Page 82 of A Rancher's Bride
“Deep thoughts for a January night,” Luke teased.
“It’s good to have them once in a while,” Caleb acknowledged. He looked Luke directly in the eyes. “I was a little slow on the uptake. You and Kelli being together isn’t bad, but it makes things…complicated. Giving her part ownership of Nemo puts a little more power in her hands. She’ll have money that doesn’t depend on you or her position here at Silver Stone.
It was the answer to so many lingering concerns. Luke exhaled in a rush. “Thank you for understanding.”
“Some might say we’re being foolish,” Caleb pointed out.
“I really care about Kelli.” Luke chose his words carefully. “And I’m not saying much more than that because we’re still figuring things out, but I don’t want her staying on board with Silver Stone because she has nowhere else to go. Hell, I don’t want her staying on board withmebecause she has no options.”
A low chuckle escaped his brother. “I think you’re a far bigger attraction than you’re giving yourself credit for.”
It was Luke’s turn to shrug. “Okay, call it leverage for those times when I screw up. Now she’ll have something to beat me over the head with.”
“Trust me. You’ll do things worth being beat over the head for.”
Luke didn’t disagree. “Let me tell her?”
Caleb grinned. “Of course. Telling a woman good news is always best done by someone who can truly appreciate the celebration that follows.”
Which was pretty much what Luke figured.
“I’ll text you as soon as I hear back from Ginny and Dustin,” Caleb promised.
Luke squeezed Caleb’s shoulder then took off, hoping confirmation came sooner than later so he didn’t have to keep this secret from Kelli for too long.
He called Walker as he strode through the darkness to his back door, but as they’d suspected, Walker had no problems with the idea. Another layer of relief flooded in when only moments after Luke hung up his coat, Caleb texted.
Caleb:Ginny is up for some ungodly reason and already responded. She says, and I quote, “it’s about freaking time.” I don’t know if that’s in reference to Nemo’s shares, or you and Kelli being together. I haven’t heard from Dustin, but I know he considers her family. Go ahead and tell Kelli if you want.
Luke:You sure?
Caleb:Yes. We’ve got four out of the five share-holders in agreement. If Dustin’s got any worries, I’ll talk him through them.
His brother was right. Didn’t make Luke any less grateful to be given the go-ahead.
Luke:Thanks. For all of it.
Caleb:Don’t you have something to do? I’ve had enough typing with my thumbs on this stupid phone.
Kelli was tangled in a yoga position in front of his fireplace. The sight of her there made him happy with the memory of their time chatting during the gala.
The position made him cringe.
* * *
Kelli had knownhe was there the instant he’d stepped a boot on the back stairs. She’d forced her breathing to stay slow and smooth, and by the time he entered the room she was as close to calm as possible.
Her heart rate was always erratic around him—sexy, dangerous man.
“You’re going to break something,” he warned, his deep voice sweet and tempting like hot chocolate and whipped cream.
“Only if you join me,” she teased, unraveling her legs and turning toward him. “Mr. Inflexible.”
“I’m very flexible. I change my mind whenever I choose.” He dropped to the floor beside her, stretching out his legs as he leaned back on the couch. He’d pulled off his socks, and his feet were bare.
That shouldn’t have seemed so damn sexy, but it did.
She ignored the hum of heat simply looking at him ignited. “You were working late. Ashton making you redo stalls again?”
