It wasn’t fair of my father to try to get me to quit—rather, to quit on my behalf—and I’m furious about it. I finally convinced Lexie that I could do more than groom horses and feed puppies and now this.

I want to work, damn it.

And I want to work on Bridger Ranch.

“Don’t kick my butt,” I say, “but let’s go back to your place.”

He grins. “Now you’re talking, and baby, I love your butt.”

I punch him good-naturedly in his upper arm. “I mean to work. My job. Besides, I left my car there last night and I’ll need it.”

He shakes his head and laughs. “I didn’t even think of how you got to my bed. I admit, seeing you there, naked, scrambled my brain.”

“My car’s by the stable. I didn’t think leaving it in front of your house was much of a surprise.”

“It was a surprise. The best one.” He winks.

I blush, agreeing. “My father may have tried to have me quit, but I didn’t. I love that job, and I think I’ll be really good at it, if I can stay on long enough to prove myself.”

“Why do you want to work on the ranch?” he asks.

“I love animals. I was a vet student, before…”

He reaches out and cups my cheek. “Oh. I’m sorry.”

“Please. Don’t be. I have to learn that it’s okay to say the words. I was in my first year of vet school. I hope I can go back someday, but that may require moving to a different state.”

Funny. Just days ago I was considering leaving Bayfield. Now? You’d have to drag me kicking and screaming away from Austin. Is it smart or plain stupid to put my plans on a guy?

“Where did you go before?” he asks.

“Colorado State University. I was here at home during spring break, and that’s when…” I clear my throat. “That’s when I was abducted from the bathroom in Millie’s Diner.”

“Oh, baby…”

I draw in a breath. “It’s okay. It was two years ago now since I was rescued. I’ve been through a year of intensive therapy and I still see a doctor once or twice a month. I’m good, Austin. But I need to work. It helps.”

He kicks the sedan back into gear. “Then back to work you’ll go.”

I cover one of his hands with my own. “Yes. That’s what I want, but…you know what I want even more?”

He lifts his eyebrows. “What?”

“You.”

“Oh baby,” he groans, “those are fighting words.”

“Definitely not right here in front of City Hall. But if you’re leaving tonight,” I say, biting my lip, “I want to be with you before you go.”

“What about your job?” He waggles his eyebrows.

“Lexie will understand.”

Yeah, she sure will. I owe it to women everywhere to be with a guy as amazing—and skilled—as Austin Bridger. I’ll be a little late. And a little blissed out.