Page 19 of My Rancher Valentine

“What are you doing here so early?” I hadn’t expected to see him until later today.

“I had my sisters pull together some clothes for you last night.” He held out a hotel bag. “There are a couple pairs of pants in there because they couldn’t decide who might be your height.” He rolled his eyes. “There are also a few shirts, one of which is mine, and I’m not telling you just so you don’t dismiss it without a fair chance.” He winked at me.

“Wouldn’t I automatically know it’s yours because of the size?” I took the bag.

“You would think, but Daph and I have surprisingly similar shirts. Maybe it’s from both of us working on the ranch.” He shrugged. “Either way, I don’t think it will be easy.”

I should wear one of Maddie’s shirts just to beat him at his own game. “Whatever.” As far as comebacks go, it wasn’t my best.

Beau smiled and shook his head. “I’m on my way down for breakfast and then headed over to the arena. If you want a ride, I can wait, but if you want to sleep in, then Daphne and Hailey aren’t coming over for another hour and a half, and you can ride with them.” He had just thought of everything.

“Maddie offered to give me a ride,” I informed him.

“Oh.” For a second, he actually looked a little disappointed, but the look faded quickly. “That might be for the best. If you ride in with Maddie, then Victor doesn’t have to go looking for you to keep an eye out.”

“I don’t need a babysitter.” I tried to growl, but it came out just a little lower than my normal tone.

“Not a babysitter. Vic’s just going to keep the wrong people away.” He leaned to the side. “Morning, Maddie.”

“Hey Beau,” Madison called out.

“Take care of my girl.”

“You know it.” She replied.

“Good.” He leaned toward me and dropped a peck on my lips. “See you soon, Kitten.” He headed back toward the elevator.

“That was sweet,” Maddie said as I closed the door. “I always had an idea that Beau would probably be all cute if he ever fell in love.”

I almost choked on my spit. “What?” There was no way that she could possibly think Beau even liked me like that. Let alone was in love.

“I’m just saying. I’ve never heard of him finding clothes for anyone else.”

“It’s all pretend.” I reminded her. “He’s putting on a performance.”

“And if Randall and Leonard were here, then I’d maybe believe you.” She pointed out. “But why would he need to pretend or perform anything for us?”

I hated that she could be right. “I’m going to take a shower.” I went into the bathroom so I didn’t have to continue to think about what she said.

Chapter 8

Beau

Iwaited as long as I could to see if Kat changed her mind about riding with me. When I didn’t see her come down from Madison’s room in time, I figured I was out of luck. Besides, it was probably for the best. I needed to get my horse ready for the day and I wouldn’t be able to concentrate if she was there.

---