“By accident. I was flipping through looking for some cologne ads.”
“Hmmm. I’ll also introduce you to my brother’s horses, Steve and Bam Bam.”
“I know nothing about Bam Bam and I already love him.”
“I’m sure he’ll love you,” Sam said. Then he went ahead and took a risk. “I know I just met you and this might sound crazy, but could I get your number?”
“No,” she replied with crisp ease. Sam had forgotten the acute sting of rejection, but it took hold right in the center of his chest, burning as it spread.
“I’m staying in room twelve though. If you can be cool, maybe stop by after tonight’s festivities. Or tomorrow night.”
And he’s back in the game!
“I can do that.”
“I look forward to it. Now tell me more about Bam Bam, my new favorite horse in the world.”
* * *
For such a festive evening, a dark cloud had somehow settled over Amanda’s mood. Was this what it felt like to have the most basic of crushes on someone? She hadn’t looked at a guy romantically—or sexually—since she’d started working for Dru. She couldn’t stress enough how her night with Sam had been a colossal fluke, but there she was trying her hardest just to enjoy the lovely bonfire the ranch staff had planned for Helene and Ignacio’s guests.
She couldn’t though. Her stomach wouldn’t stop fluttering every time Sam caught her eye. This insistent heat that had crept up her neck when he’d whispered in her ear all those hours ago had spread, bringing a tingle with it. Over her cheeks, the crown of her head, and down between her legs. Amanda couldn’t stand it.
She’d gotten a few moments with the bride and groom after dinner and before they headed over to the dance hall for a little square dancing. She spent the rest of the evening keeping mostly to herself or making quick but polite small talk with their friends and family. She’d gotten trapped momentarily by an uncle, the key demo typically attracted to her full curves, but she was able to spin away as soon as she saw Helene’s sister heading toward the restrooms.
Sam had been there the whole time, keeping a careful distance, but she watched him work the room, charming everyone in sight, stepping off to the side to check in and share a quick laugh with the ranch employees.
She wondered what it was like to be so out there all the time. She was an absolute pro at making herself invisible. Since she’d arrived that afternoon, she’d successfully avoided no fewer than five professional photo opportunities. Sam wasn’t the guest of honor, but there was no way Amanda could miss the way everyone in the room gravitated toward him. Adoring gazes followed him everywhere he went. It wasn’t shocking. He was so damn fine and he looked poured into the suit he was wearing, and somehow the wool-lined jacket he popped up in during the bonfire made him look even sexier. It was a lot to take in, and as the night went on Amanda came to a decision.
After she banged Sam one more time, she had to move on. He wasn’t for her, even in a casual sense. She could see herself in another life waking up early in the morning and stepping out onto the porch of one of these high-end cabins. Looking out over their children as Sam rode his black stallion across the range. But life wasn’t one of her fantasies. In thirty-six short hours she’d be in traffic on her way back to LA. Back to life as an assistant. She was still proud of her work, even if she’d fibbed about it a little, butD-LIST ASSISTANT STRIKES UP FLIRTY FLING WITH A-LIST RISING STARwas not a gossip headline she wanted to see.
She wasn’t going to give Sam her phone number. He’d text or call and she’d respond, she’d answer and she knew that would only lead to disaster. Whatever was going on between them would stay right here on Big Rock Ranch.
Around ten while a friend of Ignacio’s was entertaining everyone with a rousing rendition of “Back That Azz Up” on acoustic guitar, Sam’s brother Zach popped up. Amanda watched from across the fire as he checked in with Helene and Ignacio. A few minutes later Sam and Zach disappeared into the night.
“Having fun?” Robyn asked.
“I am. I think I’m going to turn in though. I keep toddler hours. I’m up way past my bedtime.”
Robyn smiled, then pulled her in for a light hug. They both made their way to the other side of the log sitting circle. Helene saw them coming and stood just as they reached her. “Join us for breakfast tomorrow, yeah?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
“Great. Let me get one of the boys to walk you back,” Helene said.
“Oh no. I’m fine.” It was dark, but there was a clear lantern-lit path all the way back to the lodge. Besides, she was ready to be alone. It had been a long day.
“Nonsense. Tom?!” Amanda looked over at one of the groomsmen who was a few feet away, texting like mad on his phone.
“Yeah,” he said without looking up.
“Walk my lovely friend back to the lodge.”
“Yeah sure.”
“He’s a real gentleman. Promise,” Ignacio said with his broad smile. They said their goodnights and Amanda started back for the lodge. Tom fell into step beside her, thumbs still moving over his screen.
“Sorry,” he mumbled as they walked. “Work thing.”