Summer Nights (Fool's Gold #8)(30)

She parked and got out. Priscilla stood by the tree, looking fierce and protective. She’d heard about the feline family she’d connected with and hoped it all worked out. There was an obvious size difference—which could get in the way of any meaningful friendship.

Shane had moved two pregnant mares to the fenced area next to the elephant enclosure. Maybe she would bond with them as well and have an even bigger herd. In the past couple of days, she’d done some research on elephants and the females were extremely social. Poor Priscilla had been lonely since her move to the ranch.

She turned toward the barn and saw Shane walking toward her. For a second, she enjoyed the view. A tall, good-looking cowboy in a hat. He was more silhouette than form, the sun behind him. She had to shade her eyes to take in the details, but it was worth it. The man looked good in jeans.

She had a brief thought that he would probably look just as good out of jeans, but decided it was best not to go there. While she’d enjoyed their brief kisses, she wasn’t sure how she felt about them. It’s not like she and Shane were dating. They were barely friends. As a rule, she didn’t get involved physically without some kind of relationship. Still, he could sure get her pulse into an aerobic state without even trying.

“Right on time,” Shane said as he approached.

“I’m a big fan of punctual,” she told him.

His gaze shifted from her face to something behind her and he groaned. She didn’t even turn around. She just waited until she felt the familiar vibration that was Khatar trotting toward her. She held out her arms. He stepped in front of her and she cradled his head.

“Hey, baby. How are you?”

He nickered softly. She scratched behind his ears, causing him to stretch out his neck and roll back his lips.

“You like that, don’t you.”

Shane shook his head. “I’ve told him to have a little pride, but he won’t listen.”

She laughed. “That makes two of you because he thinks you should volunteer to be my sacrifice for the ceremony.”

“No, thanks. I’ve already had one woman cut out my heart.”

She suspected he meant the words to be light, but there was something about his tone. She leaned against Khatar.

“That doesn’t sound good. Have you heard from your ex lately?”

He took off his hat and slapped it against his thigh. “Nope and I’m good with that. The last thing I need is more drama around here. I have plenty.”

“You sure you’re not missing her?”

His dark gaze settled on her face. “I took Rachel back too many times already. The first couple of times I told her no, it nearly killed me. Now it’s easy. Talking about her reminds me that men do stupid things for a woman.”

She wanted to point out that not every woman was wild and unfaithful. She wasn’t. She was looking for permanent and meaningful. As long as the man in question was willing to love her with all he had. She was done settling.

“She cheated,” he said flatly. “More than once and probably a dozen more times than I know about. When I’d finally had enough and filed for divorce, she begged me to let her come back. I did and she took up with my boss. That was the end for me.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Me, too. And I’m done talking about it. Want to look at my kitchen plans so I can get a final okay to Jocelyn?”

She smiled. “There you go with the sexy invitations.”

He chuckled. The sound was a little forced, but some of the bleakness faded from his eyes.

“I’ve got the plans in the barn,” he said, pointing the way. “So your boyfriend doesn’t get his panties in a twist by you going into the house.”

She laughed. “But he’s so handsome, aren’t you, Khatar? And royal. I’m practically dating a prince.”

“He’ll never drive a fancy car.”

“I don’t care about that. He’s better than a fancy car.”

“A woman who knows what she wants. I like that.”

For a second he stared at her the way a man stares at a woman he desires. With purpose and invitation. Then it was gone and she was left feeling all tingly on her own.

As she followed him to the barn, she thought about Rachel and how she’d taught Shane not to trust. Which meant he wouldn’t like feeling out of control. Not sexually and certainly not emotionally.

She figured he was attracted to her—he wouldn’t have kissed her otherwise. But he didn’t have any faith. Not in her or himself. He’d learned to be careful. Maybe even to keep his heart out of reach. She wanted messy and he wanted safe.

An intelligent woman would keep things friendly and nothing more. Everyone claimed Khatar was dangerous, but the truth was Shane could do a whole lot more damage. Broken bones would heal. Broken hearts could be scarred forever.

CHAPTER SEVEN

SHANE SIGNED THE RECEIPT and handed the clipboard back to the delivery guy. As he pocketed the yellow copy he’d kept for himself, he saw Annabelle drive in and park by the barn.

“Have a good one,” the delivery guy called.

“You, too.”

Shane felt his attention straying to where Annabelle had climbed out of her car. She wasn’t due for a lesson anytime soon and, as far as he knew, she usually worked on Tuesday mornings. So what was she doing here?