Page 50 of Ranch Rules

“Will you be glad to go back to work?”

“I guess. I mean, I like to work, but...” The truth was she didn’t want to think of how little time she had left at the ranch. After getting to know Thomas, all she wanted to do was spend more time with him.

“But you’ll miss him,” Lora replied with a knowing twinkle in her eye.

Natalie shrugged a shoulder, but she could tell the other woman wasn’t fooled. “What are you working on now?” she asked to change the subject.

“I just finished shooting a guest spot on Hours Apart,” she said, naming a very popular soap opera.

“That’s pretty cool.”

“Yeah. Maybe it’ll lead to more episodes, I don’t know.”

“What does Nate think of your being an actress?” She couldn’t resist asking.

Lora giggled. “Well, I’m sure he’d rather I did something that could be done from the ranch, or at least close by, but he’s pretty understanding. I’m here whenever I’m not on set, and even though I wish I could be here more I’m grateful for the time we do have, you know?”

“It sounds like you guys have worked out a good system.”

“You have to. That’s what it’s all about, you know? When you’re in love. There,” she said as she looped the ponytail holder and tightened it. “All done.”

Natalie reached a hand behind her head, stroking the silky braid. “Thanks. You’ll have to teach that to me sometime. I mean...” She trailed off, because honestly, she would probably never see the girl again once she left the ranch. She couldn’t imagine their paths crossing anywhere else.

Lora smiled, her cheek dimpling. “Sure, I’d love to. Now, we’ve got hungry horses to feed.”

Remembering her earlier excitement, Natalie eagerly followed her and they split the stalls. She walked stall to stall, providing each horse with fresh hay, feed, and an apple. She enjoyed her time petting and talking to each one, and when she and Lora met back up in the middle she realized that she’d never been more relaxed.

“I love horses.” Lora’s grin matched her own.

“I need to find a place to ride when I get back to the city.”

“Or you could always come back here to ride them.” The other woman’s smile became sly and knowing.

Natalie laughed. “It’s a bit of a drive just to ride.”

“Well, depending on who you’re riding it might be worth it.”

Lora’s appearance was so demure that it made the statement even more surprising. Natalie could feel her cheeks blazing with heat.

“Oh, come on! I know you’re not a prude.”

“No, but... you know, this stuff with Thomas... it’s just a job to him. And I know that he is very dedicated, but I’m not under any illusions. When the week is up, I’ll go back to my life and he’ll go back to his.” The day was full of surprises, because it wasn’t until she said the words allowed that she realized how sad the idea made her.

“Well, maybe not. Maybe you could talk to him and—”

She smiled sadly and shook her head. “We come from two different worlds. I mean, he’s a... a... well, he does this.” She gestured to the ranch. “And I’m a lawyer.”

“Hmm... I get the feeling there’s more to it than that.”

Natalie chuckled. “Well, then you’re very astute. There’s the whole ‘little’ thing... like I said, different worlds. And it’s fun to pretend while I’m here, but...”

“Maybe it could be more than that.”

She shrugged a shoulder, not in the mood to debate it anymore. “Maybe. Listen, I’ve got some stuff to take care of back at the ranch. So I better get going.”

Lora’s face fell. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I hope I didn’t say anything to—”

“No, no.” Natalie reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “We’re good, I promise. And hey, thanks again for doing my hair.”

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