Page 18 of The Rancher's Cinderella Bride

“Gabe, if you’re worried about Justin and his reaction, I can get someone else to take me. I do have some other guys who are friends.”

“I’ll bet you do. No, I’ll take you, Meg. I just think you’ve made a move here that will keep Justin trying his damnedest to marry you. I don’t think it will be simply a marriage of convenience he’s after once he sees you looking like this.”

She smiled. “You’re sweet. I have two big bags and a carry-on packed—one bag to take to your ranch and the other bag to take to your Dallas house. I’m still going home with you tonight, right?” she asked with an air of great innocence.

“Damn right, you’re going home with me. Oh, yeah,” he said, wondering if he would be able to resist her once he got her there alone.

“Then we’ll get my bags now,” she prompted.

“Sure,” he said. But he stood there, lost in thought about taking her home with him.

She laughed. “Gabe? My bags?”

“Oh, sure. I’ll get them now and we’ll get going,” he said, coming out of his stupor. “Unless you’ll let me kiss you a few times first.”

She laughed and shook her head.

“Not on your life. You would mess up my makeup and probably my dress. We’re going to the club now.”

“It’s going to be an effort to stop looking at you long enough to drive. You really are stunning.”

“Thank you,” she said, and he wondered if she was making fun of him. He didn’t care. He could hardly stop looking at her. How had he known her all his life and not seen how gorgeous she really was?

He carried out her bags and then returned for her. “Let’s go,” he said, taking her arm.

As they stepped outside she frowned. “Oh, you’ve taken your sports car.”

He grinned. “Half the world drools when they see this car. You look as if you want to run and get your pickup.”

“I’ve gotten more nervous about speed and risks since Hank was killed. Do me a favor and keep it at the speed limit or lower.”

“Sure,” he said, smiling and shaking his head. “I might as well have brought my old car. Okay. We’ll go slowly because I don’t want a white-knuckled passenger. You didn’t used to be this way.”

“I used to have Hank.”

“Sorry, Meg,” Gabe said, hugging her lightly. “I miss him, too. But you know, he wasn’t as wild as you think.”

“Yes, he was. You don’t know the difference because you’re the same way.”

“Are we having an argument at the beginning of the evening?”

She flashed a radiant smile that felt like a blast of sunshine. “Absolutely not. I think you’re a wonderful driver and I can’t wait to ride with you, my handsome prince to the rescue.”

“This prince can’t wait to kiss his princess good-night at the end of the evening.”

“I’ll try not to disappoint you,” she whispered.

“I’d be willing to bet every cent I own that you will not disappoint me at all.”

She smiled. “We’ll see.”

He could only stare at her full, stunning red lips. Her eyes might be gorgeous but her mouth was pure temptation. Damn, he was getting hotter by the second.

His voice was husky when he finally spoke. “I’m about ready to go back inside now and get some of those kisses.”

“Oh, no,” she said, not a bit rattled. “I want Justin and my family to see us.”

“Absolutely. And I’ll be drooling over you all evening.”

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