“I’m not...” His voice trailed off. He wasn’t a liar. He might not tell the whole truth, or he might bend it, but he didn’t lie. Besides, he wasn’t under oath. He lifted one shoulder in a negligent shrug. “Does it matter, Mr. Thomas? She’s headed back to Chicago soon anyway.”
“Maybe.”
Chance stared, wondering about the cryptic reply. As an attorney, he was used to having all the aces up his sleeve. He’d been half a step behind since seeing Cass at that hotel in Chicago. “As far as I know, she intends to go back to her job. They won’t give her compassionate leave forever.”
The front door opened, and Cass stepped out. He stood transfixed, the conversation with Boots forgotten. Her blond hair looked like spun silk, and the light shining from the house bathed her in a halo. This was the first time he’d seen her wearing anything remotely feminine—besides those killer boots in Chicago. The skirt she wore hugged her hips and left her long legs in plain sight. A lacy turquoise tank left just enough of the rest of her to the imagination. He swallowed. Hard. Ignoring Boots, he stepped toward her.
“Wow.” She smiled, and he gulped again. “You look terrific.”
Her cheeks pinkened, and she dropped her gaze. When she looked up, her eyes twinkled and crinkled at the corners. “Happy to see you, too, cowboy.”
* * *
He was so busted. She laughed at the expression on his face when he figured out what she meant. He was happy to see her. And she was happy to see him. She couldn’t remember the last time a guy turned her on like Chance. Her breasts swelled as she inhaled. Just thinking about the kiss they’d shared had her all but panting. She cut her eyes to look at him and noticed his gaze dropped to her chest. She cleared her throat, and his head jerked up, his expression guilty as he met her eyes. She bit back a laugh. Busted again, but she didn’t mind.
He made her feel sexy and desirable, so she made a bit of a show when she fastened her seat belt. Oh, yeah. He noticed.
“So, where are you taking me to dinner?”
He had to lick his lips before he spoke. Yes, her outfit definitely had the desired effect. She’d been ready to make love to him in the barn. She was more than ready to explore that aspect of things as soon as they finished dinner.
He started the truck and maneuvered it back toward the road before he glanced over, gave her an appreciative smile and replied. “I thought we’d go to Old Chicago.” She flashed a “you’ve got to be kidding me” face at him and he laughed. “You have to admit, it’s fitting, all things considered.”
Cass rolled her eyes but resisted sticking out her tongue. “Well, if that’s the case, I should have dressed for comfort...” She liked teasing him.
“Actually, I thought we might head down to Bricktown. Since you haven’t been home in a while, I think you’ll be surprised.”
“Any place in particular?”
He chuckled. “Well, Toby Keith’s place makes great chicken-fried steak.”
“And this is your idea of a big date?”
“You’ve never seen the size of that chicken fry.”
She laughed. “Okay. We’ll go eat at Toby’s. I’m starved.”
* * *