There was even a spot where the fence was broken in exactly the way it was on the cover of the book. She could almost picture the movie poster now. This place was borderline perfect. Too bad the owner was a massive wet blanket, and she could already hear hisnoringing in her ears. There wasn’t achancehe’d agree to it.
She finally found him buried in the hood of her rental car. It was barely ten in the morning, and he was already working on her car. Didn’t he have other things to do? It was impossible to resist watching him for a little while. He worked in silence, which she found quite attractive for some reason.
When he finally slammed her hood closed and stood up, she jumped, scared he would realize how long she’d been watching him. Immediately, she started walking toward him, as though that was what she’d been doing all along.
“Up already?” he said, his question dripping with sarcasm.
“I showered and had breakfast first, thank you very much.” She tried to smile and charm him as she added, “And thank you, sincerely, for helping me and for breakfast.”
“Not a problem.” He was wiping grease off his hands with a towel, which he then shoved into his deep pockets. “I was about to test your new starter.”
“You had the part on hand?” She found that hard to believe, but had to ask anyway.
He shrugged. “I went into town to buy one this morning. Don’t worry?—”
“You’ll bill me later,” she said, cutting in. “I get it.”
“I was going to say I’ll vouch for you if the rental company tries to deny this happened. But I can do that by billing you if you like.” He took a breath, and before she could respond, he added, “Yeah, I think that’s what I’ll do. Paper trails are always best.” Now that she was within arm’s reach, Charlie offered her the car key. “Care to test my work?”
She took the key from him without another word. He was clearly in a mood, and she didn’t feel like humoring it right now. Once in the driver’s seat, she turned the key, and the engine immediately started. There wasn’t even a hiccup. She hopped back out of the car and thanked her host. Even if he was in a sour mood, she couldn’t deny he’d done her a massive favor by taking her in for the night and fixing her car for her. “I should thank you again,” she said. “You didn’t have to do any of this for me.”
“Yes, I did,” he said. “Wouldn’t have lifted a finger otherwise.”
She couldn’t tell whether he was serious, but there was a momentary twinkle in his eye that led her to believe he wasn’t. “Well, thanks anyway,” she said.
He gestured for her to follow him and headed back to the house. “I’ll draw up a receipt for the cost along with my contactinformation. I’ll be a witness to your situation if the rental company gives you trouble.”
Anna followed without any complaints. He really was going above and beyond, and she felt she owed him some kindness, even if he was unlikely to return the favor. “This really is a beautiful ranch,” she said. “Has it been in your family long?”
Charlie grunted in the affirmative. “Though how much longer it’ll stay in the family is in question. My father left a financial mess for me to clean up, and I’m not sure I can. So, don’t hate me for the bill.”
“Oh, no. I don’t expect you to pay for anything. I really am grateful.” She paused a moment because she was sure he would refuse her if she made an offer. But if he really was in danger of losing his ranch, maybe he’d be more open-minded than he would have been otherwise. Maybe he’d see her offer for the win it was. “I may be able to help, if you’re open to it,” she said, banishing all timidity from her tone.
He scoffed. “How so?”
“Your property is gorgeous,” she said as they walked the steps to his front porch. “I wasn’t kidding about that. And it’s a perfect match for the story the studio is looking to tell. I’m scouting for the town, but also the ranch that will feature in the movie. I could offer you a?—”
“No.” He cut in before she could finish.
Anna cocked her head and watched him open the door for her. “Are you sure? The amount would be substantial. Don’t you want to know what it is?”
He shook his head and gestured for her to go inside. “You should pack your things while I write up your invoice. You’ll want to get on the road soon.”
She passed through the door and turned back to him in disbelief. “You just told me you’re in danger of losing your ranch. You won’t even entertain an offer to save it?”
Charlie said nothing in response as he walked to his kitchen table and sat down to handwrite a note on a pad of paper. All Anna could do was accept his invoice and thank him for his trouble. He hadn’t even acknowledged her question.
That was how Anna learned just how stubborn the rancher who had rescued her really was. He only saidnoonce, and there was no further discussion once he’d made up his mind. She knew better than to press the subject. Even if she didn’t, the scowl on his face would stop her dead in her tracks. Instead, she gathered her things, thanked him again, and headed out to see the town of Denson Oaks at last.
CHAPTER 6
ANNA
Anna drove away from Charlie’s ranch feeling an unreal mixture of anger and gratitude. He’d been so generous and helpful. But did he have to be such a jerk about it at the same time? She shook her head. Cute and cold, that’s what he was. Too bad. Such a waste.
After a while of driving, she began to see hints of civilization—a gas station here, a convenience store there. There were some residences just outside the town, and when she saw them, she immediately got excited. They had so much historic charm. So far, it was exactly the kind of place she was looking for, but she mentally prepared herself for a certain amount of disappointment. There was no point in getting overly excited just to be disappointed later.
But it turned out worrying about that was a complete waste of time. As soon as she got into town, she saw that the woman who’d recommended it knew exactly what she was talking about. It was downright adorable, with little shops on every corner and brick sidewalks alongside the streets. She parked her carand decided to walk down Main Street in order to really drink everything in.
