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, but D-LIST ASSISTANT STRIKES UP FLIRTY FLING WITH A-LIST RISING STAR was 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.”

“Completely understand.” And she did. Dru had texted her three times about a pair of boots she wanted to buy but couldn’t decide on.

When they reached the lodge, Amanda thanked Tom for the escort. He turned and headed back toward the party with a goodnight that was more of a grunt.