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“For now, why don’t you just introduce me as Reese?”
His grin faded. “I don’t mind everyone knowing about us.”
“Neither do I. But maybe it’s best if we let them draw their own conclusions. I’m sure it’ll be obvious, considering how difficult it is for me to take my eyes off you.”
“Well, you know, Sam usually gets all the women’s attention.”
“I doubt it. He’s pretty amazing, yes. But doesn’t quite hold a candle to you.”
Caleb didn’t want to delve into the gold-digging factor in his or his brother’s lives. They’d both been played. Sam’s real love, however, had been thwarted by their parents. And he’d never given a relationship a second chance after that. Not that he was bitter per se. Caleb thought his brother was more of a realist. Being an heir to the kind of fortune they both were meant everyone in the family thought they had a say in what the brothers did and certainly who they dated.
Of course the thought agitated Caleb. It wouldn’t matter how beautiful or genuine Reese was, his mother would find fault in her because she was simple and grounded. Perfect in Caleb’s mind. Which would never do for Judith Bennett because she lived to be a big-shot diva. Reese would prove to be too country mouse for his mother. The Glam Goddess simply wouldn’t get her.
But he knew Sam had a valid point. Even if Caleb tried to hide his new relationship, his mother would eventually ferret it out. In doing so, she’d likely make Reese’s life a living hell whenever Caleb brought her around in the future—her way of getting back at him for keeping a secret.
So showing her off was his only solution. But he did warn her, “Remember when you said you should come with cautionary signs?”
“Yes.”
“Now it’s my turn to say that. Don’t take anything my family—other than Sam—says as gospel. They’re of the ‘you should be just like us’ variety. Know what I mean?”
She smiled. “I’ll completely underwhelm them, I have no doubt. But if that bothered you, you wouldn’t ask me to go.”
“Damn,” he said with a slight shake of his head. “You do catch on quick.”
“I can keep my shoulders squared.”
“That’s my girl.” He kissed her, then amended, “Woman.”
* * * * *
Caleb had to chuckle come morning when he rolled over and discovered he was sleeping alone. The smell of coffee and waffles told him exactly where he’d find his missing bedmate.
He hauled himself up, showered and dressed. Reese’s soft laughter met his ears as he entered the living room and found her at the table in the nook with Sam. Another platter full of food sat in the center. He settled in next to her and handed over a small, baby-blue box.
“Merry Christmas.”
She eyed him curiously. “Tell me you did not break our rule of keeping the gift exchanges simple and practical. Nothing outrageous.”
“I heard you loud and clear.”
Her low snort made Sam laugh. He said, “You do tend to have Dad’s overboard mentality when it comes to gift giving, Caleb.”
“I stuck to the guidelines,” he insisted. “I promise.”
Reese pulled the white satin bow. “You know, I’ve seen this packaging at Liza’s before. If this is jewelry, you are in very big trouble.”
“You like your little gold hoop earrings. I know.”
She lifted the lid and stared at the claim ticket nestled inside the folds of white satin. Caleb grinned.
“I borrowed the box from Liza. Just to throw you off. Had you a little nervous, didn’t I?”
“I knew it wasn’t a ring, so don’t look so damn smug.” Pulling out the paper, she asked, “What’d I win?”
“There’s a saddle waiting for you at the tack and saddle shop in town. Fully outfitted. I picked it out myself and I’m pretty sure you’re going to like it.”
Her smile was a dazzling one. “You bought me a saddle so I can go riding with you?”
