Page 9 of The Texan's Secrets

While hacking for Paris, Emilia had come across the profile of a member calling himself JustSayYes. His warm eyes had all but leaped out at her. He wore a half smile that said he had depth, if not outright secrets. His anonymity, his job as a programmer, plus his hobby of horseback riding had intrigued her.

In a moment of impulse, she’d hacked her own profile and forced the match between them. And now, here she was, about to discover if she’d shortchanged her friend, or conversely made a colossal mistake by setting herself up with JustSayYes.

She shut off the car engine just as the front door of the ranch house swung open.

She couldn’t fight her own smile as JustSayYes emerged into the sunlight. She’d have known his russet hair, chiseled chin and deep hazel eyes anywhere, especially when he smiled back. Her heart took a funny lurch.

“Sorry, Paris,” she muttered as she closed the driver’s door behind her.

He trotted down the short staircase and came her way with an easy stride.

“Emilia,” he said, holding out his broad hand. The lilt of his deep voice made her think he’d had doubts she’d show up.

“We did say five o’clock.”

“And you’re right on time.” His hand closed over hers. The touch was gentle, like he was holding himself back, careful not to hurt her. It was a comforting shake that ended too soon for her liking.

“Chronically punctual,” she admitted.

“That’s an admirable quality.”

“Your friends don’t mind us invading their space?” Emilia took in the expanse of neatly trimmed lawn, shrubs and shade trees that seemed at odds with the cattle fencing beyond. It was an impressive home and a bigger than average ranch, judging by the length of the private road from the highway.

“They don’t mind at all. The Cortez-Williams family is as open and friendly as they come. Don’t be surprised if there’s a full-blown family barbecue waiting for us when we get back.”

“Really?” She couldn’t tell if he was joking and hoped he was. A big boisterous family was a lot for an introvert like her to take on.

“Not your thing?” he asked, correctly assessing her expression.

“I’ve spent a lot of years coding in my basement. I’m not all that well socialized.”

He laughed, obviously assuming she was joking.

She wasn’t. Not really. She didn’t code in a basement anymore. She loved hanging out with Paris and Maggie, but she still spent plenty of time alone interacting with her screen instead of real people.

“I don’t even know your name yet,” she said, changing the subject.

He paused for a split second before answering. “Nick. My name’s Nick.” He held out his hand again.

This time he was slower in shaking hers. His warm palm sent a wash of awareness up her arm to her shoulder and deep into her chest. On first blush, he was one impressive and sexy man.

She silently apologized to Paris once again.

“Nice to meet you, Nick.” She took her time letting go. “So, why the anonymity?”

He released his grip, and she reluctantly did the same.

“It was my first time on a dating service. I was slightly intimidated.”

Emilia couldn’t imagine him being intimidated by anything. “What did you think would happen if you used your real name?”

“I guess I wanted the chance to back out.”

“But you didn’t.”

“No, I didn’t.” A beat went past. “And I’m glad.”

“Nice of you to say.” She knew he was being polite since they’d known each other all of five minutes. But politeness was another positive attribute.

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