AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I never stayed in contact with anyone after the judge dismissed our case.
One of them could be perfect for this job, but instead the livelihoods of Heath and his sister Samantha, along with the other ranch hands and animals, weigh on my shoulders.
“Congratulations,” Samantha says. “You must be thrilled.”
Thrilled isn’t exactly how I’d put it. Especially not with Heath’s blue eyes boring into me. I squirm in my seat, hot under his piercing gaze and the thick woolen sweater I donned this morning.
This farce would almost be funny if it didn’t make me want to cry. Because, of course, the first man to snag my attention—a ridiculously attractive man who I somehow managed to say more than two words to—now hates me.
After another five minutes, Mr. Tan excuses himself, leaving me alone with Heath and Samantha.
“Why don’t I give you a tour of the house? Then—” The screen door slams shut behind Heath’s broad back. He stalks toward Mr. Tan, sunlight catching the silver strands threading his hair, but we can't make out what's being said from here. “Don’t mind my brother. He’s been grumpy since he got back home. A month ago.”
Samantha rolls her eyes and motions for me to follow her.
“A month ago? I thought this was your family home before Mr. Foster bought it.”
She leads me through a large kitchen filled with white cabinets and the smell of maple syrup, most likely leftover from breakfast.
“It is. Or was. Sorry.” She shrugs in resignation, and I feel bad all over again. It’s not like you planned to steal her family’s ranch. It was a done deal long before I arrived once Mr. Foster signed the papers.
We walk through the main level where an office and bathroom reside next to the open concept living area before we head upstairs to find four bedrooms.
“This is my room, but I can move to one of the cabins if you’re not comfortable sharing the house. I’ll still handle cooking for the staff and housekeeping, too, if that’s alright with you. Mr. Tan said everything could continue running as-is unless the new owner had different plans.”
“Nope,” I quickly reassure her. “I’m fine with whatever works best for everyone. You’re the expert here, not me. I’m just sorry for the entire situation.”
“It’s not your fault,” Samantha echoes my earlier thoughts. “Truthfully, Mr. Foster saved our asses by purchasing the ranch. Our dad was stubborn and didn’t make the necessary changes to keep the business profitable, so while it sucks that we don’t own Serenity Ranch anymore, at least it lives on, and we’re allowed to live and work here still.”
“Of course! I would never kick you or your brother out. It’s your home, even if my name’s on the deed now.”
“I appreciate that, and Heath will, too, once he loses that chip on his shoulder.” She leans against the doorjamb and sighs. “He retired from the Marines intent on returning home to run this place, until Dad surprised him by already selling it off. Heath was pissed.”
Samantha chuckles. “I wasn’t exactly happy about it either, but he took it harder. Then Dad died, and it’s been a lot for him to handle. Don’t get me wrong, my brother’s stronger than most... I mean, you saw the behemoth,” her arms spread wide to imitate the breadth of Heath’s size, “But he’s not the best at expressing his emotions beyond a grunt and a scowl, as you witnessed earlier.”
I’m not sure she’s giving her brother enough credit, but what do I know? I’m just the woman who fell into his arms last night. Sure, he was friendly. And charming. Teasing. The opposite of the grumpy bear Samantha described. But that was before he knew who I was.
“I understand, and I don’t blame him for his reaction. When Mr. Tan arranged for us to meet at the ranch today, it never occurred to me that he wouldn’t notify you guys first. Anyone would’ve been annoyed with the circumstances.”
“You’re sweet. Too forgiving, but sweet.” Samantha squeezes my arm as she passes by to lead me to the master bedroom at the end of the hall. “This one’s yours. The bedding has been washed, but you’ll probably want to redecorate since this was our dad’s room, and it’s a little...”
“Rustic?” I supply, eyeing the mounted animal heads scattered along the walls. Those definitely have to go. I can’t sleep with Bambi’s dead mother staring down at me.
“Like I said, too forgiving. I was going to say ghoulish.”
“That fits, too.”
The sound of horses whinnying outside draws my attention, and I hover near the window, spying Heath’s muscular frame by the barn. Dark denim hugs his thick thighs before nipping in at his waist, where a gray chambray shirt is tucked in underneath his heavy coat. Another cowboy hat has found its way on his head and casts shadows over his face.
“Ready for the property tour? Heath knows the land best, but if you’d prefer me to show you around, I can.”
“No, I don’t want to interrupt your day anymore than I already have.” And I don’t want an audience for the showdown between me and Heath.
Like we’re in the climax of a Western movie and about to duel for land rights.
Yeah, right. I chastise myself for the absurd notion. I’m not a fighter, and Heath’s not going to run me off the property. I think.
After waving good-bye to Samantha, I cross the gravel path between the house and stables, heading toward the last place I saw Heath. Cabins lay spread out down the way and further beyond them stand craggy mountains, a heavy forest of trees blanketing the landscape in green.
