Page 21 of The Rancher's Secret Son

“Nick, are there any grandchildren in the Milan family yet, besides Cody?”

“No. Cody is the first grandchild.”

“Oh, my word,” she said, rubbing her arms as if she were freezing. “Then for sure your father is going to push you to marry me. He won’t want you to take no for an answer.”

Nick frowned. “I’m sure you’re right. You’re out of his reach, although he might contact you. My dad interfered a lot in my sister’s life when she fell in love with her husband, Jake, but Dad’s older now, more mellow, less energetic.”

Sighing, Claire shook her head. “I don’t want to deal with your father. I can if I have to, and I’m not going to marry you because your dad wants us to, but if Cody is the only grandchild and you’re headed for a big political life, you know that’s what’s coming.”

“I’m a grown man and I can make my own decisions.”

“You’ve always pleased him. You told me that. You’re very close.”

“We are, but I have to live my life. I’m not going through hell to please my dad. I don’t want another broken heart and I know you’re deeply involved in your life, as I am in mine—even more than we were four years ago. Besides, I’ll work out a way for them to see their grandson and they’ll settle down eventually.”

“I don’t think so, Nick. There’s more than seeing a grandson. There’s your political career at stake.”

“Stop worrying until it gets to be a problem,” he said. “Right now, Dad doesn’t know Cody exists.”

She shook her head. “Why do I feel like I’m headed for disaster?”

“It’ll be all right, Claire,” he said to reassure her. But deep inside he wondered if they were, indeed, headed for disaster. She was right on target about his dad. Nick just had to head off his dad trying to contact her or, worse, bribe her, which would only anger Claire more and cause worse feelings.

He had to change the subject before she read his own fears on his face. “Now, tell me more about your life and Cody’s.”

“I think you mean, tell you more about Cody,” she said, smiling at him. She settled back to talk about an incident when Cody was a baby and from that on to other moments in his life. Nick listened intently, but he watched her, remembering, taken back to times before. They had seldom spent hours just talking like this because they kissed as much as possible, which always led to making love.

Something he shouldn’t be thinking about, he chided himself. It conjured up steamy memories that made him want to pull her into his arms and kiss her until he could carry her to his bed. How could she still have this intense physical effect on him? Was it because he’d been without a woman in his life for the last two years? Or was it because it was Claire?

He reined in his errant thoughts and focused on formulating a full picture of his son’s first three years of life as Claire regaled him with stories, some funny, some touching. Eventually, she stood.

“Nick, it’s one o’clock in the morning and this day has been long and emotional. It’s time to call it a night.”

“Today has been nerve-racking for all adults concerned,” he said, standing beside her. “Cody was the happy one, thank heavens. It worked out better than I hoped.” They left the room and Claire switched off the light.

He gathered his carry-on and briefcase, turning to join her at the foot of the stairs.

“I’ll switch on the alarm down here. Want anything before I do?”

“No. Not at all,” he said, watching her punch buttons on her phone. When he started upstairs with her, it seemed natural to drape his free arm across her slender shoulders. The moment he touched her, he realized his mistake and pulled back.

At her door he set his things on the floor. As if he hadn’t just chastised himself for touching her, he placed his hands on her shoulders. “Thanks again, Claire,” he said, aware of her warm shoulders beneath her blouse. Her mouth was rosy, too tempting. It amazed him how much he wanted to kiss her and hold her close. He wanted to out of gratitude, and even more, he wanted to because she was an appealing, gorgeous, sexy woman and he could remember how her kisses had pleasured him.

“Nick, thank you for the necklace,” she said, touching it briefly. “It’s beautiful.”

He looked at the necklace, knowing what it represented and knowing he would have showered her with more if he had been present at the time of Cody’s birth. He had to stop looking back, but it was difficult when he had learned about Cody only days earlier.

“He’s absolutely wonderful. Think about taking a week off and bringing him to Dallas so we can get to know each other better. We can stay several days on the ranch if you think he’d like that.”

“He’d love it,” Claire said. “What little boy wouldn’t love it on a ranch? Especially with you doting on him.”

“Then think about spending the whole time there. He’ll have a wonderful time and I know you used to like being on the ranch.”

“I did,” she answered.

“So do I. Now more than ever.”

“You were a success tonight, Nick. I think he’s going to love having you for a dad.”

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