“When you’re concentrating on getting your way, you get this crease in the center of your forehead.” I reach over and tap his forehead, where the crease is forming. “And you usually have that crease whenever you talk to me. Like maybe I’m a problem to be solved.”
I smile brightly at him as he tries to smooth his features.
“You’re not a problem.”
“Then why are you always frowning?”
He sighs. “Because I have too many actual issues to solve.”
I slip out of my sweater, feeling overheated with this conversation. “When I first met you, I thought you were all charm. You were so adorable.”
“And now I’m not?” He actually sounds offended. His hand flexes against the middle console.
I reach over and pat the back of his hand. “You’re like one of those candies that’s sweet on the outside and sour in the middle.”
I love getting a rise out of this man. And it’s so easy.
His hand moves faster than I can see and latches onto my leg just above my knee. He squeezes, making me shriek with laughter.
“Nash! You’re driving!”
“Exactly. If you try to hit me, we’ll go in the ditch.” His grin is diabolical.
He keeps squeezing my knee, never hurting me, just making me gasp for air between laughter.
“Do you take it back?”
“Yes! I take it back! Mercy!” I suck in a breath as he finally pulls his hand away.
He has a happy grin on his face now. “Well, I definitely feel better.”
“Yes, well, I was wrong,” I admit as I smooth my hair that’s now everywhere. “You’re just sour through and through.”
That relentless hand is back before I even blink.
CHAPTER 24
Magnolia
A knock soundson the front door, and I finish swirling the creamer into my coffee cup. I glance at the clock. It’s six a.m. Who on earth would be knocking on the door at this time? I debate on going to wake up Nash, but he deserves some sleep. He’s been working hard, and he’s had such an emotional strain. He needs his rest.
When we pulled into the ranch last night, it was like watching him transform into a different person. He was a visual illustration of the phrase ‘sigh of relief.’ We both crashed in bed after we showered. Separately, not together. In the shower or the beds.
Knock, knock, knock.
I leave my coffee on the counter and walk down the hallway to the entry hall. I still can’t get over the size of the lodge. When Alexander said ranch house, I pictured a quaint little farmhouse. Not a veritable mansion. He is the king of understatement. I unlock the front door and slowly swing it open. There’s a man standing on the front step, wearing a cowboy hat, jeans, and boots. He looks surprised to see me.
“Who are you?” he says.
“I’m Magnolia. Who are you?”
“I’m Max.” An easy smile spreads across his face.
I have the uncomfortable realization that he’s incredibly good-looking, and it’s not even affecting me because I’m getting so hung up on Nash.
“Oh, yes! You’re Max St. James, the ranch manager, right?” I relax as he nods. “Nash told me about you while we were driving over here.”
No wonder he’s here at this unearthly hour.
