The Rancher's Redemption

Are you picking her up at the Hayes? If so, can I meet you there around eight thirty?

Sure. I’ll let her know I’ll be a bit early. See you then.

In typical Adam fashion, he didn’t waste words or ask questions, which suited her just fine.

Will do. x

That would give her time to pop her head into the dining room of the hotel to ascertain if gold Lexus guy was the same guy who had hit on her in the café, and maybe have a few words with him. . . .

* * *

When Lizzie came into the lobby, Adam was leaning up against the registration desk talking to Tucker Hayes, the eldest son and general manager of the hotel. Tucker was a calm guy with a ready smile and an amazing ability to do twelve things at once.

As Adam had his back to her, Lizzie had a chance to appreciate his finest qualities and the way he filled out a pair of Wranglers. As if sensing her gaze, he turned around, his gray gaze fixing on her as he slowly straightened and came over to talk to her.

“Hey.”

“Hi! Are you bringing Leanne to the café for breakfast?”

“I thought I might.” He kept his gaze on her. “What’s wrong?”

She sighed. He was way too perceptive sometimes. “I’m not sure. I might be making a huge mistake, but it’s just not sitting right with me.”

“What isn’t?”

She appreciated his calm reply more than she could say.

“Okay, so yesterday there was that guy at the café—”

He frowned. “The one who hit on you?”

“Yes, that one. Gabby says she thinks he’s a friend of Coretta’s, which means he must have known who I am. So why would he be interested in me, let alone ask me out?”

“That’s a great question.”

“The thing is, I think he might be staying here,” Lizzie said. “I thought I’d come over and check if he was having breakfast in the dining room.”

“Is he about my age, and a bit too smartly dressed for around here?” Adam asked.

“Yes, why?”

“I think I met him last night. He came over to talk to me—asked me whether Yvonne’s was a good place to eat.”

They both turned toward the dining room where Tucker was coming out with a tray full of plates and walked toward him.

“Okay if we take a quick look in here?” Adam asked.

“If you promise not to start anything.” Tucker eyed them both dubiously. “What’s up?”

Lizzie scanned the dining room, but there was no sign of their man. “Maybe he decided to take your advice and went to Yvonne’s after all.”

“If he did”—Adam’s expression was grim—“we’ll find him there.”

“Find who where?”

Lizzie turned to find Leanne standing behind her. She wore pressed jeans and cowboy boots, a T-shirt, and a blue fleece. She looked nothing like the frazzled woman Lizzie remembered picking up her sons from school in her old truck.

“Hey, I’m Lizzie.” She stuck out her hand.

“I remember you!” Leanne’s smile was all Daisy. “You and Adam always had your heads together when I came to pick him up from school.”

She glanced back at Adam who was looking grim. “Is something going on I should know about?”

Adam turned his mother in the direction of the door. “Nothing for you to worry about. Shall we go and have breakfast at Yvonne’s? I think you’ll love it there.”

Lizzie made small talk with Leanne as they approached the café, and then excused herself to get ready for work while Adam talked his mother through the menu. By the time she returned, Adam was ready to order. Lizzie served him and a whole line of caffeine-deprived customers while keeping an eye on the door.

Eventually, Mr. Lexus came in wearing running gear, which explained his nonappearance at the hotel, and jogged up to the register.

“Hey, beautiful, can I have an egg white muffin with a vegetarian patty, and a green smoothie?”

Not sure whether she was impressed or horrified by his ability to forget his behavior of the day before, Lizzie took the order. She met Adam’s gaze and nodded slightly as she went into the kitchen to relay the food order to Yvonne.

When she came out, she wasn’t surprised to find that Adam had moved to stand beside her customer.