Page 47 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

"Thanks, Tyler."

"You're welcome but call me Ty. It feels like we're strangers when you say Tyler."

"Okay, then. Thanks, Ty."

He checked his watch. "Not a problem, but I need to get going. Is Ford working today? I thought he’d be here."

"He wasn't planning to work the whole day, I don't think, but someone called him a little while ago, and he went over to the bunkhouse."

"And are you okay hanging out by yourself? I thought... but Tanner and Everly are..."

She held her hand up. "No, I'm good, thanks. In fact, I'm great. I usually spend most of my time by myself, so although I enjoyed last night..." She stopped, hoping that it wouldn't seem as though she wasn't grateful.

She was relieved when Ty laughed. "It's okay. Don't look so worried. I know what you mean. You enjoyed hanging out with everyone at Chico, but now you need some people-free time to recover, right?"

She relaxed as she nodded. "Yes, that. Exactly that. Are you the same?" She wouldn't have thought of Ty as an introvert, but...

Ty shook his head. "Sometimes, yeah, but I was thinking more of Ford. He's more like you. He can do the social thing and enjoy it, but he needs his alone time afterwards to recover. But no, that's wrong. I don't think he needs alone time..."

She didn't need him to spell out exactly what he meant – he wasn't trying to say that she should stay clear of Ford and give him his space. More like that they were well-suited.

He raised his eyebrows, and she smiled. "I tend to be a straight talker, so I'll say what you don't dare to – yes, we seem to be getting along quite well so far."

He chuckled. "Good to know you're a straight talker, because … you're right, I wouldn't have said anything. But if I had, I would have said something a lot stronger than 'getting along quite well.'"

His smile faded. "He seems happy around you. Just... I know it's none of my business, and I know he seems like a big, tough guy, but... don't mess him around, okay?"

"I promise you, I won't. Obviously, I can't tell you where this is going, but I won't mess him around. That much I can promise."

"Thanks. And I can't even say sorry for sticking my nose in." She loved the way he smiled when he added, "He's my big brother – I have to look out for him."

That hit her right in the heart. She knew the feeling – she'd tried to look out for her own big brother. She just hadn't been able to manage it.

Chapter Eleven

As Ford passed the stalls on the way back up to the house, he only hesitated for a moment before changing direction and going in. Tanner had told him that he'd asked the hands to keep the Morgan over here for the time being since he was pushed for space in the barn. Ford wanted to check on the horse, even though he was eager to get back up to the house – to Amelia.

As he approached, the Morgan came and hung his head over the stall door and greeted Ford with a low nicker. That made him smile. "Hey, buddy. It's good to see you too." He rubbed the horse's ears. "How are you settling in? What do you think of your new home?"

The horse nodded as if he understood every word Ford was saying. "You like it then, do you?" As if to answer, the horse rested his chin on Ford's shoulder, making him laugh as he nuzzled his ear with his lips. There was something special about this little guy.

Ford turned guiltily when he heard Ty call, "There you are," and chuckle as he added, "If anyone had told me that I'd catch you canoodling with someone today, I would have guessed it'd be Amelia, not this guy. Although you are a good one, aren't you?" he added to the horse as he joined them. "You name him yet?" he asked Ford.

"No, not yet. I asked Amelia if she wants to come up with something for him, but she needs to think about it."

He dropped his gaze when Ty didn't smile. He probably should have just named the horse himself and been done with it.

Ty punched his arm. "Don't look so guilty. I like that you want her to name him. I get it. If I made a face, it's only because I stopped by here to talk to you about her."

"About Amelia?" Ford asked. "Why? What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

"Relax. Not the kind of problem you're thinking. I don't have a problem with her. I'm just a little worried."

"About what? Why?"

"Jesus, Ford. Chill out a bit, would you? There's no need to go ripping anyone apart or anything – at least not yet, I don't think."

"For fuck's sake, Ty, would you tell me what you're talking about? What's wrong?"