A Rancher's Redemption. Ann Roth

his, and I consider him to be one of my best friends. And we’re definitely not platonic. At all.” Lana’s smile oozed sexual satisfaction.

      As much as Dani loved her sister-in-law, she sometimes wanted to hate her for living the life she’d always wanted. “You know how it is with me, though,” she said. “Some guy gives me a sexy smile and a few decent kisses, and I’m half in love. Once we have sex, I’m a total goner. But Nick...he doesn’t do love.”

      Lana gave her a skeptical look. “A lot of guys say that, but then they meet the right woman and bam! They’re all in.”

      “Not Nick. He’s so against falling in love that as soon as he starts to fall for someone, he ends the relationship. Trust me, I know. Getting physical would spell disaster for our friendship. We’ve been best friends forever, and neither of us want to lose what we have now. That’s why we can’t cross over the boundaries of friendship.”

      “Let me get this straight—you and Nick both agree that a physical relationship could jeopardize your friendship. If you’re on the same page, how is that a problem?” Lana frowned.

      “You wouldn’t think we’d have one, would you?” Dani said. “But since Saturday night, things have gotten a little tense between us.”

      “Ah. So...despite what you just said about not wanting to cross the arbitrary boundaries you two have established, you and Nick aren’t quite on the same page anymore.”

      “But we are,” Dani argued. “We both agreed to forget we ever kissed.”

      Lana gave a wry smile. “And how’s that working out for you?”

      Dani rested her head on her fist. “For me, not so well. I have no idea about Nick, except that when we last spoke on the phone, it was awkward. That was Monday. We haven’t been in touch with each other since.”

      Three whole days—an eternity.

      “I wouldn’t worry too much,” Lana said. “Our weather has been awful. Until last night, Sly and his guys were putting in twenty-hour days, with barely a moment to eat or sleep. That’s why he’s playing poker tonight—to give himself a well-deserved break from the ranch. I’ll bet Nick has been just as busy.”

      “Probably. Still, he could’ve called last night, just to check in. Or at the very least, texted. That’s what he’s done in the past.”

      “And you’re wondering if he’s staying away because of those kisses.”

      “A little.”

      Lana bit her lip in sympathy, making Dani feel even worse. “What do you want to do?” she asked.

      “I’m not going to call him,” Dani said. “I’m keeping busy. Which reminds me. I don’t have any plans Saturday night. If you and Sly want a date night, I’m happy to come over and babysit.”

      “That’s sweet, but my parents have already offered. They’re hosting an overnight for Johanna and her cousins. Johanna is excited. So are Sly and I. We’ll get a whole night to ourselves.” Lana all but salivated. “Didn’t you and a couple of girlfriends sign up for a silk painting class Saturday afternoon? Why don’t you hang out with them afterward? Go to dinner and out dancing, or catch a movie, or shop.”

      The idea appealed to Dani. “I’m pretty sure Christy and her fiancé have plans, but Becca and Janelle might be free. By the way, I have a new dating plan,” she said, her own words filling her with hope. “From now on, I’m going to go out with a different kind of guy. He’ll have a decent job and be looking to settle down and get married.”

      Once she met her Mr. Right, she’d be able to forget all about Nick’s kisses. Then they could return to being just friends.

      Lana opened her mouth to say something, but Johanna broke into noisy tears and barreled into her mother’s arms.

      “What’s the matter, sweetie?” she asked, pulling the howling toddler onto her lap.

      “Owie,” Johanna wailed, pointing to a red place on her kneecap.

      “Aww, poor Johanna. Let Mama make it better.” Lana placed a tender kiss on the injury.

      Instantly, the cries turned into sniffles. “C-can I have a Band-Aid?”

      “It’ll come right off in the bathtub, but why not? Dani, will you grab the box of Tinker Bell strips from the bathroom cabinet?”

      Moments later, Lana kissed her daughter’s cheek. “Is that better?”

      Johanna studied her bandaged knee and nodded.

      “This has been fun, but Johanna needs a bath before bed,” Lana said. “Then we’re both going to sleep.”

      “I need to get to bed myself,” Dani said.

      After pulling on her coat and kissing her niece and sister-in-law, she opened the door.

      “Good luck with your dating plan,” Lana said. “Keep me posted.”