Home For a Cowboy Christmas(72)
“Indeed, I would.”
At that moment, her stomach let out a loud growl. They both erupted into laughter.
“Well, that was embarrassing,” she said.
Zane was still chuckling when he rose to his feet. “I’ve got plenty. Tell me what you’re hungry for.”
“Peanut butter.”
He jerked his head to her, surprised by her comment. He had expected something elaborate.
“I told you I was a simple girl,” she said.
He jerked his chin to her luxury boots, purse, and clothes. “Not based on what you have.”
“Those are just things.”
“From my experience, those things can drive a wedge between people.”
She cocked her head at him. “Are you implying that because I can afford nice things that I shouldn’t buy them?”
“I didn’t say that.” He wished he’d never said anything, but since he’d found the sweatpants, memories of the past had flooded him.
“There’s a story there.”
He got out the peanut butter and set it on the table along with a knife. “Would you like bread? Crackers?”
“Toast, if it’s possible. And one of the bananas, please.”
He got out the toaster and put the bread in before bringing her a plate and the banana. “What couldn’t wait until after the holidays for your boss to send you here?”
She quirked a brow at him, letting him know that she was aware he hadn’t replied to her comment about the story. Cady lowered her foot to the floor and peeled the banana before using the knife to cut the fruit into thin slices.
“I work in business law. I had to finalize negotiations with a company for another corporation who’s buying them out.”
The toast popped up. Zane grabbed it and brought it to the plate. “A lot of roads are closed during the winter.”
“I found that out,” she said with a twist of her lips as she spread the peanut butter on the toast before placing the banana slices on top.
“Will you get credit for the work?”
It was only after she had taken a bite, chewed, and swallowed that she answered. “Not likely. Even though there were complications I managed to get resolved. It’s what put me a day late getting on the road.”
“The fact that you got it done before Christmas is impressive.”
Her blue eyes met his. “Yes, it is. I had an epiphany while here. I’ve worked my ass off under David for the last few years and received no recognition for my contributions that have advanced the firm. I’ve gotten one promotion. Other firms have shown interest, but I believed I was with the best in Austin. I’ve come to realize that it’s time I find somewhere else to work.”
“Good for you. You have to know your worth in life.”
“That’s so true. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to come to that conclusion.”
He finished the last of his coffee. “I take it your plane was headed out of Cheyenne?”
She nodded as she took another bite.
“How in the world did you end up here?”
“Spotty GPS. I turned in the wrong direction.”
“Hmm. Fate had you go the opposite way you needed to. Maybe it was time you overcame your fear of horses.”
Her mouth was full of peanut butter and banana, but she shook her head emphatically.
Zane laughed as he rose to get more coffee. He looked out the windows to see how high the snow had piled and how thickly it was still coming down.
“Maybe I was sent here to show you that not all city people are the same,” she said.
He doubted that, but he kept that comment to himself as he poured fresh coffee and returned to the table. “Maybe so.”
“We’ve talked about me plenty. Time for you to open up,” she said and began fixing another slice of bread, peanut butter, and banana.
He twisted his lips. “Not much to tell, really. I’ve spent my life right here in Wyoming.”
“You never left? Never visited other places?”
“I have. My parents were adamant that we know more of the world than our little piece.”
Her brows raised. “We?”
“My parents tried for years to have children. Nothing ever worked. After twelve years of marriage, they decided to adopt. The week they were to finalize, my mother found out she was pregnant.”
“I take it the adoption went through?”
He nodded as he glanced at the table. “Charlie and I are eleven months apart in age. My parents had their hands full, but they couldn’t have been happier.”
“And your brother now?”
“He’s in politics, actually.”
Shock filled her face. “That’s not something you hear every day. Does he aspire to become president?”
“He has his sights set on governor.”
“Do you support him?”
Zane nodded. “Of course.”
“Does he hold office now?”
“He holds one of the representative seats.”
“What’s his last name?”
Zane hesitated. He didn’t want to say it because then everything would start the way it always did. It was why he was out in the cabin so far from others. He was tired of it all.