Page 155 of Her Boss, Her Rancher: Sunrise On The Ranch

“We are? I thought we were going to—”

She covered his mouth, stopping his next words. They turned her on and he knew it. “Later. Right now, tell me about your mother.”

Jared sighed. “She’s as good a mom as we could’ve ever asked for. Cooper and I put her on a pedestal, continuing in my father’s footsteps. He adored her and made us see how wonderful she was every day of our lives. We always knew our mom was on our side when it came to the really important things. She’s smart and fun to be around. I guess that’s why, when she met Grant six years ago, Cooper and I didn’t stand in the way of her getting remarried. Once we scoped him out, that is, and figured out he was worthy.”

Bella was floored by his admission. The Stone boys were protective of their mother. “Wow. She’s lucky to have you both.”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

What would it have been like to have a mother who loved you unconditionally and a father who supported your wishes and stood behind your decisions? She’d had neither, but she wasn’t going to have a pity party over it. She’d come to grips with her situation a while ago, but still, every so often, she would fantasize about growing up in a normal, loving household.

That’s what she desperately wanted for Sienna.

She touched Jared’s cheek, scrutinizing his profile. Was he the man who could make that happen? Was Jared Stone the one?

He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “My mom’s gonna like you, Bella.”

“I hope so.”

“I know so.”

“I’ve been working with Marie and Lauren a bit on the party. Now that I know your mom is coming, I’m getting a little nervous.”

“Why?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess if I were in total control, it might be different. But I wasn’t asked to cook anything.”

He turned his head to look into her eyes. “Are you upset about that?”

“No. Just curious.”

“We’ve used the same caterers every single year. And...well, to be honest, I don’t want you working that night.”

“Because the party is mainly for your employees?”

Jared’s eyes grew wide. “Is that what you think? Hell, woman. I don’t want you behind the scenes because I want you by my side. You and Sienna.”

“Like a date?”

“Yeah, like a date.”

She stared at him for a long while. Was he dense? And then finally he shook his head, as if shaking out cobwebs.

“Uh, sorry. I should have asked you formally.”

“Well?”

“Bella, will you be my date for the Stone Family Christmas party?”

It was really ridiculous how giddy she was about this. Here they were, buck naked in each other’s arms after having mind-numbing sex, and Jared was asking her on a date.

“Yes, of course. Sienna and I would be happy to be your date.”

“Great. It’s settled then.”

“Yes, settled.”

Jared’s hand wandered to her backside again and this time she didn’t shove him away. This time she was eager and ready for whatever pleasure they could bring each other.