Finally, they collapsed together and she fell asleep.

But he lay there for a while after, staring at the ceiling while he stroked her back.

Maybe it was because this time at the ranch, where he had her all to himself, was coming to an end. Maybe he knew Katrina and the kids would be heading back to New York soon, and his season was gearing up to start. He’d be busy.

Then what was going to happen between them? And how did he really feel? He hadn’t taken the time to sort out his feelings for her. Or maybe he hadn’t allowed himself to admit them.

Maybe it was time to do a little soul-searching. On both their sides.

THIRTY

KATRINA AND GRANT HAD TO GET UP EARLY THE NEXT morning. He wanted to say good-bye to his brothers, and Lydia had told her she was making a super early morning breakfast.

Katrina was used to early calls, so it wasn’t a big deal for her, though her head was a bit fuzzy from all the wine she’d consumed the night before. She felt better after taking a shower, though, and she headed straight for the coffeepot when they arrived at the main house.

“I had a wonderful time at the party last night,” she said to Lydia in the dining room after she’d taken a couple sips of coffee.

“It was a fun party, wasn’t it?” Lydia said, cradling a cup of coffee in her own hands. “More people came than I expected. And I got to enjoy it more than I thought, since the kids surprised me with the catering.”

“You should be able to enjoy your parties. Who wants to be stuck in the kitchen all night?”

“I never mind that part. I like to cook for my guests. But I freely admit to having no complaints about being freed from the kitchen last night.”

Everyone showed up for breakfast, including—and quite surprisingly—her brother and sister, who looked awake and happy to be there.

“How come you’re not this alert when I have to wake you up early in the morning?” she asked Leo.

Leo shrugged. “I guess because you’re not Easton Cassidy.”

She laughed at his honest answer. “So I should drag Easton back to New York with us and he can be your personal alarm clock once school starts?”

Easton came over and put his arm around her shoulders. “You won’t have a problem with him in the future, Katrina. He’s promised me he’s getting up early every morning and hitting the gym before school so he can put some muscle on. I’ve also promised him that I’m going to talk to his high school football coach.”

Katrina looked at Leo. “Is that right?”

“Yup. I promised. I’ve got college to think about, and only a few years to impress potential colleges.”

“He’s welcome to come out here in the summers. I run a few summer programs for high school kids. We’ll get him college ready in no time. Once I have a chat with the high school football coach and get him on the team, we’ll have him college bound in no time.”

“That’s awfully nice of you, Easton. But shouldn’t he make the team only if he’s qualified?”

“Pfft. He’s more than qualified. He survived a football game with all the Cassidy boys. Name one kid on your high school team who could do that, Leo.”

Leo smartly stayed mute.

Easton cracked a smile. “See? Coach and I will have a chat.”

“Best not to argue with Dad when he has an idea in his head,” Flynn said, popping his head into the dining room. “And Mom says breakfast is ready.”

Breakfast was a feast of eggs, bacon, biscuits, hash browns, and fruit. After two cups of coffee, Katrina realized she was starving. She had a few minutes to talk to Anya while they ate. Or, rather, listen to Mia and Anya talk.

“So you’ll come out for a campus visit during your fall break?” Mia asked. “I think you’ll love the programs at UT.”

“I plan to,” Anya said. “I’m really excited about it. I’ve already looked at their curriculum and I think this is something I want to do. Plus, there’s a culinary school in Dallas I’d like to take a look at as well.”

Katrina ate her meal silently. Easton was taking care of Leo, and Mia seemingly had Anya’s college trajectory in hand.

Not that she was complaining.

It appeared the Cassidys had it covered.

This was what it was like to have a family—a support system—other people to help out. She’d been on her own for so long, had done everything herself for her entire adult life, that she didn’t know what to make of other people doing things for and with the kids.

It made her happy, but it was a little unnerving. She didn’t want the kids to fall in love with this family, to get used to having other people in their lives who might not always be there. They were connected to the Cassidys by a very thin line, and only through her relationship with Grant.

What was going to happen when she and Grant weren’t connected anymore? It was going to sever Leo’s tie with Easton, and Anya’s tie with Mia.

It sounded so awful to think it, but it was a reality she was going to have to address sooner rather than later.

These people were amazing. Kind and warm and wonderful, accepting her and Leo and Anya as if they belonged to them.

The problem was, they didn’t. She was realistic enough to know that. Last night she’d been in sweet oblivion. This morning she was a lot more clearheaded. And no amount of wine, lovemaking, and sweet words were going to make her forget this reality.

But the kids? The kids were going to be hurt when she and Grant walked away from each other, and suddenly he—and his family—weren’t in their lives anymore.