Page 102 of The Cowboy’s Intriguing Love

“Doing his least favorite thing – paperwork. He said he’ll be in the office at the house till he’s done.”

“Okay, we’ll check if he’s still there.”

“See ya later.” Tanner tipped his hat at them.

Ty checked his watch as they walked back up to the big house. He’d been planning to take Shay back to the cabin for lunch.

“Do you want to see if we can have a word with Ford now?”

“Yes. I like him. I know you said that he’s a loner, but I feel like he’d enjoy more company.”

He cocked an eyebrow at her, and she laughed.

“Don’t look at me like that!”

He laughed with her. “I’m not – not in the way you think. I’m not worried that he might steal you away from me. It’s just that most people would rather keep their distance from Ford. He’s nowhere near as grouchy as he makes out, but he puts on enough of a show that people are wary of him till they get to know him.”

She shrugged. “Maybe so, but I like him. I feel like he’s not against letting people in – it’s just that they don’t try. My dad used to be like that. He used to say that if someone took the time to look past his grumpiness, then they were worth knowing – if they didn’t, then they weren’t.”

“I didn’t realize your dad was grumpy.”

She smiled. “He really wasn’t but that was the front he showed to the world to keep them away. He was a big softie with mymom and me. Maybe I’ve got Ford all wrong, but I think he’s the same way.”

~ ~ ~

When Ty knocked on the door to the office in the big house, Shayna wondered if she had Ford all wrong. The way he shoutedCome inmade her want to turn around and run instead.

Ty grinned at her before he opened the door. “He’ll soon lighten up when he sees you.”

He was right. Ford was scowling when they stepped through the door, but he got up from the desk with a smile when he saw them.

“Hey! Thanks for coming over. How’re you settling in, Shayna?”

“Great, thanks. I love it here.”

“I’m glad. I know you came here to get away from what was going on at home, but I hope …” He stopped and glanced at Ty. “Shit, I hope I’m not putting my foot in it?”

“Nope,” said Ty as he smiled at her. “Shay already knows that I want this to turn into a permanent move.”

Her breath caught in her chest as she nodded. At some point, she was going to have to try to catch up with herself. The decision to come here had happened so quickly. The reason that she was better off away from Summer Lake still hadn’t really sunk in.

She smiled at them when she realized that they were both watching her expectantly.

“And I’m hoping the same. I just … it’s a lot to take in, you know?”

Ford gave her an understanding look. “I imagine it is. And the two of you haven’t known each other long …” He laughed. “Don’t look at me like that, Ty. I have my fingers crossed for you. I’m just being realistic.” He turned back to Shayna. “I know everyone’s offering you work, whatever hours you want to take, doing whatever job appeals to you the most. I can’t help you in that respect. I wouldn’t let you anywhere near the bunkhouse – or let the wranglers anywhere near you.”

“Too damn right,” said Ty.

Ford winked at her. “But I came up with something that no one else seems to have thought of yet.”

She gave him a puzzled look. He put his hand in his pocket as he came around the desk and when he reached them, he held out a car key. “You’re going to need a vehicle. I know you’ll be riding round with Ty most of the time, but even if you’re only going between your cabin, the lodge, and the barn, you’re going to want your own transport.”

She stared at the key for a moment before she took it. “Wow! Thank you. I …”

“It’s nothing fancy. It’s just one of the ranch trucks.” He frowned. “What do you drive at home? Have you driven a truck before?”

She laughed. “I haven’t but it won’t be a big deal. Mine’s a Tahoe; it’s old but reliable. It’s not like I’m transitioning from a tiny little car or something.”

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