Page 23 of The Wrangler Takes a Wife

Amara didn’t answer. Instead, she became preoccupied with her computer. Until her cousin reached over and pinched her side. A nasty habit she picked up from Nancy.

“How was it?” Jo repeated slowly.

“It was fine.”

“Is that all you’re going to say?” Jo swatted her. After waiting a moment, she conceded. “Fine, then. I’ll grab lunch and go back to my office.” Her cousin sighed, then stood from her desk. “You’re a terrible, spoiled sport,” she called over her shoulder. Her smile from earlier returned when she opened the door and Chase was standing there.

“Hello, Chase,” Jo greeted.

“Hello, Jo,” he responded.

“Was Amara expecting you?”

What the fuck? Is Jo my secretary now?

A chuckle rumbled from his lips. Looking over Jo’s head, he answered, “she most certainly was.”

“Bye Jo,” Amara called, getting up from her desk.

“Bye, you two.” Her cousin looked between the two of them, then waved two fingers at them before she left.

Amara looked at Jo retreating, until she sensed how close Chase was to her. Her cheeks heated. He took a step closer, so he stood directly behind her. Wrapping a hand around her waist, he guided them back, then shut the door. He spun her around and pinned her to the door.

“Hello, Sweet Darling,” he spoke directly into her ear. Her body responded immediately.

“Wrangler.”

His smile was wolfish as he cupped her face. He chuckled before engulfing her mouth with a kiss. She melted into his embrace, her heart racing as she returned the kiss with equal fervor. Her hands found their way to his shoulders, pulling him closer as a warmth spread through her entire body. His touch seemed to ignite every nerve ending. She sighed into his mouth. Chase stopped the kiss with a firm peck on her lips. It took her a moment to gather her bearings. The way he greeted her with a kiss had caught her off guard.

“You’re early,” Amara groused, patting her braids. It was a nervous tick.

“I got through my tasks quickly. I can wait for you.” Chase shrugged as he stepped back, giving her space.

Did he expect her to go back to work while he sat there waiting for her? Amara had been distracted enough when he wasn’t around. Was there any hope of continuing with him in the room? Maybe she could call it a day. Instead, she gave herself a mental shake. She couldn’t shirk her responsibilities just because he got her all hot and bothered. How would she get through thenext two years that way? It wouldn’t be possible. So Amara put her head down and finished up her orders. Once her task was completed, she realised he didn’t interrupt her once. He sat there, working on a pocket-sized Sudoku book.

“All done,” she announced as she logged off for the day.

Chase put away his book and placed the pen on her desk. She hadn’t even realised he’d taken it until he returned it.

“Great. I was thinking, if you haven’t had lunch yet, we can have a late one together. Then we can go for a ride.” Chase didn’t have any hesitation about them going public as a couple, but then again, he didn’t have a history with the people of this town like she did.Who cares?Amara had always marched to the beat of her own drum. It shouldn’t change now.

“No, I haven’t had lunch yet.” She almost offered to have lunch in her apartment. Until she thought better of it. They walked into the dining area together, with Chase’s hand at the small of her back. At this time of day, the diner was mostly empty. Not empty enough. One of Chase’s suitors sat with her cousin. The poor woman’s eyes bugged out of her head. She recovered quickly.

Chase pulled out a chair for Amara before he took his seat. Vera left her seat and walked over to their table. She addressed him. “Hello, Chase.”

“Hey.”

“Would you like to join my cousin and I?” She tossed her long ash blonde curls over her shoulder and giggled.

Chase sat up straighter. Turning, he gave Vera his attention. Shit, it didn’t look like Vera would enjoy that. “No, I wouldn’t. I have the company I want. You go on and have the day youdeserve.” Then he turned to Amara. “What are we having for lunch?” he inquired, dismissing Vera’s presence. She remained still, as though trapped by an unexpected spotlight. Amara was conflicted as she experienced secondhand embarrassment for Vera, but also, she was a little peeved at the woman’s nerve.

“We can have a special, if you’d like.”

“That sounds great. How do we do this? Will they come serve us?” Chase asked.

“Yes.” Amara waved a very surprised-looking Rolynda over.

“Why are you still here?” Chase asked. It was clear he was speaking to Vera, but he didn’t turn his head when he addressed her. Secondhand embarrassment won out; Vera stumbled back from the table and walked out of the diner. Her cousin had the good sense to mouth “sorry” to Amara.

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