Page 48 of The Guy Who Stole My Ranch

Patrick, who had moved up next to me, spoke to Robert. “What’s in the bottle?”

“Shampoo that will kill anything William might have gotten on him today.” Robert offered me the product.

Patrick looked dubious, but I took the bottle. “Thank you.”

Robert sniffed. “The both of you will be back tomorrow?”

“Yes,” I said, leaving off the sir.

“Good. Don’t forget about Saturday.”

“I won’t,” I said.

Robert nodded and then turned around and called his dogs, who reluctantly obeyed.

Frank looked hurt that his new friends were leaving.

“Don’t worry, you’ll be back tomorrow,” I assured him as I pointed at the SUV.

Patrick was already inside, and I did my best not to groan as I climbed into the back seat.

“Rough day?” Patrick asked.

“Long day,” I said.

“Don’t worry, your suite has a big tub.”

“You’re a lifesaver.” I took a breath and let my exhaustion show. Frank put his head on my lap and looked up at me as if asking if he could help.

I petted him a few times, then closed my eyes. Only, instead of drifting off to sleep, which was a distinct possibility at this point, I saw Brooke. Her scowl, her smile, her laugh, and her glare. I’d cataloged each of her expressions, and I had a list of those I liked best.

“No one should look that happy after working on a ranch all day,” Patrick said.

I opened one eye, found him grinning, then closed it again.

I’d rather imagine Brooke than let Patrick bother me.

She was an extraordinary woman. One that I was determined to spend as much time as possible with.

Which reminded me, I still owed her breakfast.

I rallied my arms, drew my phone from my pocket, and sent her a text.

William:Would you like to cash in your breakfast at Mama’s Diner tomorrow morning? 6am?

She answered right away.

Brooke:No way, this girl needs her beauty sleep.

If Brooke added to her beauty, I might be helpless against her.

William:What about the next day?

Brooke:Persistent, aren’t you?

William:I promised you breakfast, and I’d like to keep that promise.

Brooke:Ask me tomorrow.

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