Page 10 of My Rancher Valentine

She thought I flirted with her as a joke? Nothing could be further from the truth. I was just too chicken-shit to admit it.

“Let’s just get through this dinner and the next couple of days, and for the love of everything holy, will you just let me do my job without all the teasing?”

The sincerity in her eyes touched and broke my heart at the same time.

“Did it ever occur to you I’m not joking?”

She rolled her eyes. “Please, Beau. We’ve known each other since first grade. Maybe even from diapers. I’ve seen the girls you go out with, and I’m not anywhere near their level of beauty.” That was a lie. “I’m still the simple, nerdy girl from school. The only difference is now I wear contacts some days instead of my glasses.”

She honestly believed every word she was saying. Did she not have any idea how beautiful she really was? Glasses or not, she had always been adorably gorgeous.

“Fine.” I agreed with my fingers crossed behind my back.

“Thank you.” Her smile was back. “We should go inside.”

“Yeah, we should.” I lifted her hand to my lips and pressed a quick kiss before getting out and going around to open her door.

I held her hand as she got down and immediately put my arm around her. She may think I am joking or this whole thing is fake, but it was suddenly very real to me. By the time this littlefacade was over, I was determined that Kat would know just how serious I was and then she would really be mine.

RANDALL AND LEONARDwere sitting at the bar when Kat and I walked in.

“Sorry we kept you guys waiting.” I held out my hand to shake theirs. “Slight problem leaving the arena.”

“Everything alright?” Randall asked.

“Of course.” I nodded. “Why don’t we get a table?” I really didn’t want to get into explaining Devon to them. Hopefully this dinner could be the start of a partnership between us. Dad always said you keep the drama out of business unless it is your business.

“Sure thing.” They both stood and followed Kat and me over to the hostess.

“Table for four.” I smiled.

“Just one se...” She looked up and paused. “Oh, my god. You’re Beau Wynters.” She clasped her hand over her mouth. “You’re Beau Wynters.” She repeated.

“Yes, ma’am.” My smile might have turned a little more at the edge.

Brexley loved their sports. I wasn’t sure which one was more popular. I went to school with one of the guys on the Grey Glider hockey team and he was always talking about how he couldn’t go anywhere without someone recognizing him, but there were also the players on the Midnight Dragons football team. They were having a hell of a season. Now that they were in the playoffs I couldn’t imagine they weren’t being fanned over just as much, if not more, than the hockey players. There were times it still boggled my mind that people cared about rodeo the way they did. I would think if anything I would think people might getmore excited about me being part of Bliss Ice Cream than riding a horse.

“I saw you last year at the Summer Classic, and wow...just wow.” She blushed.

“Thank you, darling.” The endearment was out before I thought twice about it. Kat’s elbow jerked into my side, and I immediately knew I had messed up.Fuck.Old habits die hard, I guess. I tried correcting my mistake by pulling Kat closer, letting go of her hand, and running my hand up and down her arm.

“Can we get a table for my girl and these nice gentlemen?” Calling her my girl sounded so high school to me, but gossip ran like a river between Brexley and Bliss Haven. Neither of us needed our family to hear a rumor and coming down here to learn the truth.

The hostess looked Kat up and down as if sizing her up. My smile dropped faster than a bull out the gate. I didn’t appreciate the look on her face. As if she thought there was something wrong with Kathleen Depner. I brought my other hand over to Kat’s and lifted it to my lips, making a point.

“Right this way.” She didn’t look happy as she picked up the menus. I dropped my hand to entwine with Kat’s and lead the way to the table.

We weren’t at the back of the restaurant, but I had been hoping for one of the tables that overlooked the back patio.

“Can we possibly sit over there?” I pointed to the two empty tables by the window. “My associates are visiting, and I have been bragging about the view of Heartland Point from here.” As if you couldn’t see the mountain from just about anywhere in the Brexley area, and they didn’t live in the city.

She pulled in a long breath and then gave me a flirty smile. “Sure, but only for you.” Her hand brushed down my arm.

“Baby, you know I get cold next to the window.” Apparently, Kat was done with the hostess flirting with me, and I held backmy smile at the thought. I liked the idea that she might be really jealous and not just playing the part.

I leaned in so my lips were right next to her ear. “Don’t worry, Kitten. I’ll keep you warm.” I let my mouth drag across her cheek as I backed up. A small shiver went down her spine and I smiled to myself. Good to know I could have an effect on her.

The hostess huffed and walked off toward the table I pointed to. I heard a snicker behind me and turned to see Randall shaking his head.

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