Page 70 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

"Ford!"

The sound of Ty's voice calling his name had them both diving for cover. His instincts kicked in, wanting to protect her – even if it was only from his brother's eyes and not some mortal threat. As she had already done so often, Amelia proved to him that she was quite capable of looking after herself. As he dived for her, she'd already popped down under the covers, covering even her head.

He let out a short laugh as he said, "You know, if Ty comes in the room, that might look even worse."

He laughed harder when she slapped his leg but didn't come out. "Just see what he wants." Her voice was muffled by the duvet.

Ford couldn't help grinning as he shouted, "Still in bed, Ty. What's up, squirt?"

"Shit. Sorry.” Ty's voice came from the bottom of the stairs. "Shit. I didn't think. I... I thought you'd be up and about and on your way to work by now. I'm just dropping you a tray off. I have to get to the restaurant early this morning, and we had a big table that didn't show last night. It was a plated deal, so the food was already... I wanted to get trays delivered to each of you before I head back over there. Everyone's got their own tray now, so I'm leaving one for you and Amelia, and I figured you could take the last couple down to the bunkhouse."

"Thanks, Ty. Appreciate it. I'm sure Amelia will, too. And I'll let the guys know that they owe you one."

"They don't owe me a damn thing," said Ty. "Is Amelia not up yet? I should keep my voice down. Or better yet, get out of here."

Ford lifted the edge of the cover and peered down at her. She gave him a rueful smile but shook her head when he beckoned for her to come out.

"I don't know what she's up to yet," Ford called back to Ty. "I'll see ya later, squirt. And thanks again."

"Not a problem. See ya later."

Ford waited for the sound of the kitchen door closing behind Ty before he lifted the covers again. "It's safe to come out," he told her.

She sat up beside him and rolled her eyes at him. "Sorry... I didn't know what to do."

"You could have just stayed there. He wouldn't have come in."

"No, I don't suppose he would – but I panicked."

"Why?" he asked.

She shrugged. "I don't know. There's no reason to, is there?"

"None that I can think of."

He held her gaze, and she started to laugh. The sound of it hit him right in the chest.

"I feel like a teenager who sneaked into her boyfriend's bedroom and is terrified of getting caught."

He laughed with her. "And I feel like the lucky boyfriend who doesn't care if he gets caught." He tucked his fingers under her chin as he added, "Because being with you is everything." He cocked an eyebrow. "What do you say – do you want to sneak into my bedroom again tonight? I'll make it worth your while."

She leaned against his shoulder with a big smile on her face. "I'd love to – although I'd rather you scoop me up and carry me away again. That's such a turn-on."

He kissed the tip of her nose. "Then I'll do it every night."

Her pupils dilated as she looked into his eyes. Maybe he shouldn't have said it, but he meant it so rather than explain himself, he just nodded.

~ ~ ~

In the kitchen, Amelia started the coffee pot and looked around, wondering if there was something quick and easy she could make him for breakfast. She'd insisted that Ford should jump straight in the shower since he was already later going out than he'd planned to be – and that was her fault. He'd claimed that it wasn't, but if he hadn't already been up when Ty called in, she knew full well that he would have gone downstairs to see him if she wasn't there.

She covered her eyes with her hands and chuckled. Why on earth had she dived under the covers like that? She didn't know. And, of course, Ford had been right when he joked that if Ty had come into the room...

She shook her head and went to the fridge to get milk. When she spied cheese and ham in there, she pulled them out. Now she knew what she could make him for breakfast.

By the time he came downstairs, she set a mug of coffee in front of him and a plate with three omelet rolls.

He gave her a puzzled smile. "Thanks. What are they?"

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