Second Chance Rancher

“I think you had good reason for leaving,” he offered.

The cat stood, stretched and brushed against her hand. “Maybe, but now I need to be here. Did you ever consider leaving?”

“I went to college, got a degree and came home to run the ranch. My folks moved to Dallas soon after. Dad has Parkinson’s.”

She nodded, because of course she knew all of that. “I’m not sure why we keep our ranch,” she admitted with a slight shrug. Then she headed for the door that led outside and he followed. “Mom obviously doesn’t want it. The boys are too busy riding bulls. I haven’t wanted to be here.”

“The twins will grow up, and then they’ll feel differently. You might feel differently.”

The sun beat down on them as they stood on the patio. It was May and it was already miserably hot. The woman standing next to him didn’t seem to notice. She pushed the sunglasses off the top of her head and positioned them to cover her eyes.

“Yes, maybe I’ll feel differently someday.” Lucy glanced at her watch. “I have to go. Thank you for the tour.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll walk you to your truck.”

She gave him a hard stare. “I don’t need an escort to my truck.”

“No, you don’t. I offered because I want to walk you to your truck.”

She pulled back a bit, and he knew he’d messed up.

“No,” she repeated. “I appreciate the tour and it was nice to catch up.”

He got it. She was giving him the brush-off. “Lucy, you don’t have to worry. I’m not looking to start anything.”