Page 12 of Unexpected Sweetheart
“You’re selling yourself short. I don’t believe they were all like that. But you never give any of them a chance. That alone tells me this guy must be something special.”
“He just makes me feel…normal, I suppose. He’s older.”
“Older is hot.”
I smile. “And he’s tall and strong. Super bossy but turns out that’s something I really like.”
“Sounds to me like you need to pay that man a visit during the night.”
“Oh, I already tried that.” My face burns at the recollection. “I went to him in my sexiest lingerie, and I told him verbally that I want him too. But he’s holding back.”
“You think he’s gay?”
“No. He doesn’t look at me like he’s gay. He looks at me like he’s hungry.”
“Oh lord, I’m fanning myself here. I love it when men look at me like I’m lunch.” I giggle as she makes some obscene noises.
“It’s definitely…hot,” I admit once she’s calmed down. “And horribly disappointing. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong here, Dell. I need some of your sage man wisdom.”
“Well, if you’ve tried the sexy negligee and you’ve been straight up with him, then I guess all that’s left is to ask him what’s holding him back. Maybe it’s something you can work through?”
My cheeks flame even hotter as I think about even having that conversation. “I don’t know if I can put myself through anymore embarrassment, Dell. Maybe I just have to accept what is.”
“Do you want the man or not?”
I close my eyes and think about him, my heart swelling over the idea of being in his arms. “I really do.”
“Then go and get him. You are a goddess, my dear friend. And you shouldn’t have to accept anything less than perfection. And worst-case scenario, if it does go wrong and you just want to get out of there, you call me and I’ll come and get you. Because I will. Hot cowboy or not, if you want out, I’m on the road in a jiffy.”
Just as her offer hits my ears, Ryan walks out of the feed store pushing a pallet lifter toward the truck. The sight of him alone has my blood heating, and I wonder if, after two rejections already, I’m brave enough to attempt a third.Third time’s the charm though, right?
Pressing my lips together, I drag my bottom lip into my mouth. “Thanks, Dell. But I think I’ll take my chances right here. I’ll see you in a couple of weeks tops.”
“OK. The offer is still there. Any time, day or night. If you want an evac, I’m your girl.”
“Thanks, Dell,” I say, ending the call just as Ryan pulls open the door and grabs the key to unlock the tailgate.
“Who were you on the phone to?” he demands, his voice gruff and unimpressed as he gestures to the phone in my lap.
I lift my eyes to meet his. “A friend.”
Placing his hands on the roof of the truck, he leans in slightly, studying my expression. “Guy or girl?”
A smile curves my lips. “Why? Are you jealous?”
His eye twitches. “Just answer the damn question.”
“I don’t see what relevance it has to our situation.”
“While you’re in my care, everything about you is relevant.”
“In your care? Are you saying you care about me, Ryan?” I tilt my head and smile, feeling flirtatious and enjoying the way he seems to be getting riled up over this. If I’m lucky, he might take me back to the ranch and spank me until I tell him what he wants to know.
Releasing a discontented grunt, his arm shoots out and snatches the phone from my hand. “What’s the code to unlock it?”
“I’m not giving it to you. You have no right to go through my—”
“Thanks,” he says, holding my phone in front of me so face id does the unlocking for him.
