The moment of truth had snuck up on her. The choice was obvious. Stay in Fort Stockton and be lonely, work her tail off so she could start over in a city not of her choosing, separate from Chance. Or allow him to take her to Divine to be the chef on their ranch…and possible more.
As if he sensed her hesitation and its cause, Chance said, “Just in case you’re worried about it, let’s say by chance it doesn’t work out when you get there. If you’re unhappy for whatever reason, personally, professionally, or a combination of the two, we would help you start over somewhere else, with excellent references. We would not bring you there and then give you no options if you weren’t happy with us.”
Gazing into Chance’s vulnerable, sincere blue eyes, Lydia doubted they could make her unhappy enough to leave but liked the fact that Chance acknowledged the possibility long enough to reassure her. She prided herself on being flexible in a work situation and doubted that she would find much not to love about Chance. She didn’t have any illusions about them being perfect. It was uncomfortable to do it, but she brought it all home with one more question.
“Chance, can we be crystal clear on this point because it is the most crucial one for me.”
“Go ahead, Lydia. Lay it on me.”
“I can handle just about any situation you put me in if you have running water, a stove that works, and the tools I’ll need to run your house. But there is no way in hell that I’m going to be your House Bunny, doing your will and warming your bed. Beds. If I get the impression I’m being treated disrespectfully, it’ll be the last you see of my happy, little ass.”
Chance still clasped her hand closely between his again and said, “Lydia, I promise we would never treat you that way or allow any of our men to draw that conclusion. Your status in the house will be very clearly drawn for them and they will treat you with absolute respect or find themselves on their asses outside the ranch entry, after we’ve dealt with them personally.”
Lydia nodded. “So there are other women in Divine who put up with more than one man?” she asked with a playful smirk.
“Several who profess to be the most spoiled women on the planet. We plan to outdo their men, though.”
Lydia smiled and said, “All right, Chance. I’ll do it.”
“You’ll give us a chance?”
She nodded and replied, “Yes, but we’ll take it slow, like you said. I’m going to need some time to get settled, okay? I couldn’t abide you sleeping in your truck last night, but that doesn’t mean I’m hopping in the sack with you tonight.”
Chance grinned, seeming undeterred. “I don’t expect it, baby. I appreciated the consideration last night and have drawn no conclusions. I’ll give you all the time you need.”
“And Clayton?”
Chance crossed his heart and held up two fingers. “A total gentleman, I swear.”
Lydia couldn’t deny that she hoped it would work out with him as well, regardless of the fact that they had ground to cover. “I don’t know him as well as I know you, Chance. As long as he understands I can’t make any promises yet and that I’ll need time, I can come with you when you’re ready for me.”
“Hot damn!” he yelled, and they both laughed when he grabbed her to him and hugged her hard. “You won’t regret it, Lydia.”
Feeling playful, she replied, “I don’t know. We’ll see, I suppose.” He grinned, and she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back when he planted his lips on hers. He tugged her to him until she was straddling his thighs and held her tight as their lips melded into a slow, wet kiss that left her panting and wanting more. She wanted to press her pussy against his erection that hardened against her and might have if her phone hadn’t chosen that moment to ring.
Chapter Seven
Chance helped Lydia back to a sitting position next to him as she reached for her phone in her purse. He was unhappy to be interrupted right as they were getting to the good stuff, but grateful if it was the owners of the café that were calling her. He’d love to get her home to the ranch and wanted to leave as soon as she was ready to.
“Hello? Yes, it is.”
He shifted in the spot he sat to make a little more room for the erection burgeoning at his groin. Lydia evidently brought out the horny teenager in him judging by how fast he’d responded to the feel of her lush body pressing against his.
“I’m not sure what to say. Yes. Can you give us about ten minutes to get there? We’re outside of town right now. Yes, thank you.” She frowned as she disconnected the call and looked up at him as he rose to his feet and helped her to stand.