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I internally groaned. Why couldn’t he have arrived earlier? I would love nothing more than to sneak away with Andrew.
“I’m sorry, but I have to go. My ride is here.” I worried my bottom lip.
“Can I have your number? I want to see you again.” He placed his hand on my upper arm. Sparks zinged through my shoulder. I jumped a little at the unexpected sensation.
Then his words registered.Shit.I couldn’t give him my number. I didn’t have a local one, and if I gave it to him, I’d have to explain where I was really from. That was not a conversation I wanted to get into with a guy I’d just met.
“Um, I’m sorry. I don’t have a phone right now. Broken,” I lied.
My heart dropped at his crestfallen face. He thought I was trying to get rid of him.
“I want to see you again though. Maybe we can meet here next week?”
His eyebrows lifted, and he nodded. “I’d like that. Same time, same place.”
He leaned down to kiss me, but I reached up and placed my fingers over his lips. “Next time I see you. Not now. That way, I know it was supposed to happen.”
He placed a gentle kiss on my fingertips, and I turned and rushed out as quickly as I could. If I stayed in there any longer, all my resolve would wash away.
The girls crowded around the car, giggling when I emerged.
We hopped in, and Martin pulled out and headed to the ranch.
The girls were chatting, but I wasn’t paying attention. When the car quieted, I glanced up and saw all eyes on me. “What?”
“Oh, you know what, Tori. ‘Bout time you let loose and have some fun.” Alex laughed. “If I wasn’t engaged already, I’d take a chance on that cowboy, too.”
“Nope. No. No way. I can’t think about him like that.” Jessie ran a hand down her face.
“You know who Mr. Delicious is, don’t you? You’re just not telling me,” I said pointedly to Jessie. Blake tried to hide her smirk. “You know too. You all know.” I looked around the group.
“I promise you’ll find out soon enough.” Grace patted my forearm. I shot her a scowl too.
I didn’t want to wait. I wanted to have Martin turn around and see if I could sweet talk Andrew into coming to the ranch with me. But instead, I had to settle for next week. I heaved a heavy sigh. I’d told him if he was there, then I knew it was meant to be. Now I needed to follow my own advice. Even as my stomach twisted with the knowledge I’d have to tell him the truth, I pushed it out of my mind. I’d worry about that later.
* * *
A steel drumwas booming a steady beat within my head. I tugged on my blankets and snuggled in. The only thing putting a smile on my face was reliving the night before, over and over.
I hated how I ended everything. That stupid fake accent was already messing with things. If I’d been able to speak with him in my normal voice, maybe he would have figured out my connection to the Kingstons. There weren’t very many people in the small town from out of the state, never mind from another country.
My heart squeezed, and I rubbed at my chest as though it could ease the ache. Andrew was so handsome, and even though we’d only met briefly, had seemed nice. From the heat in his gaze and the possessiveness of his touch, he’d made it clear he was interested, but I couldn’t help but wonder if when he found out about my lie, if that would matter.
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw his handsome face. His five o’clock shadow gave him a rugged look and made me want to melt. His body flush against mine, and the devilish smirk he threw my way, made me weak in the knees. The spark that zipped along every nerve of my body surprised me. I’d never had such an instantaneous reaction to anyone before.
My cheeks heated at the memory of his strong, capable hands guiding me around the dance floor. Normally, I was an excellent dancer, but last night while in his arms, I didn’t know my right from my left foot. Thank goodness he was so good, or I would have been tripping over my feet.
I still couldn’t figure out why the girls were keeping who he was a secret. I had to find a way to get it out of them, but if they all knew who he was, then so would the guys. I could ask Gavin or Duke. They would tell me.
I threw the covers off and immediately regretted it when the cool air hit my bare legs.
A year ago, I had a bedroom in the same wing as Thomas and Declan, but now that our engagement had been called off, I thought it best to move to the other side of the house. Not because I was hurt or angry at the end of our relationship, because it was more of a partnership than a true love match. I was happy they’d found their soulmate in Alex.
A grin stretched across my face. I was proud of the independence I’d gained and appreciated Thomas and Declan continuing the ruse that they needed my help around here. It was the only way mother allowed me the extended visits to Texas. Although, part of me wondered if she was grateful for my absence, especially since it allowed her to find and set up a new arranged marriage—one that would stick.
I donned a sundress and combed my fingers through my hair. Knowing the Texas heat would melt my makeup right off, I went straight for the sunscreen and applied a light coat to protect my face. My arms and legs were getting a nice tan, but I stayed out of the sun most of the time, so my pale skin didn’t get burned.
Helen, the housekeeper, had breakfast laid out on the kitchen island when I made my way downstairs.Thank goodness she made breakfast. I didn’t know my way around a kitchen at all and could onlyattemptto pour myself cereal.
