He sighs like he’s already regretting every decision that led to this moment.
“Welcome to Jersey Iron Ranch, Lil Bit.”
Something in the way he says it—low, rough, like a promise—makes the hair on my arms stand up.
I have no idea what I’ve just walked into.
But for the first time in a long time, it feels like maybe I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Chapter 2-Sawyer
She’s only been here a day, and I swear the whole damn ranch feels different.
Like the air’s lighter.Charged.
Like her scent—a mix of wildflowers, strawberry shampoo, and something I can’t name—has worked its way into the walls, the soil, maybe even my bloodstream.
She’s got everyone wrapped around her little finger already.
Alex and Diego trip over themselves trying to help her, and Angie—who doesn’t warm up to anybody without a full background check—was baking her a second batch of fresh buttermilk biscuits this morning like she was family.
And maybe that’s what’s messing with me.
Because she’s not.
She’s a stranger.A problem dropped on my doorstep by a motorcycle club here to help me out with this next delivery, maybe find out the guy behind all this mess I’m stuck in.
I’ve got no business feeling anything about this woman.But I don’t know if I can help it.
And that pisses me off.
Alex lingers at the kitchen table, grinning like an idiot while she chatters about how she’d like tohelp outaround the ranch while she’s here.
He’s closer to her age than I am, and the look he gives her makes my jaw clench hard enough to ache.
She’s fucking gorgeous with her curvy body, long dark hair, and big brown eyes—but she’s not his.
She’s not yours either, my inner voice reminds me.But I ignore it.
“Don’t you have fences to check?”I tell Alex, voice flat.
He mutters something under his breath and heads out, leaving me alone with the distraction in question.
“You want me to refresh your cup?”she asks, voice soft, those big brown eyes catching the morning light and turning gold around the edges.
“Angie already filled my Thermos,” I tell her, reaching for the lid like it’s a lifeline.“And don’t go botherin’ Alex when he’s got work to do.”
“I wasn’t trying to bother him,” she replies, and I hate that she looks hurt.“I just wanted to help.”
“Well, you don’t work here, and he does.”
“I know that, but I wanted to repay you.We kinda barged in on your life, and it doesn’t feel right not doing anything in return,” she says, lifting her head proudly.
She has grit.I fight my approving smirk and offer a curt nod instead.
“Don’t wander too far west or you’ll go off my property.”
“Got a cranky neighbor or something?”she teases.
