2. Chapter Two
Chapter Two
A t six on the nose, Becca strode into the dining room of the main ranch house. She couldn’t believe how quick time slipped by now that she’d come to some conclusions about her life and her needs.
Smiling, she glanced around the room. She was greeted by six people sitting at the table. They all looked like couples, and she fought against squirming with anxiety because she was alone. Her stomach tightened, and she had to remind herself that she didn’t need to feel out of place because she was single. There was nothing wrong with it.
She was about to pull a chair out when her nerves tingled.
“Allow me.”
Tyler. Only his voice could make her pussy cream like that. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” His breath brushed against her ear as she sat. A shiver of excitement traveled through her body.
Lord, he could still arouse her with his voice. Hadn’t she been reminded of that at the stable? Then his heat cooled as he took his place on her left. That was when she spotted a man she hadn’t noticed before at the other end of the table.
He grinned from ear to ear. “Welcome, everyone,” he said. “I’m Jared, and at the opposite end is my business partner, Tyler. We want to welcome you to Quick Silver Ranch.”
Jared glanced around the table, his gaze lingering on the empty chair on Becca’s right.
I wonder if they’re missing a guest.
“If you need anything,” he continued. “All you have to do is ask. We will do our best to provide you with whatever you desire.”
Laughter floated in the air, but Becca wasn’t sure why.
“I can’t wait to try out what you’re providing,” the man on Tyler’s right said.
More laughter.
“We’ll do our best to keep up with you,” Jared said. “Tonight is a chance for everyone to get acquainted. Tomorrow, your adventure starts.”
As if on cue, a large man and several other people carried bowls and platters of food into the dining room. The smell of roast beef and freshly baked bread made Becca’s mouth water.
When was the last time I ate? Last night?
Plates were filled, and everyone began introducing themselves over the wonderful food. Becca found she was right: The others were all couples, and one of the couples had stayed at the ranch before.
Then it was her turn, and all eyes focused on her. “I’m Becca. My best friend gifted me this trip to the ranch, and I’m looking forward to the experience.”
“Is your partner joining you later?” Jared asked.
“Partner?” Her gaze sought Tyler before returning to Jared. “I’m here alone.”
Silence descended. Becca drew a deep breath as she kept her gaze on Jared.
Why is he looking like there’s something wrong? Because, based on the confusion and concern in Jared’s expression, oh yes, there was definitely something wrong.
“This shouldn’t have happened,” Jared muttered.
She looked around the table, briefly studying each person, and each face held an element of shock or surprise.
Oh, no. Something was definitely wrong. The food in her stomach turned into a lead ball. Maybe coming here alone wasn’t such a good idea.
Angie hadn’t mentioned it was for couples only. She said it was a dude ranch, but now it seemed like it was more. Was this what the lady at check-in meant? I need to read that packet.
Becca swallowed, trying to stop the panic welling inside her. She really wanted to have this week away from the stress and tension of the city. And maybe to explore being reunited with Tyler, but now…
Not waiting to find out what she’d done wrong or why everyone was looking at her funny, Becca carefully slid her chair back. She hated being the odd man out. “Excuse me.” She turned and fled the room as she fought back tears.
Why does life keep throwing me curve balls?