Page 14 of My Rancher Valentine

“I can get my own hotel room,” she said, taking the key.

“I know.” I rolled my lips in to keep from laughing.

“See you later.” She backed up. “You know. After you see your fiancée home.”

I rolled my eyes and shook my head as I went back inside.

“Everything alright?” Kat asked.

“Everything’s fine.” I smiled at her. “Just making sure she had a place to stay. Most of the hotel rooms are taken thanks to the rodeo being in town.”

The rest of the night didn’t last long. We finished dessert and called it. I reached for the bill, but Randall took it.

“What kind of celebration would it be if we let you pay?” He put down his credit card.

“Well, thank you very much,” I said as we walked toward the door.

“Of course.” He handed his ticket to the valet. “And why don’t we schedule a meeting for after this weekend to talk about that sponsorship?”

“That would be great.” My smile had to be a mile wide.

“Perhaps we should wait until after your engagement party.” Leonard jabbed. “We wouldn’t want you to be distracted.”

“Beau knows how to multitask.” Kat patted her hand against my chest. “I’m sure he will be fine whenever you schedule the meeting.” She met Leonard’s stare straight on.

“Relax.” Randall patted his partner on the shoulder. “I’m sure everything will be fine.” He walked around to the driver’s side of the car. “Talk soon.”

“Of course.” I waved along with Kat as they drove off.

“What the heck is that dude’s deal?” She asked when they turned out of the lot. “Did you kick his puppy or something?”

I shrugged. “I have no idea. Maybe he just honestly doesn’t like me.”

She looked up at me with wide eyes. “How could that be? I can’t imagine someone not liking you. I mean, you have people practically eating out of your hand. Just ask the hostess.”

I chuckled as I reached for her hand and headed for my truck. “I can’t tell you how much I love the fact you are jealous.”

“In your dreams.” She jumped up into the passenger’s side while I held the door.

“I don’t think so. I’d say in reality, Kitty Kat.” I closed the door before she could reply.

I took my time walking around the front of the cab. My eyes never left hers. A smirk was firmly on my face. I chuckled to myself at the steam I could practically see coming out of her ears. By the time I opened my side of the truck, her face was beet red.

“I thought I told you not to call me Kitty Kat.” Her teeth ground together as she spoke.

“Sorry. Habit.” I lifted her hand to my lips. “What hotel are you staying at?”

“I’m not staying at a hotel.” She yanked her hand back. “And what’s with all the kissing? That wasn’t part of our deal, either.”

“Again, habit,” I told her. “What do you mean, you aren’t staying at a hotel? Surely you aren’t driving back home tonight.”

“You say it like Bliss isn’t forty-five minutes away.”

“But you have to be back first thing in the morning,” I pointed out. “And it’s far too dark to navigate those roads.”

“I did just fine during college. I’m sure I will be fine now,” she said. “Just take me back to my car.”

“Nope.” I pulled out my phone and dialed up the hotel.

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