Page 13 of My Rancher Valentine

“You too.” She looked down at me. “What are you doing here, Kat?”

“We were celebrating their engagement,” Leonard said with a half smile that looked more sinister than happy.

Hailey looked from her younger brother to me and back. “Isn’t that something?” Her head shook so minutely that I knew I was the only other person besides Beau to notice. “Maybe I should join you for dessert. I’d love to get in on the celebration as well.”

“Don’t be silly, Hailey.” Beau’s smile looked like it hurt. “We already have the engagement party in a couple of weeks for the family. There’s no need for you to join us.”

“Right. The engagement party.” She nodded slowly. “You know, I was going to head back to Bliss tonight, but I think I’ll stay in the city. I’d hate to miss the rodeo tomorrow.”

“Are you sure?”

“Oh, yeah.” She smiled. “It seems I’ve already missed so much.”

“Then let me walk you out.” Beau leaned down beside me, his lips brushing my cheek. “I’ll be right back, baby.”

“Okay.” I had no idea how he was going to handle this, but I had a feeling it wouldn’t be pretty.

Chapter 6

Beau

“What the hell, Beau?” Hailey hissed as soon as we were outside. “Kathleen Depner? Did you finally man up and ask her out? Although that wouldn’t explain the ‘engagement’. Unless I missed something.” She really used air quotes.

“It’s hard to explain, and I need to get back.”

“But Kathleen Depner?” She laughed. “Kat. Really?” I didn’t like the way she said my fake fiancée's name.

“What’s wrong with Kat?” I thought she liked her well enough.

“There’s nothing wrong with Kat except for the fact you aren’t engaged to her.” She put her hand on her waist. “And there is also the fact that she thinks you’re the world’s biggest jackass.”

“Geez. Thanks sis.” I rolled my eyes.

“I didn’t say she was right.”

“I know.” I looked behind me to see if I could make out the table and was grateful that I didn’t see them. “Look, can we talk about this later?”

“When? At that bullshit engagement party?” Hailey’s lips thinned out, and for a second, it almost looked like she was about to laugh.

“Are you really staying tonight?” It wasn’t like her to take time off from Bliss Creamery. My older sister lived and breathed the family business.

“Oh, hell yeah.” She actually did break out laughing. “There’s no way I’m missing this.”

“Fine.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out my hotel key. “Here. I’m staying at the Luxevue Suites. Room 618.”

---