Snow started out as his friend. Garrett rubbed his chest as it ached from the betrayal. Why did she risk everything to go with a man she barely knew? He shrugged, guessing he’d never know the answer.
Regardless, Garrett made up his mind. He no longer belonged at Mystic Ranch. When he finished his chores, he climbed in his truck and practiced what he wanted to say to the man who ran Serenity Ranch. He needed a place where people understood him.
Garrett turned onto the highway leading to Embers. Word spread they hired former military to help run their ranch. He took a chance, not knowing if they planned to hire any more hands. His choices grew limited unless he wanted to work in the city, which he detested. He grew tired of moving from one town to another. The area grew on him, and he yearned to settle down somewhere close. Serenity Ranch fit the bill in his eyes. Garrett needed the land to ground him and the trees to seclude him as he figured out what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. He vaguely wondered if he’d spend it all alone.
CHAPTER TWO
Garrett pulled into the driveway of Serenity Ranch. He blew out his breath as he put the truck into park. Taking stock of some inconsistencies, he made a list of items to bring to their attention. He hoped it might get him a foot in the door. Unsure of why they needed ex-military to run a cattle ranch, his suspicions grew. Hoping he might be able to put all his skills to use, Garrett wanted, more than anything, a place where he fit in.
The man in charge, Matthew Cartwright, stepped onto the porch of the old farmhouse and stared expectantly at him. Bolstering his courage, he slid out of the driver’s seat, walked up the steps, and extended his hand.
“I’m Garrett Johnson. Thanks for meeting with me this evening.”
“I don’t hire the ranch hands. Mac handles it. Why did you ask to see me?” Matthew asked.
“I’ve worked on a ranch since the age of seven. This place smells like a ranch, appears like a ranch, but it doesn’t run like one,” Garrett said, staring Matthew in the eyes. “I’ve tried getting hired on for the past six months and neverreceived a call. It’s given me a ton of time to think about things.”
Matthew straightened as he sipped his coffee. “Do you want to tell me what you mean?”
“I’ve attended the beef auctions. With land of this size, you can easily accommodate double the amount of cattle you order. Yet your current foreman orders enough to keep suspicion down,” Garrett informed him. “To the discerning eye, you run a legitimate cattle ranch. To someone who’s run one and trained to see anything suspicious, I’m guessing you have some other operation going on here.”
Matthew Cartwright never flinched. “I’m afraid you’re mistaken. I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself. We don’t want any trouble here.”
Garrett shrugged. “What kind of quandary can a cattle ranch get into? I heard you hire military. I approve wholeheartedly. In fact, I’m a veteran. Considering some of the hands from Mystic Ranch have applied and not a single one has gotten hired, it only fuels my suspicions.”
“Did you ever consider I don’t want someone from a competing ranch working for me? Your theory doesn’t amount to shit. You’re part of the Navy SEAL, and we haven’t called you either. What theory you think you have, doesn’t exist,” Matthew said firmly.
“I never mentioned my military status,” Garrett said triumphantly.
“No, but you mentioned you applied. If you recall, at the bottom of the application, you permitted a background check,” Matthew said, setting his cup on the railing.
The sound of a vehicle coming down the drive caused both men to turn and watch as Mac pulled alongside Garrett’s truck. The older man got out of his vehicle and pulled his hat down low as he approached the porch.
“Thanks for coming,” Matthew greeted him. “Garrett Johnson decided to pay us a visit.”
The older man shook his hand. “I’m Mac.”
“Nice to meet you,” Garrett said as the older man took a seat.
“We’re discussing how the ranch works. Mr. Johnson seems to think we’re running a covert operation here,” Matthew said as a woman with long brown hair made up into a braid came out, carrying a cup of coffee for Mac and a plate of muffins.
“Delaney called and told me you were on your way,” she said, setting the dish on the table beside Mac.
“Thanks, Rachel,” Mac said, winking at her.
“May I get you something to drink, Mr. Johnson? You’ll need it by the time Matthew finishes with you,” she said, smiling.
“I’ll take a cup of coffee, ma’am,” he said politely, startled by her use of his name.
“I’m afraid I’m not as covert as you believe. The window’s open,” she explained saucily before retrieving his coffee. A minute later, she handed him a mug and disappeared back into the house.
“Since we’ve established you have done a background check on me, why haven’t you called me for an interview?” Garrett asked. “My ranch experience alone garners at least a phone call and possibly an interview.”
Mac glanced at Matthew and nodded slightly.
“Perhaps we’re wondering why a man with five million dollars in the bank wants to work as a ranch hand, especially when he already has a job at Mystic in the next town,” Matthew said, staring at Garrett.
Garrett sighed and motioned toward one of the rockers.Matthew nodded and moved to another one on his left while Mac sat on his right.
