Page 21 of Impossible Love

“Sure.”

He’s right—it does look yummy. But that’s because everything is fresh and crisp, not one of those premade grocery store salads. My housekeeper keeps the refrigerator stocked with a variety of them.

Cal goes back to the kitchen and returns with his own plate, piled high.

“So you’re a rancher and a gourmet chef?”

“I’m a lot of things.” He serves himself some salad and bread. “Gourmet cook isn’t one of them, though I did get this recipe from someone who is. A buddy of mine who’s a chef in Los Angeles. Dig in. I hope it’s edible.”

He says that last bit while glancing away. That “I hope it’s edible” line marks the first time I’ve seen him with anything approaching a lack of self-confidence.

He suddenly looks up at me, concerned. “Are you a vegetarian? I didn’t even ask. I’m not used to having dinner guests, and I can’t remember the last time I made myself a meal that didn’t include a steak. If you don’t want it, I can—”

“Touch my steak I’ll stab your hand.”

A second goes by. Then two. He’s studying me, trying to figure out if I’m joking or just stabby. He laughs. I join him.

“It’s just that, honestly, I’m really hungry, and this looks fabulous.” I ignore the vegetarian comment. I often encounter people who assume I’m a vegan or vegetarian because I live in Southern California and am a size four. But my father raised me at steakhouses. For more than a decade, those dinners have provided the only opportunity I have to see him outside of work.

“Well then, dig in,” he says. “If you’re from San Diego and like steak, then chances are you’ve already enjoyed some of Yosemite Ranch’s beef. The finest West Coast steakhouses order from us on a regular basis.”

I cut a piece of steak and slip it into my mouth. Almost immediately, I hear a hum of intense appreciation escape my lips. My eyes close. It’s beyond delicious. It’s by far the best steak I’ve ever tasted. It melts on my tongue.

“That’s right.” Cal notices my enjoyment and grins. “You’re tasting Wagyu that was born, raised, and grass-fed on our land. If you add the best land in America to the best beef in America and then hand-trim and age it onsite, you get the best damn steak to be found anywhere in the world.”

I nod enthusiastically as I swallow another bite.

He locks eyes with mine again. My face grows warm. This is becoming a habit. Each time I get a good look at those shockingly beautiful eyes, I blush.

I lunge for my glass of wine and take a gulp. I pour myself another glass. Anything to break the connection.

Chapter 13

Victoria

We eat in silence, which is fine by me. I get to appreciate the meal without worrying about pointless chitchat. And it gives me a moment to rethink my strategy.

Jamie is most definitely in charge here. That much was made clear when he laid down the law and Cal obeyed. But now Jamie is leaving for a week. Any clarification I need will have to come from Cal. I’ll be forced to read the room while Cal’s standing in it. If I’m going to get this deal signed, I’ll have to find a way to smooth Cal’s rough edges. I don’t need him to be my BFF, of course, but if he viciously opposes the sale, it’s possible he could throw a wrench in things. If he hates me, he won’t be able to see the benefit of what I bring to the table.

I shoot a quick glance his way, then return my focus to my plate before he catches me looking. I know we share an attraction. That is painfully obvious. But I don’t do business that way. I don’t mix attraction and colleagues, and I will never again mix business with pleasure.

Once was enough. I learned my lesson. And my father has never let me forget my misstep.

Another thing I don’t do is use my feminine wiles to get what I want. I don’t show up to negotiate a deal looking like I’m on my way to a night of clubbing. But I’m not responsible if the men sitting across the conference table from me can’t see because their eyes are crossed and can’t speak because their tongues are hanging out because I’m an attractive female colleague.

That’s on them.

So I will not do anything to lead Mr. Alpha on. I’ll tamp down the attraction on my side. If I let something happen between us, it would be unfair. I have no interest in a relationship with anyone, let alone with someone who lives here.

Everything I want is in San Diego. My gorgeous modern penthouse condo overlooking the harbor. A glamorous job with unlimited potential for advancement. In fact, I’ll own the company outright one day.

I’m not going to give all that up for a hot cowboy in a worn plaid shirt.

And that’s what this cowboy wants—for me to give it all away, give it up and go home. Cal is the enemy here, and I’d be wise to remember that. Muscles, chef skills, and movie-star bedroom eyes will never change that.

Right?

Chapter 14

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