Page 7 of My Rancher Valentine

I smiled over at him. “What makes you think I don’t already have some planned?”

“If you were seeing someone, I would have already heard about it.” He leaned forward onto the railing in front of us.

“Unlike you, I don’t advertise my private life.”

“I don’t advertise.” He laughed. “It’s not my fault folks like to brag.” He said it as if sleeping with him was such a feat. If he had his way, half the circuit would be on that list.

“Either way, I’m not interested.” I wasn’t sure how many more ways I could tell him no.

“Come on, Kat.” He stood back up. “Let your hair down some. Promise I’ll treat you right.”

“I’m good.” I looked around for what had to be the first time, hoping to see Beau. It was his fault I was back here in the first place. I should have suggested we meet out by the entrance. Then I would have avoided Devon all together.

“I know you're good.” He leaned close, and I backed up as far as the rail would let me. “If I had to guess, I’d bet you are damn good.” He reached out and ran his hand up my arm. “All I’m asking is for the chance to find out.”

“If you don’t back up, you’re going to find out what my hand across your face feels like.” My look was hard as nails.

“Kat.”

“Do I sound like I’m joking?” I narrowed my eyes. “I might not be a cowgirl, but you don’t grow up in Bliss Haven and not know how to handle a jackass.”

He held his hands in the air. “I didn’t mean any harm.” He backed up just enough for me to have some breathing room. “How about tomorrow night?” Was he really serious?

“She’ll be busy tomorrow night.” Beau’s voice sounded rougher than sandpaper. I looked over my shoulder to see him coming toward us. His face pinched together in a way I didn’t think I had ever seen before.

“Is that so?” Devon brought his hands down to the top of his belt.

“Yeah, that’s so.” Beau slid his arm around my shoulders.

Devon looked between us before coming back to me. “I guess you can keep a secret.”

“Yep.”

His shoulders shook once, and a gust of laughter floated from his lips. “Let’s see how long this lasts.”

“Excuse you?” Beau removed his hand and squared up with Devon. “Just what are you trying to say?”

“Come on, Wynters. At least I’d show her a good time before bedding her and walking away.” I held onto the gasp that wanted to come out.

“Is that what you were doing when she had to threaten to kick your ass? Showing her a good time?” Beau questioned. “And for the record, you touch her again, and she won’t have to follow through on that threat. I’ll already be too busy handling it myself.”

“And risk more of your already tarnished reputation? I don’t think so.” Devon wasn’t backing down, and I got worried they really were going to come to blows in a moment.

“Some things are more important.” Beau’s jaw twitched.

They stood there staring at each other as if waiting for one of them to actually throw a punch.

“Beau? Everything alright?” I leaned back in relief when I heard Dallas Thorne’s voice.

“Everything’s fine.” Beau backed down. “Just escorting my girl to dinner.”

If the title surprised Dallas, he didn’t give anything away. “I thought you mentioned the two of you had plans.” He looked over at me with a big smile. “How’s my favorite reporter doing?”

“Good.” My smile was tight as I waited. The tension between Beau and Devon was still very palpable.

“How about I walk with you guys as you head out?” Dallas offered.

“That sounds wonderful.” I was glad about the opening.

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