Santa Fe Fortune & How to Marry a Matador

smells delicious. What’s cooking?”
    “Homemade mashed potatoes with fresh-pressed garlic and chives from the garden, sliced summer tomatoes, and rib eye steaks on the grill with a skewer of hot jalapeños.”
    “Also fresh from the garden, I’d guess.” She smiled, genuinely pleased. “Oh, Dan, my mouth watered just hearing the description.”
    He cocked his head at her and grinned. “I’m glad you approve. I’m happiest when my houseguests are happy.”
    “And I’m happy you’re such a good host,” she said as he filled a goblet with red wine and handed it over. She tasted it and licked her lips, lips so enticing Dan was itching to kiss them. Big brown eyes sparkled with delight. “Say, this isn’t…?”
    “Yes, ma’am,” he told her with a grin. “The same wine we shared the night we discussed Loretto Chapel.”
    She lowered her eyes, then batted them over the rim of her glass. “As I recall, it’s also the night we discussed miracles.”
    In spite of himself, his voice grew gravelly. “Yes, it was.”
    Dan sensed a rush of heat flow through him like lava. There she stood in those impossibly sexy boots…with that knock-your-socks-off body…and that come-and-get-me-and-kiss-me-all-over face. It took all the strength Dan had to resist sweeping Gwen off her feet and carting her down the hall to his comfy, king-size bed. God, he loved this woman, and he was going to tell her, show and tell her, good and soon.
    “Want to join me on the patio?” he asked, picking up the tray of steaks to carry outside.
    “Can I bring something?”
    “Just your wine and that skewer of jalapeños.” He cautioned her as she lifted the pepper plate. “Be sure not to touch any. You might regret it later.”
    She cocked an eyebrow. “More than the chile rellenos in the park?”
    Dan released a belly laugh. “Very much more. These home-grown babies are a hundred times hotter.”
    “Excellent,” she said with a big, appealing grin.

    An hour later, they sat at the patio table, enjoying the view of the darkened valley and the aftermath of a superb meal. Gwen studied Dan relaxing with his wine. He was so handsome and at home in his element out here on the ranch. Gwen found it hard to believe what a lucky woman she’d been. She’d come to Santa Fe to sell her art and had somehow given away her heart in the bargain. It wasn’t a bad trade. Gwen knew that if she had to do it over, she’d make all the same choices again. Getting to know Dan and spending time with him here in New Mexico had been one of the most memorable occasions of her life.
    “Dinner was the best, Dan. Outstanding. Thank you so much for bringing me here. This has been a wonderful way to wrap up an unforgettable trip.”
    “It’s not over yet,” he said raising his glass to hers.
    “No, it’s not,” she said softly. In many ways, Gwen wished it would never end. How incredible it would be if there was a way to freeze time and keep things just as they were—right now—forever.
    The wind picked up, raking against them. Small chill bumps rose on Gwen’s flesh, and she crossed her arms in front of herself to warm them.
    “If it’s too cool for you, we can go indoors,” he said, noticing.
    “No. I like it out here. It’s beautiful,” she said, studying the sky, which was studded with stars and a faraway moon.
    “Then let me bring you a jacket,” he offered. “Did you pack one?”
    “I’m afraid not,” she said. While it had cooled down at night in the city, it hadn’t been quite as chilly as this.
    “No worries,” he said with a grin. “You can borrow one of mine.” He added a sly twist to his lips. “Besides, you’ll need it when we go riding.”
    “Riding?” Gwen asked with surprise.
    Dan motioned toward the heavens above them. “You think the stars are spectacular now, just wait until you see what I’ve got in store.”
    He disappeared into the house and left Gwen’s heart beating a billion miles per second. She didn’t know where he was taking her, but she couldn’t wait. If it involved this awesomely incredible man and gazing at stars, she was in.
    Dan emerged in the threshold, dressed in a light leather jacket. He brought another one to her and helped slip it on. Its warmth engulfed her, and its clean masculine scent hinted of Dan. She zipped it in front of her, eager to go.
    Little lines tugged at the edges of his mouth as blue eyes crinkled.
    “Ever been on a horse?”

Chapter Eleven

    Dan led them down