Page 133 of Her Boss, Her Rancher: Sunrise On The Ranch

“I’ll help, too,” Bella chimed in. “Of course. I’d love to help with the party.”

“That’s very kind of you, Bella,” Lauren said. “We’ll all pitch in this year.”

“Fine,” Jared said grudgingly, looking like he’d rather tangle with a ferocious tiger than plan a holiday party.

“Well, if you’re all finished with the meal, I’ll get these dishes out of the way.” Bella rose.

“Let me help,” Lauren said.

“Oh, uh, Lauren, I was hoping you could entertain Sienna for a few minutes while I clean up and serve the dessert. That would be the biggest help. I keep a box of toys for her in the family room.”

“If you’re sure, I’d love to.”

“I’ll help Bella,” Jared said and this time no one dared question him. “You and Cooper have fun with Sienna. She loves playing with her dolls. And jumping on the sofa. But that’s off-limits. It’s too dangerous.”

Suddenly, Jared was an expert on Sienna? It was strange that she didn’t mind the thought. Not at all.

After she got Sienna situated with Cooper and Lauren, she headed back to the dining room. Jared had already cleared the plates from the table. She only had to pick up the glasses and utensils. She met him inside the kitchen. “Thanks for helping.”

“Anytime,” he said.

“I like your family.” She began rinsing off the dishes and arranging them in the dishwasher.

Jared leaned against the counter, next to her. “Even Cooper?”

“Especially Cooper.”

“Why?” Jared’s sincerely puzzled expression almost made her laugh.

“Because—” she turned to him, meeting his eyes “—he cares so much about you.”

Jared’s gaze softened and dipped to her mouth. “You’re sweet to say that,” he whispered.

She was locked in on him, unable to look away, though every bone in her body warned her to step back, to finish her chores and forget about how much she liked this deadly handsome, blue-eyed man standing so close. “You think I’m sweet?”

Jared’s lips twitched. “And talented and smart and so beautiful I can hardly pretend not to notice.”

“Jared.” Was she warning him away or simply sighing his name? She was dizzy from his nearness and unable to figure any of this out.

“Bella, you’re my angel.” He touched a strand of her hair then, the gleam in his eyes filled with admiration and maybe something more.

“I’m no angel,” she whispered.

“To me, you are.” He bent his head and she froze.

But Jared’s kiss landed on her cheek. “Thanks for a wonderful meal,” he said quietly, smiling and then exiting the room.

Disappointed, she touched the spot where he’d just kissed her. She’d been telling herself all along she wasn’t attracted to him. She couldn’t be. So then why on earth was the skin on her cheek flaming so hot right now?

And why was her heart cracking open a bit when she’d believed it was locked good and tight forever?

Later that night, after getting Sienna down to sleep, Bella walked into the second bedroom to call Amy back, and her friend picked up right away.

“Hi, Amy.”

“Hi. How’d it go over there tonight?”

“It went really well. Jared’s got a nice family. Dinner for Cooper and his wife turned out pretty great, but I’m beat and—”