Page 82 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

She smiled. "I hope so. More than that, I plan to."

He closed his eyes when she reached up and stroked her hand over the back of his neck and his shoulders. He felt himself relax under her touch.

"There," she said. "See? You’re just like me. We keep our distance because we know we're different from most people, but..." A bolt of electricity zapped down his spine when she ran her fingers over his nape. "I think we get each other. I feel safe with you, and I think you feel more relaxed with me – don't you?"

"I do, and..." It felt like a strange thing to say, but it was true, so he wasn't going to hold back. "This might sound weird, but I feel safe with you, too."

She beamed at him. "Good. I'm glad I can do that for you."

He smiled through pursed lips. "I don't want to sound like a coward or anything. I'm not saying I need you to protect me."

"No, I know that. But I think with big tough guys like you, it's not about needing protection. It's about feeling safe to be yourself – and feeling understood." She pressed a kiss to the tip of his nose. "I can't say I totally understand you yet, but I'm happy to keep working on it. I..."

"Uncle Ford!"

Ford shook his head with a smile. As much as he loved Ashton, he could have done without the kid interrupting this moment.

Amelia chuckled. "It's okay. It doesn't bother me if that's what you're thinking."

"It wasn't," he told her honestly. "I hope this doesn't come across wrong, but if you had a problem with him interrupting us, we wouldn't be getting off to a great start."

He was relieved when she laughed. "I know, and I'm glad you don't mind just coming out and telling me that."

"Uncle Ford!" Ashton sounded more insistent this time, and Ford turned to see the kid appearing around the corner of the house, running at full speed. "Uncle..." He skidded to a halt when he saw them. "Oh, hey, there you are," he said with a grin.

"Where else would I be, little man?"

"I thought you were in the house. That's why I was shouting for you. Oh, hi, Amelia."

"Hi, Ashton." Ford was surprised that she got to her feet. "Do you want a word with your uncle Ford?" she asked.

"That's okay. I need to talk to both of you." He glanced over his shoulder. "But I need to be quick. Mom says I'm not supposed to bother you."

Ford frowned. "Why’s that?"

He did his best not to laugh when Ashton slid his gaze toward Amelia with a slight nod. "You know!" he whispered loudly.

"Ah, right," he said.

Amelia laughed. "You can tell her that I don't mind you coming around," she told him.

"I already did, but she said I'm not supposed to make a nuisance of myself. But when are we going to have dinner again, Uncle Ford?" Ashton met his gaze. "I already asked Amelia if she wants to join us next time."

Ford exchanged a glance with her, and she nodded.

"I don't know yet, little man. I..."

"Ashton!"

The kid's eyes grew wide. "Shoot. I have to go. If she comes round here, tell her you haven't seen me."

"Nope," said Ford. "You know I'm not going to lie for you, kid. We already talked about that."

Ashton blew out a sigh and grinned at Amelia. "Mom says he's an honorable man," he told her, "and I know she's right, but sometimes it'd be easier..."

"Ashton!"

"Go on," Ford told him. "You don't want to worry her, and I'll have a word with her, see what we can figure out about you coming for dinner, okay?"

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