“What brought this on?”
He had no idea how to explain to her his apparently sudden change of heart.He didn’t totally understand it himself.But for him it wasn’t sudden.No, his feelings had been growing for months.Seeing her last night with another man, one she was clearly ready to leave with, had blown to pieces whatever hesitation he’d had.
“I’ve been thinking about it for a while now.About you.And me.I think we could be good together.”
She sipped her latte, then set it down.“How can I put this?No.”
“When I kissed you, you kissed me back.”
“All that means is you’re a good kisser.”
“You can’t tell me you’ve never thought about the two of us together.”
“Sure I have.”
“Well, then—”
“When I was eighteen.”
“Nothing since?”Okay, it was hurt pride, but the fact that she’d managed to get over him so finally bothered the hell out of him.
Which was ridiculous.She’d been eighteen and had a crush on him.That’s all it had been.And he’d turned her down in no uncertain terms.She’d been way too young for him to take advantage of.
“Look, Riley, you know I care about you.I always will.I love your whole family.You and Val and your parents are as close as I have to family.But you and me together romantically?”She shook her head.“I don’t see it.”
“You’re not even willing to give us a shot?”
“I’ll think about it.But don’t count on it.I’ll see you at Thanksgiving.”
“You said I could help you with the pies.When are you making them?”
“I don’t remember saying you could help me.”
“It’s sad that you’re so young and your memory is already going.”
“Very funny.I’m making them the day before.Bright and early.Can you do that?”
“Yes.I’ll make arrangements.”Both of his new hands were single with no family in the area.Mercy, the Fletchers’ housekeeper, always made a special meal the day before Thanksgiving for the ranch hands and others who worked on the ranch and had no place else to go.That usually took place the night before.Unless the Fletchers had it at their house and then everyone who worked or lived on the ranch was invited to come on Thanksgiving Day.
Since his family were all going to Val’s and Liam’s for the meal, getting someone to cover the ranch for him for both days shouldn’t be hard.Especially since he’d give them a bonus for each of those days they worked.
*
Knowing Val wouldbe up very early between the baby, the horses, and the myriad other duties of a rancher, Letty called her early that morning.“Hey, can you talk for a minute?”
“Yes, but I have to put you on speakerphone.I’m getting Vivian dressed.”
“That’s fine.”She waited a moment.“Have you noticed Riley acting weird?”
“I haven’t but Liam has.Not weird, though.Just unexpected.”
“Meaning what?”
“He thinks Riley is looking to settle down.And you know how he’s always said he was waiting for the right woman.”
“Does he have someone in mind?”
“I think so, but Liam wouldn’t tell me.But if he knows I’ll get it out of him.I have ways.”They both laughed.
