“That’s why I asked Kate for a double portion, since Izzy’s incubating the next generation.”
“Let me remind you the incubator is right here.” Isabel crossed her arms over her chest. “And she’d like a more flattering description of her condition, please.”
Lucy grinned. “What would you prefer? Me, I’ve always liked broody. But enceinte is classier, so if you’d rather—”
“Your time will come, Luce, and I’ll be ready.”
“Ah, Izzy, I tease because I have a touch of envy. Matt and I aren’t ready to have a baby yet, but I look forward to the day.”
“Hey, I can save baby stuff for you.”
“That would be awesome.” She gave Isabel a hug. “Want to do something tomorrow while CJ is tied up with ranch chores? I sketch in the morning, but I can block out a couple of hours in the afternoon.”
“That would work for me. I’ve scheduled a video chat with Naomi in the morning to check on things at the shop. Do you think I could get an afternoon hair appointment at Tres Beau? I love your cut. I’d like something similar.”
“I could use a trim, myself. That would be fun. I’ll check in the morning and see what Josette and Eva have available.” She started down the porch steps. “See you guys later.”
“Need a lift back to your cabin?” CJ paused on his way to the porch. “I’m just the dinner delivery guy. I’m not staying.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I love trekking around the ranch.” She held up her satchel. “That’s why I brought this, in case I get inspired on my way home.”
He smiled. “Okay, then. Henri told me about the raptor center. Great news.”
“Isn’t it? Can’t wait. See you guys!” Lifting the bag of coffee, she called out another thank you and set off for her half-finished cabin.
And she was lucky enough to share that cabin with the love of her life. Now Isabel was the one dealing with envy. She turned to face CJ. “I forgot you were coming.”
“You did? But that was only—”
“A little more than an hour ago. I know. I’ve been told the hormone dump that happens during pregnancy alters a woman’s brain chemistry and I might not always think clearly.”
He gazed at her. “That must be tough for you. You’re always so ahead of the game.”
“Tell me about it. I’m navigating this very tricky situation and I might not have all my marbles, at least not until it’s too late and I’ve made some really dumb decisions.”
“If I can help in any way, just say the word.”
“I don’t expect you to be my keeper. That’s an unfair burden. But if you see me heading for a cliff, feel free to intervene.”
“Will do.” He handed her the bag of food. “So you want to get your hair cut as short as Lucy’s?”
“At least that short. Summer’s coming and I’ll be carrying baby weight. I don’t need to be taking the extra time and effort to wash and dry all this.” She lifted a strand of her hair away from her shoulder.
He nodded. “I get that.”
“But you’re not happy about the idea.”
“Your hair is beautiful. Shiny and soft. That’s one of the things I remember from that night, how it felt on my…” He swallowed. “Guess that’s not an appropriate thing to say.”
“Guess not.” One subtle reference to their lovemaking and she was on fire. Backing away was the wise thing to do. Her feet weren’t cooperating. They moved her a step closer.
His gray eyes turned thundercloud dark. Lifting his hand, he cupped her cheek. “I have the feeling you don’t want me to go.”
“I don’t.” Taking a shaky breath, she moved out of reach. “But it’s for the best.”
He shoved both hands in the pockets of his jeans. His chest heaved as his hot gaze met hers. “This isn’t going to work, Izzy. It’s obvious you want me as much as I want you. I can’t see us accomplishing much when we’re both craving something you claim we can’t have.”
“I underestimated the strength of our chemistry.”
“No kidding.”
“And my overactive hormones aren’t helping. I didn’t consider that, either.”
“Well, now you know. I must be picking up on your hormonal overload because the minute I come within ten feet, I want to kiss the living daylights out of you. And damned if you don’t look like that would suit you just fine.”
“Let me think about this.”
“What good is that going to do? It won’t change anything. I say let’s end this torture. Let me take you to bed.”
“No. I promised myself that—”
“Okay.” He backed away. “I’m leaving, but this isn’t over. We have a bunch of hurdles, but we can’t deal with them until we deal with this.” Turning, he walked back around his truck, climbed in and shut the door with a little more force than was necessary.
She was shaking so badly she had to clutch the bag in both hands to keep from dropping it. Heart pounding, she hurried inside as he gunned the truck and pulled out. He was right, damn it. But his solution wasn’t a solution at all. It would only make things worse.
Chapter Nine
CJ slept with his phone under his pillow, but Izzy didn’t call. First thing in the morning he texted her. Thought I’d round up the gang for a night at the Choosy Moose. Want to go with us?
He used us instead of me on purpose. Didn’t want it to look like a date or a subtle way to wear her down. Even if it was both. In April, their attraction had blossomed on the dance floor at the Moose. Evidently he’d have to engage in some courting behavior if he wanted to turn this situation around.
Charley had taught him to listen carefully to what people
