Free Baby Girl: Dare to Love by Celya Bowers Page A

it?”
    “Yes, before I came back home, I had high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, overweight, and other issues.  I wasn’t made for an office,” he admitted.  “At the ranch, I feel free.”
    She tried to hold back her feelings, but couldn’t.  Janna had warned her this would happen.  Tears trickled down her face. She tried to wipe them away discreetly. 
    “Jemma, is something wrong?”
    She shook her head.  “I’m fine.”
    “You don’t seem fine,” he said calmly.  “So you might as well tell me what you’re feeling.”
    Of all the men she could have dated, she would have to pick a psychologist. “All right.  You described how you feel now.  Free.  Some days that’s how I feel.”
    “Explain.”
    “When I was married, we both worked crazy hours.  Mom took care of Kassie mostly.  Then when he died, between the insurance, and other payouts, I could take an early retirement. I know it makes me sound awful, but I feel so free now.  I can spend time with Kassie, my sister, my parents and just relax.  I didn’t know how run-down I was until I wasn’t working seventy hours a week.”  She wiped more tears away.  “I’m sorry, I didn’t meant to get all weepy on you.”
    “It’s all right, Jemma.   You’ve been through a lot.  You have a lot of pent up emotions about your husband and they’ll have to come out sooner or later,” Kyle said. 
    The waiter returned with their food.   She loved Italian food, especially anything with prosciutto in it.  She took a bite of her chicken and savored the aroma, the texture and finally the taste of organic free-range chicken, stuffed with bacon.  Oh yeah, she was definitely going to have to work out after a meal like this. 
    Kyle’s meal looked just as appetizing.  The seafood was sitting on a bed of pasta and was garnished with parsley.  “Romano cheese, sir?”  The young man asked. 
    “No, thanks.”  Kyle took a bite of his food.  “I’m good.”
    The waiter nodded and left the table.  Kyle took another bite.  “How’s your food?”
    Thankful for something else to talk about.  “Delicious. I miss meals like this.”
    “I wish I could cook meals like this for you,” he said.  “Truth is, I can barely make a hot dog.”
    She laughed.  “Oh, I can cook like this.  I’m a foodie.  I love all kinds of food, but Italian is my favorite.”  She took another bite of the delicious meal.  “So what happens if your mother is sick?  Your parents takes a vacation?”
    “I eat a lot of takeout,” he said. 
    “Why don’t you learn to cook?”
    “I don’t know.  I guess I hadn’t thought about it.”
    Jemma imagined his mother spoiled him.  “It’s not that hard.  I’d be happy to teach you the basics. So you’d be able to feed yourself if the case arise.”
    “You’ve got a deal.”
    Jemma hoped her offer would not bite her in the butt.  He’d been so helpful with Kassie, there wasn’t much she’d refuse this man.
    Kyle struggle to maintain his calm exterior.  Inside his brain, he was jumping up and down in celebration.   Jemma offered to give him cooking lessons.  This had to be a sign.
    Once they finished their meal and he’d paid for their dinner, he escorted her out of the restaurant.  “What do you say to a drive in the country instead of the going to the dessert place?”  He put his arm around her waist as they waited for the valet to return with his car.
    “Why?”  She peered at him with those beautiful green eyes. 
    “I thought we could talk in private,” he said honestly.  “I’m going to show you the most serene place in Tarrant County.”
    “Is this anything like, come and see my artwork?”
    “More like come and see the horses,” he jokes.  “No, this is a real place.  I go there a lot when I can’t sleep.” 
    “Is that often?” 
    “Sometimes,” he said.  “I’m in negotiations for about 12 horses.  It’s my first deal solo, so I want to make sure