Page 22 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

Amelia felt a little self-conscious when Ford pulled up in front of the bunkhouse and Boone came out to greet them. A couple of the other guys came out, too.

Ford looked over at her before he got out. “Are you okay with this?” he asked.

She nodded, trying to look more at ease than she felt. “I’m excited to meet him.”

He gave her a knowing look. “I didn’t mean that, and I think you know it. I mean about these guys. You can wait here if you like while I have a quick word with Boone and then I’ll get him to clear the guys out while we go visit the stalls.”

“No! I mean, thank you – it’s sweet of you to offer, but that’d be too weird. I’m not some delicate little lady who’s afraid to be around people if that’s what you’re worried about … I just …”

He reached across and touched her arm. “I didn’t think you were. And I’m not worried; I’m just trying to look out for you. You’re kind of out of your element here. I get that. If you took me to a conference full of computer security specialist ladies, I’d feel out of place too.”

She laughed. “I’m not sure that we’d find a whole conference full of women, but I can assure you that if we did they’d be more than happy to welcome you.”

He chuckled. “You know what I mean. And I can guarantee you that these guys will want to welcome you, too.” He looked quite formidable when his smile faded and he added, “But if ever any of them overstep, I need you to tell me.”

She laughed. “They’re hardly likely to do that, and I can set them straight myself if they do – but thanks.” She looked out through the windshield at Boone and the others who were now chatting and pretending that they weren’t watching. “You picked up that I was feeling self-conscious about being here, but I think sitting here like this while they wait is only making it worse.”

“You’re right. Wait there.”

She opened her mouth to protest, but he held his hand up to stop her. “Sorry, that wasn’t an order. I just meant that I’ll come around and get your door.”

“Oh!” She cocked her head at him – it wouldn’t have occurred to her that he might want to open her door. But …

His gaze never left hers as he walked around the hood of his truck and came to get her. He opened the door and offered her his hand. Part of her wanted to laugh, to make a joke about him helping her down from her carriage – and it maybe turning back into a pumpkin – but she couldn’t find the breath to speak.

When her feet hit the ground, he stood close by her side and just the … nearness of him made all the air catch in her chest. It only hit her then that she hadn’t been this close to him physically since the day he’d held her after what had happened with Jared. It was hardly surprising that she hadn’t registered the effect he had on her back then. But now … a shiver raced down her spine and he gave her an inquiring look.

“You sure about this?”

She nodded. “As long as you’re right here with me.”

A small smile played on his lips as he leaned closer. His arm brushed hers, sending goosebumps racing over her skin as he asked, “This close enough?”

She looked up into his eyes and told him the truth – “It’ll do for now.”

His green eyes seemed to spark with fire, and he gave her a tiny nod, but didn’t comment. Instead, he turned to Boone and the others.

“Morning, guys. I’m sure you’ve seen her around, but I don’t think you’ve been introduced yet. This is Amelia – Amelia Danforth.”

She smiled at them as they greeted her. Boone snatched his hat off his head and extended his hand. As she shook it, he said, “It’s a pleasure. I’m Boone – Ford’s foreman. You need anything when he’s not around, I’m your next port of call.”

“Thanks. I know we’ve waved at each other before now, but it’s good to meet you properly.”

“It is,” he agreed. “And these fellas…” he turned to the other two and gave them a look that had them taking their hats off “…are Clint and Hank.”

Amelia shook hands with them, glad that they seemed friendly – and that they were relaxed enough around Ford.

When the introductions were done with, Ford stepped forward. He’d stayed close the whole time, just as she’d requested, but he hadn’t crowded her.

“Where is he, then?” he asked.

Boone looked at Clint who said, “The Morgan? Last stall on the left.”

Amelia glanced up at Ford, who offered her his arm. She was so taken aback by that gesture, that she didn’t comment on the horse’s name. She just slipped her arm through his and allowed him to lead her toward the big building that she assumed held the stalls. She’d thought that the horses all lived in the barn where Tanner lived and worked, but … what did she know?

There was something unexpectedly comforting about having her arm tucked through Ford’s. It seemed like such an old-fashioned gesture but it felt good – and that was all that mattered. He was sticking close, as he’d said he would, but he wasn’t overstepping. She wouldn’t have minded if he wanted to wrap his arm around her shoulders, but it might have felt a little premature.

“You okay?” he murmured as they walked past a long row of empty stalls.

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