Page 8 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

“Is that no, not yet? Or no, the shine’s worn off now that she’s here?”

Ford shoved his hands in his pockets and scanned the shadowy mountains.

Tanner chuckled. “Is that a ‘it hasn’t worn off yet, but you don’t know where it might go’?”

“Something like that. Go say goodnight to Ash, I’ll see you tomorrow.” He turned and headed back up to the big house.

“You need a wingman, I’ve got you, bro,” Tanner called after him.

Ford smiled, but didn’t look back, just waved over his shoulder as he went.

~ ~ ~

Amelia stood at the kitchen sink, filling a glass of water – not because she could see the path that led back up from the barn from there. Not really.

When she’d seen him walking Ashton home – or seen Ashton riding him home – she’d expected Ford to be right back, but he’d been gone a little while now. She wanted to see him.

It wasn’t like her.

She wasn’t shy – not in general, and not when it came to men. Far from it. But there was something about Ford that had her second-guessing herself.

She’d fallen for his looks the very first time she laid eyes on him – when she’d come to Montana to help Sierra with the kids after they first arrived. She’d gotten to know him a little back then, and the sparks between them were undeniable.

She’d been planning to make her move on him. She’d even decided when she would do it – Wade had invited all the brothers over to hang out with him and the kids while she and Sierra went out for an afternoon in Bozeman. Tyler was going to grill burgers and steaks for everyone that evening when they got back.

But they hadn’t made it back – that was the day Sierra’s ex, Jared, had run them off the road.

Her hand came up to touch her neck. Her fingers traced the now almost imperceptible scar where Jared had held a knife to her throat.

She shuddered at the memory.

She’d believed she was going to die – and the worst part was knowing that no one would miss her.

Of course, Sierra would have, and some of the guys she’d worked with over the years. Her cousins in the Bay Area would miss her Christmas cards. But it had hit her in that moment – she wouldn’t be leaving a hole in anyone’s life.

She straightened up when she saw Ford was almost back to the house.

She didn’t need to dwell on what had happened back then.

Although… she’d never forget the way Ford had held her – or the look on his face as he did – when he, Wade, and the others had ridden in to the rescue.

She stayed at the sink, waiting until she heard the door close before she turned to greet him.

The sight of him took her breath away. Cassidy was right – there was definitely something about dark and broody that did it for her. She didn’t think she had a type, but Ford was different from the guys she usually dated. He was bigger, taller, and heavier built – she hadn’t thought that she was into muscular guys, but perhaps it was the cowboy hat and boots that changed things.

She closed her eyes briefly, as if that could stop the mental chatter.

“Hey,” she greeted him. “How was your evening?”

Ford took his hat off and hung it on the hook by the door. She realized that as much as she liked cowboy hats, it wasn’t what made Ford special. He was just as sexy without it. As she watched him run his fingers through his thick, dark hair, her own fingers twitched, wanting to do the same.

Her heart rate picked up when he smiled. “I had a great time with Ashton – we always do. And you’re welcome to stick around and join us next time. I know you already had plans with Cassidy and Shane tonight, but …” He shrugged as he sat to kick off his boots.

“Thanks, I might take you up on that offer next time. Do you want a glass of water? I was just getting myself one.”

He sat up and eyed the glass in her hand as if she’d asked a question that needed more deliberation. She understood why when he spoke.

“Thanks, but I was thinking about pouring myself a brandy. I don’t drink when Ashton comes over, but I need one by the time he’s gone home. Do you want one?”