Chapter 22

Dinner was served on the patio at the rear of the hacienda. Sconces on the two walls bracketing the door cast a soft glow along with the candle flickering on the table. Cruz again wore jeans and a t-shirt-"My at home outfit," he joked-and urged Shea to dress just as casually. She pulled on cotton slacks in a dark navy with a light blue tank top that she knew emphasized the color of her eyes. Her hair was once again pulled up in a ponytail and tied with a ribbon that matched her top. She'd shooed Cruz out of the bedroom while she dressed and her efforts were rewarded by the heated look of admiration in his eyes.

Chilled glasses and a pitcher of margaritas were waiting on the table when she took her seat. Cruz poured, then as he'd done earlier in the day, raised his glass to her in a toast.

"To a successful collaboration," he said. "I know you are the right person to make my dreams for this place come true."

They clinked glasses and Shea sipped slowly from hers, watching Cruz over the