She caught herself staring and turned toward the barn.

“Five years is a long time,” Luke said from behind her.

She glanced over her shoulder, caught his knowing look and the sheer male pride that he knew she liked what she saw in him.

Who wouldn’t? The man was pure cowboy perfection.

But he also had a sharp lawyer’s mind, she reminded herself, and so far he’d only confused her about his motives. Was he spending time with her for professional or personal reasons? Was this all about Margaret’s threat to go to court, or was he really interested in her?

Either way, he made her nervous and unsure and she didn’t like it, so she held strong to the inner strength and confidence she used in business.

She reminded him why they were here. “You promised Nick barn cats and vegetable picking.”

“I can multitask. Because I’m all about spending time with you.”

To distract him, she handed him the box she’d brought with her. “These are for you. Apology brownies. Sorry for sleeping in your field.”

“You didn’t have to do that.” He raked his fingers through his hair and gave her an apologetic frown. “I overreacted. It’s just that seeing you out there with all those horses . . .”

“I know.” She didn’t want to think about what could have happened.

Luke handed a brownie to Nick, then took a big bite of another. “Where did you get these? They’re outstanding.”

“I made them.”

Nick swallowed the last of his square. “Mama makes the best brownies and cookies. I like chocolate chip best.”

Luke stopped just inside the barn and cocked his head. “I thought you couldn’t cook.”

She stood beside him and raised a brow. “Why would you think that?”

Luke shrugged. “Margaret.”

“I should have known.” She rolled her eyes. “Are you going to make me explain some lie Margaret told you every time you see me?”

“It’s called a conversation.” He smirked. “I’m interested.”

She shook her head, but gave in and told him the truth. “You know my mom died when I was very young. The foster families I stayed with only ever gave me the bare essentials. My uncle overcooked or charred everything he ever made, which is why we ate a lot of pizza and fried chicken out of a bucket. I imagined real families had moms who cooked healthy meals and baked cookies for after-school snacks.”

“I doubt they all do, but mine did.” Luke gave her a glimpse into his very different childhood.

“There’s a restaurant close to our office. I love eating there. So much so, they know me now. So when I found out I was pregnant with Jack, I asked the chef if he’d teach me how to cook and bake. We struck a deal and he taught me.”

Luke looked intrigued. “What deal?”

“I revamped his restaurant inventory and ordering systems. I set up a database for his customers’ orders and billing information. Now, he can see who his most loyal clientele are and what they like to order. When they make a reservation, he can have special menus ready for them.”