Page 93 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

"You really have the dark and broody look down to an art form, don't you?"

He shrugged happily. "It comes in handy sometimes."

"Well, you won't be able to work it on me," she smiled, "especially not now I know that you love me."

He tightened his arms around her waist. "I wouldn't ever try, except as a joke. But I'll tell you now, little lady, you'll be able to work whatever you want on me. I'm a goner; I'm all yours to do with as you want."

As she looked into his eyes, she could see that he was deadly serious. She ran her fingers over his cheek – loving his scruff that was getting thicker. "I feel the same way about you, and I promise you I'd never abuse it; I'll never do anything to hurt you – not if I can help it."

He leaned in to claim her mouth in one of his soul-searing kisses and she clung to him, feeling as though she'd finally found the place where she belonged. It wasn't Montana, it wasn't the ranch – it was in Ford's arms – wherever he might be.

Chapter Twenty-One

On Sunday morning, Ford stood in the kitchen, leaning back against the cabinets with his arms folded across his chest and a scowl on his face. Ty was in and out to the back deck, prepping his food in the kitchen and getting the grill ready outside.

Ashton, Mateo, and Maya were running around the house, playing a game of tag that Ford might normally have joined in on. But this morning had him on edge.

Shayna, Callie, and Everly were all sitting in the great room, chatting away. Everyone was around the house, as they so often were on a Sunday. He'd come to love the way the family had grown over the last couple of years, and he even looked forward to Sundays like this – even if he did run out to check on the herd and the hands – or at least used that as an excuse to get away for a while more often than not. But this morning, it felt different.

He wanted to yell at them all to go home. Not because he loved them any less than he had before, but now that he'd admitted to himself and to Amelia that he loved her, he was feeling protective of her and of their private space and time.

She was antsy this morning, and he didn't blame her. He was surprised that she hadn't followed up – at least that he knew of – on trying to find out who Hunter, or Rootless2, was during the week. But now the hour was approaching for her to message with him again.

She was on edge, and he hated it for her. As more and more of the family had started arriving, and she'd looked more and more uncomfortable, he'd told her that if she wanted, she should just go back upstairs. He could make excuses for her that she was working.

He could tell that she was torn, but relieved when he insisted. There'd be plenty of time for her to get to know the family better – plenty more Sundays like this for her to hang out with everyone.

The thing was, all he wanted to do was to go upstairs and join her. To keep her company while she waited until the time when she could talk to Hunter.

Wade's voice pulled him from his thoughts when he came into the kitchen and said, "Oh, shit. Is everything okay? Where's Amelia?"

"She's fine. She's working."

Wade came closer and spoke in a lower voice. "Is everything okay between the two of you? I'm guessing if she's hiding away, and you are standing around looking like a storm about to unleash its fury on the world..."

Ford shoved his hands into his pockets. "Everything's fine. She just has some stuff going on. We're good. You've got no worries there."

Wade held his gaze. "Anything I can help with?"

"No. Thanks, bro, but it's all good." Wade raised his eyebrows and Ford allowed himself a smile. "If you want to know the truth," he said in a low voice, "things between us are even better than good. This is just something she has going on – family stuff. But she'll get through it. I'll make sure of it."

Wade smiled back. "Okay. I won't ask any more questions. I'll just say that it's good to know you’re happy. And if she needs any help, you let me know."

They both turned when Cash spoke.

"What's going on? Is she all right?"

"She is. I thought you were in San Francisco."

Cash shrugged. "I got finished early. Thought I'd come back. Do you mind if I steal him for a minute, Wade?"

Wade looked from Cash to Ford and back again. "You can steal him if you both promise me that you won't start giving each other any shit. If you need to do that..."

Cash laughed. "Relax, would you? We're good. Aren't we, Ford?"

Ford nodded. "We are. And we need to have a chat anyway."

Wade still looked wary, but he shrugged. "Okay. I'm hoping I can trust you both."