“Why would you want tohelpme?”
“Because we’re neighbors. That’s what we do inthistown.”
“But the barn’s rotting, and who knows what it’s like inside the house. It’s too big of a job to do in a few days. I don’t plan on staying here longer than a week. Just long enough to sell it,”shesaid.
He stepped out of the stall. “Let’s go takealook.”
“Now’s not agoodtime.”
“It’ll just take a few minutes.” He flashed a devilish smile that would have melted her panties ten years ago. But not now. Now she knewbetter.
Although it was damn hard to ignore his carnal appeal. With a strong square jaw and a hint of stubble, he looked like the Marlboro man. A black Stetson hung low across his eyes. A denim jacket barely contained his broad chest and thick arms. Snug jeans hugged his thighs. A pair of black cowboy boots poked out from under hispants.
With less than a few feet separating them, she caught a whiff of his minty aftershave. He smelled good enough to eat. Too bad he was atotaljerk.
“I have a lot to do and I need to get started,” she said. “I don’t want to take up any more of your time. I can handle this placemyself.”
“You sure?” As if trying to get a better look at her, he lifted his hat up and repositioned it onhishead.
“I don’t needanyhelp.”
“Suit yourself.” He strolled to the entrance of the barn then stopped and turned to her. “I guess I was just hoping we’d get to spend some timetogether.”
“And why would I want to do that?” sheasked.
“Because you can’t take your eyes off of me.” He flashed acockygrin.
“Ugh.” She stomped toward him then jabbed a finger in his chest. “You are anasshole.”
“Iwasan asshole,” hecorrected.
She blanched before narrowing her eyes. “I have no intention of doing anything but selling this ranch. Once I’ve sold it, I’m leavingforgood.”
“I could help youwiththat.”
“Why?”
“Consider it penance for being too big for my britches during high school,”hesaid.
She frowned. He couldn’t actually have changed,couldhe?
He grinned. “I’ll see you tomorrow at first light. We’ll start with thewindows.”
“ButI—”
“Sunrise. I’ll bring breakfast.” He winked and tipped his hat as he backed out ofthedoor.
She stepped into the open air and stared at his back as he strolled down the road toward the Curvy Bear Ranch. What the hell just happened? He’d basically invited himself over to work on her house. But why? What was he after? He couldn’t be doing it out of the goodness of his heart. He wasn’t that kindofman.
After securing the barn, she returned to the truck and pulled out a single bag of luggage. She didn’t anticipate staying longer than a week. She’d be back in Boise with plenty of time to spare before Christmas. Her cat, Mittens, was waiting for her, and she didn’t want to put the neighbor who was taking care of her out any longer thannecessary.
As she climbed the creaking porch, she eyed the broken slats. Hopefully she wouldn’t fall through one of the dark holes before she made itinside.
* * *
Logan slammedthe back paddock gate closed. He turned toward the delivery driver who was leaning against an idling cattle truck. “Got something for metosign?”
“Fifty head of cattle, ten horses.Signhere.”
