“Because it serves no purpose.” He shook his head. “You live in California. I live here. I won’t start something destined to end in heartbreak.”
She stepped closer. “We could enjoy it while I’m here—”
He seized her arms so suddenly that she grabbed the fabric of his shirt in her hands. “No. We can’t.” The muscles in his forearms bunched as he let her go.
“Tell me why.”
His eyes flicked over the horizon, where fields of little green plants swayed in neat rows. “Because I won’t set us up for disappointment.”
“I—”
“You what, Ryan? Want to hang around and test fate? You don’t want to move here. I sure as hell don’t want to move to California.” He removed his hat, raking his fingers through dark hair before settling the hat again, then he picked up her gloves and handed them to her.
She opened her mouth, then closed it as she accepted the gloves. “We could be together while I’m here,” she repeated, softer this time.
He pivoted away. “Absolutely not. No point in planting something that won’t grow. Come on, let’s walk along the field. Make sure to stay between the rows.” He strode into the first row of young oats, each slender shoot pointed skyward.
She let out a shuddering breath, stuffed the gloves into her pockets, then trailed behind him. The crisp click of her camera shutter kept time with her heartbeat as she captured row upon row of bright green. She couldn’t resist slipping in a shot of his strong shoulders and the rugged curve of his backside. God, she thought, if those kisses were any hint, her knees would’ve buckled if she’d been on her feet.
Seth stooped over a single stalk; eyes narrowed. “This one looks weak.”
She knelt beside him, fingertips brushing the brittle leaves. “It does.”
“Yeah, see how it’s yellowing at the tip?” When he glanced up, her breath caught; his chest heaved in a careful exhale.
He straightened, removed his gloves, fished his phone from his pocket, and tapped the screen. “Ringo? I need you at Field One of the oats to test the soil.” He listened for a moment, then tucked the device away.
She angled for more photos as he moved on. “Why test the soil? What are you looking for, exactly?”
He paused between the lines, sunlight dancing across his profile. “A soil analysis shows nutrient levels. Too much or too little nitrogen, for instance, can stunt growth. I want to catch any issues before they spread. We’ll make sure this isn’t a nitrogen imbalance or pH issue.”
A breeze teased her hair as she framed another shot. “So, why aren’t you married?”
He halted, brow furrowing. “You sure you want to go there?”
“I was once. I’m divorced. Seven years then he cheated. I guess he got the old itch.” She shook her head, vulnerability flickering in her eyes. “What’s wrong with me that men think they can betray me?”
Seth’s gaze softened. He gave her a careful once-over. “Nothing’s wrong with you. Any man who did that was an idiot.”
She managed a small smile, and he offered a reluctant half-grin. “Well, Mr. Harrison, that’s the nicest thing I’ve ever heard you say to me. Seriously, why aren’t you married?”
He shrugged. “I came close. I was engaged to Autumn, but being a city girl, she wasn’t used to the hours I’d spend working with horses and then Ash asked me about growing feed for him. I didn’t think it would be this much work, so I hired Ringoand Buck because they had experience working farms. Cull, Red, Spurs, and Micky worked at the ranch with me. Autumn and I were together for a year, and she was here when it snowed a little but when a huge snowstorm came through, knocking out power, she couldn’t take it. She wanted me to move to New Mexico with her. She gave me an ultimatum. You can see what I chose. As soon as she was able to go, she did.”
“How did you meet her?”
Seth smirked. “She was here on vacation, and we met at the diner. I should have stayed the hell away from her. People have no idea how harsh a Montana winter can be.”
“She could’ve stayed,” Ryan said quietly.
He let out a humorless chuckle. “She didn’t want to.”
“Think she’d change her mind now?”
“No. She’s moved on, married, living in New Mexico.”
Ryan tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You mentioned a brother. Any other siblings?”
He glanced at her, amusement flickering in his eyes. “This is off the record, right?”
