Page 38 of The Rancher's Jilted Bride

Huh.

I find myself standing on my toes even when I don't really expect to find anything over his shoulder—-oh!

"Surprise," he says mockingly before taking a step back, and I finally have my first full glimpse of the lavish breakfast arrangement outside his balcony.

"Oh, Hale."

"There you go again, pretending to sound like you're younger."

He offers his hand as he speaks, and I can't help but laugh as I place my hand in his.

But when he cups my face, my smile fades at the brooding expression of his gorgeous face.

"I know I haven't done anything to earn your trust..."

He lifts my knuckles to his lips, and my knees knock against each other.

"But I want you to know it's all going to change starting today."

"Oh, Hale."

I start to tell him he doesn't have to feel like he needs to make up for anything, but...

Oh my goodness!

Is that Mabel'scotton candypancake I'm seeing behind him?

I don't even realize I've accidentally pushed past Hale until I hear him grunt behind me.

Oops.

I whirl around and smile weakly at him in apology. "I'm sorry, I just..."

"Have a hard time taking your eyes off the pancakes?"

"Uh..." I want to prove him wrong, but...it'simpossible.

My eyes are still glued to the fluffy layers of pancake, which happen to be topped with autumn-colored cotton candy and sprinkled with edible gold dust. The logistics of havingthisparticular dish included in our breakfast menu are beyond me, and I turn to him in a daze.

"How?"

These pancakes are no ordinary concoction. They're highly in demand not just because they're served fresh but also because they're personally baked by Mabel, a blind eighteen-year-old chef who—-

Hale slowly shakes his head. "I seem to recall it was only minutes ago that I warned younotto ask any questions, Ms. Gaines."

Oh.

Right.

Oops.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Hale."

My boss-slash-fiancé crosses his arms against his chest, and I do my bestnotto swoon at the way the rolled-up sleeves of his shirt strain and stretch against the bulge of his muscles.

"I'm afraid an apology won't cut it," he says silkily. "If you do not wish to be terminated for repeated offenses—-"

"But—-"

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