I trust all of them, darlin’. But that doesn’t mean I want them in my space when I’m working. As for you, I know damn well you can keep a secret. And you need to know where I am because of work.” His smile faded. “I’m not putting you in a difficult position, am I?”

“Not at all. Why would it be difficult for me?”