“What would make me happy is ridin’ in the back with those manuscripts while yer perched up there next to Rance. Which side are those books on, lad?”
“Behind my seat.”
“Perfect. Case closed. If ya could help me in, I’d be obliged.”
“Be glad to.” He got Granny situated, closed the door and turned back to Lani. “Ready to get in front? Or do you want to ride in the back with Granny and hold the manuscripts on your lap?”
“What just happened?”
He grinned. “You lost your first argument with the most stubborn lady on the planet.”
“Why didn’t you back me up? She would have listened to you.”
“Not once she was dug in. I would’ve had to throw her over my shoulder and stuff her in the front seat. Which I will never do unless a grizzly is hot on her trail.”
“Why is she so adamant?”
“She wants to see us sitting up there, side-by-side.”
“That’s obvious, but I don’t get it. She knows why we won’t be a couple. She understands.”
“Doesn’t mean she’s giving up.”
“What about you?”
“Not while there’s life in my body.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Lani’s heart was still hammering when Rance climbed behind the wheel and started Thunder’s powerful engine.Not while there’s life in my body.
The intensity in his voice and the heat in his eyes had left her shaking. Good thing he’d helped her into his truck because she wouldn’t have made it on her own.
His delivery had stunned her, but so had his words. He was good with them. And good with his hands. And his mouth.
When he’d strolled into the cabin and announced he’d have to strip down and clean up, she’d had to abandon her pool practice. The image of him rubbing a warm washcloth over his manly chest had dampened her panties .
Granny had teased her about her besotted stare. Then she’d urged her to try extra hard to find an excuse to come back here after the party. Oh, she would, even when spending more hours in Rance’s arms was a very dumb move on her part.
Dangerous, too. He was potent enough to make her question her decision to keep the job and lose the man. Maybe she could copyedit for theSentinelor become one of Sara’s tour guides.
L’Amour and More would have been another possibility, except Lucky didn’t need her. He’d just hired two of the Wenches, Annette and Colleen, to work fulltime.
Just as well, because a bookstore would only make her homesick for the world of publishing and that was her passion. The process fascinated her and the staff of Square Glasses Press inspired her. No job in Wagon Train would even come close.
Rance pulled Thunder into a parking spot next to her folks bright yellow F-250. The area resembled the local dealership’s truck lot. A year ago she wouldn’t have been able to tell a Ford from any of the other brands. Now she could pick them out every time.
Desiree’s love of Christmas had turned the ranch house into a fairyland. Although she had sparkling lights in the trees year-round, she doubled the number for the holidays. She’d even hung oversized ornaments from the bare branches of trees closest to the house.
At Granny’s suggestion, Rance divided the stack of manuscripts into thirds so each of them could participate in bringing in his precious gift to his family. Someone had shoveled a wide path from the parking area to the porch, where evergreen garlands, lights and bows covered the railing.
A ginormous wreath hung in splendor on the heavy wooden door. She and Rance tag-teamed once again, taking hold of Granny on the way up the steps.
After spending the day with her, Lani believed she could have made it up on her own, but Rance would never forgive himself if she fell. His dedication to her welfare was appealing, too damned appealing.
Andy opened the door before they could use the horseshoe knocker. Every cabin had one, now, all created by Gil and Bret’s metalworks shop.
Tucking his phone away, Andy grabbed Sam’s collar before the collie could bolt outside. “I’m the official greeter. Sam’s my assistant.”
