The Rancher Stakes His Claim

When she inherits half a dude ranch after losing her best friend, Landry Malone is determined to see Eden’s legacy flourish. That is if her friend’s broad-shouldered cowboy brother will give her the chance. Chase Donovan isn’t happy that his sister left their family business to an outsider—and he’s determined to test Landry’s mettle, hoping she’ll give up her claim. Soon Chase is impressed by Landry’s ability to rise to every challenge he puts in her way—and worried that his attraction to the perky spitfire seems to know no end. Finally working together to ensure the ranch’s future, will their business partnership be the foundation for something more?

“You are, hands down, the fastest female in the West.”

Landry winced. “Translate that to—takes little time with her appearance.”

“Some women’s appearances don’t need time.”

A compliment? From Chase? Her eyes widened.

Various birds chirped and sang as they strolled the thirty yards to the river in a comfortable silence. Once they reached the bank, they set their gear down and went to work baiting their hooks.

Landry chose a fat worm, slid it onto her hook.

“Impressive, Malone. Apparently you have no qualms about an earthworm’s death.”

“Shh, you’ll scare the fish away.”

He chuckled, baited his hook, moved up the river from her a bit.

As the distance widened between them, she started breathing easier. Why was Chase giving her contradictory signals?

He didn’t even like her. Did he?

Whether he liked her or not, she liked this new Chase. Maybe too much.

SHANNON TAYLOR VANNATTER is a stay-at-home mom/pastor’s wife/award-winning author. She lives in a rural central-Arkansas community with a population of around one hundred, if you count a few cows. Contact her at shannonvannatter.com.

Winning Over the Cowboy

Shannon Taylor Vannatter

www.millsandboon.co.uk

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

—Psalms 118:8

To Texas Mom, who always makes visiting her in Texas Hill Country feel like coming home.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Her best friend wasn’t here anymore. And never would be again.

A knot clogged in Landry’s throat as she stood in the gravel drive. The early evening Texas sky blurred, and she blinked the moisture away.

The massive cedar structure with the endless green metal roof looked exactly as it had when she’d lived and worked here seven years before. The same as when she’d visited last fall. Nothing about the dude ranch had changed. Yet everything had.

“May I help you?” A male voice.

Landry shaded her eyes from the mid-July glare, searched the porch. Eden’s brother? Or a ranch hand? Blinded by the sun, she couldn’t tell.

Besides, she’d only met the brother three times. Two funerals and a wedding. Sounded like some rom-com, but there was nothing romantic or funny about it.

“I’m Landry Malone.” Here to claim my inheritance. As she neared the house, her vision cleared. Despite the Stetson shadowing his features, she made out Eden’s brother. Green eyes, raven hair. But the similarities ended there. The brother was all male, stubbly beard and stiff posture—a cowboy to the bone.

His gaze narrowed as she stepped up on the porch. “I’m Chase Donovan.”

“We met here at—” A rush of memories choked off her words. The backyard draped in tulle. Eden so happy, rushing off in cloud of birdseed. The last time Landry had seen her. Nine months and one week ago. She swallowed hard. “At Granny’s—your grandmother’s funeral. At Eden’s wedding.” And again at her funeral.

“I remember.” His mouth tightened, but he clasped the hand she offered, stiff and somehow disapproving. Checked his watch, as if she were late.

But she wasn’t. She was exactly on time. Was he one of those uptight people who arrived ten to fifteen minutes early wherever he went? Surely not, with his nomad lifestyle.

“We’ll talk in the office.” Despite his dour welcome, Chase opened the door for her.

A blast of air-conditioning pebbled her heated skin.

“I know where it is.” Her stomach sank. Did he plan to sell, without even talking it over? He couldn’t. Eden loved this place. Lived and breathed it. And it was their family’s heritage.

Same hardwood floors, log furnishings, cowhide chairs. Homey and safe. She wanted to look around more, but his hurried cowboy boots thudded behind her like he had somewhere else to be. One of his long strides ate up three of hers as she crossed the foyer.

She made it to the office doorway, blocking Chase with her hesitation. A silver-haired man sat at the rustic ash desk, black reading glasses resting on his bulbous nose. Granny used to sit there. And then Eden.

“Ms. Malone.” The man stood, clasped her hand and ushered her inside the room. “I’m William Abbott. We’ve been expecting you. Please, have a seat.”

Landry settled in a cowhide chair across the massive desk from him. Chase eased into the one beside her. His long legs sprawled in front of him. Totally at ease.

“As I told you on the phone, the senior Donovans left the Chasing Eden Café to their son, Elliot, and the Chasing Eden Dude Ranch to their grandchildren, Chase and Eden, effectively splitting the business.”

It was so much more than a business. It was Granny’s legacy. Eden’s heritage.

Landry’s cell buzzed, and her cheeks heated.

“Need to get that?” Chase drummed his fingers on the desk.

“I forgot to tell my mom I made it here okay.” With a wince, she fished her phone out of her pocket. “Sorry.”

“By all means, let her know you’re safe.” Mr. Abbott’s smile was understanding. “I have a daughter.”

Afraid to look at Chase, she focused on pulling up the message from Mama. R U there yet?

Yes. Talking to lawyer, she typed as quickly as she could, then turned her phone off. “Sorry.”

“As I was saying, upon Eden Donovan Miller’s death, her will comes into play,” Mr. Abbott continued, unhurried, patient. “Her last wishes were for her husband to take up to a year to decide if he had any interest in running the dude ranch.” He scanned the paperwork on the desk.

“Recently, Paxton Miller signed an affidavit that he has no interest in the dude ranch. So according to Eden’s will, her half of the business goes to Ms. Landry Malone. The two of you must run the business together for two months. After that, each party may choose to run the business together or appoint another party to run it for ten months.”

Run it with Chase? After meeting him, in passing, three times? Now four. Or some stranger he’d appoint? This was her chance. Eden’s generosity had given her a reason to escape her hometown. Escape the pitying whispers. Here she’d be owner—or, at least, part owner—of a dude ranch. Instead of the jilted almost-bride. She had to make it work.

Her gaze drifted to the display of family photos on the wall. “And then what?”

“After a year, you each decide whether to keep your holdings or sell.”

Surely Chase wouldn’t want to sell his family legacy. But she remembered Eden saying he had no interest in running the dude ranch or the restaurant. That he was a free spirit. Instead of attending college, he’d traveled for several years.

“But she’s not even family. She can’t sell to some outside party.” Chase straightened in his chair, tapped the toe of his cowboy boot on the hardwood. “What if Ms. Malone opts out?”

She gasped. Was he already trying to finagle her out of her share? Why? He’d only returned from his gallivanting when Granny got sick. And he’d been content working as a trail and fishing guide and handyman while the rest of his family handled the business.

“That’s not an option for Ms. Malone. Her only choice is to maintain her share or sell.”

“We can’t sell.” She glanced at Chase, trying to keep her face neutral of the anger that was building. “Not without both of us agreeing. Can we? And how could we even sell the dude ranch when the restaurant is under the same roof?”

“The businesses are separate entities. According to Eden’s will, if one party wants to liquidate the dude ranch, the other has first opportunity to buy the selling party out and another six months to acquire the funds for a buyout. The café belongs to Elliot, no matter what’s decided about the ranch.”

The dude ranch was way out of Landry’s league. Her nails dug into the arms of her chair. She could never afford to buy Chase’s half on her own. Why had Eden involved her instead of simply leaving it all to her family?

“But we barely know each other,” Landry said. “I can’t live here with a man I don’t even know.”

Sarcasm coated Chase’s chuckle. “Do you really think Eden would saddle you with me if I were the boogeyman?”

True. Eden had been close to her brother. How many times had she tried to orchestrate a date between Landry and Chase? She would never have tried to fix Landry up with him all those times if he weren’t a good man. He was just stiff. And hurting just like she was.

“There’s a cabin on the property. I stay there.” Chase propped one booted foot on the other knee, drew in a sharp breath. “You can have the private quarters off the communal great room, where Granny lived. My parents’ private quarters are still on the other end by the kitchen.”

So he’d thought this through. Of course, he’d had more time to get used to the idea than she had. But at least she wouldn’t be under the same roof with him. Back when she’d lived here during culinary school, his parents had lived in the cabin.

“Ms. Malone, do you have another party in mind to manage the property after your two months here?” The lawyer peered at her over his glasses.

“No. I’m staying. If I decide I want to sell, I’ll stay until then.”

“Very well, then.” Mr. Abbott flipped through his calendar. “It’s Wednesday, July fifteenth. We’ll reconvene on Tuesday, September fifteenth.”

Landry had to make this work. And if Chase wanted to sell, she’d figure out a way to get a loan when the time came to buy him out. What other choice did she have? She had to keep Eden’s legacy alive. If she didn’t, she’d have to go home. Where her entire town felt sorry for her. And she’d have to add failure to her jilted title.

* * *

“Thanks for coming today, Mr. Abbott.” Chase stood, shook the lawyer’s hand and escorted him to the exit.

A temporary roadblock. That was all Landry Malone could be. He needed to unload her. The sooner she sold, the sooner he could get on with his life. Figure out how to enjoy running the ranch without Eden.

His chest ached. Oh, how he missed her.

Landry Malone had no right to his heritage. Why hadn’t Eden willed the dude ranch within the family? They didn’t need any outsiders. How had this Malone woman charmed Eden into leaving her half of the dude ranch his grandparents had built from scratch?

Countless times, Eden had tried to get him to come home during his traveling years. To meet her friend. Had the fix-up been Landry’s idea, trying to get her talons into him, for the dude ranch? Was she some kind of player? Con artist?

The front door closed behind the lawyer.

“Are your parents here?” Heels clicked across the foyer behind him.

He checked his watch. “By now they’re gone to evening Bible study. It’s their turn on the rotation schedule.” His grandparents had set up the system years ago, always ensuring every staff member had the opportunity to attend church at least once every week.

“I remember.” Wistfulness filled her tone. She cleared her throat. “Do you ever talk to Paxton?”

Why was that any of her concern?

“I mean—I know it’s none of my business.” She lifted one shoulder. “But I’m just curious why he’s not interested in Eden’s inheritance.”

“He moved back to Lubbock, where his family is.” His sigh came up from the toes of his boots. “We try to keep in touch. But it’s stiff. It’s like talking to each other brings back Eden’s death. Mom and Dad, too. We love Paxton, but it’s hard. For all of us.” An understatement.

And why was he telling her this, anyway?

Because it weighed heavy on him. “It’s like the piece of the puzzle that connected our lives is missing.”

“Have you talked to him about this decision? I mean—if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Paxton doesn’t feel like he has any claim to the ranch. That it should return to Eden’s family. He thought by opting out, it would revert to me. Or Mom and Dad.”

“Oh. And then my name popped up.” Her tone sounded apologetic.

If she was a scammer, would she be concerned about Paxton? Or maybe her compassion was part of her act.

“Well, I guess I’m it, then.” She blew out a big breath. “The first thing we need to do is get this place running smoothly. What about staff? Are the Fletchers still here?”

It was already running smoothly. “Yes. They helped me manage the place during the legal stuff.” Until Paxton had come to a decision to forfeit his share and unintentionally saddled Chase with Landry.

“We need to look at the books, the schedule, and figure out what needs to be done. Do you know anything about running a dude ranch?”

“I know my way around.” The nerve of her. Maybe she was so uptight because she was roasting in that pin-striped business suit. “I grew up here.” Where were you? Out scamming? “I’ve worked here the last three years. I’ve overseen operations since Eden’s...wedding.”

Color drained from her face, effectively brightening her strawberry blond waves. “So, you...you were here last fall?”

He knew what she was referring to. Eden had gone to be in Landry’s wedding, but for some reason the nuptials hadn’t happened. His sister had returned early with Landry in tow and invited her to stay—for free—after the busted romance.

“I was.” For almost two weeks, she’d stayed holed up in her room, only coming out for Eden’s wedding, then leaving immediately afterward.

Her cheeks flushed. She knew that he knew. Her dark chocolate gaze darted away.

“I worked here for a year and a half when Granny was still alive, while I attended culinary school.” She headed back to the office. “Then as a chef at a dude ranch in Aubrey since then. So I can handle the scheduling and cleaning and help with cooking duties if needed. Let’s check the schedule.”

“I know the schedule.” He tailed her. Who did she think she was? Some interloper trying to take over? Not on his watch. This whole thing was surreal. “Nu nu, nu nu, nu nu, nu nu.”

“The Twilight Zone theme?” She turned to face him. One eyebrow quirked.

“I kind of feel like I passed through the portal.”

She snorted. “I love that show.” She turned pink, seemingly from embarrassment, then schooled her features back into all business. “Do we have guests booked?”

“We’re at the halfway mark of summer break. With school starting up in five weeks, we’re about to be inundated with families grabbing their last opportunity at fleeing their ordinary existence.”

He’d spend the rest of the day going over the schedule with her, introducing her to staff, familiarizing her with the workings of the dude ranch, the kitchen, especially the cleaning closet. Then he’d hit her with memorizing their rates and accommodations. Maybe she’d run screaming from the place.

But he doubted it. Something told him it wouldn’t be easy to get rid of Landry Malone. Yet he’d find a way. And the fact that she appreciated his favorite vintage television show wouldn’t sway him.

* * *

Chase had followed Landry around for the rest of the day, stiff and unfriendly. Nothing like Eden. Nothing like their parents. Nothing like Granny. Would his parents be glad to see her?

Or would they resent her, too? She held her breath as Chase opened the kitchen door for her.

His parents’ sported disposable bouffant food prep caps, their heads bent over the counter.

Janice looked up from kneading dough, her apron dusted with flour. “Landry.” She wiped her hands on her apron, scurried over and greeted her with a hug. “How nice to have you here.”

Elliot’s smile awakened the laugh lines at the corners of his eyes. “It’ll be a relief to have another chef to share kitchen duty with.”

“Oh, dear.” Janice patted at the flour her hug had deposited on Landry’s lapel and only made it worse.

“It’s okay. It’s washable.” For the first time since her arrival, she felt welcome. “I’m so glad to see y’all.” Her vision blurred with the sudden longing to cry with relief.

“It’s almost nine o’clock.” Janice went back to her dough. “When did you get here?”

“About five.” Chase answered for her. “Y’all were gone to evening Bible study by the time we finished with William.”

Landry stifled a yawn. “Chase has been showing me around, getting me familiar with operations.”

“You must be exhausted.” Janice frowned. “Get her settled in, son.”

“But shouldn’t we go over the kitchen schedule?” Chase settled on a stool at the breakfast bar, his long legs still reaching the floor.

“We’ll talk about it in the morning.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Chase stood.

“Sleep in tomorrow.” Elliot gave her a wink.

“Don’t mind Chase.” Janice turned the dough. “He never runs out of steam.”

“Have a good night.” At least his parents were on her side.

Chase ushered Landry out, handed her a key. “I had Ron put your things in Granny’s room. You know where it is.” He headed for the front door, exited.

Leaving her standing there, uncertain, clearly unwanted. Did he treat all guests like this? Probably just her. Because she didn’t belong.

Becca and Ron descended the stairs, laughing together. The Fletchers hadn’t changed. Becca with her long brown hair, painfully thin frame and kind blue eyes. Ron was still thick and stocky—the same height as his wife, ruddy complexion and thunderous voice.

“Landry!” he boomed.

“Oh, I’m so glad you’re back.” Becca clasped both her hands.

“Thanks.”

“We were just leaving. But since you’re here—”

“Y’all go. I was headed to my quarters myself. We’ll catch up tomorrow.”

“See you then.” Becca gave her a quick hug, then linked fingers with her husband and exited.

Two more allies. With Chase’s chill toward her and quiet wariness from the rest of the employees—food preps, waitstaff, cleaning personnel, ranch hands—she felt like a definite outsider. They probably saw her as an intruder just like Chase did. Possibly worried about their jobs with so much change.

Landry crossed the foyer, cut through the great room and unlocked the door to Granny’s private quarters.

The entire dude ranch was constructed with exposed massive beams, rock work and wood everywhere. Log furnishings, nail heads, leather, cowhide and deer antler chandeliers. But Granny’s quarters had drywall and were filled with Victorian rose fabrics, lace and white wicker. A sanctuary.

Landry perched on the end of the bed and closed her eyes. After all the guests were settled, she and Eden used to spend hours in this room. Still in college, they’d shared their hopes and dreams with Granny, giggled over guys, tried on new makeup and hair tips. Had it really been seven years ago? Seemed like yesterday. It was here that Landry’s dream was born. To own a dude ranch someday.

Last fall when she’d visited, Granny had been gone. Eden had lived in these quarters then and had tried to put Landry back together after Kyle had dumped her. All in the midst of getting ready for her own wedding.

Landry had never imagined it would be the last time she’d see her best friend. Never imagined she’d end up as part owner here. Without Granny. Without Eden. But with Chase.

A chorus of crickets, owls and frogs echoed outside. It was too quiet in this huge house. Even with Janice and Elliot, a few of the staff and several guests, Landry felt alone.

But tomorrow they’d be hopping, according to the schedule. Staying busy would keep her mind off missing Eden. Missing Granny. Missing what her life was supposed to be.

She strolled to the window. The light from Chase’s cabin glowed in the distance. Such a peaceful night. But she’d never sleep.

Maybe fresh air would clear her mind. Stop it from spinning. She crossed the great room and the foyer, then stepped out.

Into a solid wall. “Oomph.”

“Whoa.” Chase’s strong hands on her shoulders steadied her. “Watch where you’re going.”

A nervous giggle tangled in her throat. “I would if I could. But I can’t see a thing.”

“Ever heard of a flashlight?”

“I thought you left for your cabin. What are you doing lurking on the front porch?”

“I own this front porch. Half of it, anyway.” The challenge echoed in his tone. “I was just trying to relax in the swing, heard somebody moving about, thought it was Mom and Dad.”

“Oh.” She hugged herself. “I just needed some air.”

“I’ll leave you to it, then.” The porch creaked with his heavy footfalls as he strode away from her. She heard the crunch of gravel and after that...silence.

Slowly her eyes adjusted to the darkness, and she made her way to the porch swing, settling in the already warm middle part of the cushion. So he’d told the truth. He hadn’t been lurking. Yet she got the distinct impression Chase Donovan didn’t trust her.

But he needed her. And tomorrow, she’d just have to show him how indispensable she truly was.

* * *

Chase stopped on the porch and steeled himself, then opened the door to the ranch house.

Landry greeted him from the check-in counter with a bright smile, framed by the huge metal Lone Star on the wall behind her.

He’d half expected her to sleep in her first morning here. But here she was. She’d fastened her hair up into a high ponytail with the sides swooped low, covering her ears.

“Morning.” He tipped his hat.

“Good morning. What’s on the agenda today? I mean—other than three families arriving with numerous kids in tow.”

So she’d studied the reservations for the day. “There’s a drip under the sink in the Rest a Spell Room—and the toilet flushes slow in the Trail Boss Room. Don’t guess you know anything about plumbing.”

“I know a coupling from an elbow.”

“Really?” His voice and eyebrows kicked up a notch. “Want to be my plumber’s helper?”

“Sure.” She scurried out from behind the counter as if this was the highlight of her day. Wearing jeans, a casual purple blouse, tennis shoes. At least she was dressed more appropriately for work on a ranch than she had been yesterday.

Was she trying to impress him? Win him over? Don’t hold your breath, sweetheart.

He strolled through the office to the maintenance closet, grabbed his plumbing box, turned and almost crashed into her.

“Oh, sorry.” She reached for the box. “Need anything else out of there? I can carry something.”

So eager to please. “I’ve got it.”

She turned away, crossed the office and headed for the stairs.

“It’s the third room on the—”

“I remember.”

He followed her up the stairs in silence, their footfalls echoing. He hadn’t figured out just how yet, but someway, he’d send Landry Malone screaming all the way back to Aubrey, Texas. By the end of the week. If not sooner.

At the top, she headed straight to the Rest a Spell Room, unlocked the door, held it open for him.

“This room was always one of my favorites.” She spun a circle in the middle of the space, scanning the barn wood walls and ceiling, then ran her hand over the suede bedspread. “So soothing. Lives up to its name. I stayed here when Ky—I stayed here last fall.”

When Ky what?

He slid the barn door open, strolled into the bathroom, set his toolbox down, opened the cabinet under the sink and knelt in front of it with a flashlight.

“Looks like a simple coupling on the cold.” He ran his finger along the dripping pipe.

“Do I need to turn the water off?”

“I can do that here.” He turned, eased onto his back, leaning on his elbows, and stretched his legs out in the cramped space. “Can you hand me that hacksaw and find the smallest coupling?”

“You mean the half-inch?” She settled on the floor cross-legged with her knee almost touching his, dug the hacksaw out of the plastic toolbox and handed it to him.

“You know your stuff.” In the three times they’d met, she’d been mostly quiet, maybe even uncomfortable. Because of Eden’s attempts at a fixup?

Despite his determination to resent her, she kept impressing him. Add to that, she was easy on the eyes with her unruly strawberry blond waves, enormous brown eyes a man could drown in and a smattering of freckles across her perky nose.

“My parents own a Christian bookstore with a coffee bar. I’ve helped my dad with lots of plumbing over the years.”

“So you’re a Christian?”

Silence. Maybe not.

“I am. But I’ve had a lot going on. Haven’t been to church in a while.” Her gaze dropped to the floor, then bounced back up to his. “You?”

“He got me through Eden’s death.”

“Me, too.”

Maybe they did have something in common. Other than Eden. But he couldn’t let his guard down with her. He lay back and stuck his head under the counter, banging his elbow in the process.

Heat shot through the length of his arm. “Ouch. That was my funny bone, and I didn’t find it humorous at all.” He clutched his right elbow.

“Sorry.” Sympathy edged her voice.

He reached for the coupling, and her fingers grazed his. “Do we have any disinfectant mold killer?”

“I think I saw some.”

He slid the hacksaw into the tight space, drew the teeth carefully across the pipe. There was a trickle of water. Then a burst of it spewed everywhere.

Landry screamed as he fumbled with the shutoff valve got the spray of water back to a trickle, then nothing. He wiped his face and slid out from under the cabinet.

“You did that on purpose.” She sat in a tight ball with her back to him. In a puddle, hands covering her head, drenched from head to toe.

“I didn’t.” But he could barely keep the laughter at bay. “We got to talking and I forgot to turn the valve off. Here. Let me help you.” On his knees, he offered his hand.

Her head popped up, drenched tendrils framed her dripping face. She gave him a steely glare, ignoring his offer. But when she tried to get her feet under her, she slid in the puddle.

“Let me help you.”

Another glare, but she clutched his hand. She slipped again, tugging him off balance. They both ended up in the puddle side by side, on their backs and soaking wet. He couldn’t keep from laughing any longer.

“I know you did that on purpose.” She clambered to her knees. “You want to get rid of me. To get me out of your way.”

Uh-oh. She was on to him. “I honestly didn’t mean to spray you with water. But you’re right, I can’t say that I really want you around and I don’t understand why Eden left you half of my legacy.”

She propped her hands on her hips. “I’m not going anywhere. For whatever reason, Eden wanted me here.”

Had that really been his sister’s wish? Or had Landry scammed her into thinking she did? He rolled over, managed to stand.

“I didn’t do it on purpose. I promise.” But maybe he should have. If he made her miserable enough, maybe she’d leave. If she left, surely he and his parents could manage to buy her out.

“Let me help you up.” He offered his hand.

Her gaze bored into his. But with little choice, she laid her hand in his.

Just outside the puddle, he braced his feet and helped her up.

Her feet slid, but he steadied her with his hands on her waist.

Standing in the middle of the puddle, eyes intense, she pressed her face close to his. “I. Loved. Her. Too.” Her words came through clenched teeth, as a tear slid down her cheek.

His gut turned over. If she was an actress, she was a good one. Good enough to take Hollywood by storm. Could she be for real?

There was a knock on the door, and it quickly swung open as Becca stepped in and spied them in the bathroom. “Oh. I’m on cleaning rounds.”

“We had a little mishap.” His arms dropped to his sides, then clasped Landry’s fingers in his. “Careful. Don’t slip, now.”

She tiptoed out of the puddle, then jerked her hand out of his grasp.

Becca’s wide eyes took in all of it, pinging from one to the other.

“Don’t worry about this mess. I’ll handle it.” He stepped around the pooling water, grabbed a towel and then mopped up the worst of it.

“Yes, sir.” Becca exited.

Landry shivered, then hugged herself. “Thanks to you, I must look like a drowned rat.” She spun on her heel and stalked out of the room.

A pretty drowned rat. A dangerous one.

Yet her intensity when she’d claimed to love Eden, too, tugged at him. But he couldn’t just blindly trust a stranger with half of his inheritance at stake.

As soon as he got a minute, he’d Google her. He should have done it when William first told him about her being in Eden’s will. But he’d been too busy keeping the dude ranch running.

It was time to check this woman out. If Landry Malone had skeletons in her closet, he’d find them.

Chapter Two

Birdsong heralded the bright summer morning. But Chase was all keyed up, despite the peace that always hovered over his grandfather’s old fishing cabin. Three axis deer, two whitetail and dozens of fish looked on from the pine walls. His grandfather’s hunting successes captured for eternity through the art of taxidermy. They always made Chase feel close to Gramps.

After her dousing, Chase hadn’t seen any more of Landry yesterday. Probably holed up in her quarters, licking her wounds. He could only hope she was packing.

His stomach knotted in anticipation as he set his coffee mug by his computer and typed in her name.

The search quickly produced an engagement announcement. He clicked on the newspaper and saw a professional-looking color photo. Landry was all smiles, standing behind a preppy blond man, her arms wrapped around his shoulders.

Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Reginald Billings Sr. announce the engagement of their son, Kyle Reginald Billings Jr., to Ms. Landry Ann Malone.

Mr. Billings Jr. is the chief operating officer of his family-owned corporation, Data Solutions, based in Dallas. Ms. Malone is a chef at Warren Dude Ranch in Aubrey. Mr. and Mrs. Billings Jr. will reside at their newly purchased Arbor Bed-and-Breakfast in Denton.

Chase checked the date. Almost a year ago, early September. Only weeks before she came to stay at the dude ranch. Why hadn’t the wedding happened?

Mr. Billings Jr. was obviously loaded. Had Landry landed him for his money? Was that why the wedding didn’t happen? He’d figured her out and called it off? She apparently hadn’t ended up with the B and B or she wouldn’t have come here.

Chase backed out of the newspaper link, then clicked on her Facebook page. It took him a few tries to remember the password his sister had used when she set up the dude ranch’s account, but finally he was in, and Landry’s wall soon popped up.

My happily-ever-after is only 1 hour away. With a dozen smiley faces.

It was her last post—on what should have been her wedding day. Nothing since. He scrolled down.

My happily-ever-after is only 1 day away.

He continued to scroll. She’d counted the days from the time of her engagement to her wedding day. Three months—every day interspersed with photos of traditional wedding dresses, flowers, cakes and decorations. Amidst it all, an elegant ultramodern dress completely different than the others with the comment, My dress Kyle chose.

Countless pictures of simple bouquets of those purple, droopy flowers that grew on vines in trees. An elaborate bouquet: My flowers Kyle chose.

Dozens of unpretentious two-and three-layer cakes with a bride and groom on top. A fussy cake with a roses spiraled up and around six layers, topped by a bride and groom in a glittery carriage: My wedding cake Kyle chose.

Looked like Kyle hijacked the wedding. Had Landry bailed because he was too controlling?

Three months worth of days focused solely on her wedding. Nothing else. Nothing about what she’d had for dinner, or vacation pictures, or “my cat did this or that” posts. Like a giddy bride and not a gold digger.

Pressure mounted in his chest as he clicked on her photos. He’d never been such a snoop.

No photos of her fiancé. Or of them together, for that matter. The only other pictures were of rustic dude ranches. With one fancy B and B in the mix. The caption: The Arbor Bed-and-Breakfast Kyle bought.

He closed the browser, guilt churning his gut. He was basically stalking her online. But with good reason. He had to figure her out. If she was a scam artist, he needed to know. He’d had his fill of those.

But did scam artists count down the days to their happily-ever-afters? Maybe if they were trying to reel in a rich guy. And right after her wedding-that-wasn’t, she’d landed at the dude ranch. In the Rest a Spell Room.

What had she said yesterday—she’d stayed there after Ky? Kyle. After Kyle what? His sister had been tight-lipped about the circumstances. Had Landry set a plan in motion to console herself with Chase’s family legacy?

He downed the rest of his coffee, grabbed his keys and locked up. Gravel crunched under his boots as he made his way to the ranch house.

If he was honest with himself, he knew Landry couldn’t have foreseen Eden’s diving accident or that she’d be named a beneficiary. And Landry seemed genuine. He could usually get a good read on people. Wasn’t easy to pull one over on him. He’d just have to spend time with her—figure her out a piece at a time. Until the puzzle that made up Landry Malone was complete.

Might as well get to it.

* * *

Day three. What would Chase pull today in his quest to get rid of her? Maybe they could forget yesterday and start over. She drew in a deep breath and crossed the great room, ready for battle.

He sat in a wingback in the foyer, reading a horse magazine. Her steps stalled.

Seemed harmless. But she’d keep an eye on him. Just in case.

The phone rang.

“You can get it.” He didn’t move.

Of course she could. She was half owner and didn’t need his permission.

She hurried to the reservation desk, grabbed the handset. “Chasing Eden Dude Ranch. May I help you?”

“Yes.” A pleasant-sounding woman. “I’d like to book a room for a week. We’d arrive a week from today. Do you have anything available?”

“Let me check.” She scanned the calendar on the screen. “How many people?”

“Two adults, two children.”

With Chase’s scrutiny, it took all her concentration to do a mental inventory of their rooms that would suit the caller’s needs.

“We have the Roundup Room, which has a queen and a twin bunk bed. Or we have the Tarry Awhile Room with a king-size bed. That room connects to our Wild Horses Room with two twin beds.” She quoted rates on both setups. “We also have an all inclusive package with trail rides, fishing trips, camping and three meals a day.” She quoted more rates. “Or you can pay only for the activities you utilize and meals when you dine in.”

“We’re visiting family near, so we’ll probably spend most of our days and meals with them. The two rooms sound perfect, though. Can we get both of them for the whole week?”

“You can.” Landry settled at the desk. “Let’s confirm dates, and then I’ll need a name for the reservation and a credit card.”

As she entered all the information in the desktop, she glanced at Chase. Watching her.

She closed her eyes, forced her focus back to the caller. “Since you have family near, have you been to our area before, Mrs. Collins?”

“Yes.”

“We usually offer to mail a brochure of area attractions in advance.” To encourage potential guests not to change their minds, Chase had instructed. “Would you be interested in that?”

“We’ll just pick one up when we get there.”

“All right, then.” She scanned the screen, making sure she’d entered everything required. “I have all that I need. We’ll look forward to your stay, Mrs. Collins. If you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to call.”

“Thank you so much.”

She ended the call. Without missing a beat, it rang again.

“Go for it.” He flipped a magazine page.

So, did he expect her to play receptionist while he chilled out? “Chasing Eden Dude Ranch. May I help you?”

“Yes.” A contrite woman’s voice. “I’d like to cancel our reservation for next week, please. The Martin family.”

Landry scanned to the reservation on the computer. A family of six—two rooms. “May I reschedule your stay for you?” She copied the reservation, credit info included, ready to paste somewhere else.

“No. I’m sorry, but Horseshoe Trails is running a special. We found a better deal.”

“I hate to hear that.” Should she offer to match the deal? Not without knowing what it was. Not without discussing it with her partner. Her gaze crashed into Chase’s. “Would you like to sign up for our newsletter to keep you informed on when we run specials?”

“That sounds good.” The woman carefully enunciated her email address.

Landry read it back to confirm. “Please keep us in mind for your next stay.”

The line went dead.

“Another cancellation? Let me guess. They’re taking their business to Horseshoe Trails.” Chase set his coffee cup down with a thunk.

“How did you know?”

“It’s the third one. Kind of cancels out the booking you made earlier. What was that about a newsletter and specials?”

“I think we should start one, and we need to discuss specials.” She wrote down the competition’s name on a scratchpad, circled it and underlined it. “Where is Horseshoe Trails?”

“Right down the road. Back when Granny and Gramps opened this place, there were only a few other dude ranches in the area. Now there are at least a dozen, and we all fight for guests.” He nabbed his coffee, stood and then strolled into the office.

She chased after him, stopped at his side in front of the back window. Miles of woods interspersed with pastures. Peaceful, like coming home.

“This place was always hopping when we were kids,” he said. “With trail rides, cattle drives, fishing and camping trips year-round. And the swimming pool in the summer. Never a dull moment, and guests had to book well in advance.”

“I know you want it to stay that way. So do I.” She hated to ask, but it was her business, too. “Is the ranch losing money?”

“Not yet. But business has been down. In the off-seasons, we barely break even.”

“We have to do something.” A hummingbird flitted about the feeder until another dive-bombed him.

“What can we do?” He splayed his free hand. “We can’t force people to stay here.”

“No. But we can find ways to lure them here.” The hummingbirds did a jousting dance in the air before the dominant one won. Much like her and Chase. “Do you know what Horseshoe Trails’s special is?”

“No.”

“We need to find out.” She turned to the desk, settled in the chair, Googled Horseshoe Trails. “Fifteen percent off regular room prices. And their all-inclusive package is ten percent cheaper than ours. Through August.”

“That’s basically giving rooms away.” He paced behind her. “We can’t pay our staff at those rates.”

“Can we pay our staff if we keep losing reservations?”

“Let me guess.” He stopped pacing at the back window. “You think we should match the offer?”

“We beat it. Drop our room prices and inclusive package five percent cheaper than theirs. Only for the rest of the summer.”

“You think that will work?” He claimed the nailhead chair across from her, sipped his coffee.

“Well, it’s not working as-is.”

“What about the guests who already have reservations?”

“We’ll specify that it starts with reservations made this week.” The desk chair made a creaking sound as she leaned back. “It won’t apply to already booked guests. Unless they call to cancel. Or unless they mention it.”

He hooked his leg over the arm of the chair. “We can give it a try. But what if they beat our offer?”

“We’ll cross that bridge if we get there.” She lifted one shoulder. “Give me the password for the website and I’ll set it up.”

He hesitated, gaze locked on hers. “Only members of our family have the password.”

“Fine.” She huffed. “I’ll look away, you type it in, and then I’ll set up the content. You can watch me the whole time.” She stood. Walked off.

Keys clicked behind her. She struggled to hold her temper. He didn’t know her. Had no reason to trust her. But like it or not, he was stuck with her. For at least two months.

Maybe longer if he decided to stick around and run his half of the dude ranch.

“Okay.”

“We’ll need to keep a watch on the other dude ranches.” She strolled back to the desk, reclaimed the chair.

“And match all their offers, too?”

“Not necessarily, but we need to stay ahead of the game. Make sure we compete. Find things to draw guests here instead of the dozen other ranches they could stay at. Maybe add new features and activities.”

“Like what?” He pulled a chair beside her, the legs screeching across the hardwood.

“Pumpkin patches and corn mazes are popular.”

“Maybe next year. We’ve missed the planting season this year.”

“Miniature golf courses are big. Or maybe outdoor bowling lanes. We need things that appeal to everyone, not just horse lovers.”

“You’re good at this stuff.”

A compliment? Was that a nugget of grudging respect she saw in his eyes?

“I minored in marketing.” She turned to the computer. “Wow. How long’s it been since the website has been updated?”

“Eden took care of that.” The muscles along his jaw clenched. His glossy eyes reflected the powdery blue of his shirt. So much like Eden’s, changing from a myriad of green to blue shades, depending on what she’d worn.

“Listen. I know you don’t know me from Adam. But I loved your granny. And your sister.”

“I did, too.” His tone was defensive, as if he’d cornered the market on loving his lost family members.

“Eden left a huge hole in my life. No, we didn’t live close or get to spend time together often, but we were great friends. Whenever I needed to vent about something my family couldn’t handle, I called Eden. She often used me as a sounding board, too. I miss that.” Her voice caught. “Miss her.”

His throat convulsed. “Me, too.”

“What do you say we miss her together? Run this place together, honor her memory.”

He wanted to. It was there in his eyes. “We’ll see. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my family legacy in my family.”

Squelching a sigh, she turned to the screen. He leaned close, then stood and eased up behind her. His woodsy cologne did a number on her senses. How could such an annoying, combative man smell so good? Not to mention, look so good.

As she added their new special rates and updated content on the website, he watched every move over her shoulder as if she planned to put in one price, then charge a higher rate and pocket the difference.

Her hands shook under his close scrutiny.

“Look good to you?” She waited while he inspected the changes she’d made.

“I approve.”

“I’ll do some research on the rest of our competition.” She logged out. “See what else we can do. Run some ideas by you.”

She’d just have to work harder. Prove her dependability. Earn his trust. If they were going to end up as business partners indefinitely, they needed to at least be amicable toward each other.

* * *

Landry scanned the bathroom, removed her latex gloves and sanitized her hands. The fixtures, floor and mirror sparkled.

Moving on to the bedroom, she snapped the top sheet in place with military precision, smoothed out every wrinkle and pulled the quilt and bedspread straight.

Day four and she’d found a routine. Mornings were for cleaning. Afternoons for cooking. Evenings for checking the competition. Reservations and tending to guests fell in whenever needed.

Along with trying to win Chase over. Get him to trust her. Whatever it took to ease their tense working situation. Even though she didn’t feel like she was getting anywhere with him.

With a skim of the lamb’s wool duster over the log lamp, wooden blinds and horseshoe knickknacks, she blew out a heavy breath and surveyed the tidy room. Satisfied, she picked up the plastic-handled tote loaded with cleaning supplies and exited the room. And smacked right into something solid.

Chase. Again.

She dropped the bin. Bottles and supplies bounced and rolled.

“Whoa.” Strong hands clutched her upper arms. “We have to stop meeting like this.”

“Sorry.” Her face steamed. “Still can’t seem to watch where I’m going.”

They knelt, picked up items, knees almost touching, hands grazing a few times as they stashed everything back in the carrier.

As she stood, he chased down a few strays, handed them to her.

“We all ready for our corporate newlyweds?” He checked his watch. “They should arrive any minute.”

“Suite cleaned, stocked with extra towels. Are they returning guests?”

“Not sure.” He ushered her in front of him toward the three stories’ worth of stairs. “Some company made the reservation. Footing the bill for two weeks.”

“They must be at the top of the corporate ladder.” She put it in gear to keep from holding him up. “We need to make extra sure they enjoy their stay so they return or at least tell others about us.”

“That’s our goal with all of our guests.” His tone came out gruff as they reached the foyer. “After we get them settled, I could use your help. The slow toilet has turned into a stopped-up one in the Trail Boss Room.”

Nice move. Surely he could handle blocked plumbing on his own, yet he seemed determined to share the dirty jobs with her. As if she’d give up her claim because some of the responsibilities meant getting messy. But he wouldn’t get rid of her that easily.

He looked out the front window. “Uh, from the looks of things, I doubt they’ll be taking any trail rides or fishing trips.”

Landry eased up beside him. The couple was barely out of their car, and already holding hands, staring all moony eyed at each other. Her cheeks warmed.

“Stop spying and get the door for them.” She rolled her eyes, grabbed a feather duster out of the cleaning closet and went to work on a spotless shelf.

Why had she and Kyle never shared that type of loving devotion? He’d reserved his affections for when he didn’t like what she was saying.

Chase opened the door and said, “Welcome to Chasing Eden Dude Ranch.”

She turned around to greet their guests.

“Thank you.” The pink-cheeked bride looked around. “This place is cool.” But her eyes didn’t stray away from her husband for long. Absolutely besotted with each other.

Becca approached from the kitchen.

“Becca will show you to the Lassoed by Love Room on the third floor, and I’ll get your luggage.” Chase stepped out, grabbed their baggage.

“This way.” Becca led them toward the stairs.

“Thank you.”

Landry waited until they disappeared up the stairs, then gathered a few supplies from the maintenance closet and headed up to the second level. She’d show Chase she knew her way around a plunger.

She slid her key card in the slot, opened the door. The faux cowhide bedspread cinched the Trail Boss as the favored room for business executives.

Within five minutes, she’d located the problem and removed it. Minutes ticked past. Where was Chase? Surely he’d settled the newlyweds by now. She perched on the side of the tub. Still, listening, waiting.

A key clicked in the lock.

Showtime. She flushed the commode.

“No!” Booted footfalls went into high gear and he bolted through the door.

She looked up at him with a satisfied grin.

“It’ll flood.” He jerked the plunger out of her hand.

The water level in the toilet swirled dangerously high. High enough to make her second-guess herself. But then it drained with a whoosh that matched her expelled breath.

“How did you do that?” His jaw dropped as he set his tool down. “I tried the plunger. Three times. I thought I’d have to turn the water off and pull the commode up to find the blockage.”

“Well, it’s a good thing I got it, because I’ve seen how you turn water off.”

His mouth twitched.

She held her hand up—still encased in a long latex glove, a big, rusty belt buckle with the image of a bucking bronc in her palm. Probably won at a rodeo.

“You reached down there and pulled that out?”

“It’s not my first rodeo.” She dropped the buckle in a baggy, set it on the counter as if it was all in a day’s work.

“I believe one of our guests reported that missing a few months ago.”

“Something tells me he won’t be wanting it back.” She tugged her glove off, dropped it in a trash bag. “You’d think he’d have heard it clank in there before he flushed.”

“Good job.” He ground out the compliment with a frown for good measure. “Be sure and disinfect before you prepare food for our guests,” he said as he stalked out of the bathroom.

Her smile widened as she soaped disinfectant up to her forearms in the sink.

She was a lot tougher than she looked, and Chase Donovan would soon realize that.

Chapter Three

Five days since her arrival, and Landry had risen to every challenge Chase had thrown her way. But he was determined to have her gone. This ranch was his family’s legacy, and he wouldn’t give that up to some stranger.

Wonder how she’d feel about helping him with a pregnant cow?

Chase ducked inside the shade of the barn. Fresh hay mixed with the scent of animal. The smell alone should be enough to send her packing. By the time the calf was ready to come, he’d probably be on his own.

He probably shouldn’t conspire against her today, on a Sunday. But he couldn’t help it if the opportunity had presented itself. A grin tugged at his lips as he tapped her number in his contacts.

“Hello, Chase.”

“Are you on the rotation to attend church this morning?”

“Um, no. I told your folks there’s no rush. I don’t want to disrupt anything.”

Yet she’d disrupted everything just by showing up here. “Have you ever seen a calf being born?”

“A couple of times.”

“Never mind, then.” She kept surprising him. “I thought you might want to witness.”

“I do. But I guess I should help prepare for the lunch rush.”

“We’ve got it.” He heard his mom’s voice in the background. “You go. Have fun.”

“Where are you?” Landry asked him.

“In the far west corner of the pen behind the barn. Wash your hands and arms up just in case.” That should give her pause.

“I’ll be there in five.” No hesitation in her voice.

He ended the call. Slid his phone in his pocket, stepped inside the barn to get supplies, took them out near the cow and then went back in to wash up.

As he finished preparations, he heard footfalls and walked outside, his hands held up in the air like a surgeon waiting for a nurse to cover them with gloves. The cow lay on her side, where he’d left her.

“She’s been at it awhile. I might have to pull it,” he said to Landry as she approached.

“My hands are smaller. Let me, if it comes to that.”

“You’ve done this before?”

“Once.” She kept up with his hurried pace. “Do you have a head gate to restrain her?”

“We do, but she’s already down. She’s tame and this isn’t her first calf, so we should be good to go.”

What else was this woman capable of? She was nothing like his sister, who cringed and gagged over baiting her own fish hook.

“How long has she been like this?” Landry asked.

“I knew she was ready a few hours back, and she lay down an hour ago.” As they neared the cow, he saw one hoof. Only one.

“That means the elbow is caught.” She ran her left hand down the russet-colored hide.

He was completely stumped, couldn’t believe she actually knew that. “That just happened during the time I went to call you.”

“We’re here to help you, hon.” She looked up at Chase. “Does she have a name?”

“Penelope. The gloves and lubricant are in the top of the supply box.”

“Okay, Penelope.” She picked up the poly sleeve, slid her right hand into it. It was so long, it wadded up around her shoulder. “Let’s get down to business.”

Penelope flinched, moaned a weak moo as Landry went to work.

“I know, Penny. It’s okay. I’m just gonna see what’s going on.” She gritted her teeth. “Poor girl. You’re already hurting and I’m making it worse. Pet her, Chase.”

“Feel anything?” He ran his fingers along the cow’s neck. “Do you know what to do?”

“There we go. I freed the elbow.” She pulled off her glove and patted Penelope’s hip. “Do your stuff, girl.” She turned to Chase. “Let’s give her a little privacy.”

He was in awe. She really knew the ropes. “We need to keep an eye on things.”

“Over by the barn. She’ll relax better.”

He followed, then settled beside her. Tried to cram his growing respect for her down. Just because she knew her way around a ranch didn’t mean he wanted her owning half of his.

She caught him staring. “What?”

“Who are you, Landry Malone?”

She grinned. “I grew up on a ranch with cattle, worked at a dude ranch for years, and my cousin is a vet. I watched my first calf birth at nine, saw my first pull at twelve, pulled one at seventeen.”

“So, your folks own a Christian bookstore and a ranch?” Sounded like her family had plenty. Like she didn’t need to scam anyone.

“The ranch belongs to my grandparents. I spent lots of time there.”

“You’re nothing like Eden.”

“No.” Her gaze stayed on Penelope, but her smile widened. “Your sister didn’t like to get dirty, hated the smell of farm animals and was afraid of worms.”

“Don’t tell me. Y’all went fishing and you had to bait her hook?”

“Every time.”

“Me, too.” What could Eden have had in common with her? “What made y’all friends?”

“I guess she reminded me of my sister.” She turned to face him, frowned. “And Eden said I reminded her of you. Not sure if that was a compliment.”

He chuckled. “She probably just meant the outdoorsy thing.” Landry wasn’t afraid to get dirty, but that didn’t affect her femininity. He almost wanted to apologize for giving her a hard time. Almost wanted to trust her. But just because she could release a calf, it didn’t mean she wasn’t out to get his inheritance.

“Maybe we could go fishing sometime.”

“Maybe.”

“The other foot just came.” Her awed whisper caught him off guard.

He’d forgotten all about poor Penelope.

Within an hour they had the calf standing.

“So sweet.” Teary-eyed, Landry watched the calf find its legs, the mama nuzzling it along. “Can I name her Petunia?”

“Go for it.”

This was supposed to have tested her mettle. But again, she’d risen to his challenge. He couldn’t let his guard down, though. He had to shake her down if he wanted to keep his family’s ranch in the family. Not in the hands of the interloper his sister had forced on him.

* * *

By lunchtime, Chase’s stomach growled as he smelled the aroma of garlic, onion and tomato sauce drifting from the kitchen. But he didn’t have time to stop and eat. Monday brought lots of errands to run.

From looking at Landry Malone, dainty, pristine, girly, he never would’ve imagined her willingly tackling messy jobs. Nor could he have redone the website if he’d tried. He’d have to do better if he planned to trip her up today. But he was running out of ideas.

In the kitchen, his parents and Landry wore matching food prep hats while they worked.

Mom cleaned the buffet warmer. Dad scrubbed the grill. Landry disinfected the counter, a smile on her face. As if they’d worked together for years. A team. And they had been, several years ago. Back when he’d let his family down—done his traveling thing—Landry had been here to pick up his slack.

But the only thing he knew for certain about her was that she was beautiful. Even with her wavy mane covered by the goofy-looking cap.

He looked over at his mother and saw that she was measuring him. “Have you eaten lunch?”

“I’ll grab something in town.” He cleared his throat. “I have to pick up the new bedspread and run several errands. Need anything?”

Both his parents shook their heads.

Landry bit her lip. “Could I come along?”

No. He did not want to haul her around. “Sure.”

“I need a few things, and I can’t really remember the layout of the town. Is there a Walmart?”

He chuckled. “Thirty minutes away in either Boerne or Kerrville. We have a Dollar General and a grocery store.”

“That’ll work. Just let me get my purse.” She hurried past him, leaving a cloud of flowery perfume mixed with fruity shampoo in her wake. Despite the fact that she’d cooked manicotti and a host of other spicy dishes for lunch.

He followed and waited in the foyer while she went to Granny’s private quarters. A few minutes later she was back, her purse slung over her shoulder.

“I’m ready.” She’d pulled her hair into a ponytail. He’d never been a fan of the style, but she made it look good.

“Let’s go.” He strolled to the door, opened it for her.

Once in the truck, her flowery smell intensified. His vehicle would never be the same.

“So, tell me how you came to live here for a while.” He chanced a glance at her, then backed out of his parking spot. “Back when you were in culinary school with Eden?”

“They never told you?”

“Might have.” He pulled onto the highway. “But I probably wasn’t listening. It’s a guy thing.”

“At least you admit it.” She snickered. “I learned a long time ago—if you don’t talk about trucks, sports, business or livestock, men don’t listen.”

“Brothers?”

“No. Just a sister. A dad. Male cousins. Ranch-hand coworkers.”

“Isn’t Aubrey close to Dallas?”

She kept her eyes on the road. “It is, and I could have gone to school in Dallas. But I was eighteen years old and had never been away from home. I wanted to spread my wings, so I chose the San Antonio option.”

“And Eden invited you to live at the dude ranch?”

“Not exactly. I saw her in class, but we didn’t ever meet.” Her voice filled with reverence when she mentioned his sister. “I had an apartment with a roommate, but our lifestyles didn’t gel. I needed a job, and despite wanting to experience independence, I was lonely.”

“Not once you met Granny, I bet.” Granny always took in strays.

“Definitely not.” She stared out the passenger window. “I saw a help wanted ad for a dude ranch, so I called the number and officially met Eden and Granny. I ended up working for room and board for a year and a half until I finished school. They were like my family away from family. And the dude ranch was home away from home.”

But they weren’t her family. It wasn’t her home.

“What happened to all the trees?”

Dead or dying live oaks lined each side of the road. “Oak wilt. It transfers from tree to tree through the root system. Takes no prisoners, doesn’t stop until everything in its path is dead.”

“That’s so sad. I always loved driving through this area with the twisted, gnarled trees.”

“Looked like they’d stood up to the dry, rocky Texas hillsides for decades and could survive anything. But not oak wilt,” he said as he turned onto Main Street.

“Wow. That was quick.” She scanned the storefronts lining the highway. Ancient rockwork buildings, motorcycles and cars parked in front of each, people strolling along, unhurried. “I could have walked here.”

“I have to go to the log furniture store, get gas for the tractor and hit the hardware store.” He parked halfway between his three destinations. “You can look around if you want.” He checked his watch. “And meet me back here at four.”

“Is lunch in there somewhere?” Her stomach growled and she winced.

“Didn’t you just cook half the day?”

“I can’t eat when I’m cooking. Too many smells.”

“I was gonna just grab something on the go.” He climbed down from the truck. “But tell you what. Let me go to the furniture store, and then we’ll do lunch. Go look around and I’ll call you when I’m ready.”

She met him on the sidewalk, stood there like a lost puppy. “Can I just hang with you?”

What? “It’ll be boring.”

“But I don’t know a soul here. You can introduce me around. I promise not to get in the way.”

“You lived here for eighteen months.” He did not need her tagging along. Looking pretty. Smelling good. Vulnerability shining through. All tempting him to trust her motives. “There are probably folks you knew still around.”

“I never came to town when I lived here except for church. I worked, studied and went to school. Period.”

He squashed a sigh. “Let’s get moving, then.”

“Thanks.” She grinned like he’d just given her the exact gift she’d wanted on Christmas morning.

* * *

Landry could hardly take it all in as she followed Chase through the store. A log dining table with a massive slab of wood for the surface. A log dresser with tree bark drawers. A rocker with a massive log frame and thick, comfy cowhide cushions. She’d thought she’d seen it all at the ranch house. She’d been wrong.

But she couldn’t let herself get distracted. She’d tagged along for the sole purpose of making Chase realize she was a good person—not the interloper he seemed to think she was. She wanted to make him realize running the dude ranch with her wasn’t so bad after all.

“Resa’s usually in the office. You can come with me. Or look around.” He headed to the back of the store.

Resa? Not a common name. The Resa she knew? At a log furniture store? It had to be.

“Chase, there you are.” Landry caught a glimpse of long, dark hair as a woman hugged him. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

The voice sounded right. Landry jockeyed for a better glimpse, but Chase followed the woman down a hallway.

Minutes ticked past.

“It’s perfect. I hope our guests will like it.” His voice neared.

Landry ran her hand along a log desk. How could something that used to be a tree be smooth as glass?

“A few may complain, but you can always put them in another room or change bedding. I’ve never had any bad comments from customers on our display.” The woman became visible first. All porcelain skin and contrasting raven hair. Resa. Eden’s friend.

Her thousand-watt smile turned on Landry. “Landry, it’s so good to see you.”

“Yes.” She couldn’t come up with anything else as Resa engulfed her in a hug. A mix of emotion wadded in her throat. Relief in knowing someone, an ally in this town, and grief because the last time she’d seen Resa had been at Eden’s wedding.

“Y’all know each other?” Chase’s frown could have wilted a prickly pear cactus.

“We became friends through Eden.” Resa pulled away. “I was studying drafting, living in San Antonio, while they were in culinary school. We’d meet for lunch at least once a week.”

“Your dream came true.” Landry scrounged up a smile. “You’re the fastest furniture slinger in the west.”

Resa laughed. “Something like that.”

“You own this place?”

“My parents do.”

“I remember now.” Her parents owned a store in San Antonio and this one here in Bandera. And lived next to the dude ranch, Eden and Resa had been lifelong friends.

“What are you doing here?”

“Landry’s my new partner in the ranch.” The resignation in Chase’s voice made her glance at him. But his features were unreadable.

“Of course. Eden’s friend. Why didn’t I realize that when Chase was in here—” Resa linked arms with her. “Don’t let him scare you. He’s all bluster.”

What had Chase said about her? “I love the store. I can’t believe I never visited before.”

“We were too busy studying.” Resa rolled her eyes. “I’m so glad that part of our lives is over. Except for—” She leaned her temple against Landry’s, and her sad tone gave away that she was obviously missing Eden. “We should do lunch sometime. I live at my folks’ place right next to the Donovan property, so we should be able to get together.”

“How about now?” Suddenly lunch with a surly Chase was more than she could handle.

“I’d love to. But I already ate, and I have an appointment with a client.” Resa checked her watch. “He should be here any minute.”

“We’ll get out of your hair, then.” Chase’s large hand settled in the small of Landry’s back.

A shiver went through her.

Not because of him, she told herself. Just at the unexpected touch. Yes, that was it.

“Is he playing nice?” Resa jabbed a finger at him.

“I’ve been a perfect gentlemen.”

Except when you doused me with water. Forced me to unstop a toilet. Used a calf to try to scare me off.

“You call me if he turns ornery.” Resa handed her a business card. “Or for lunch.” She gave Landry one last hug, waved at Chase as he urged her toward the door.

“Chase, how’s it going?” A gray-haired gentleman sat on the church pew outside the store. His skin leathery, a knife in one gnarled hand, an ornate wooden candlestick in the other.

“Things are good. I didn’t see you when we came in.”

“Just got here. Arthritis is acting up something fierce this morning.” His eyes cut to Landry. “Who’s the pretty lady? Got yourself a girlfriend, do ya?”

“No.” Landry’s face heated as her denial blended with Chase’s.

“Hmm.” The man’s eyes narrowed. “Methinks they doth protest too much.”

“My Shakespeare-quoting friend here is Jed Whitlow, the best woodcarver in Bandera. This is Landry Malone, my new business partner.”

Was it just her imagination, or did Chase’s tone turn sour whenever he said that? Like he’d gotten the bitter edge of a pecan hull in his mouth.

“It’s nice to meet you, sir.”

Jed set his knife down, clasped Landry’s hand with surprising strength in his calloused grip. “You, too, young lady. You keep my friend here in line.” He winked at Chase. “She don’t seem so bad.”

“Let’s go.” Chase set his hand in the small of her back again, propelling her toward the restaurant.

Apparently the whole town knew that Landry had usurped Chase’s inheritance. And that he wasn’t happy about it. She’d just have to change everyone’s mind. Even his. No matter how hard he made it.

* * *

All Chase had to do was get through the rest of his errands with Landry in tow.

The waitress took their drink orders, then scurried away. Old Spanish Trail, or OST, as the locals called it, was Chase’s favorite restaurant. It always stirred memories of coming to town for breakfast with Gramps.

“This place is so cool.” Landry scanned the room.

Chase looked around with fresh eyes at the enormous elk behind the breakfast bar—where servers had to duck underneath the creature to deliver plates to patrons seated on saddle-topped stools—the covered-wagon salad bar, and the John Wayne Room practically wallpapered with pictures and memorabilia celebrating the Duke.

“When I was a kid, on rare occasions when the dude ranch didn’t have guests, Gramps used to bring me here for breakfast.”

“I wish I could have known him.”

“He’s been gone since I was fifteen.”

“I’m sorry.” She touched his hand. “You’ve had a lot of loss.”

His gaze dropped to their hands.

She pulled hers away, opened her menu. “What’s good here?”

“Everything.”

Their waitress brought their teas, then took their order of eggs, bacon and pancakes for Chase and a cheeseburger for Landry.

“Still got it?” The gruff voice startled him.

Chase looked up at the older man who’d spoken to him, then dug in his pocket and laid a knife on the table.

“Gave him that knife when he was a young whippersnapper,” the elder continued. “Couldn’t have been more than seven.” His ring-around-the-head hair stood in downy tufts on the sides, looking much like koala bear ears.

“This is Wallace Kern. He was Gramps’s friend.”

“I told him not to lose that knife when I gave it to him, and he hasn’t let me down yet.”

“It’s gotten me out of a lot of scrapes.”

“This your girlfriend?”

“No.” Again they protested together.

“Landry is my new business partner.”

“Ohhhh, so this is her.” Wallace scrutinized her. “Looks harmless enough. Not like some scammer or con artist.”

Landry’s face went scarlet. “You never know. Sometimes those types of folks look pretty ordinary.”

Wallace guffawed. “I like this one. She’s got spunk.” He shoved his hands in his overalls pockets, rocked back on his heels. “I better be getting home to the missus. Nice meetin’ ya, Miss Landry.” Wallace shuffled off.

“So, I guess you complained about me to everybody in town before I got here.”

“Not everybody. Just one somebody who apparently has loose lips.”

“I’m not a scammer.” Something in her eyes tugged at him.

“I sincerely hope not.”

“I never imagined Eden would leave me her share of the dude ranch. I never thought she’d—die.” She looked down at the table. “Yes, I loved my years here, and I love the dude ranch. Yes, living here planted my dream of owning my own someday. But my own.” Her gaze latched on to his. “Not yours.”

The waitress brought their food. Despite the swirling tension, he prayed over their meal, and they fell into silence. Their conversation not bothering their appetites at all.

He wanted to believe her. To trust her. But his family legacy was at stake.

Yet the thing in her eyes that tugged at him—it was hurt.

Chapter Four

“I’ll do my shopping now.” Landry hesitated as they stepped outside the restaurant. “Maybe check out a few stores.”

“Suit yourself. Meet me at the truck at four thirty, since we took time to eat.” Chase hurried toward the crosswalk leading to the hardware store. Apparently happy to dump her dead weight.

She’d invited herself along to make him like her. Instead his constant distrust was wearing her thin. She needed a break.

He thought she was a scammer. And half the town knew his fears. Maybe all of them. Would she ever belong?

The Dollar General was on the other side of the furniture store. She retraced her steps. How could she feel so alone as she sidestepped numerous people on the bustling sidewalk?

As she neared the pew in front of the furniture store, Jed patted the seat beside him. “Come sit a spell.”

Would he chew her out for horning in on Chase’s inheritance? Jed’s smile offered nothing other than kindness.

“I guess I have a few minutes.” She settled beside him, her feet surrounded by wood shavings, the scent of cedar in the air. “How long have you carved?”

“Long as I can remember.” He never looked up from the wood—smoothing with his knife as he twirled the candlestick. “My pappy taught me when I was knee-high to a grasshopper. I used to have a pretty big business with Resa, stocking my work in her store.”

“Do you still have items on display? I thought I saw some things that might be yours.”

“A few walking sticks and candleholders.” His hands never stilled. “But this arthritis slows me. Resa’s been good to me.”

“She’s a really nice person. I met her back when I was going to culinary school.” Landry remembered Eden saying Resa didn’t date. “Did she ever marry? Have kids?”

“Nope. Just focuses on her furniture designing and the business. It’s a shame. She’s as pretty on the inside as out.”

“Yes, she is.” Apparently nothing had changed. “Well, I’d better get my shopping done. It won’t make Chase like me any better if he has to wait on me.”

“He’s a tough one. Doesn’t trust easy. But you really can’t blame him.”

Probably shouldn’t ask. Shouldn’t inquire into Chase’s personal life. But she had to work with him, and knowing what made him tick might make it easier.

Anticipation weighed heavy in her chest. “Why’s that?”

“Back when Granny was sick, Chase came home. I reckon every gold digger in the vicinity knew he’d inherit the dude ranch soon. Suddenly he was the most eligible bachelor in Bandera.”

No wonder Chase thought she was a scammer. “Everyone here seems to know he thinks I’m the same way.”

“There’s this girl—been hot on his trail again since Eden’s death. She caught him on a bad day, and he said something like, he already had one gold digger on his hands and didn’t need another.”

“Great.” She huffed out a sigh. “The whole town hates me.”

“Nah. And if they do, they won’t after they meet you. Even Chase. Give him time—he’ll warm up to you.”

But would he? She hoped so. For the sake of the dude ranch.

And what if she did gain his trust? Could they successfully run a dude ranch together? For life?

So far all of her efforts to win him over had splatted belly up on the pavement. For this to work, they at least had to become friends. She had to find a way—find a chink in Chase’s armor. But she was running out of steam. And ideas.

* * *

Silence prevailed in the office as Landry scanned reservations on the computer. The day spent sparring with Chase yesterday had done nothing to ease their relationship. Currently he was sprawled in a nailhead chair with his laptop. Perfectly content to ignore her as he went over their supply inventory.

“We had two calls from guests wanting to cancel, but once I told them about our summer special, they kept their reservations.” Landry glanced at him. “And I sent out our first newsletter to each of our cancellations about our summer special. They all came back.”

He frowned. “We can’t spam our guests.”

Why was he always so intent on disapproving of anything she did? She held her breath, counted to ten.

“I didn’t. They were return guests, and Eden had already signed them up to receive email notifications.”

“Oh.” The line between his brows smoothed. “Sounds like your idea worked. Good job. Got anything else?”

A compliment and a challenge all wrapped in one. “Back when I lived here, Granny allowed a few neighbors to get married here. My sister is a wedding planner. She could help us turn this place into a sought-after venue.”

“And girlie up the ranch?” He set his laptop down, strolled to the window. “After investing in all this log furniture and rustic decor? No way.”

“We wouldn’t have to change a thing. Rustic is in for weddings. Especially in Texas.”

“I have a better idea.” He turned to face her. “I just watched five axis deer grazing at the edge of the woods. We could offer corporate hunts. Bring in more exotics.”

“Hunting?” Her voice rose an octave. “I’m not turning hunters loose on Bambi’s daddy. They already got his mom.”

“Um. You know—”

“Bambi’s not real. But those poor innocent deer out there are.” She jabbed a finger at the window with a shudder. “And I know all the arguments. Axis aren’t even native to Texas. They’re overpopulated and taking over our native whitetail. There’s no season on them and they have huge horns, so hunters love them.”

“They’re called racks, not horns. How do you know so much about them?”

“Our main competitor for the Aubrey ranch where I worked offered exotic hunts. But we found other ways to boost business.” She leveled her gaze on him. “How would you like to be hunted?”

“You sound like Eden.” Something in his eyes softened. “And Granny.”

It was his family legacy. But he knew as well as she did, Eden and Granny would go for weddings rather than have hunters traipsing over the property. She’d even heard Granny mention how she’d always made her own husband go elsewhere for his hunting expeditions.

“So, let’s get this straight. You have issues with hunting, but you grew up on a ranch. You eat beef.”

“And I eat venison. But I don’t want anything to do with killing the animal.”

He tried to hold his laughter, but it rolled out. A deep, warm sound.

And Landry laughed with him.

Were they having a moment?

He seemed to realize it and immediately stopped laughing. He went back to his chair and settled once again with his laptop.

She forced her gaze away from him, back to the screen.

The phone rang and Landry jumped, then answered. “Chasing Eden Dude Ranch. How may I help you?”

“My name is Consuelo Sanchez. I know it’s short notice, but our family vacation time got moved up a week. Do you have any rooms available?”

“Let me check for you, Mrs. Sanchez.” Landry tried to infuse her smile into her tone. “How many, and when do you plan to arrive?”

“That’s the really crazy part. We’d get there tomorrow. Six adults and six kids.” Landry heard young voices in the background. “I saw a room on y’all’s website. It looks like a big old great room with a TV and a bunch of bunk beds built into the wall. Could we get something like that, only with adult beds, too?”

“That’s the Tumbleweed Room. It has three bunk beds and a sleeper sofa, along with two connecting rooms, the Right as Rain and the Rest a Spell Rooms, with a queen bed in each.”

“That sounds perfect.” Relief filled the woman’s tone.

Landry tried to keep it all business, despite the elation building inside her. “How many nights would you need it?”

“We’ll stay a week and check out next Wednesday. Please tell me you have something. We could go three double rooms with two queen beds in each.”

“Three rooms would cost less, but the Tumbleweed Room and both connecting rooms are available.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful. Having the great room will be worth it.”

Definitely. Landry confirmed the dates. “I have an all-inclusive package with as many activities such as trail rides, fishing trips and bonfires as you’d like, plus three meals a day for the duration of your stay.” She rattled off rates she knew by heart.

“That’s just what we’re looking for.”

Landry could hardly contain her excitement as she entered the lady’s info into the computer. “That’s everything I need. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Thank you.”

“Thank you.” Landry pushed End.

“A nice reservation, I take it.”

“I just booked the Tumbleweed Room, the Right as Rain Room and the Rest a Spell Room for a week. And there are six kids. They’re getting the all-inclusive package.”

“Awesome.”

Her cell phone rang. She leaned back, dug it out of her pocket, scanned the screen. Devree.

“Hey, sis. How’s it going?”

“You were supposed to call me once you got settled in.”

“Sorry.” She winced. Had completely forgotten. “It’s been busy here.”

“Are you coming home for your birthday?”

“I’m kind of busy running a dude ranch.” Half of one, anyway. “I mean, helping run.”

“Are you coming home anytime soon?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Tell me about the partner.”

“Maybe some other time.” Her gaze flitted to Chase. Watching her.

“Oh, so he’s there. Is he cute?”

Landry’s face heated. She spun her chair, kept her back to him. “I’m sort of busy right now.”

“He is, isn’t he?”

“Devree. Was there a reason you called?”

Her sister’s sigh echoed through the line.

Landry’s pulse went up a notch. “Are Mama and Daddy okay?”

“Everybody’s fine here. But I have to tell you something, because I don’t want you to hear it somewhere else. I don’t want to tell you, but you need to know.” Her sister always rambled when nervous. “I was hoping to tell you in person.”

“Just tell me.”

“It’s Kyle. He’s engaged.”

Landry’s stomach landed at her feet.

“Are you still there?”

“I’m here.” Her voice didn’t sound right. It was hollow. Just like her insides.

“I’m sorry, Landry. I just thought you should know.”

“It’s okay.” Kyle had moved on—planned to marry someone else just over ten months after humiliating her at the altar. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Thanks for telling me, but I need to get back to work now.”

“Call me if you need me.”

“I will. Love you.”

“You, too.”

She ended the call, just sat there, staring out the window.

Her insides boiled. But not with hurt. Anger more than anything else.

“Is something wrong?”

She jumped. For once, she’d forgotten all about Chase.

“Nothing. Everything’s fine.” She kept her back to him. She couldn’t process this under his scrutiny. Didn’t have the strength to spar with him.

If only she could melt through the floor.

* * *

What had her sister said? Obviously something upsetting. Chase watched her. So still.

Minutes passed with her back still toward him. Finally she turned her chair to the desk, her face a blank slate. She stared at the computer screen, moved the mouse, then began typing.

Was it his imagination or had she gone pale? Should he quietly leave the room? Or try to help?

“You sure you’re okay?”

“Just tired.”

It seemed like way more than that.

“I can handle anything that turns up if you want to turn in.” He kept his tone gentle.

“I think I will.” She got up and quickly scurried out of the room.

“Good night.” Chase stared after her.

He really shouldn’t. But curiosity was getting the best of him. He’d seen her stare at the computer when she’d gotten off the phone. Had she looked up something?

It was worth a try. He had to learn what caused that stricken look on her face. He moved to the desk, opened the browser and clicked on History.

Engagement announcements from the state paper. He clicked the link.

Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Reginald Billings Sr. announce the engagement of their son, Kyle Reginald Billings Jr., to Waverly Larissa Heathcott...

The blond preppy guy again. Wow, he’d moved on from Landry in less than a year. With a bombshell blonde this time, though posed almost exactly as he had with Landry. While she’d been preparing to move to the dude ranch, her ex-fiancé had proposed to someone else. And apparently she’d just found out.

That explained things. Was she crying in her room? Alone and upset? What should he do? Ask Mom to check on her?

No. He wasn’t supposed to know.

Even though he didn’t trust her, didn’t want her around, the thought of her anguish tugged at his heart.

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