Page 13 of The Rancher’s Bride
“That isn’t the point.”
“Then what is?”
“It’s nice when a man wants to make things easier for you.”
He taps his cards against the table. “Sounds like a double standard.”
“How?”
“Why’s the man doing all the romancing? What kind of sweet shit does he get?”
I almost smile. “Fair enough. What do you want a wife to do for you?”
He opens his mouth, then closes it.
“Well?” I ask.
“I’m thinking.”
“You’ve clearly given marriage a lot of thought.”
“Shut up.”
I wait while he studies the cards.
“A shoulder rub now and then,” he says finally.
“Okay. What else?”
“Maybe tell me I look nice once in a while.”
A laugh slips out of me.
His eyes narrow. “What’s funny?”
“Damian, you don’t need your ego stroked.”
“Everybody likes compliments.”
I snort. “You already know you’re attractive.”
I realize what I’ve said a second too late. Suddenly the room feels hot. Damian’s gaze holds mine across the table, full of cocky amusement.
“You think I’m attractive?” he asks.
I reach for my cards. “I said you know you are.”
“That’s not what I’m asking.”
“You’re blatantly hot,” I say, trying to sound casual. “It isn’t exactly a secret.”
Silence stretches between us. When I force myself to look up, Damian is watching my mouth.
Heat climbs my neck. “Can we put on some music or something?”
He holds my gaze another second, then pushes back from the table. “Yeah.”
As he crosses to his record collection, I gather the cards with unsteady hands and try to convince myself that what just happened doesn’t mean a damn thing.
