Page 7 of Broken Rules

Her mind didn’t know, even as her body heated.

What were the risks?Rejection for sure.Disappointment, maybe.

Elation if he said yes.

Her mind played through all the possibilities.

Tyler was one of the owners, and she’d bet money there was a rule prohibiting him from getting involved with a guest.Hell, this whole thing was set up for couples in a relationship, not for once-upon-a-time lovers.

Her choices were limited.

Actually, there was only one—leave.Her body wanted her to stay, but her mind was aware of the risks.It was better to play it safe and leave.Becca went to the window and looked out, her guts churning.

Isn’t that what I always do?Play it safe?She’d done it with Alan.Look where that got me.

Indecision kept her from going into the bedroom and packing.

Then a knock on the front door pulled her out of her thoughts.Crossing the room, she opened the door.

“Hi,” Tyler said.

Her insides melted at seeing him there, heat rose in her cheeks.

If he only knew what I’d just been thinking…Liquid fire flooded her body, and her nipples grew hard.It wasn’t fair that he could do this to her after all this time.

“Come in.”She left the door open and retreated, sliding her hands into her jeans pockets.

He closed the door with a quietclickeven as she paced around the room.

“I didn’t realize… I mean… Oh, hell.”She waved her hands in the air as she tried to explain.“I’m sorry.I’ll leave.”

“You don’t have to.”He crossed the room and stopped in front of her.

The heat coming from his body singed her skin.“It’s couples only.I didn’t know about the adult part either until I read the rules just now.”

“It is usually couples only.But you do have a choice in the matter.”

“I don’t see how.”She tilted her head and stared at him.Does he want me to stay?

“We do have regular dude ranch activities.I’m sure you read that in the brochure.I can teach you to ride, if you decide to stay.I can be your guide for the week.”

“That might work.”

Who am I kidding?Yes, it would work, but it would also be torture.He was asking as a friend, not as a lover.

An unwanted, disconcerting feeling overwhelmed her.Even after all this time, she still had a compelling attraction to Tyler.It gave her more proof that marrying Alan would have been a big mistake.

“Or,” he continued, “youcouldparticipate in all the ranch has to offer.With me as your partner.”He stood there, not touching her, apparently giving her space.“It’s your choice, Becca.”

What do I have to lose?She wanted to feel like a woman again, and Tyler could do that for her, if he was willing.

“I want you to know before we do anything that I’m not on the rebound.My ex-fiancé and I were never intimate.”Her gaze met with his.She let out a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding when he didn’t respond.

I want to stay.Her mind was made up.She stepped closer.“Yes, I’ll be your partner.”

Chapter Four

BeccastaredatTyler,not quite believing he’d asked her to stay and be his partner for the adult activities.Her heart pounded as the air vibrated with anticipation and silence.Breathing was difficult.What was he thinking?

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