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The truck hit a bump in the road and they bounced.
“I’m thankful that me and Laurie never had children. We were trying or at least I thought we were until I found the birth control pills in her purse. That was when I began to suspect that all was not well in paradise.”
Glancing at him, she could see the pain on his face. “You really loved her?”
He sighed. “No, I married her because it was what she wanted. She had some dream of me not working, us flying around the world, buying a yacht. That’s not me. It’s not the life I want. All I wanted was to make certain the ranch became a success and have a family with all of us spending time together. Our dreams didn’t match, and she went in search of her dream.”
She laughed. “Sorry, but I can’t see you on a yacht. A big, strong cowboy like yourself. Did she have her eyes open when she married you?”
Laughter filled the truck.
“Money does things to people,” he said. “I can’t tell you how many people showed up at the ranch wanting money. Family members I’d never heard of. At first, I gave in to the hard luck stories, and then when I hired a money manager, he said it all stopped now. He said have charities contact me and then we can sit down once a month and decide who to donate money to. He also is the one who insisted that I hire security for the ranch. A wise man.”
The thought of winning billions was not something she could even comprehend.
“And now you have me to be your pretend fiancée,” she said with a laugh. “And I’m a good choice. A woman who doesn’t want to be married, who is not interested in your money, but only being your attorney.”
A grin spread across his face. “So when is the fake engagement announcement.”
“At the next ball, you will make a grand gesture in front of everyone,” she said with a laugh. “A photographer will take our picture and put it in the newspaper. I’ve got to find just the right dress.”
“Do you need more money?”
“No, Adrian, you’ve given me enough,” she said. “I’ll be collecting enough from you in billable hours.”
He turned down the road that led to the Burnett’s ranch and getaway.
“I’ve known you since you were a little girl,” he said. “Who would have ever thought that we would be two lonely people both determined to never marry again.”
“So true,” she said.
They pulled up to the gate and he gave the attendant his name.
“Yes, sir, I see your name right here. They are expecting you down at the barn,” he said.
“Thanks,” Adrian replied as the gate opened and he went through onto the Burnett ranch.
Driving slowly, he went past the reception center and the cabins and then he pulled into a parking place by the barn.
“I shouldn’t be too long,” he said.
“No worries. I’m going to go find Desiree and catch up with her.”
After he climbed out of the truck, he came around and helped her out. Then he leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. “Have fun.”
“Thanks,” she said as she watched him stroll into the barn. During the years since high school, he’d become a muscular man with strong legs and arms that showed he lifted weights. But what she really liked was the way his hair lay against his forehead with just a swatch peeking out from beneath his hat. And those emerald eyes. Dark and gleaming that left you feeling breathless.
They were doing little affectionate things to make people believe they were dating, but there was no one around and yet he’d kissed her on the forehead. Strangely, she wanted more and knew that was not possible.
“Madison,” she heard her friend squeal and she turned to her.
They met in the middle of the parking lot and hugged.
“How are you?” Desiree asked.
“Good,” she said with a grin as she hooked her arm through hers. “Let’s go catch up. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you.”
“Yes,” Desiree said. “Come on, I want to show you something.”
