Page 9 of The Rancher's Pregnancy Surprise

But the plan? That had already changed the moment he'd first seen her bite her lip.

"So," he said, setting his phone aside and focusing his full attention on the woman across from him. "You never did answer my question about ice cream."

Chapter Four

"COOKIES AND CREAM," I answer, against my better judgment. What am I doing engaging with this man?

"Really?" His eyebrows rise slightly, his lips quirking in that infuriating half-smile. "I would've pegged you for vanilla."

The way he says it—like he's implying something about my personality—makes me bristle. "And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing at all, darling." He stretches the word 'darling' with that drawl of his. "Just making conversation."

"Stop calling me that," I snap, my patience wearing thin. "We're not friends, and we're certainly not... anything else."

His amber eyes gleam with amusement. "What should I call you then?"

"Nothing."

His smile widens. "Acacia then."

My eyes widen. "How did you—-"

"I took a look at the passenger list." He admits this so easily I'm not sure whether to feel amused or alarmed.

"Would you like to know what to call me?"

"Not really."

"Trust me, you will."

Why does this man sound so confident about it?

"And it's Ronan, by the way."

"I didn't ask," I snap.

"You don't have to," he says solemnly. "A true gentleman always knows how to anticipate a lady's needs."

His gaze dips low as he says this, and I'm mortified to feel my flesh swelling in response.

Sheep!

I burst to my feet in sudden and desperate need for distance. The farther I can get away from this infuriating man, the better.

But before I can take another step, he's suddenly blocking my way, and I glare up at him. "What the heck's your problem?"

"Are you trying to run away from me?"

"All I'm trying to do," I say between clenched teeth, "is to get to the restroom, so please don't flatter yourself."

"Are you afraid of me?"

My heart rate picks up even as I lift my chin. "Hardly."

"Then it has to be how I make you feel."

"You really love to flatter yourself, don't you?"

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