Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 74968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 375(@200wpm)___ 300(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 375(@200wpm)___ 300(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
“Careful now.” He guided me back to upright with a firm hand. “Can’t go hitting the sawdust until you put your horse away right. Job’s not done.”
Grayson made work sound sexier than any date ever, and I had to do some complicated math in my head, making change for imaginary transactions, in order to keep from being half-hard the whole time we brushed and cared for Magnolia.
“You sure you wouldn’t want to get…ice cream or something after this?” I asked, awkward as a fifteen-year-old angling for a date. A year or two ago, I would have tried to buy Grayson a beer as a thank you, but that was a no-go now. “Or dinner if you haven’t eaten?”
“I’m sure.” Grayson gave yet another curt nod that was designed to kill my hopes of a repeat, but in fact, the more stern he became, the more I wanted him. I wasn’t about to give up yet.
Chapter Four
Adler
“I feel bad that your visit hasn’t been more exciting.” Maverick was blessedly oblivious to all the ways that yesterday had been one of the most exciting days of my life.
“Don’t apologize.” I waved his concern away. With no plans to repeat yesterday’s hike, I’d chosen iridescent jeans and a blue heavy metal band T-shirt. My sore feet were bare as we enjoyed our morning coffee together. “You’ve had a lot going on.”
“I have.” Maverick seemed more weighed down in contrast to me. I was super energized from my adventure the day before.
“Besides, I love it here.” I grinned wide. If Maverick was weary, maybe I could project some of my good mood his way. Today was cooler with more of a breeze, but the hot memories lingered. Even Grayson’s refusal of a repeat last night wasn’t enough to dim my enthusiasm. Moreover, I’d love the ranch even if I hadn’t skinny dipped with the hottest silver fox ever. “This is the clearest my head has felt in years. I’ve continued going to meetings in town, but sobriety feels different out here. You should start charging our other friends for the privilege of coming here to reset—”
“Say that again.” Maverick’s eyes went belt-buckle wide.
“I love it—”
“Not that part. Charging. What if that’s the answer to the cash flow issues and our needing more hands?” Maverick stood from his deck chair to pace in front of me. “Like offering a dude ranch experience on a real, working ranch to folks looking for a reset, like you said. Get them helping with basic chores, maybe put them on some of the tamer horses…”
“I’m down.” I chuckled, not wanting to seem too eager, but if my friend was determined to bring his hospitality industry experience to the ranch, perhaps he’d need my help. Which would mean more visits, more chances to wear Grayson down for that repeat. “Maybe I can be your first visitor once you give the ranch its makeover.”
“It does need a fresh start.” Maverick cocked his head, eyes narrowing. “Wait. We can’t have people coming to visit Lovelorn Ranch. That sounds too depressing.”
“Nah. It’s fine.” Chuckling, I shrugged. “Tell a few ghost stories about your pioneer ancestors.”
“Not a terrible idea, but what if we renamed the ranch?” Maverick gestured widely.
“What are you going to call it?” I asked right as Colt’s truck pulled into the driveway. Colt was the sheriff and also had something going with Maverick, so I knew Maverick’s attention span was about up.
“Second Chance Ranch.” As soon as Maverick said the words, the name simply sounded right, and I grinned my approval.
“I love it.” I stood from my chair as well to clap Maverick on the shoulder. “Let’s brainstorm more later. I’ll let you have a few minutes alone with Sheriff Sexy.”
“He’ll hate that nickname.” Maverick groaned, but his cheeks went bright pink. He was more serious about Colt than I’d seen him be about anyone, including his ex-husband.
“Which is why I use it.” I grinned. Colt had rather clearly been jealous the first time we’d met, so teasing him was fun. “Same as Foreman Foxy.”
Maverick whistled like I’d cursed. “Grayson might roast you over a campfire if he heard you say that.”
“I’d take the risk.” I headed back into the house as Colt and his daughter Willow exited the truck. Heck, if it got me more of Grayson Campbell’s stern attention, I’d get Foreman Foxy tattooed on my arm inside a big heart.
The thought of how exactly he might punish me for the nickname sustained me until after Colt left with Willow and Hannah. Maverick found me sprawled on the wicker couch in the sunny front room that had likely once been a formal parlor.
“I’m going to need your help with the Second Chance Ranch project.” Maverick rubbed his hands together, clearly in love with his big idea.
“I was hoping you’d say that.” I grinned up at him. “Brainstorm now or after you get back from the hospital?”