Page 10 of The Rancher

“Well, it’s been…something…meeting you both, but Ray promised me a dance.” She looked up at Ray. “I think I’m ready for that dance now.”

He nodded. “So am I.” He nudged her with his hand on her back. “Shall we?” He raised his arm.

A server walked up almost immediately. “Yes, Mr. Kincaid? Can I get you something?”

“No. Just take these glasses, please.” Ray smiled at the earnest young man.

He held his tray out to Ray.

Ray took their half-full glasses and placed them on the tray. “Thank you,” he said to the server.

“Certainly, sir.” He tilted his head and turned away.

Ray turned his gaze back toward Marissa and Scott. “If you’ll excuse us.” He didn’t wait for a reply but took Lyris’s hand and led her toward the dance floor, where he pulled her into his arms, bringing her close.

“I’m sorry about that. I probably should have warned you about Marissa.”

She could smell his cologne; the scent was masculine with notes of sandalwood and spice in it. She loved it. Sandalwood especially was one of her favorites. With one arm around his neck, Lyris shook her head. “You don’t have to tell me about your private life. I’m just contract labor, remember?”

He had one hand around her waist and his other hand clasped hers tightly between them as they swayed to “Time After Time”by Cyndi Lauper.

“Thank you for coming with me tonight.”

“You don’t have to thank me. Like I said, I feel like Cinderella at the ball, and what would that experience be like without the ugly stepsister?”

Ray’s eyes widened. He tipped his head back as he laughed. Then, he straightened. “You’re quite the surprise, Lyris Jennings. I think I like you.”

“I feel the same way about you, Ray Kincaid. Now, tell me the story behind Scott and Marissa. I already assume you found them in bed together and that is why the wedding was called off, but I feel like there is more to the story. What am I missing?”

Ray swayed to the music and was silent for a while. “Marissa wasn’t a great love, so don’t be thinking that. But we had similar interests, and I thought Maddy needed a mother.” He stopped for a moment. “Scott was my best friend. We’d gone to college together, and when we graduated, we both went to work for our respective families. His parents were in the breeding business back then.”

“This all sounds a little incestuous…even though none of you are related.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, I suppose it does. Anyway, that all happened more than a year ago. I’m actually surprised she and Scott are still together. That can’t be good for anyone. They are both conniving—I can’t say what they are in mixed company. You’ll think poorly of me if I do.”

She looked up at him in all seriousness. “After seeing you with Maddy, I doubt anything could make me think poorly of you. You are clearly a doting father. She’s the most important thing in your life, and that is the way it should be. I admire that about you.”

The corners of his mouth tipped up. “Thank you. I know you’ve only been here for just over a week, but I am very happy you took the job.”

“I should finish with the preliminary exams in the next two weeks. You’ve got another two mares just about ready to foal. I’ll be there to help, if needed.”

“You don’t look strong enough to do much helping.” He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “You look much too beautiful tonight to even think about pulling a foal.”

She chuckled softly. “It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had to, but I’d rather not do it in my dress. Ruining this beautiful gown with birthing fluids would be such a shame.”

Lyris saw Scott approaching, just before he tapped Ray on the shoulder.

“Cutting in, old man.” Scott’s smile was feral…all teeth and didn’t reach his eyes.

Ray looked him up and down twice before deciding to cede his place with Lyris.

Marissa was right behind Scott and tapped Ray on the shoulder. “I believe this is our dance.”

Ray narrowed his eyes but gave her a curt nod. Then he put a hand on each side of her waist and extended his arms.

This position forced her to straighten her arms, too.

“Are you afraid you’ll discover you miss me if you hold me close?” she whispered.