“Any time.”
He opened the door and she walked through it, turning right and continuing down the sidewalk. Seth couldn’t help but watch as she seemed to glide down the street. She was still wearing the riding pants that outlined every detail of her slim figure. A leather belt emphasized her tiny waist, and her loose white shirt covered full breasts. She had a small, impish nose and lips a man could enjoy for hours. He felt his body immediately react to her, something that frankly surprised him.
It was too bad he didn’t pick up any vibes that she was the marrying kind. He just might be tempted.
“Mr. Rucker, could you recommend a good place to eat?” Seth said, turning back to look at the lawyer.
“Burdall’s City Café, just one block up on the town square. As a matter of fact, I was about to head there myself. You’re welcome to share my table.”
“Thanks. I’d like that.”
It was only a few minutes’ walk to the café, and they just beat the lunchtime rush. Seth pulled out a chair and settled in across the table from Mr. Rucker. He grabbed the menu from between the salt, pepper and sugar canisters and looked it over. It had a pretty wide selection for a small hometown restaurant.
A waitress set tall glasses of ice water down next to them and said she’d be back in just a few minutes to take their orders. But before she could return, they had another visitor at their table.
“Hi.” It was the redhead again. “Do you mind if I join you? There’s a line and I have to get back to work.”
“Of course,” said Mr. Rucker without hesitation. “Ally, have you met Mr. Masters?”
She stilled. “No,” she said, staring at Seth. “Not...formally, at least.”
“This is Seth Masters. Seth, Ally Kincaid.”
“Masters?” She frowned. Her eyes narrowed. “Are you any relation to Wade Masters?”
“Yes. As a matter of fact I am.”
“I knew it. When you almost ran me down on the road. You look like a Masters.” Her eyes rested on him, and she was silent for a few moments. Then, as though she thought better of saying what she had in mind, she changed the subject.
“You said you were from California, right? What do you do there?” she asked as she pulled out a chair and sat down.
“I own several companies, mostly electronics and pharmaceuticals.”
“Huh. Who would have thought? I would have better believed you were a contender for the Indianapolis 500.” She reached for a menu. “I’ll bet your pharmacy comes in handy when you get behind the wheel.”
“I’m just used to moving at a faster pace.”
“Yeah, I’ll bet you are. So, what are you doing in the sleepy little town of Calico Springs?”
“Just enjoying the view,” he replied, looking straight at her.
Seth watched as a light blush ran up her neck and touched her face before he returned to the menu. Her very scent was exciting: a subtle blend of exotic herbs, strawberries and leather. It had his pheromones working overtime. He had never experienced such an immediate attraction to a woman.
“Is everyone ready to order?” The waitress flipped a page in her notebook and took pen in hand.
Ally ordered a ham and cheese sandwich while Mr. Rucker and Seth chose to have steak. Seth glanced at the older man and saw a twinkle in his eyes. He suspected Ben was attuned to the banter going on between him and Ally and maybe had a little subtle matchmaking in mind.
After they had given their orders Ally turned her focus to Mr. Rucker. “So, did you pencil me in?”
“I had my secretary send Wade a text to see when he’s available. Once I hear back, consider yourself penciled.”
“Good. Thank you. I just hope he’s as reasonable as people say he is.”
She wanted an appointment with Wade? Seth couldn’t help but wonder as to the reason.
As though the question showed on his face, she set the menu aside and said flatly, “Wade Masters’s father stole my ranch. And I want it back.”