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lot more than nice.”
    She looked over his shoulder and saw the two hands emerge from the barn, heading toward the hay truck.
    But her temper that had risen at his remark was still lurking beneath the surface and she couldn’t help biting back at him. “Aren’t you afraid your cowboys will think you’re making nice with the boss’s daughter?”
    Anger streaked across his face like a sweep of wind, then disappeared.
    “Let’s get something straight right now.” He clenched his hands into fists. “I don’t need to romance you to get ahead on this ranch. I’ve worked my ass off for nearly fourteen years to get this job and I’ve earned every hour of it. And the men who work for me know that. Secondly, the fact that you’re Reuben Hayes’ daughter has more to do with how you feel about it than me. When I see you, I see a beautiful, desirable woman.”
    “But—”
    “Not done yet. We got something started last night, Molly, that has nothing to do with our so-called positions in life. If you want out, just tell me. Don’t conjure up excuses. Otherwise I’ll pick you up at seven.”
    Her eyebrows raised. “You’re going to pick me up here? You don’t want me to, um, meet you or anything?”
    He cupped her chin, ignoring the stares of the men climbing into the cab of the hay truck. “Are you ashamed of me? Do you not want people to know about us? Especially your dad”
    What about us, she wanted to ask. She’d wanted this so badly for so long. And he’d said he felt the same way. But what if this burned hot and bright and flamed out? What if it fell apart? What if she really was a disaster in the bedroom and last night had just been…whatever? Where would that leave the two of them, both living on the ranch? Seeing each other every day? And her still lusting after him and knowing she’d been a big disappointment to him.
    He studied her face, waiting for his answer.
    She shook her head. “That’s so far from the truth it’s not even in the same book.”
    His voice dropped even lower. “Was last night too much for you? Is what you know I want more than you can deal with?”
    Mutely, she just shook her head.
    “Then I’ll pick you up at seven. Anyway, your father’s away until tomorrow so you’ve got a reprieve, if that’s really worrying you.”
    I’m worried I won’t measure up. Is that what happened with your wife?
    She wet her lips. “Even if he was here, I’d still have you pick me up. Okay?”
    A slow smile crawled over his face. “Okay. See you tonight. And just to ice the cake, I’ll even feed you.”

 
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Five
     
    Molly changed clothes three times before she was satisfied.
    What difference does it make? I’ll be out of them before I can hello.
    She blushed at the thought and suppressed an urge to giggle, finally settling on new jeans and an embroidered shirt.
    Hair up or down? A lot of makeup or a little?
    She looked at herself in the mirror in disgust.
    I am what I am. He liked it last night. If he doesn’t like it tonight, too bad.
    She dithered so long over whether to wait inside for him or meet him outside that the doorbell rang, making her decision for her.
    “Well. Is wow enough to describe how you look?” His expression was hot and hungry, his eyes lingering on her breasts and the crotch of her jeans.
    “Works for me,” she grinned, suddenly shy.
    He reached for her hand. “Come on. I’ve got two good steaks just waiting to be grilled.”
    A couple of the hands were just coming in from riding fences when he ushered her up into the cab of his truck. Chance waved at them casually but kept his attention focused on her.
    “Ranch gossip spreads fast,” she reminded him.
    He reached over and squeezed her thigh. “No big deal. I’m not trying to hide anything.” He slid a quick glance at her. “Are you?”
    Was she?
    She let out a long, slow breath. “Nope. Not me, either.”
    His hand touching her relaxed. “Good. So let ’em talk.”
    During