He laughs. “Yep, you just got broader since you saw her last.”
I lick my lips. “Let’s head down. Doesn’t look like she takes too well to commands.”
My buddy mutters a “thanks” and follows me down the steps.
“Rose.” I keep my tone sharp yet friendly, but don’t offer a hand. It’s hard enough keeping my expression neutral as I come within a foot of her.
Touching her right now would be as foolish as my reaction when our eyes met.
“Rose, you remember Wilder.”
She steps back, making a point of looking up at me, shielding her eyes. “I don’t remember him being a giant.”
I cock my head. “Still got your manners intact, I see.”
“Still haven’t found yours, I see.” She extends her hand, making a show of my rudeness.
“Rose,” Wes warns from behind me.
I stare back, my eyes drawn to every damn feature.
She’s fucking stunning.
And Christ, what is that smell? Like grapefruit and .?.?. coffee? Shouldn’t she smell like an airport or luggage or something that isn’t so .?.?. damn good?
“Kitchen,” I say, then twist my neck to look at my friend. “You said Jack needed you?”
Wesley jerks at my boss-like demeanor. “Right. Rose, I’ve got to get back to work, but I’ll swing by later, OK? Wilder will get you settled.”
“Don’t bother, I can take care of myself.”
He sighs. “I’ll see you tomorrow then; stop in the kitchen for breakfast. I tucked a map into your backpack.”
Rose doesn’t respond with anything more than a glare.
When he hesitates, I give him a reassuring nod, and he hops back in his truck, pulling away without a second glance.
I watch him make his way off my lot. The blow of his words up on the porch still hitting hard.
HewasgoingtoleaveBlueRiver?
Losing Wes in the kitchen is one thing. But he’s been my best friend since college. I can’t imagine running this place without his support. Sure as hell not getting it from Dallas these days.
I turn back to Rose, determined to make this work—for Wes.
Now that he’s gone, the corner of her lip twitches. She swings her backpack from around her shoulder and shoves it at my chest. “I imagine you have someone who can bring my bags to my room? After a super quick tour—if one is even necessary—I’m going to need a nap. So I do hope they’re equipped with blackout curtains. And then .?.?. what do you have for transportation? Because I took a look at that map, and there’s no way I’m walking.”
The glimmer in her eye gives away that she’s playing with me.But on the off chance she’s serious, I step closer, my imposing frame towering over her. “Let’s get one thing clear—this isn’t a vacation. You’re here to work, not sightsee.”
Her eyes widen as she scans her surroundings like I’m delusional. “What’s there to see?”
“Plenty. So try to keep up.” I check my watch and start walking. “I’ve got exactly one hour to give you that ‘super quick tour’ and I expect you to take notes. Because tomorrow, when I send you to the Cattle Quarters at six a.m. for feeding, you’ll need to know what I’m talking about.”
She bursts out a laugh, slightly breathless as she tries to keep up with me. “Six a.m.? You’re kidding, right?”
I’m surprised she’s not shocked at me giving her ranch-hand duties. But I keep walking.
“Welcome to Blue River Ranch. Our days start early. Also, I was kidding about the feeding; you’re not going anywhere near my animals. I’ll assign you tasks daily and expect them done right the first time. If you don’t understand something, ask questions. No wandering about the ranch, keep your eyes alert at all times and your phone on in case I call, and Iwillbe calling or forwarding you messages. A lot. That clear?” I stop and pivot back to let her catch up.
