Page 94 of Her Boss, Her Rancher: Sunrise On The Ranch

When they entered Blake’s bedroom, she spent time studying the art, avoiding looking at the king-size bed because it would stir memories of being with Blake, even though it had been in his other bedroom. She wanted out of his house, to get away from the ranch and back to her own world in Kansas, doing the work she loved—and beginning to get over her time with Blake Callahan.

Finally, the tour was over. Wendell served trays of delicious-looking food, and the dining room table held more trays and platters. Since she had come with Eli and Lucinda, she would have to stay until they left, so she drifted around, trying to keep away from Blake, wanting to avoid talking to him.

But then he appeared in front of her. “You don’t have anything to drink. We have orange juice, tomato juice, iced tea—all kinds of drinks. Can I get you something?”

“I’m fine, Blake.”

“If you’ll stay, I’ll get you home later and we can talk.”

She gazed into brown eyes that hid his feelings. “Thanks, but I have a plane to catch, and I don’t think we have anything else to say to each other at this point in time. I still feel the same as I did when we last talked.”

“We still might try to work things out.”

“We have months to figure things out. I’m not staying.”

She could feel the clash between them. Nothing showed in his expression, but she was certain he wasn’t pleased. She turned and walked away, stepping into the kitchen to see if Etta was there. Sierra wanted to say hello and compliment her on the food.

“We’ll miss you here,” Etta said. “You come back.” She patted Sierra’s arm. “His rooms are wonderful.”

“Thank you. A lot of people worked on them.”

“Take care of yourself.”

“Thanks, Etta,” she said, surprised by the last. She couldn’t imagine Blake had said anything to Wendell or Etta about the baby, but she couldn’t recall Etta saying that to her before.

Finally, Lucinda asked if she was ready to leave, and fifteen minutes later she stepped to the door and turned to Blake.

“I’m sure we’ll be in touch.”

“Sierra, the new wing surpassed all my hopes and expectations. Eli and Lucinda are very talented. You’ve got a wonderful eye. Everything in the new wing is perfect. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” she said, thinking how polite they were being with each other. She was aware that Lucinda and a few others standing around could hear their conversation.

“Lucinda and Eli have done a fantastic job. I’m glad you like everything. I have to say thank you, too, Blake. Your generosity will help Dad’s church and the agency immeasurably. We’ll keep in touch to let you know where the money goes. It will do so much to help so many.”

“That’s good. I’ll see you soon,” he said, holding out his hand. She had to take it, and the minute they touched she felt an electric current, a deeper awareness of him.

“I’ll call,” he said quietly, and released her. She joined Lucinda and Eli, who stood beside the rental car. Her back tingled, and she didn’t want to turn around and look to see if Blake still stood at the door watching them.

She didn’t expect to see Blake again for a long time. Would he come around to her way of thinking about marriage?

She hurt. And she knew why. She had fallen in love with Blake. Maybe with time it would diminish.

She fought back tears, thankful that Lucinda and Eli were discussing their art purchases.

Once Sierra got her emotions under control, she joined in the conversation, thanking them for all their hard work and complimenting them on so many excellent choices in art and furniture.

Sierra kept her emotions bottled up until she reached home, a house she had rented near her parents. She finally sank into a chair, put her head in her hands and cried. She missed Blake.

She had to admit to herself that she had fallen in love with a man bent on revenge. She couldn’t marry a man like that. Even more of a stumbling block was the fact that Blake wasn’t in love with her. She never wanted to be in a loveless marriage.

She had gotten pregnant, and she couldn’t change that. She would have Blake’s baby and they would share their child. She’d have to figure out a way to heal her broken heart.

Eight

Blake sat staring at the phone. Sierra still didn’t want to take his calls. They had talked a few times, but they always had the same argument, then she would hang up. He missed her, and it shocked him. There seemed to be a big, empty hole in his life. He couldn’t stop thinking about her, wanting to see her, even just to talk to her. He wanted to be with her again.

He still thought marriage was a good idea. Even with their differences, marriage seemed the best solution. Surprisingly, it was something he wanted.