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“I’m fine,” she said as she descended the staircase.
“That’s not the point.” He held out his hand for her. “Call me old-fashioned, but I feel like I owe it to you to pick you up at your door.”
She hooked her arm in his as they walked across the driveway. He hadn’t driven his truck this time, but had instead brought some sort of fancy sports car. “Next time I’ll wait inside. How about that?”
“As long as there’s a next time, I’m happy.” He opened the passenger’s-side car door for her. “You look stunning, by the way,” he said as she slid into the seat.
“You don’t look half bad yourself.”
“Perfect. That’s exactly what I was going for. Not half bad.” He closed her door and rounded the back of the vehicle, then climbed into the driver’s seat, turned on the car and started down her driveway to the main road. “So, tonight. I want you to know that we can leave anytime you want. If this isn’t your scene or you aren’t having fun, just tell me. I don’t have any strong feelings one way or the other as to how long we stay.”
“It sounds to me like you do, though.”
“You know how it is in Royal. People talk. And I’m sure a few people are going to choose to talk about me tonight. That might not be fun for you, and I want you to have a good time. It’s the only thing I really care about.”
Ruby reached over and touched his arm. “Don’t worry about me. I’m looking forward to meeting your brother and sister-in-law and getting to know each other. That’s allIreally care about.”
He slid her an approving glance. “You are amazing. I hope you know that.”
She grinned and settled back a little more in her seat. “Thanks. That’s really nice to hear.”
About twenty minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of the Texas Cattleman’s Club. There were already hundreds of cars there, and the windows of the sprawling single-story slate-topped building were all lit up. Outside, dozens of couples were approaching the entrance to the imposing dark stone-and-wood structure.
“Wow,” Ruby said. “I’ve driven past here, but only during the day. I’ve never seen it at night. It really is impressive.”
Heath pulled into a parking space and killed the engine. “I suppose it is. I guess I never gave it much thought.”
“Have you been a member for a long time?”
“Our family have been members my entire life. My father became a member before Nolan and I were born. It helped him network when he was trying to put the Thurston ranch on the map.”
“Huh. Interesting.”
“Why is that interesting?”
“Because you always talk about yourself as a Royal outsider. But being a member of the Texas Cattleman’s Club for your entire life sort of disproves that theory, doesn’t it?”
“It’s a club. A way to do business.”
“Well, sure, but not everyone belongs, do they? It’s still an elite and exclusive circle.”
Heath looked off through the windows of his car. “Interesting. I never thought of it that way.”
“That’s what happens. We get used to something and don’t think anything of it. But to someone else, it might seem like a big deal.” She clapped him on the shoulder. “I, for one, am excited that you’re a member. It means I finally get to experience it for myself.”
They climbed out of the car, and Ruby hooked her arm in Heath’s as they strode through the parking lot. There was excitement in the air as he opened one of the tall doors for her and they stepped inside to the impressive entry, with its soaring ceilings and opulent furnishings. Hunting trophies and historic artifacts seemed to adorn every wall. The space was abuzz with the sound of celebratory conversation, filled to the hilt with people. Ruby’s first impression was that the Texas Cattleman’s Club was a place built on money and longevity, much like Royal itself.
As they made their way toward the reception table, Ruby immediately spotted Nolan, who was impossible to miss given that he was the spitting image of Heath. Standing next to Nolan was a tall and willowy woman with flowing dark brown hair, wearing a strapless black dress, who Ruby could only presume was Chelsea.
Nolan spotted Heath and Ruby as they approached and waved. “Well, well, well. You actually showed up.” He extended his arm and shook hands with Heath, then immediately turned to Ruby. “You must be Ruby. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
She eyed Heath, who looked embarrassed. “Really? I wasn’t aware there was much to say.”
“Don’t be modest,” Heath interjected, then turned to his brother. “And don’t make me look bad, okay? It’s our first real date.”
A wave of heat rushed across her skin. She liked hearing him describe their night out as a date. She offered her hand to Chelsea. “Hi. I’m Ruby. You must be Chelsea.”
“I am. I heard a lot about you, too. From my sister, Morgan.” Chelsea shook Ruby’s hand and smiled warmly, putting Ruby at ease. “The dress is fabulous, by the way.”
