Page 130 of Her Boss, Her Rancher: Sunrise On The Ranch

“Hi.”

Bella’s olive complexion and flowing dark hair made her soft green eyes stand out even more. He couldn’t stop staring.

“I, uh...” she said, “I have everything under control. Dinner should be ready in thirty minutes.”

“Great. You look nice, too.”

“Thank you. I wasn’t sure how to dress. I mean, I...”

“We’re not formal here, Bella. Anything would’ve been perfect on you.”

Jared blinked. Geesh, did he just say that?

She moved away from him. Like she was scared, or worse. Maybe she was feeling the same attraction that he was. “I’ll go in and check on dinner.”

“Need some help?” he asked.

“Not really.” She walked past him, heading for the kitchen. “But thanks for the offer.”

The doorbell chimed and Jared moved slowly to the door to greet Lauren and Cooper.

Once inside, Lauren gave him a big but gentle hug. “You look really good, Jared. How’re you doing?”

“Hanging in. Every day I get a little better. My ribs hurt, but that’s gonna take time to heal.”

Cooper shook his hand. “Hey, bro. Good seeing you.” He put his nose in the air. “Wow, smells really good in here.”

“Bella’s cooking.” Pride registered in Jared’s voice and once again he was baffled by the intensity of the feelings he shouldn’t be having.

“Where is she?” Lauren said. “I’m dying to meet her.”

“She’s putting the finishing touches on the meal.”

Jared led the way into the kitchen. He made the introductions and Lauren walked directly over to Bella and took her hand. “I’m so sorry about...you know. I apologize for my little indiscretion. Do you think you can forgive me?”

Bella blinked. Lauren wasn’t usually so abrupt, but this had obviously been weighing on her.

“I was sort of stunned by it,” Bella said earnestly. “But your husband explained your reasons and...well, I do understand why you did it.”

“So you forgive me?”

Bella glanced at him and then nodded slowly. “Yes.”

“Thank you,” Lauren said breathlessly. “I appreciate it so much.” She turned to Sienna, who was on a quilt on the floor, deconstructing her block house. Lauren bent down. “Hello, Sienna. My name is Lauren. What do you have here?”

“Bocks.”

“Aren’t they pretty? I like the purple ones. Which one is your favorite?”

Sienna grabbed one. “Dis one.”

“That’s a great choice.”

Lauren turned to Bella. “She’s every bit as cute as Jared said she was.”

Bella smiled. “Thanks. Congratulations on your baby. Cooper told me you were expecting.”

“Yes, we’re excited. And nervous and scared and every emotion under the sun.”