Page 74 of Broken Rules

“Why not?”Jared leaned forward.“You enjoyed yourself here this week, and this would allow you to stay.I need someone I can trust, and I think that’s you.”

It made sense, but could she risk her heart and her livelihood?“Do you need to talk this over with Tyler first?”

“Not in this case.I handle the employees in the ranch house; he deals with the personnel who work with the animals.”

I guess it wouldn’t hurt to hear Jared out.“Let’s discuss what you want.”

***

Tyler groomed the horse after his long ride.He’d said his good-byes to Becca that morning and then took off on Thunder.He couldn’t watch her leave.His heart hurt too much.

Maybe he should have told her he loved her, but they’d agreed to the one week.Her dream job waited for her.She’d said that multiple times, so it had to be important to her.Plus, she’d come here after a breaking her engagement, though she seemed to be recovered from that.

Last night, after they made love, he’d been so close to asking her to stay.Then he had to spoil it by asking about her the job.Her eyes lit up as she talked about it, and he wouldn’t stop her from chasing her dreams.He wanted her to be happy.

Tyler blew out a breath and rubbed his abs.He’d survive, somehow.Glancing at his watch, he saw it was almost time for the new guests to arrive, and Jared liked him to be around for any questions.He needed to put on a smile and be the host Jared needed.

He walked slowly from the barn to the main house and up to his rooms.Already, the ranch seemed empty without Becca.She lit up his entire world with her smile.She trusted him when she didn’t have a reason to trust anyone.How could he let her go without telling her how much she meant to him?He should call her.He’d do that once he finished his duties with the new guests.

Maybe he could figure out something where he would be able spend weekends in San Francisco with her.Would she be willing to have a long-distance romance?God, he hoped so, because he couldn’t imagine his life without her.He was a complete goner.

The city wasn’t that far away.But was that fair to Jared?They’d gone into this as a partnership.If he was gone every weekend, that left a lot to Jared.Screw it.Jared would understand.After taking a quick shower and pulling on some clothes, he was no closer to an answer.

He’d talk to Jared after dinner with the new guests tonight.Tyler had learned a hard lesson about chasing a woman.That hadn’t ended well, yet here he was, ready to do it all over again.

He loved Becca.That had to mean something, and every ounce of his being told him he needed to take this chance.Confusion swirled inside him as he tried to figure a way he could be with Becca and not leave Jared in the lurch.Maybe he could get one of his workers to take over his duties with the horses on weekends, and stay at the ranch on weekdays.That way, he could spend time with Becca.

Could he be happy in the city?With Becca in his arms, yes.With a plan in mind, he descended the stairs.Jared would probably agree, but how did Becca feel?They’d never really confessed their feelings to each other.

He swore silently.He should have told her of his love this morning instead of letting her go.It wasn’t too late.Instead of calling her, he’d drive to the city after dinner.He loved her and he would see if she loved him too.It was a risk, but one he was willing to take.

At the bottom of the stairs, he heard the chatter of the new guests.Despite his heavy heart, he pasted on a smile and walked into the dining room.His heart stopped.Becca stood there, speaking with a guest, looking like she’d been part of the ranch staff for months.What was she doing here?She should have been gone hours ago.

“Great,” Jared said.“Everyone, this is Tyler, my business partner.”

“Becca?”Tyler ignored Jared.

“Hi there.”Her sweet voice teased his senses.

“Perfect,” Jared said.“I was just about to introduce everyone to our newest team member” Jared walked over to Becca and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Newest member?”Why was Jared touching his woman?Pull in the reins, the sane voice inside him chanted.Jared was his friend, and Becca’s gaze was still on Tyler.

“Yes.”Becca grinned.“Hi, everyone, I’m Becca, and I’m the head of catering, so if there is anything special you need foodwise, let me know.”

Everyone welcomed her and returned to chatting amongst themselves.

Tyler walked over to where Becca and Jared stood grinning.“If you’ll excuse us for a minute,” Tyler said to his friend.

“Of course.”Jared removed his hand and took his seat at the table.

“I thought you’d left,” Tyler said, staring down at her beautiful face and ignoring everyone else in the room.

“I was about to and came to ask Jared where you were.I—I needed to talk to you before I left.”

“And he offered you a job?What about your dream job?”

“Vic and Jared were having issues with some vendors, and I helped them out.”She lifted her hands to his face.“Tyler, something changed in me this week.Something big, and you made that happen.I realized I don’t need a dream job, not when I’ve found the man of my dreams.That is, if he’ll have me?”

---