The Rancher's Redemption

“I bet she would.” Yvonne checked her tablet and started writing out her list for the morning. The rest of the staff had gone home. Lizzie had stayed late to cover Angelo’s dental appointment. “I know Rio’s dad hates all the hospital appointments—although he’s rich enough to make the medical profession come bowing and scraping to his door.”

“How’s he doing?” Lizzie asked.

“Hanging in there.” Yvonne grimaced. “Hopefully for a long time.”

Lizzie already knew that Rio had no wish to take over his father’s business empire. He had agreed to be on the board and look for a successor to his father, but that was as far as his willingness to help out went.

“I don’t know what to do about the Cortez ranch now,” Yvonne mused. “Rio wanted to go back and take a second look, but I don’t want to cause Ines and Carlos any extra stress.”

“I think selling the ranch would help them a lot, but maybe wait until we know how things go with Carlos before you move forward?” Lizzie suggested.

“That’s what I planned to tell Rio.” Yvonne nodded. “It’s not like we need the place tomorrow or anything.”

“Good thinking.” Lizzie yawned so hard, her jaw cracked.

“Lizzie.”

“What?” Lizzie turned to find Yvonne staring at her.

“Your neck.”

She unconsciously raised her hand to touch the side of her throat. “What is it?”

Yvonne fought a smile. “You tell me. Looks like someone or something tried to take a bite out of you.”

Lizzie rushed to the back of the kitchen where there was a mirror, and studied the slight bruise on her neck.

“Oh, crap. Has that been there all afternoon?” Lizzie breathed through her nose. “Why didn’t Angelo tell me?”

“Maybe he didn’t notice it. I only saw it when you stretched.” Yvonne said. “Is that what you were doing on your lunch break?”

“I . . .” Lizzie sat down at the table. “I did something to Adam.”

“Was this before or after he nuzzled your neck so hard, he bit you?”

“Possibly during.” Lizzie confessed. “Seeing as I didn’t even notice.”

“You’re having sex with Adam Miller?”

“Not exactly.”

Yvonne blinked at her. “What exactly does that mean?”

“We haven’t actually done the deed yet. We’ve decided to take things slow.”

“Okay,” Yvonne said cautiously. “That’s . . . good, right?”

“Yes. I think it is.” Lizzie realized she meant the words. “I’ve got Roman to think of, and this stupid thing with Coretta, and Adam . . .” She paused. “Well, we all know that Adam lost his one true love, and that he’s never really recovered from it.”

“He looks like he’s recovering just fine now,” Yvonne commented dryly. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”

“We used to be good friends. I think he trusts me more than most people,” Lizzie agreed.

“I just don’t want you to get hurt,” Yvonne said earnestly. “From what you’ve told me, you and Adam have a history, and have spent more years ignoring each other than anything else.”

“It’s okay. I get that.” Lizzie nodded. “I’m making sure we communicate better this time. We’re definitely both older and wiser.”

“With all this going on, have you had time to think about taking on the role of manager here?” Yvonne asked.

“I’d love to do it,” Lizzie said, which made her boss leap in the air and do a fist pump.

“Yay! That’s great!” Yvonne grinned at her. “As soon as Rio and I get settled, I’ll make a more formal offer and we can take it from there.”

“Cool.” Lizzie smiled back. “I’m actually looking forward to it.” She checked the time and took off her apron. “Am I good to go?”

“Yes, you’re fine.” Yvonne glanced around the empty kitchen. “I’m going to make a start of Nate and Della’s wedding cake before I go to bed.”

Lizzie hung her apron up on its hook, and turned to her boss. “You work too hard.”