Beauty and the Bull Rider (Hotel Rodeo #3)(10)

“Maybe he wasn’t a good husband,” she replied, “but that isn’t all that relevant to his breeding potential. Ty has all the right traits for baby making. He’s tall, athletic, good looking, reasonably intelligent, and has a great personality—when he’s not in self-destruction mode.”

“That’s only when he drinks,” Zac said slowly.

“Yeah. That was in his negative column,” Delaney said. “He may not be perfect, but I know all Ty’s faults as well as his strengths. That’s why I asked Ty”

“I’ve never had trouble with alcohol. I’ve never done drugs. Ty’s two inches taller than me, but my IQ is five points higher. So I guess you’d have to decide if you’d rather have the extra brains over the inches. ’Course you could probably find yourself an Einstein or a Hawking if you go to a sperm bank, but I don’t know ’bout those brainiac kinda guys. Most of ’em are pretty weird.”

“Is this your idea of a joke?” she asked. “If so, it’s not very funny.”

“Nope.” He shook his head. “Just laying out the facts. Thought it would make this a whole lot easier if you looked at it objectively.”

“I am being objective. I already decided I don’t want to go to a sperm bank. I don’t want an anonymous donor. I want to know the person I’m going to create a child with.”

“You’ve known me a good while,” he said. “I’m not much of a people person, but then you already got that part in spades. I’m stubborn as hell, but that means I always finish what I start. I did all right in school, even got a scholarship, but dropped out to ride bulls. I have a bunch of scars and old broken bones, but other than injuries, I’ve never been sick a day in my life. As for looks, you more than make up for me in that department.”

“You may not be classically handsome, but you’re no slouch in the looks department, Zac.”

His mouth twitched as if fighting a smile. “Glad to know it. Makes things a lot easier.”

“Easier how?” she asked.

“Attraction is a big part of the process, isn’t it?”

“Not unless test tubes happen to turn you on.”

He stared with a look of disbelief. “What are you saying?”

“I’m going to use artificial insemination just like I do with my cows,” she replied matter-of-factly.

“Artificial insemination?” he repeated with a frown.

“Yes. It’s a very simple procedure. I’ve already consulted a fertility clinic about it.” Her gaze narrowed. “Wait a minute. Is that what you’re after? Was all of this just a ploy to sleep with me? Are you really that hard up?”

“No.” A slow grin stretched his mouth. “But I sure could be if you’d only say the word.”

“I can’t believe this! Did you really expect that I’d up and jump into bed with you just because you offered?”

“Did I expect? No. I’d say ‘hoped’ might be a better word.”

She released an exasperated breath. “Ain’t gonna happen, Zac. I heard you out. Now I’m leaving.”

“You still want that heifer?” he said.

“Not if there’s strings attached,” she snapped.

Zac glowered. “There’s no strings. I told you I’d give her to you. I never renege on a deal.”

“I appreciate that, but I’ll be paying you full price for her. I’m not comfortable with any other kind of arrangement.”

“Fine. If that’s the way you want it.” He rose.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Walking you out.”

“I can manage to find my own truck, Zac,” she insisted.

“I never doubted that, but it’s dark out there.”

“I’m not afraid of the dark.”

“Didn’t imply you were.”

“Then what are you doing?”

“Walking you out,” he repeated matter-of-factly. He followed up the remark with a big, warm hand on her lower back. As before, she fought back a reflexive quiver. She didn’t understand her reaction. Was she really that lonely, or was she sexually attracted to him? She shook off that dangerous thought.

“What if I don’t want you to?” she asked.

“Then you’ll just have to grit your teeth and bear it,” he said. “I brought you here, Delaney. I’m damn well going to see you safely to your truck. If you wanna fuss any more about it, I may decide to follow you all the way home.”

Her gaze narrowed. “I didn’t invite you home.”

“Damn it, Delaney.” He shook his head and released a sigh. “I’m not trying to make a pass at you. I just want to know that you’ll get home okay.”

She faced him, hands on hips. “You aren’t making a pass? What the hell was that breeding stud remark you made?” Delaney spun around on her boot heel and strode out of the restaurant, not caring if he followed or not. She exhaled a huff as she approached her truck. What did he think he was doing, showing up out of the blue and nosing into her private affairs?

She was startled by Zac’s hand on her shoulder as she fished for her keys. “Please, Delaney. Don’t leave all pissed off at me.”