Page 34 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

"I don't think there's anything to apologize for," she said. "I think it's great that you guys all look out for each other."

Laney gave her an appraising look. "If you don't mind the scrutiny, are you going to come in here with him tonight, then? You might as well get it over with all in one go – everyone will be here."

She didn't know what to say. A night out with his whole family wasn't what she'd envisioned for tonight.

She looked at him, and he shook his head. "You don't have to answer that question," he told her before turning back to Laney. "We haven't decided what we're doing tonight. If we come out, it'll be because Amelia wants to. You don't get to put her on the spot like that."

Brooke chuckled and said to Amelia, "I hope you like your men protective, because in case you hadn't noticed, that's what you're getting with Ford."

He shot her an apologetic look, but Amelia had to smile. She wasn't going to admit just how much she liked the idea of him being so protective.

Chapter Eight

Ford paced the living room while he waited for Amelia to come downstairs. He still wasn't thrilled about going to Chico this evening, but it was better than nothing. He probably would have been able to convince Amelia that it was okay not to go, even though she'd told him as they drove back to the ranch that she felt as though she should go just to prove to Laney and Janey that she had nothing to hide.

But a little while after they'd arrived back here, Sierra had called her to ask if she wanted to come out with everyone. If anything, he'd felt a little disappointed that Amelia hadn't already told her friend that she was out with him today.

He went and stood at the bottom of the stairs and tilted his head, but there was no sound coming from up there. He went back to the kitchen and grabbed his phone from the counter.

Ford: Everything okay down there?

Boone: Yep. Everything's great. If you can, you should forget about us until Monday.

Ford pursed his lips, as if he'd be able to do that!

Just as he was about to put his phone down, it lit up with a new text.

Wade: Are you coming tonight? Are you bringing Amelia?

Ford: I am. I'm just waiting for her to get ready.

Wade: We can pick her up on our way through if you like – if you want to get going.

He smiled.

Ford: That's okay. I'm taking her.

He watched as the three little dots started to bounce, then stopped, then started again. It made him chuckle. He could understand why Wade didn't know what to say, or probably even what to ask.

Wade: Taking her... as in a date?

Ford: That's right.

Wade: Awesome. In that case, we'll see you there.

Ford: Yep.

He put his phone down and went to listen at the bottom of the stairs again. He took a step back when he heard her footsteps on the landing. He was tempted to dash back into the kitchen so that she wouldn't realize he'd been lurking there, but he made himself wait. And was glad that he had when she appeared at the top of the stairs and took his breath away.

She gave him a puzzled smile. "I'm sorry – are you waiting for me? I didn't think I'd taken that long."

"No." He had to clear his throat to make his voice work properly. "I mean, yeah I was waiting for you and no, you didn't take long. I just..." He shrugged. None of that mattered. He nodded appreciatively. "You're beautiful."

Her smile grew broader as she made her way down the stairs. "Thank you," she said when she reached the bottom. She twirled around to give him the full view, and he appreciated it – especially the sight of her rounded backside in the denim skirt she was wearing.

"Does this look all right?" she asked.

He shook his head with a smile.