Page 15 of My Rancher Valentine

“What do you mean ‘nope’?” She turned toward me. “What are you doing?”

“Luxevue Suites. How can I help you?” A pleasant voice greeted me.

“Do you have a room available for tonight?”

“I’m not staying at a hotel,” Kat whispered.

“I’m sorry, but we are all booked up.” The woman on the other end replied.

“Okay. Thank you.” I hung up and dialed Hailey.

“Hailey Wynters.” She sounded distracted.

“Did you get a room, or are you in mine?”

“Neither.” She answered. “The hotel was booked, but Daph had a room, and Danni couldn’t make it. So I’m down the hall with her.”

“Good.” That would work. “Two beds or one?”

“Two.”

“Couch?”

“Yes.”

“Perfect.” I nodded. “See ya soon.” I hung up before she could ask questions.

“What are you doing?”

“You can stay in my room, and I’ll bunk with my sisters,” I informed her. Now that I thought about it, I could have also called Dallas to see if I could stay in his room, but it was too late now.

“I’m not staying in your room.”

“It’s not that big a deal.” I started the truck. “It isn’t as if I haven’t stayed in a room with my sisters before.”

“I’m not staying in your room.” She repeated. “I didn’t plan on spending the night. I don’t have any of my things, no clothes, and I need to feed my cat.”

I looked over at her. “Fine.” I shrugged. “Then I’m going to have to drive you home for the night before coming back here and getting some sleep. Who knows how that might affect my riding tomorrow? I might not even qualify for the finals. How would everyone back home feel if I didn’t make it?” It was a dick move, but if it got her to stay, then it would be worth it.

“I really hate you.” She pulled out her own phone and dialed.

“Who are you calling?” I turned out into traffic.

“Two can play at your game.” She smirked at me and waited until someone answered the phone. “Hey, do you have an extra bed in your room?” There was a pause. “Do you mind if I stay with you since I’m currently being blackmailed into spending the night in town?” Another pause. “Great. I’ll explain everything.” She said goodbye and hung up.

“Who was that?” I didn’t like the idea of her staying with anyone else.

“Don’t worry about it.” She crossed her arms and looked out the window.

“Kat.” I waited. “Kathleen.” Still nothing. “Kitty Kat.” That got a response.

She turned to face me. Her smoky eyes blazing. “Say it again, and the deal is off.”

“Fine.” I huffed. “But is it so wrong that I want you safe?” I kept going. We were almost at the hotel.

“It is when you dictate things to me like we are an actual couple.” She spat out. “And for the record, I wouldn’t let you or any other man dictate anything to me. Couple or not.”

Okay, she had a point there, but I wasn’t completely wrong. The highways toward Bliss Haven were really dark at night, andher car was almost as old as we were. Anything could happen to her on the drive back.

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