Page 44 of Texas Temptation

“I rest when I’m at the ranch.”

She smiled at that. Some rest, riding the range, checking on the fencing, mustering cattle, not to mention fielding all the calls and emails that routinely arrived. Still making decisions that impacted every aspect of his myriad business interests.

“Something funny?”

Jordan shook her head.

“I was just wondering what you call relaxing. What would you do at the beach, organize volleyball tournaments and swim meets?”

“I don’t go to the beach often.”

“Too restful, huh?”

“Too far.”

“Don’t you take some time off from time to time? Surely you took vacations with your family.”

“When my wife and daughter were alive, we went camping, and to theme parks. We even flew to the Calgary Stampede one year.”

“But not the beach. Come visit us sometime. We’ll see how long you can relax on the hot sand.”

Jordan almost held her breath after the words were out. Would he suspect how much she wanted to keep in touch? How much she yearned for a relationship that would go beyond boss-secretary and maybe even develop into something lasting?

But Cade didn’t seem unduly suspicious about her comment, merely saying maybe. Which was a non-answer if she ever heard one.

When they arrived at the trendy restaurant later that evening, Jordan felt she was entering a dreamworld. The decor was lovely, expensive, with plenty of space around each table, not crowded together like at Joe’s Fish Tacos to accommodate as many customers at one time as possible.

There was even a dance floor at one end and a soft combo playing in the background.

When one of the men began to speak of work, Cade raised an eyebrow.

“Since we have our partners with us, who probably would be bored to tears with business discussions, let’s keep the topics of general interest.”

Jordan was surprised at his courtesy. She herself had thought it a business meeting. She enjoyed the evening, even more so when she and the others discussed Florida beaches versus Southern California ones. That led to friendly banter about all the amenities in the two states.

Only when the talk veered to children did Jordan glance at Cade, wondering if she should deflect the conversation. She knew how much he ached for his own daughter. Would a discussion of soccer and dolls be too distressing?

He surprised her by relating an episode with Caleb and the dogs at the ranch which had everyone chuckling. He didn’t look devastated, didn’t look as if he was going to leave the table if the conversation didn’t change. She watched warily and was startled when he gave her a wink. Blushing, she looked away. Cade could fully handle his own emotions, she admitted. If he didn’t like the topic, he’d change it.

When the meal was finished, Cade ordered after dinner brandy and coffee for everyone.

“Since the music is so appealing, I think it’s time for some dancing.”

“Oh, man, do you know how much I hate to dance?” Bart Wilson groaned.

His wife laughed in delight. “Hey, I hear an order from the big boss man. Up and at ’em, Bart.”

The man made a show of reluctance, but his grin let everyone there know he was teasing her.

When Jim and his wife rose, Cade turned to Jordan. “Shall we?”

She could no more refuse him than she could refuse a request from Caleb. To be held in his arms while they danced would be the best part of the evening. Feeling daring, she nodded. She’d enjoy it as long as she didn’t give herself away. She couldn’t let Cade know how much she enjoyed being with him.

His hand on her back was warm, sending tendrils of awareness shivering through her. Pulling her close, he held her like a precious, fragile object, one to be cherished. For a long moment, Jordan closed her eyes, savoring every aspect of being held in Cade’s arms.

The music was slow and dreamy. They moved in time with the rhythm, brushing thighs, pressing chest to breast, caught up in a world of two. Jordan felt as if she were on full alert, catching every nuance of the evening, from Cade’s heady scent to the warmth of his hand against her back.

This is what life should be, she thought, two people who loved each other taking delight in being together. The quiet times alone were the best. She spared a moment of thought for Marissa and Vicki. She’d never know them, but she could feel them in Cade. Could he ever forget them and move on? Or not forget, but still make a new life—different, but just as good?

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