“That’s where you’re wrong. You can’t imagine how much power you wield when it comes to me.”
The vulnerability in that statement stole her breath. “I don’t know what to say to that.”
“Just say you’ll come over tomorrow night.”
“Listen, we really shouldn’t?—”
“I know. I get it. Come over for Granny. Let her feed you. She’ll want to hear everything you have to say about the book. She’s been almost as anxious about what you’d think of it as I have. Just have dinner. You don’t have to stay.”
“You won’t try to talk me into it?”
“No, ma’am.”
“All right then.”
“Great. I’ll pick you up about five-thirty. Bring the book.”
“Of course. Good night, Rance.”
“Good night, Lani. Sweet dreams.”
She disconnected. Sweet dreams, indeed. She’d have dreams, but guaranteed they wouldn’t be sweet.
Dinner with Granny while they talked about the future of Rance’s excellent book would be tons of fun. He wouldn’t coax her to stay. He was too smart for that. And more patient than she ever would have believed.
He’d give her the choice. She just had to make the right one.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Rance always looked forward to working at the Buffalo the week before Christmas. Customers ordered fancy holiday drinks, the band played seasonal favorites, the wooden buffalo had a different greeting every day and his boss Tyra went all out with decorations.
But tonight he couldn’t wait to get the hell out of there when his shift ended at five. Snow was predicted, but it hadn’t started yet as he headed out of town. The deserted two-lane highway illuminated by Thunder’s high beams was clear and dry.
He nudged the needle a tad over the speed limit, enough to shorten the trip some but not enough to get pulled over. He couldn’t wait to see Lani, but he’d lowered his expectations about how tonight would go.
He wanted her in his life. He’d convinced himself he could make that happen if he took his time, and when her entire family moved to Rowdy Ranch, he’d thought he had it in the bag.
He’d overheard her folks tell his mom they hoped the air miles offer would convince her to switch to working remotely. He’d assumed she’d agree. That had left him only one task — turning her lust for him into love. He’d been prepared to give it all he had.
He'd counted on the book to play a big part in the effort. He hadn’t intended to fall for an editor, but clearly Fate had a sense of humor.
Granny was his other ace in the hole and she’d offered to coach him on how to conduct a serious relationship. She’d only known Lani from pictures and family stories. Didn’t matter. If Rance wanted her, Granny was geared up to help make it happen.
But after the way Lani had described her work setup, he’d faced reality. Remote work wouldn’t cut it, which put a serious crimp in his plan. He wasn’t giving up, but he didn’t have answers, either. This morning he’d told Granny he was backing off a little and she’d approved of that decision.
The new digs for the senior Armstrongs featured an old-fashioned lamp post beside the turnoff to their cabin. They’d asked Angie and her crew to install one similar to those lining Main Street.
Now everyone wanted one, especially after they saw how it looked decorated with a wreath and a big red bow. Between family jobs and out-of-town gigs, business was booming for Angie’s small company.
She gave partial credit to the new name —Two Handywomen and an Irishman. Kieran’s impressive skills added to its reputation, but some folks scheduled a project just to hear him talk.
Harry and Vanessa’s yellow truck was gone, so good thing Lani hadn’t planned on driving herself over. He’d washed Thunder this morning in honor of her first ride in his rig. He’d had to remove and reinstall the reindeer antlers and the wreath on the front grill, but the occasion warranted the effort.
Thunder glittered in the glow of Christmas lights strung across the front porch. A decorated tree stood in the front window and a large pine wreath hung on the door. Before hecould shut off the engine, Lani came out, coat and hat on and a tote bag over her shoulder.
His heart stuttered as it did whenever he caught sight of her. She’d been a challenge to his equilibrium from the get-go, unlike Sara, who’d felt like a long-lost buddy.
His reaction to Lani had confused him until Lucky said he might be falling in love for the first time in his life. Lucky had called it.
