Page 9 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

“Yeah, I’d love one.” She chuckled. “I can’t imagine you ever allowing yourself to be drunk in charge of a small boy.”

He smiled as he made his way to the liquor cabinet. “You’re right, that’d never happen. But I daren’t even have a beer – I need my wits about me to keep up with the little guy. And sorry, I didn’t even ask – did you have a good time with Shane and Cassidy?”

“I did.”

He poured two glasses of brandy and turned to her with a smile. “Want to take these into the great room or are you headed to bed?”

“I’d be happy to sit with you for a while, if you’re not too tired. I like to unwind a bit before I go to bed.”

He nodded and gestured with his chin for her to go ahead of him while he brought the drinks.

When she reached the great room, she smiled when she spotted a comic book sitting on the cushions.

Ford hurried forward and set the drinks down on the table before he grabbed the comic. He shot her a rueful smile.

“It’s Ashton’s; he must have forgotten it.”

She chuckled. “And you expect me to believe that when it’s right there in your spot?”

He laughed with her. “I promise you, it’s not mine. He likes to sit in my spot – and control the remote.”

She raised her eyebrows. “And you let him?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I?”

“No reason, I just … I thought that … I’ve only ever seen you sit there. I thought …”

He frowned. “Do I give the impression that I’m that territorial?”

“No. I just assumed – and I’m sorry.”

His smile was back. “It’s not a problem. Don’t look so worried. I wasn’t mad. I was just surprised. Tell you what …” He slid her glass along the table until it was in front of his spot on the sofa. “Just to prove that I don’t mind, you can sit there.”

She laughed and sat down. “Thanks.”

She piled up the cushions and leaned back against them. Pulling her knees up to her chest and resting the glass of brandy on top of them, she watched him over the top of the glass.

He looked a little puzzled as he settled himself on one of the armchairs.

“What’s up?” she asked.

“Nothing.”

She raised her eyebrows, and his features relaxed into a small smile.

“You notice things.”

She nodded. “I do. But what things are you talking about?”

“First, you noticed that I have a spot on the sofa. I don’t think any of my family know that.” He gave a rueful smile. “Either that, or they just don’t care. They come in and sit wherever they like. But that’s not even what I meant – just now, you asked what’s up. Why did you even suspect that something was up?”

“Because you looked puzzled. Something was niggling you, I wanted to know what it was.” She took a sip of the brandy. “I’m curious by nature – especially about people who intrigue me.”

She loved the way his features transformed when he smiled. “You’re saying that you find me intriguing?”

She nodded happily. “I am. You’re an interesting man, Ford.”

He pursed his lips. “Are you laughing at me?”