The Rancher's Rules

His dad had opted to keep his wife—unlike when Grant’s mother had made a similar demand about returning to the east coast, where they had met on one of his frequent business trips. She hadn’t liked life as a rancher’s wife either. Living without the glittery nightlife she’d been used to had been too difficult an adjustment for her to make.

So she’d gone.

He pulled into a parking spot in front of the take-and-bake pizza place.

Zoe gave him a smile tinged with sadness. “That’s not what you meant and we both know it.”

It took him a minute to remember what they’d been talking about. When he did, he felt his insides tighten. “What I know is that I’m not about to stop spending time with you.” He gritted his teeth, but could not stop the words from coming out. “I need you, Zoe.”

She frowned. “You have Carlene. You don’t need me.”

“I don’t have Carlene.”

“You’re seeing her. I heard you in the bar.”

“You heard Carlene ask me to reschedule our date?” Could that be what this cold shoulder was all about?

“Yes.”

“You didn’t eavesdrop long enough, then.”

She huffed. “I was not eavesdropping.”

He grinned. “Right. Look, niña, if you had stuck around a few seconds longer you would have heard me resort to dishonest measures to avoid another date with Carlene.”

Her soft brown eyes mirrored wary hope. “I would?”

“Yes. I told her that I couldn’t leave your pets alone.”

Zoe laughed with disbelief. “Didn’t she think it was odd that you were in town now if that were true? Not to mention the fact that you have a ranch full of hands, even if quite a few are spending time with their families right now?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know.”

The laughter died. “You gave her roses.”

“I explained that. I bought them yesterday. Before.”

She measured him with a look. “Before what?”

“Before we made out on the counter.”

Her face turned crimson. “We didn’t technically make anything.”

He raised his brows and she bit her lip in embarrassment. “We didn’t?”

“Well, maybe I did…”

“Yeah, I’d say you did. And if you’ll let me, I’m going to real soon, too.”

“Are you saying what happened to me on the Pattersons’ kitchen counter changed the dynamics of our relationship or your relationship with Carlene?”

“Both.” Didn’t she feel the same way? If she wanted to forget what had happened, he didn’t know how he was going to oblige her. Not when all he wanted to do was repeat the experience.

“I see.”

“What do you see?”

“You no longer have a rule against kissing me.”

“I’d say it went a whole lot deeper than that.”

“Maybe.” She opened her door and slid out of the truck. Sticking her head back inside, she asked, “Aren’t you coming?”

It wasn’t going to work this time. She was not changing the subject. “Yeah, I’m coming.” But not the way he wanted to be right then.

He got out of the truck and walked around to where Zoe waited for him on the sidewalk in front of the take-out pizza place. “Well?”

She fiddled with something in her purse. “Well, what?”

He frowned, his chest tightening inexplicably. “Don’t play games with me, Zoe. Did it change things for you too?”

She glanced behind him and smiled at someone. “Hello, Mrs. Givens.”

Grant tensed at the sound of her former landlady’s name. He had a few things he’d like to say to that old biddy, but right now he wanted an answer from Zoe more.

“Good afternoon, Zoe—Grant.” Mrs. Givens stopped with every evidence of wanting to chat. “Finished with your Christmas shopping yet?”

He fixed his gaze on the older woman. “Zoe’s been a little busy looking for a place to live. She hasn’t had time to do her shopping.”

Zoe gasped and Mrs. Givens frowned. “I’m sorry to hear that. It was a very difficult decision to encourage Zoe to find a new place for her and her pets to live. However, I assumed that since I hadn’t been called for a reference she had decided to move in with you at the ranch.”

“Surely you’ve spoken to Mrs. Patterson?” Zoe said. “She must have told you that they’ve very generously allowed me to stay at their house while I look for a new place.” Grant thought her voice sounded strained.

Mrs. Givens’ eyes widened. “I haven’t spoken to my dear friend since the night you left. I cannot imagine that she has allowed you to move your pets into her home.”