Page 48 of The Texan's Secrets

He’d gone with a beer for himself. “Paris says you’re a computer genius.”

“Paris is exaggerating,” Emilia said.

“She’s very humble,” Paris said.

Emilia gave an eye roll as she took another drink. The River Fizz was going down easy.

“You run your own company?” Chase asked.

“Just me. A sole proprietorship.” Emilia didn’t want to overstate the situation.

“With clients all over the world,” Paris put in.

“That part is true,” Emilia agreed. “It’s one of the big benefits of a tech career. You can mostly do it from anywhere.”

“And you chose Royal.”

“It’s an up-and-coming tech hub. Just look around at all this. Misha’s helped to put it on the map.”

“Chase’s family is part of old Royal,” Paris said.

“We’re not snobs about it.” He paused. “But we do value our roots. This isn’t called the Texas Cattleman’s Club for nothing.”

“Nick, my date—” Emilia took a quick glance around, beginning to wonder if he really had ditched her. She didn’t see him anywhere right now. “He’s working on an app for one of the local ranches.”

“That’s interesting. We use technology on the ranch now, everybody does. But it’s mostly standard programs. Do you know which ranch?”

Emilia almost blurted it out, but then realized it might be confidential. “I can’t really say.”

“Fair enough.”

A tall, burly man came up behind Chase and clapped him hard on the shoulder. “Hey, bro. How’s it going?”

“Sammy?” Chase asked, a big grin splitting his face. “When did you get home?”

The two men heartily embraced then separated, both still grinning.

“Paris, Emilia,” Chase said. “This is my little brother Sammy. Sammy, Paris is my date, and Emilia is her roommate.”

“Somebody’s dating you?” Sammy asked Chase, pulling a face. “I’m so sorry, ma’am.” He reached a big hand out to shake Paris’s. Then he turned to Emilia, the friendly gaze in his blue eyes softening his craggy face. “Emilia, is it?” He offered his hand to her. “Are you anyone’s date?”

“Down, Sammy,” Chase said. “She’s here with someone.”

“I am,” Emilia said as Sammy gently shook her hand. He was clearly aware of his strength and power and careful with it.

“I don’t see anyone with her,” he joked.

“He’s around here somewhere,” Emilia said, keeping her smile in place. “It’s nice to meet you, Sammy.”

Sammy took a step back and looked to Paris. “So, you’re dating my brother.”

“We matched on the k!smet app,” Paris said easily, looping her arm into Chase’s.

Chase looked happy about her move. “Second date,” he said.

Sammy looked from one to the other. “How’s it going so far?”

“Good,” Paris said.

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