Page 40 of In Bed with the Rancher

“Well, I know Olivia,” Wade told them. “Our brother’s met his match in her. Just watch. I predict you’re not going to recognize Wynn. He will not be impersonating me ever again and I would bet the ranch on it.”

“Wow,” Lucy said, staring at Wade. “She can influence him that much? I can’t imagine he wanted to marry her if she’ll be calling the shots.”

“She’s perfect for him. She has old money. She’s gorgeous. She can be fun. He’ll find out what a strong, smart woman he married. I don’t think he’ll ever regret it, either. She’ll keep him happy, but it’ll be on her terms.”

“Well, that is the best news possible,” Lucy said. “I’m really impressed and I hope with all my heart you know what you’re talking about. Our whole family will be happier if that’s true about Olivia.”

“Oh, damn right,” Jack said. “That’s fantastic news.” He gave a whoop and laughed. “Ah, someone to finally boss Wynn. Even Dad couldn’t.”

“You watch how he changes,” Wade said. “She has more money in her family than we do in ours and that will make Wynn think twice about crossing her. Trust me. I know Olivia. Believe me, our brother has met his match.” He turned and looked at the front door of the house. “Well, let’s see your new home, Luce.” He stepped behind her as she unlocked the door and stepped inside.

The entryway opened into a great room that had a huge wood-burning fireplace, two walls of glass that overlooked a small yard, and beyond the backyard was a country-club golf course.

“Good view without having your own big yard,” Wade remarked.

“I like your contemporary furniture,” Jack added. Wade looked at the room. It was painted in a light shade, the furniture modern with open spaces and a polished hardwood floor. “Very nice,” he said. He thought about what it would be like to have his own house with Ava and the idea held appeal.

“I like it and it should be relatively easy to care for,” Wade said.

They looked at her office, which had a glass-and-metal desk, built-in file cabinets, a long glass table.

She showed them two bedroom suites and a third bedroom, a contemporary kitchen with floor-to-ceiling glass along one wall and light spilling into the room.

Finally she locked up as they left. “Thanks, guys, for your interest.”

Wade hugged her lightly. “I’m glad to see your new home and I’m glad, too, that you’re doing so well in the real-estate business. You’re a young broker.”

“I love it and because of my family, I have lots of good contacts.”

“Have fun tonight,” Wade said. “Both of you. And welcome Olivia into the family for me. I’ve already called her and told her I was sorry I wouldn’t be there for dinner. She seems truly happy and she’ll be a great addition to the family.”

“I hope Wynn has half a dozen kids and they’re all like him,” Jack said and then shrugged. “Well, maybe not if Olivia is a nice person. I wouldn’t wish that on her.” He let out a laugh. “This is one wedding I’m looking forward to. Hot dog!”

Wade laughed. “I’ll second that.” But as he drove away, all his thoughts shifted from his twin to Ava. He couldn’t wait for tonight.

* * *

Excitement bubbled in Ava as she studied herself in the mirror. Her hair was parted in the center and fell straight on either side of her face. She wore a black sleeveless dinner dress with a deep V-neckline that revealed her curves, the skirt coming to midcalf. She wore high-heeled black pumps that showcased her legs and a diamond bracelet that echoed the small stones lining the neckline of her dress.

She was so eager for this evening with Wade that she nearly jumped when she heard a car door shut. She looked out the window to see Wade striding toward the house. In a charcoal Western-cut suit, a white dress shirt, gold cuff links in the French cuffs and black boots, he took her breath away. The breeze caught locks of his midnight hair and lifted a curl off his forehead. His injuries had healed and he was incredibly good-looking.

She wanted to run out and throw herself into his arms and kiss him while he carried her to bed. She also wanted an evening out with him because she had fun with him. It was exciting to be with him and she could look forward to coming back to share the rest of the night. She glanced around her house and her bedroom. She only had two bedrooms. Wade didn’t seem to care what she had or didn’t have. Then she forgot all about the house and furniture. Tomorrow she had already told him she would go with him to look at the new arena in Ft. Worth. She wanted to do that.

So for now, she simply wasn’t going to worry about the future or telling him goodbye. She was just going to enjoy being with him and hope she could hang on to her heart enough that she wouldn’t be deeply in love with him.

He was the best-looking man she had ever known, she thought again as she rushed to open the door.

When she did, he had started to reach to ring the bell. Instead, he just wrapped his arm around her waist, stepped inside and closed the door behind them. He kissed her, an all-consuming kiss that made her feel as if she would melt in his arms.

Finally, he released her. “I promised you dinner and that’s what we’re going to do.” Still, he didn’t move toward the door, instead taking her in from head to toe. “You look gorgeous. You can eat and I’ll watch you.”

She laughed. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Come on. If we don’t go now, we never will.”

He took her hand and opened the front door. She set the alarm, picked up her small black purse and closed the door behind them, hearing the lock click.

He took her to a downtown private dinner club and she had a delicious steak dinner, but she could barely eat because all she could do was think about kissing him and making love again.

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