The Expectant Secretary by Leanna Wilson

setting.
    â€œI, um, well, Brody…” She stuttered to a halt, not knowing how to handle this situation.
    She was not interested in him. Or anybody else, for that matter. She wondered why that same denial was beginning to sound more and more hollow.
    Maybe she should just explain to Brody that it was too soon after James’s death. Anyone would understand that. She wouldn’t have to explain further. She wouldn’t have to lie. Worse, she wouldn’t have to confront the truth making her knees weak with need.
    Strengthening her resolve, she forged ahead. “Brody, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œAbout this weekend.”
    â€œYou don’t?”
    â€œNo.” She maintained eye contact even when she wanted to look away. She had to be firm. “It’s risky. It’s…well, the timing is completely wrong.”
    He rubbed his jaw. “How do you know?”
    Biting down on her frustration, she wished he would just accept it and move on. “Isn’t it obvious?”
    â€œNo. Explain it to me.” He folded his arms over his broad chest. “I admit I’m new at this.”
    New at asking a woman out? She swallowed a laugh. He was the expert. Not her!
    â€œLook, I could make a dozen excuses, but the truth is, I don’t have any plans. And I don’t want any. If I were to make up something, it would mislead you. Then we’d be right back in the same place. Let memake it as plain as I can. I’m a recent widow. I’m not interested in romance…or anything else. I don’t think—”
    â€œI wasn’t asking you out.”
    Confused, she blinked. “Excuse me?”
    His mouth quirked into a semblance of a smile. He chuckled, but his gaze smoldered like a banked fire. “But if that’s what you want—”
    â€œNo.” Embarrassed heat flared inside her. What have I done?
    You’ve made a complete fool of yourself, that’s what!
    â€œLet me explain,” he continued, erasing the amused smile pulling at his lips. “I’m interested in looking over a piece of property near the Double Crown Ranch. It’s actually a winery. I hear there are several vineyards in this part of Texas. It’s a growing industry, here, as well as in Australia. I think it might be a good investment for our newly merged company. And it would expand the ranch even more.”
    â€œOh.” She couldn’t say anything else. She wished she had a magic button that would make her disappear.
    â€œI was hoping you’d go with me. It borders the north side of the ranch.”
    â€œIsn’t the Double Crown Ranch kind of large?”
    â€œApproximately five hundred thousand acres.” He spoke as if that was a drop in an old bucket.
    â€œThat could take a while to cross.”
    â€œWe have to go around but it should be only a three or four hour drive. You could help gather information for my presentation to the board. But I understand if you’re not comfortable—”
    â€œForget what I said.” How could she have been so stupid? The only way for her to not look like a fool was to go with Brody. What had she done? “Please, just forget everything I said.”
    He quirked a brow. “What are you saying?”
    â€œBasically that I’ve been a complete idiot. I’m sorry, Brody. I—I…”
    â€œThen you’ll go with me? To see the property, that is.”
    Why did she think she’d regret this? Not for the usual reasons, but because it was now so obvious that Brody wasn’t interested in her.
    â€œIf you n-need me,” she stammered. “I mean, need me for work…for…” Flustered, she tried to mask the sudden twinge of disappointment…and irritation. Why didn’t he want to go out with her? That thought placed her in dangerous territory. She shouldn’t care what he thought about her. Or if he