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He was just about to move off when he heard a low laugh, and froze as the door of his father’s bedroom started to open. He backed up until he was deep in the shadows, and watched openmouthed as Leanne came creeping out, her disheveled hair down around her shoulders, and a big smile on her face. Adam’s dad followed her out, wearing only his boxers, and whispered something that made her chuckle and swat his rear.
They went into the kitchen, giving Adam the opportunity to run in the other direction. He lay down on his bed and put his hands over his eyes, feeling like a horrified teenager wishing he hadn’t seen what his parents had obviously been up to.
Whatever his relationship with his mother, he suspected that he hadn’t seen the last of her and, that even when she left, she’d definitely be back. Rolling over, he determinedly closed his eyes. If he could deal with having a new sexual relationship with Lizzie, he could—
“Nope,” Adam muttered. “Actually, I can’t deal with that yet, so I’m just going to pretend I didn’t see a thing.”
Chapter Eighteen
When Lizzie woke up there was a note from Adam on her pillow explaining that he had to get back to the ranch for his morning chores, and that he’d call her later. Seeing as it was Sunday, and she didn’t have to work, she contemplated the unusual notion of staying in bed for a while.
Her body ached in some unusual places, and the idea of a hot, uninterrupted bath without Roman’s bubbles and shrieking was highly motivational. She got up and made the bed, making sure she didn’t lose Adam’s note in the pillows. His handwriting was as bold and strong as he was, and he wasn’t one to waste words on silly declarations of love.
She left the note on the kitchen countertop, put on the coffeemaker, and took her bath in luxurious silence. By the time she’d washed her hair, dressed, and had her coffee, her mom had texted to say they were settled in Anaheim, and that Roman was raring to go and explore the park.
Lizzie contemplated what to do with her day. She could just sit at home, read a book, and laze around on the couch. The idea of having all that time to herself felt quite decadent. She fixed herself two croissants and ate every bit.
Her cell buzzed. She unplugged it from the charger and read the text message from Yvonne.
Sorry to disrupt your Sunday, but thought you might like to know that Rio’s flying into the Morgan ranch airstrip with Carlos and Ines. He’ll be here in about two hours.
Lizzie texted back. If you like, I can go up there and make sure everything’s dusted down and ready to receive them.
Are you sure you’re okay to do that? I’m at Morgan Ranch dealing with a celebratory anniversary lunch involving lots of cake. I can’t get away until three at the earliest. Rio kind of sprung this on me. LOL.
I’m happy to help out. Have you told Adam? Lizzie asked.
I haven’t, but I will. I’ll probably see you there later, okay? Text me if you need anything, or ask Rio. x.
Lizzie immediately went to her freezer, pulled out frozen lasagna, and a loaf of Yvonne’s bread, and set them on the countertop. Ines probably wouldn’t want to be cooking the moment she arrived back home. Lizzie also found a half gallon of milk and added that to the pile.
It was already warm so she decided to stick to her denim skirt and T-shirt. She added sturdy cowboy boots to avoid the worst the ranch had to offer. She braided her hair, lamenting the loss of her wedding curls, and found her battered cowboy hat to shade her face from the sun.
Her old car was hot from sitting in the sun at the back of the building. She left the windows down as she backed out of her parking space. Because her landlord was a mechanic, and a really decent guy, her car drove way better than it looked.
She put in an old CD and sang along to various songs, as she drove up to the Cortez ranch. She smiled, remembering Adam’s starstruck face when he’d come face-to-face with his idol Travis Whitley and been offered a cordial handshake and an autograph.
The gates were already unlocked so she drove through them without stopping. When she pulled up in front of the house, Adam’s truck was already there. For a moment, she stayed in the car, suddenly shy about seeing him again.
