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many acres do you have?”
    â€œTen thousand.”
    Her eyes went wide. “Wow. That’s a lot of land.”
    He resisted reaching across the table and pushing the strand of hair away from her cheek. “We have a large herd of cattle. In fact, Texas Extreme is going to offer the experience of a good old-fashioned cattle drive, including a camp-out under the stars, complete with a chuck wagon.”
    â€œThat actually sounds fun. I’d like to join you.”
    â€œYou’d have to learn to ride a horse first.”
    â€œI’m game, as long as it’s a gentle horse.”
    â€œThat can be arranged. I have a good gelding. He’s so broke I’d put a five-year-old on him.”
    â€œThat would be about my speed.”
    â€œSomething tells me you’d be a natural.”
    Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink. “Thanks, but don’t count on it. I’m not sure I’ve ever been a natural at anything except designing.”
    That put all sorts of questionable images in his mind. “I doubt that. In fact, I’m fairly sure you’re a natural at several things.”
    She barked out a soft laugh. “I can’t think of one.”
    â€œI can, but I’m guessing your ex never tapped into your innate abilities.”
    â€œMy ex rarely tapped into anything after our first year of marriage.”
    Without giving it a thought, Dallas reached over and pushed that sliver of golden hair away from her face. “The man had to be an idiot. Is that why you divorced him?”
    She suddenly looked more than a little uncomfortable. “He divorced me, remember? Not that I thought the marriage had any chance of surviving at that juncture. Anyway, I should probably be going before it gets any later.”
    He really didn’t want her to leave but he had no one to blame but himself for bringing up past history. “It’s barely eight.”
    â€œAnd I still have to drive back to San Antonio.”
    When Paris pushed back from the table, came to her feet and swayed, Dallas stood and caught her arm. “Are you okay?”
    She pinched the bridge of her nose with her fingers. “I was fine until I got up. Guess I’m a little tired. That drink went straight to my head.”
    As he’d predicted, Jenny’s mint juleps had claimed another unsuspecting victim. He should’ve warned Paris that she could be heavy-handed with the bourbon. “Come to think of it, you had two.”
    She sent him a shaky smile. “I did, didn’t I?”
    â€œYeah, you did, which means you’re in no shape to drive.”
    Her stern expression didn’t take away from her fantastic face. “I can’t very well stay here.”
    â€œYou can, and you will. I have several guest rooms. Five, in fact. Take your pick.” If he had his way, she’d pick his room. But he’d been taught never to take advantage of a woman under the influence.
    â€œI didn’t pack a bag,” she protested. “I’m sure if I lie down for a little while, I’ll be fine.”
    He didn’t have much faith in that. “We’ll see how you feel later, but I’m not going to let you get behind the wheel tonight if I think you’re not fit to drive. End of discussion.”
    Clasping her elbow, Dallas led Paris through the double sliding doors, into the sunroom and guided her to the great room. He took one look at the towering staircase and decided showing her to his downstairs quarters would be the better part of valor.
    He continued down the corridor and past the kitchen where he noticed Jenny cleaning up the dishes. He didn’t dare stop although he knew he’d have to do some serious explaining if she caught sight of them heading to the bedroom. He’d wager his inheritance she had. Not a problem. He had a bone to pick with her over the booze.
    Once they arrived at the back of the house, he let go of Paris long enough to