Free A Rancher's Desire by Nikki Winter Page B

to pay for lunch. “You never did get over the itchy underwear did you?”
    Aiyanna stood too, determined that today she would get her revenge. “Nope. And after this, Lani and I will be perfectly even.”
     

     
    “I don’t understand why you’re so worried. It’s pretty obvious she loves you.”
    Julian stopped pacing his brother’s family room floor inside of the brand new condo purchased courtesy of his winnings from the first frontier circuit. His nonchalant attitude was grating on Julian’s nerves. But what more could he expect from a man who was too busy immersed in the world of Xbox 360 ™ to be concerned about his younger brother’s love problems?
    “ That’s not the problem. I don’t doubt that she loves me. She just won’t tell me.”
    Havan sighed as dramatically as possible and finally put down the wireless controller in his hand. He patted the cushion next to him. “Come and sit and listen to the wisdom of your older brother.”
    Julian rolled his eyes but took the seat anyway.
    “Now, Hermano, I’m going to clue you in on something that you may not be aware of.”
    Julian waved a hand.
    “Aiyanna is not Alyss.” His brother sat back like he’d just revealed the day the world would end.
    Frowning, Julian said, “I know that.”
    Havan shook his head. “I know you understand that in here.” He pointed to his head. “But it hasn’t processed in here.” He pointed to his chest. “You keep thinking that Aiyanna is going to suddenly wake up one day and see you as nothing.”
    “That’s not true.”
    “ Yes, it is. I may not be too inclined on finding a woman to tie me down for the rest of my life but I definitely know love when I see it and the way that woman treats you is more than enough to prove it. I get it. Alyss never verbalized the words and she damn sure didn’t show it but you have to separate that experience from this one.” Havan looked him dead in the eye. “Tell me something. Have you told her you love her?”
    That made Julian pause. “No, but—”
    Havan picked up his controller. “I rest my case.” Then he went back to his game.
    Julian hopped up. “That’s it!”
    Havan didn’t deter from his task of killing zombies. “What?”
    “I’ll tell her I love her! Maybe she just needs to hear the words first ! Then she will say it back and all will be solved!”
    “Julian that’s not what I—”
    “Maybe you are wise, Havan.” Julian chuckled after saying it. “Sorry. Even I didn’t believe that statement.” He grabbed his keys and headed for the door, determined to make Aiyanna come to terms with what they were both feeling.
     

Chapter Ten
     
    Aiyanna wasn’t halfway in the door of Julian’s place before he was there, in her space, grabbing her waist and fully pulling her in.
    “Hi,” he breathed, grinning like he’d just won the lotto.
    Her smile was slow in coming but it did get there. “Hi. What’re you so happy about cowboy?” She sat down her bag and unzipped her hoodie.
    Julian didn’t stop grinning but he did look at her hair curiously. “Why is there wheat stuck in your hair?”
    Aiyanna blinked innocently. “I have no idea.”
    “I have a feeling this has something to do with Lalani.”
    She began to whistle and head for the kitchen. He followed. “Never mind that.” Going to the fridge, she pulled out things to start dinner then washed her hands. “Tell me why you’re in such a good mood.”
    His eyes, as intense as always, focused on her as he made his way around the kitchen island. He gripped her hands in his and pulled her into his chest as he stared down into her upturned face. “Because, I love you.”
    Julian’s expression turned pensive, expectant, and her stomach dropped. For a brief moment after he’d said the words she’d felt them hit her square in the heart. But his face, that expression let her know he wasn’t saying it because he was opening up, because he was finally trusting her. No, he was saying it