Page 24 of Cougar Chronicles

“Works for all of us. At least it will till they decide to have their own family. Then I’ll need to find different help.”

“Oh.” Everywhere around her, it seemed children and family were the focus. Always a reminder of why this relationship with Jack wouldn’t work long term.

But why think of that now? She could enjoy the weekend with him and meet his son. She just wouldn’t get attached—to his son or to his home, that was. She was already attached to him, and heartbreak was just around the corner.

She forced a smile. “Ready?”

His grin lit his raw male beauty. “You bet.”

* * *

Holly laughed as they rode through the gate to Jack’s ranch. The sign above it saidRancho Notso Grande.

“Nice name.”

He chuckled. “Sam came up with it.”

“Did he really?”

“Yeah. Luisa teaches him a little Spanish now and then. Her husband, Carlos, doesn’t speak much English, and Jack wanted to talk to him. Last year he decided our little operation needed a name, and that’s what he came up with.”

“He sounds smart.”

“I’m sure I’m a bit biased”—Jack winked at her—“but I think he’s the most brilliant six-year-old on the planet.”

Holly couldn’t help but smile. Jack loved his son. He was a doting daddy, as he should be. If only…

He pulled his red pickup to a stop in front of a sprawling ranch house.

“Wow,” Holly said under her breath.

“It looks bigger from the outside,” Jack said. “It’s actually pretty cozy.”

Warmth crept to her cheeks. “I didn’t think you heard that. It looks gorgeous to me.”

“I hope you like it.” He exited the truck and in seconds opened the passenger door for her. All that and a gentleman, too.

Oh, this would be difficult.

He grabbed her overnight bag out of the back and led her up the driveway and into the house.

“Daddy!” A small boy ran into Jack’s arms.

“Hey, buddy.” Jack pulled the child into a bear hug and kissed the top of his head. “I want you to meet Miss Holly. She’s the friend I told you about.”

The boy turned to Holly and she melted. He was Jack in miniature, only his ebony eyelashes were even longer than his father’s, if that was possible. He had the same dark eyes and sable hair, and an adorable elfin face that promised handsomeness in the future.

“Welcome to Rancho Notso Grande, Miss Holly.” He held out his little hand.

Holly melted into a puddle.What a cutie.“I’m so pleased to meet you, Sam,” she said, taking his small hand in hers, “and you can call me Holly. I hear you named your dad’s ranch.”

“Yup. Sure did.”

“It’s a fine name.” She smiled and was overjoyed when he smiled back, showcasing a missing front tooth.Adorable.

“Did you already eat, Sam?” Jack asked.

“Yeah. I ate with Luisa and Carlos. Sorry, Daddy, I was hungry.”

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