Page 95 of That Rush

“She said no,” Aiden says.

“I heard her. Food can remain available without becoming a trap.”

“That sounds suspiciously like personal growth,” I call out.

Adrienne laughs and pulls away from the curb.

Aiden returns to the steps with my bag still over his shoulder. “What would you accept?”

“I accepted dinner at my cabin.”

“You made me earn that.”

“You arrived with pasta and were on your best behavior.”

His eyes dip to my mouth. “My intentions changed before dessert.”

“I noticed.”

“What would make you say yes to seeing the ranch?”

He doesn’t pitch the thirty Slades. He just asks what I want.

“A ride,” I say. “Food. No family ambush.”

“What type of ride?”

“I meant in a vehicle.”

“I have horses.”

“So I’ve heard.”

Aiden steps closer. “Come out Saturday morning. I’ll pick you up, take you riding, and feed you breakfast on my porch.”

“Just us?”

“Just us.”

“What about Josie?”

“She has plans with my parents until lunch. You and I will be done before she comes home.”

I narrow my eyes. “Done with the date?”

“With breakfast.” His voice drops. “I’m willing to negotiate everything after that.”

A slow heat curls through me. “And if we run into twenty-seven relatives?”

“We won’t. I know their schedules.”

“Of course you do.”

“The ranch is quiet early. You’ll see where I work, meet the horses, and eat without anyone asking when you plan to become part of the family.”

“That was extremely specific.”

“I know my family.”