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The sound of footsteps has us looking over. Evangeline stands there, tabby cat cradled beneath her arm. “I got him, Daddy.” The cat lets out a pitiful mewl.

Ezra chuckles. “I can see that.” He looks at me. “You’re hired.”

“You might fire me by the end of the week,” I tease.

“You taking bets on that?”

The two of us turn at the gruff voice. Cole stands there, leaning in the doorway, arms crossed. Muscles pop on his tan forearms. He watches me with shrewd eyes the color of the sky.

If this were the club, he’d be my first stop. I’d slip onto his lap, glide my hands up his chest and over those broad shoulders to slide my fingers in all that messy dark hair. I’d get close, pressing myself up against him, feeling the heat in his powerful body. They’d have to pull me off his lap when the music stopped. And that’s saying something. I don’t swoon for a client, let alone a man. No dating. No fucking. But this cowboy…he’s beautiful. Too bad he’s an asshole.

Ezra’s mustache quirks. “Stop lurking. I have it handled.”

“Ain’t so sure about that.”

The way Ezra glares tells me Cole’s pulled the older brother card.

Keeping my voice light and airy, I ask, “Bored back in the barrels, cowboy?”

He regards me from the doorway, unsmiling, his hard eyes sliding down my body. “Two things you’ll be needing before you start this job. Pants and close-toed shoes. Got that, darlin’?”

I scoff-laugh at his condescending use of darlin’.

“Keep calling me darlin’, cowboy, and one day, you might wanna keep me.” I lock my gaze on his, letting him know he can’t ruffle me. Any other time I’d flirt, enjoy the banter. But right now, I’m just about survival. Arguing with some grumpy cowboy isn’t worth my energy.

His jaw tics.

Ezra’s brows furrow. “Don’t be a jerk to her.”

Evangeline’s lower lip pushes out. “Yeah, Uncle Cole, don’t be a meanie.”

“Not trying to be mean.” The contrite tone in his voice tells me he’s making amends more for Evangeline’s sake than mine. Cole hooks a thumb under his belt buckle. “My brother won’t say it because he’s too nice. You need work clothes. Safety regulations being on a ranch and all.” He turns in the doorway, preparing to go. “In case you missed it the first time, town’s—”

I flap a hand, cutting him off. “Yeah, yeah, twenty-five miles that way. I got it. Thanks for the tip.”

“Leave her alone, man.” Ezra shakes his head.

Squaring my shoulders, I take a deep breath and return my attention to the tour.

I hate that Cole’s gotten under my skin. But as I glance back over my shoulder at the darkening of Cole Weston’s handsome face, I realize I may have gotten under his.

7 Delilah

Despite its ominous name, Tempest is stunning. Victorian homes line the jagged mountains towering above the town. Wood awnings and tall brick buildings make me feel like I’ve stepped onto the set of a movie. Main Street boasts a saloon, numerous restaurants, boutiques, a coffee shop, bookstore, and even a tattoo parlor. Red, white, and blue banners hang over the street congratulating Mayor Hale on another four years.

I’ve never lived in a town like this. One that asks you to stay, to settle in.

Tempest makes me feel like I’m simultaneously miles away from civilization and stuck in the middle of it all.

Everything about it is charming, but on the fringes an air of danger lurks. Like the Old West still lives.

Or wants to, at least.

I hate that Cole Weston was right. A trip into town is exactly what I needed.

My heels click-clack over cement as I stroll along Main Street. So far, I’ve hit up a boutique and purchased jeans, tees, and sneakers. Ranch-style garb, I hope. Then I grabbed some protein bars, bottled water, and canned goods from the general store, along with dog kibble for Ratson and all the junk food I can carry.

Across the street, a woman stops in her tracks and stares at me. When I make eye contact, she glowers and ducks into the nearest shop.