“What? No. Sam, I—” Surely he couldn’t be thinking about sex at a moment like this.

“This isn’t about me. Or us. You’re clearly stressed. It just so happens I know a guy who can comp your whole stay. Did you even get to see the spa?”

“No.”

“You won’t even have to see me. I don’t live at the ranch. You spring yourself from work Friday night and come on down. Enjoy the ranch. Ride a horse, pet a llama or one of our more friendly sheep.”

“What about the dogs?” Amanda sniffled. “Can I spend some time with your dogs?”

“Of course. You didn’t meet the other two. Hell, if you want, we’ll go down to the shelter and pick up a few more. All the dogs you can handle.”

Amanda couldn’t stop herself from laughing. “I have to think about it.”

“Here. Unlock your phone for a second.” Amanda unclenched her hand and reached for her phone, which he was still holding. Her fingernails had been digging into her palm so hard she knew her hand would ache when the adrenaline passed. She took her cell and unlocked it with her tear-streaked face before she handed it back to him. His thumbs flew over the screen as he spoke.

“Give it some thought and if you decide you want to come through just text or call me. I’ll take care of everything.” He handed it back and she stopped herself from immediately texting him so he’d have her number saved. She still wasn’t sure if she wanted him to be able to contact her. Her eyes lingered on the freshly saved contact, TEX, at the top of the screen.

“You don’t have to do this,” Amanda said as she glanced up at his handsome face. He was working on the beginnings of a beard. She didn’t hate it.

“I want to. I know sad and I know exhausted. You look like you’ve had enough of both. For real. I won’t bother you. I didn’t forget what you said. You’re not interested. Heard it loud and clear. But . . .” He shrugged, tilting his head to the side. “Come on down. Use as many or as few of the amenities as you want. Eat some bomb-ass food and then battle Sunday night traffic to brave another week with your asshole coworker.”

“Shit.” She was still holding Dru’s now lukewarm carrot soup. “I have to get back.” That seemed to be enough to break them both from some spell Amanda didn’t realize they were under. She didn’t realize how close to each other they still were standing. She didn’t realize how badly she still wanted to kiss him, how badly she wished weekends with him could be a reality that wouldn’t cost her her job.

“I’ll—I gotta go.”

“Okay. Hit me up if you change your mind.”