Page 22 of More Than a Blind Date

“Yeah. Her mother seems to think she can make all the decisions about Rose’s life. And obviously, Rose doesn’t like that.”

“It’s good that she has you.”

I feel a twinge of guilt lying to Colt, but there is no way to contain the secret if I let him in on the deal. And I can’t risk blowing up Rose’s plan.

“The reason I came by was to find out when the horses arrive. Do you need me here to help with anything?”

“Friday. And I think I’m good. But thanks.”

“Great, well. I’m going to get out of here and go check out fencing to see what needs to be replaced before we bring in cattle.” I tip my hat and stroll back to the truck. Once I’m behind the wheel, I text Rose.

Me:If staying at the apartment is awkward or if you miss Floofy too much, I can crash in Colt’s extra room if you want to stay at my place.

I hit send before I can change my mind about offering to let her sleep in my bed. Then I drive toward the back of the ranch, trying not to think about how big her smile will be when she reads that text and discovers she doesn’t have to be separated from her kitty until the end of the month.

After parking along the fence, I glance at my phone and smile at her message.

Rose:Seriously? YES!!!! But I don’t want to impose.

Me:Bring your stuff when you come tonight. And remind me to give you the information about the wedding this weekend.

I toss the phone aside, then pick it up again and send another message.

Me:I’ll pick up dinner for us. Or we can go out when you get here. There is a cute diner not far from here.

Rose:Let’s go out.

She follows her message with a heart.

Spending time with her now will make pretending easier this weekend and next. I’m not nervous about introducing her to my friends at Anderson’s wedding. But facing her family and friends is a different story.

Me:See you tonight.

I inch along the fence line, taking photos and dropping pins on the coordinates at each needed repair. As I’m finishing my trek around the pasture, my phone rings.

“Hello?” I answer on speaker so that I can keep working.

Anderson says, “Doing matchmaker work today?”

“I’m working on that ranch, yes. What’s up?” Taking a job where my aunt will be matchmaking has garnered a bit of ribbing.

“I’m giving Jeffrey the final headcount for the rehearsal dinner. Are you bringing Rose?”

“If that’s okay, I’d like to.”

“Absolutely. Everyone is eager to meet the woman who stole your heart.”

I groan. “She didn’t steal anything.”

“Dallas, there are actors who couldn’t fake as well as you did at dinner that night. There’s got to be something there.”

“She’s attractive. Too young for me, but I couldn’t risk her getting tangled with some creep. And it’s been a while since I’ve dated anyone. Now I have a pretty girl who likes to hold my hand. And, not gonna lie, it feels pretty good.”

“You’ve been touch starved. And it sounds like she’s good for you.”

“It’s temporary. I’m just helping her out.”

He’s quiet half a second. “But remember that there is no shame in changing your mind when the deal comes to an end. Forgetting the fake part altogether.”

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