HELP WANTED

Widowed single dad Mac Tenley is determined to save his family’s struggling guest ranch, the Elk Valley. And as a father of three rambunctious kids, he needs help—fast. But the only applicant for his entry-level ranch hand position is a beautiful mystery woman from New York City...with no experience!

Undercover real estate developer Dani Vaughn is desperate to earn her ruthless father’s approval. To do that, she must convince Mac to give up Elk Valley. Getting hired is easy. Getting used to ranch life is tougher, and getting the handsome rancher to sell is near impossible. Especially now that she’s falling for Mac and his family. But Dani’s secret still stands between her and happiness. Will the truth drive Mac away?

APRIL ARRINGTON grew up in a small Southern town and developed a love for movies and books at an early age. Emotionally moving stories have always held a special place in her heart. April enjoys collecting pottery and soaking up the Georgia sun on her front porch.

Visit April at Twitter.com/april_arrington or Facebook.com/authoraprilarrington.

Also By April Arrington

Men of Raintree Ranch

Twins for the Bull Rider

The Rancher’s Wife

The Bull Rider’s Cowgirl

The Rancher’s Miracle Baby

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

A Home with the Rancher

April Arrington

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-08097-2

A HOME WITH THE RANCHER

© 2018 April Standard

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

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Version: 2020-03-02

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“Having second thoughts?”

Dani glanced up, the grin on Mac’s handsome face making her catch her breath.

Oh, boy. She was in more trouble than she’d initially thought.

“Nope.” She ripped her attention away from him and focused on Jaxon and the girls as they chased each other across the field. “I’m happy to help.”

“So you say.” Mac’s grin grew. He glanced at his kids before leaning in to whisper, “But my girls can be a handful.”

She smiled and tapped his chest with a finger. “I can be a handful myself, in case you haven’t noticed.”

His laughter faded and he studied her from head to toe. “Oh, I’ve noticed.”

He shifted closer, his fingers caressing her elbow.

“What’re y’all whispering about?”

They sprang apart. Maddie stood a couple of feet behind Mac, frowning, and waiting for an answer. Nadine and Jaxon stood at their sister’s side with smug grins.

“Nothing.” Dani stumbled back.

Oh yeah. She was definitely in over her head.

Dear Reader,

Writers deal with thousands of words on a daily basis. We weigh syllables to create the right rhythm, sift through phrases to find those with the most impact and scrutinize words we’ve typed for hours, trying our best to decide which ones to cut and which ones to save.

Over time, a few have become my favorites. One, in particular.

Home.

There’s something about it that warms my heart and helps me breathe easier. Something simple and precious. Something that has little to do with bricks or shingles and so much to do with the people I love and admire. Because that’s how those people make me feel. Warm and welcome. Valued and forgiven. There’s no greater home in the world than the one you find in someone who has seen you at your worst...but still loves you just as much as when you’re at your best.

In A Home with the Rancher, Dani Vaughn wants to be seen. To be noticed and loved. And Mac Tenley has been searching for home for a long time. What they find in each other is more than either ever expected.

As always, thank you for reading.

April

Dedicated to Billie Ann

Doesn’t matter where we are...Sharing laughs on the day job, gossiping over cheese sticks in a restaurant or kicking back in a cool movie theater on a hot summer day. With you, every place feels like home.

You’re more than a coworker or friend—you’re family.

And I thank my lucky stars God put us on the same path.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

Dear Reader

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

Extract

Chapter One

Lies always multiplied. That was one reason Danielle Vaughn never told them.

“I said what’s your name, ma’am?”

Danielle eyed the older man straddling the wooden fence and cringed, wondering how big this lie would get. At the moment, it stuck in her throat, feeling sharper and thicker than the angular mountains shrouded in dense fog at the man’s back. And it beat heavier through her veins than the rhythmic pound of a hammer in the distance.

He scoffed and the straw of hay clenched between his teeth flopped against his scruffy jaw. “You got one, don’t you, gal?”

“Danielle Vau—” She bit her tongue and winced. Jones. That was the one she’d settled on. Her lips trembled. Wasn’t it? “Danielle Jones. I’m here to see Mac Tenley.”

The man’s expression remained bored and he looked away, chewing on the hay and shifting to a more comfortable position on the top fence rung. “Mac’s busy. Whatcha want with him?”

His land. Or rather, her father wanted it. Danielle swallowed hard against the churn in her stomach. Despite his dismissive laughter and her misgivings, she’d promised to acquire it for him.

She glanced up at the sign hanging over the entrance of the gravel driveway, the words Elk Valley Ranch barely discernable on the weathered wood. Judging from first impressions and the photos she’d seen in the New York boardroom of Vaughn Real Estate, the guest lodge and cabins that lay beyond the winding drive would need a ton of work.

“My name is Danielle,” she repeated, returning her eyes to the man. “But I go by Dani.”

He stilled, his wrinkled brow furrowing as he faced her. “Dani Jones?”

She nodded.

His eyes narrowed then traveled down the length of her. His jaw slackened, the hay falling out of his mouth and his loud guffaws echoing across the peaceful Tennessee landscape. “Hey, Tim! Get a load of this.”

Dani stiffened.

The distant pounding stopped and moments later, a younger man rounded the bend in the driveway, carrying a hammer and frowning. “You think you could do at least ten minutes of work today, man?”

“Aw, forget that, Tim.” The man jumped off the fence, jabbed a thick finger in her direction then doubled over with laughter. “This puny girl here’s the man Mac said was coming to interview as new hand.”

Puny? Girl? Dani’s face heated and she gritted her teeth, wishing she wore her stilettos instead of flat-soled sneakers. She’d shove the sharp edge right up his chauvinistic—

“Mac’s gonna...” The man sucked in quick breaths between bouts of laughter. “Mac’s gonna have a fit.”

“I hate to spoil a boy’s good time.” Dani edged around the chuckling buffoon and extended her hand. “So I’ll just ask a man for assistance instead.” She smiled. “Tim, was it? I’m Dani. It’s nice to meet you and I’m sure it’ll be even nicer working with you since it’s obvious your help is lacking.” She jerked her chin over her shoulder as the man stopped laughing. “Would you please tell me where I can find Mac Tenley?”

Tim grinned, his handsome face lighting with amusement. “Yes, ma’am.” He took her hand, squeezed gently then pointed toward the lush line of poplar and cedar trees obscuring the winding driveway. “Just follow the drive up to the lodge and go on in. The office opened a half hour ago and Mac’s probably still in there.”

“Thank you.”

Tim’s grin widened and he tipped his Stetson. “Look forward to working with you.”

Dani nodded, her smile faltering at the kind gleam in his eyes. It was one thing to think up a lie and rehearse it in your head. It was quite another to actually tell it. Especially to an honest, hardworking man like Tim.

She returned to the battered compact car she’d parked at the ranch’s entrance, her lip curling as she passed the lazy cowboy standing by the fence.

That fool she had no qualms about deceiving.

He scowled and muttered under his breath, eyes dark with disdain.

Ignoring him, Dani opened the creaky door and slid behind the wheel. A few quick twists of her wrist and the engine sputtered to life then groaned its way up the graveled path. She pushed her foot harder on the pedal and held her breath, doubting the pitiful contraption would creep its way up the steep hill. A glance in the rearview mirror proved the two men staring behind her had their doubts, too.

“Focus,” she muttered, leaning forward and tightening her grip on the steering wheel. “Keep your head up and your eyes open.”

And what spectacular scenery there was for a pair of open eyes. Once she cleared the enormous hill and passed through the dense woods, the land opened up, sprawling in all directions and stretching lazily into the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. The summer sun tinged the mountain fog with rosy undertones and bathed the green valley in golden light.

“Beautiful,” she whispered.

That was an understatement. She shook her head and rolled down the window, unable to find the words for it. The sweet, clean air of Elk Valley made the remembered feel of thick wind whipping across busy New York streets seem stifling. And the leisurely hum of wildlife rustling through the trees, the sight of birds flapping in the breeze and the sound of horses whinnying in the distance were even more cajoling.

The valley seduced her senses, beckoning her to stop the car, collapse in the wide field like a child and roll across the thick tufts of grass for days. Fold her arms behind her head, stare at the blue sky and dream of being more than she was.

She laughed. What would the elite New York socialites she rubbed shoulders with say about such an immature, impulsive thought? Her laughter trailed away. Exactly what they’d always said, probably. That she was behaving like an uncouth tomboy instead of a twenty-seven-year-old woman.

Or worse. They might suggest the same thing her father and younger brother had. That, like her late mother, she was better suited for shopping, decorating and organizing charity events rather than running a business. Especially, a multi-million-dollar one like her father’s thriving real estate firm.

Your brother will make a better vice-president.

Because he’s a man. Her father had said it without saying it. The look on his face had affirmed her suspicions and the gentle tone of his voice revealed his reluctance at having to spell it out for her. Then she’d been relegated to the back seat, signing paperwork and looking pretty for powerful male clients. Activities she detested and a game she refused to play any longer.

Dani winced. She’d always disappointed him. That was how it’d been ever since she was born a girl instead of the strapping son her father had expected.

It was ridiculous, really. This undying need to prove herself to him. Or any man, for that matter.

She tensed her stomach muscles, trying to still the waves of nausea rising within her. The entire endeavor—including this charade—made her sick. Sick of feeling like she’d never fit in or measured up. Sick of her weaknesses and herself.

Dani straightened, maneuvered the troubled car around the final curve in the driveway and brought it to a sputtering halt at the end. There was one thing her father understood and appreciated more than anything. And it never failed to capture his attention—or approval.

Money. The largest sum of which resided in the untapped potential of this awe-inspiring valley. Magnificent acres of land his employees had failed to persuade the owner, Mac Tenley, to sell.

“If a man can’t get the job done,” she chimed, shoving the door open and rising to her feet, “send in a woman.”

Dani smiled and looked up, taking in the massive log lodge in front of her. “You might not want to sell now, Mac Tenley. But you will.”

She’d make sure of it. That was why she’d applied online for the only available—and shockingly low-paying—position on the ranch. Working as a ranch hand for a few weeks would give her access to the lodge and cabins. A feat her younger brother hadn’t been able to manage. Of course, her father and brother didn’t know about this aspect of her plan—they thought she’d come out here for an extended sales pitch. Which, to be fair, was her ultimate goal. After scoping the lay of the land and drawing up plans for what could be the highest-grossing luxury retreat in Elk Valley, Tennessee, she’d show Mac Tenley the benefits of selling and make a more than fair offer.

She’d heard he was a tough customer. A greedy one, in fact. So she’d throw in a few perks to sweeten the deal. This land was valuable and she’d pay him what it was worth and then some. Enough to turn any money-grubbing head—even if she had to dig into her savings.

Her father would be happy, Mac Tenley would be happy and she’d be happy. It’d be a winning situation for them all.

Confidence renewed, Dani snagged a worn duffel bag from the back seat and hoisted the strap over her shoulder. The bulky buckle dug into her flesh then loosened with a sharp pop.

“Shoot.” Her hands shot out and lifted the bag to ease the weight off the flimsy strap.

Seemed she’d overdone it in the disguise department. She should’ve known the old putter car behind her was a bad choice when the used car salesman had tried to talk her out of it. And it didn’t look as though the bag would make it through more than one day.

She’d been aiming to look broke. Instead, she was pretty sure she looked destitute.

No matter. If it meant a better chance of keeping the job as a ranch hand and gaining access to the property, all the better.

She made the long walk up the stone path past an empty fire pit then up a steep set of stairs. The porch was wide, lined with large windows and, though in desperate need of more seating, had an absolutely stunning view of the green valley and surrounding mountains.

The foyer was even more impressive. A wide room with hardwood floors and a stone fireplace served as a reception and lounge area. Multiple seating areas were arranged in a welcoming fashion around the room but the chairs looked worn and stiff with only two couples occupying them. Judging from the disgruntled looks on their faces, they wouldn’t remain there for much longer.

A sharp scream cut through the silent waiting area. Dani jumped and a second stitch popped on her bag.

“Nadine Tenley.” Several thuds and a breathless, feminine voice came from the direction of the empty reception desk on the other side of the room. “If you don’t cut that out—”

“That hurts and my hair don’t need brushing.” A second voice. Higher-pitched and much younger sounding. “Why can’t I go hiking? It’s not fair. Maddie and me don’t get to do nothing just cuz we’re girls.”

“I don’t think Maddie wants to do anything with you right now seeing as how you’ve made her cry.”

“Ain’t nobody made her cry. She done that all on her own.” A sigh. “I’m sorry, Ms. Ann, but it just ain’t fair.”

“Excuse me.” Dani approached the counter then hesitated, peeking over the top as a phone began ringing on the desk. “I’m looking for Mac Tenley. I have an appointment but I’m early. Is he available?”

More thuds then a gray head appeared as a woman straightened, placed a pink comb on the counter and smiled. It was strained. “Good morning. Welcome to Elk Valley Ranch.” She smoothed a shaky hand over her disheveled hair and glanced at the ringing phone. “May I have your name, please?”

“Dani Jones. I’m here for an interview.”

The receptionist was jostled, fell against the counter then uttered a tsk. A small child—around seven years old?—darted out then skidded to a halt at the toes of Dani’s cheap sneakers.

“An interview?” The little girl blinked wide green eyes up at her, her tangled blond hair sticking out at odd angles. Her jeans and T-shirt were muddy and rumpled. “You the new hand my daddy’s gonna hire?”

Daddy? Dani frowned, mentally sifting through the facts she’d gathered on Mac Tenley. Twenty-nine, owner of Elk Valley Ranch and single. There’d been no mention of a wife or children. And certainly no mention of the cute spitfire in front of her.

“I—”

“Nadine, apologize to your sister right now.”

Dani stilled, the low rumble sending a delicious shiver over her skin. She glanced up...then up a smidge more. A tall, muscular man with rumpled blond hair and dark green eyes strode down a narrow side-hallway, carrying a young girl. He smoothed a big hand over the girl’s curls as she buried her face in his neck.

Nadine spun, propped her hands on her hips and raised her voice over the shrill clang of the phone. “What’d I do?”

The second girl lifted her head and rubbed at her tear-stained cheeks. “You know what you did.” She was a perfect replica of Nadine except for freshly combed hair, pink ribbons and a flowery sundress. “You called me a sissy.”

Nadine shrugged. “Well, you were kinda acting like one.”

“That’s enough.” The man shot a stern look at Nadine then glanced over his shoulder. “Ms. Ann, would you please answer the phone?”

Ann held up her hands and blew out a breath. “Yes, I’m just all out of sorts. I’m sorry, Mac, but I’m not a babysitter. Your father never asked me to watch after children while I ran the front desk.”

He grimaced. “I know and I apologize. It won’t happen again.”

Dani pulled in a sharp breath and held it. So this was Mac Tenley. Twenty-nine, owner of Elk Valley Ranch and a...daddy. Her lungs burned. Definitely not what she’d expected. Or planned for. Deceiving a man was bad enough but lying to children? Her heart slammed against her ribs. There was no way she could go through with this. She’d just have to return to New York and come up with a new strategy.

A bell rang and warm air wafted through the room. Dani turned, watching as one of the couples exited.

“I’m sorry, were you waiting for a room?”

Dani spun back to find Mac studying her. She opened her mouth, releasing the pent-up breath, and tried not to stare at his wide chest, broad shoulders and sensual lips.

His strong jaw firmed. His gaze roved over her face then lingered on her mouth, heating her cheeks.

“It’s a girl, Dad,” Nadine piped, tugging at his jeans.

Mac started then jerked his eyes back up to meet hers.

“I can see that.” He bent, set the second girl on her feet then nodded. “I’m Mac Tenley, owner. Sorry about the wait. Ms. Ann will check you in momentarily. If you’ll excuse me?”

Dani sighed as he moved past her and made his way over to the sole couple still in the waiting area. Time to go. She tightened her grip on her bag and started toward the exit.

“Are you gonna shovel the horse poop?” Nadine asked, skipping in front of her. “Cuz we hate when dad makes us shovel the poop. We usually have to do it when we get in trouble.”

The other girl scooted to her sister’s side, tears gone and interest sparking in her eyes. “Who’s she?”

“The new hand,” Nadine said.

“But she’s not a cowboy like Mr. Tim.”

“I know.” Nadine lifted her chin, a self-satisfied grin appearing. “She’s a girl.”

The child looked Dani over then stepped forward and held out her hand. “Hello. I’m Maddie.”

Unable to resist, Dani smiled and shook her hand. “Dani. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Girls, I asked you to stay put in the game room,” Mac muttered as he walked by. He escorted the couple from the waiting area to the front desk and smiled. “I apologize for the wait. Ms. Ann will have you settled in no time and the first night will be free. I hope you enjoy your stay and if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

The couple thanked him and Ann began checking them in. Mac took both girls by the hand then started leading them down the hall.

“But, Dad, wait.” Nadine jerked against Mac’s hold, halting him. “That’s the new hand you said was coming.”

Dani bit her lip and headed for the door.

“What?”

Mac’s sexy voice echoed across the foyer. Dani quickened her step.

“The new hand,” Nadine repeated. “Dani Jones.”

Dani twisted the doorknob, goose bumps breaking out on her nape as Mac’s rumble drew closer.

“Wait. Are you Dani Jones?”

Dani’s hand froze around the doorknob. This was it. Time to end it. No more lies. She didn’t have to say she was Dani Jones. She’d just say she’d made a mistake. That after seeing the state of the place, she’d decided the job wasn’t for her and then she’d leave.

And that’d be the end of it.

She glanced over her shoulder as his intense gaze traveled from the top of her head to the tips of her shoes.

“I don’t mean to be rude,” Mac said. “But you’re not what I was expecting.”

Dani frowned. The disappointment in his dark eyes raised familiar hackles. Ones that stiffened her back and clenched her jaw every time her brother shut her out of a business meeting or her father asked her to file another stack of paperwork.

Her mouth opened, the curt words jumping off her tongue before she had a chance to stop them. “Why? Because I’m a woman?”

* * *

DAMN. HE’D WALKED right into that one.

Mac winced, taking in the angry flare of the woman’s mesmerizing blue eyes and tight set of her slim shoulders. He shook his head and held up a hand. “Now, that’s not what I meant.”

Though it hit closer to the truth than he wanted to admit. He sure hadn’t pictured a woman when he’d finally received an email in response to his ad a week ago. And he’d assumed the odd spelling of Danny—with an i—had simply been unfamiliar to him. It’d never occurred to him that a woman was applying for the job.

Of course, seeing as how he was strapped for cash and in desperate need of extra help, he’d had no problem overlooking the applicant’s lack of experience when he’d read the email. If this Dani was willing to accept the next-to-nothing pay balanced out with free lodging and meals, Mac was more than eager to hire him.

Her. Mac shifted from one boot to the other and cleared his throat. He’d be more than eager to...

She faced him, adjusted the strap on her shoulder then put her hands on her hips. The action pulled her thin T-shirt tight across her ample breasts and the firm tap of her sneaker on the hardwood floor drew his eyes to the shapely length of her jean-clad legs.

“Well?” she asked, the soft curves of her mouth tightening into a hard line. “What did you mean?”

Ah, hell. He tore his gaze away from the appealing curves of her hips, refocused on her face and ignored the latent heat stirring in his blood. Add ogling to employment discrimination.

Figured the first woman in four years that sucker-punched him with lust would be a potential employee. He didn’t have time for women and kept his distance from them for a reason. He grimaced. Three reasons, actually. But it looked like fate was hell-bent on making his life difficult.

“I just meant that I was expecting someone different.”

Her eyes narrowed, her thick lashes obscuring those beautiful blues. “A man, I suppose?”

Mac glanced down at his girls, each hugging one of his legs. They stared up at him. Innocent curiosity lifted Maddie’s expression. Nadine’s judgmental scowl—which she flashed him often lately—deepened.

Cringing, he looked up. “You have to admit, your name can be misleading.”

She flushed and the redness stamping her face spread down the graceful curve of her neck.

“You are Dani Jones, aren’t you?” He placed a hand on the girls’ shoulders and hugged them closer.

She’d never actually confirmed it and the heat in his blood cooled, slowing it in his veins and leading him to scrutinize her more closely. Her clothing had seen better days and the ragged shoes she sported wouldn’t last more than a week on the ranch. But her nails, which still pressed into her hips, were manicured to perfection. The soft shade of pink nail polish matched the lipstick accentuating her lush mouth and the stud gemstones in her delicate earlobes.

Every bit of which screamed the exact opposite of a hard-living, nomadic ranch hand who’d applied for the position.

“Look,” Mac scoffed. “If you’re not Dani Jones and some developer sent you out here to sweet-talk me into selling my land, you might as well sashay back to where you came from. I’ve had at least seven agents here this week already and I’m not in the mood for another debate. I’m not interested in selling my land. I’m interested in hiring help.”

“But she is Dani Jones,” Nadine said, frowning up at him. “That’s what she said. And a girl can be a ranch hand if she wants to.” She released his leg, walked over to the woman and grabbed her hand. “Tell him. A girl can be a ranch hand, can’t she?”

The redness marring the woman’s fair skin deepened as she looked down at Nadine. Hesitating, she licked her lips then smiled, saying softly, “Yes. A girl can do anything she sets her mind to.” She faced him head-on. “I’m not here to sweet-talk you and I’m not prone to sashaying anywhere. I’m here to work. And yes, I’m... Dani.”

Mac sighed. Well. That eased one of his worries but it sure didn’t do much for the others.

He reached out, tugged Nadine back to his side then nodded at Dani. “You might not like what I’ve got to say but I’m gonna be honest with you because that’s the only way I operate.” The wary look on her face caused his skin to prickle with unease. “I’d hire you as easily as I would any man so long as I knew you could get the job done.” He reassessed her slight build and slender arms. “The pay isn’t much and the hours are long. The work is also physically demanding. Anyone I hire would have to be able to lift at least fifty pounds without breaking a sweat.”

She straightened. “I’m aware of all that. And I’m tougher than I look.”

“Do you have any horseback-riding experience?”

“A little.”

“A little?” He frowned. “What’s that mean?”

She looked away. “I’ve ridden once or twice.” A sheepish look crossed her face. “A few years ago.”

Mac rubbed the tight knot at the back of his neck. “What about watering and feeding horses? Cleaning stalls?”

She shook her head.

“I suppose you have no experience haying or fencing, either?”

More headshaking. Lord, help him. Forget inexperienced. She was the epitome of green.

Nadine jerked on his jeans pocket and whispered, “I can teach her the scooping poop part, Dad.”

Maddie pulled on his shirt, her pink hair ribbon falling over her cheek. “And I can show her the watering part.”

Mac forced a smile, tugged the twins off his legs and nudged them toward the hallway. “Girls, I need to show Ms. Dani around. You’ll have to wait here.” Nadine grumbled under her breath and Maddie made a soft sound of disappointment. “Why don’t y’all stay with Ms. Ann...”

A look of trepidation crossed Ann’s face. She eyed the girls then backed further behind the desk, her hands clutching papers and a stapler to her chest.

“Well...” Hell. How was he supposed to watch his girls, school a new employee and finish the twelve hours of work already lined up for the day? Mac scraped a hand through his hair. “I guess you can come with us.”

“Yes!” Nadine pumped a small fist in the air.

Maddie smiled. “Okay, Daddy.”

He shook his head as the girls pushed past him and ran to Dani’s side. “Now, look. There’ll be no misbehaving.” He pointed a finger at the girls and frowned. Man, he sounded just like an uptight, run-down dad. Which, he had to admit, was exactly how he felt. “No disobeying me. And no wandering off.”

“Yes, sir.” Nadine’s angelic grin twitched devilishly at the corners.

Warmth flooded Mac’s chest and he stifled a laugh. These pint-sized blondes had wrapped him around their little fingers the day they were born. And he didn’t mind it a bit. Though he didn’t spend a fraction of the amount of time he should with them nowadays.

He frowned and studied the scuff marks on the hardwood floor. Or his son, for that matter. It’d been ages since he’d been able to spend a day with any of his three children. What kind of father did that make him?

Mac tensed. A bad one. But this past week, he’d actually managed to get ahead of chores. And hiring an extra hand would ease some of his load, giving him a chance to be a decent father for a change.

Clearing his throat, he reached around Dani and opened the door. “After you.”

A soft breeze drifted in, ruffling through her long, brown hair and carrying the sweet scent of her shampoo to his nostrils. His fingers tingled. He balled his fist, shaking off the unwelcome urge to touch the shiny strands.

She glanced up, that soft mouth parting on a swift intake of air. “Thank you.”

He led her down the stairs and up the stone path to the driveway then across the grounds. She kept pace with him, listening and watching carefully as he pointed out the various sections of the lodge. Nadine and Maddie fell behind. They stopped by what he assumed was Dani’s pitiful-looking car then circled it, cupping their hands and peering into the windows.

“Girls.”

They jumped back from the car then scrambled over to his side.

Hiding a smile, he pointed at a large structure adjoining the back of the lodge. “That’s the banquet hall. There’s enough room for a hundred people or so but we don’t use it very often because...” He shrugged, glancing over his shoulders at the empty fields and walkways. “I don’t have as many guests as I’d like right now. But if things turn around like I hope, we’ll be using it pretty regular.” He shook his head. “I’d offer you a waitress or receptionist position but we don’t need extra help in those areas.”

“I didn’t apply for a waitress or receptionist position.” A hint of ice cooled the warm depths of her eyes and hardened her soft tone. “I’m here to work the grounds.”

Nodding, he rolled his shoulders then motioned toward the graveled path behind them. “Then let’s get moving.”

The rocks crunched under his boots and the familiar sounds of the valley rushed in, filling his veins with excitement and lifting his chest with pride. He studied her face and noted the appreciative gleam in her expression.

“This land’s been in my family for generations.” He swept an arm toward the green fields, wooded landscape and hazy mountains in the distance. “We’ve got over thirty-six acres, twenty cabins and forty horses. There are hiking and horseback-riding trails. My lead hands are Tim Barnes and Cal McCoy. Tim leads two hiking groups each day and Cal heads up the riding excursions. They’re working on the fence at the entrance. I assume you met them on the way in?” She nodded jerkily and he stopped, gesturing toward the log building in front of them. “There’s the bunkhouse.”

Dani adjusted her grip on her bag, her slim fingers tightening around it as she studied the bunkhouse.

“That’s where the ranch hands stay,” Nadine said, grabbing at Dani’s bag. “You want me to help you put your stuff up?”

“No, Nadine.” Mac gently brushed her hands aside. “I don’t think Ms. Dani would like it there.” He raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Unless, of course, you’d prefer to stay in the bunkhouse with the men? I think there’s an empty bunk below Cal’s.”

Her cheeks reddened. “No, thank you.” She bit her lip. “Is there another option?”

His smile widened. “Yep. That is, if I decide to hire you. I haven’t said one way or the other yet.”

Her pretty blush deepened and Mac moved further up the winding path through a cluster of cedar trees to a cabin. The weathered wood and sun-bleached porch rails were littered with leaves.

He grimaced. “Looks worse than it is. I haven’t had time to restore the exterior but I cleaned up inside last week.” The porch steps creaked as he ascended them. “There’s one bedroom, one bathroom and a small kitchen and den.”

“I’m not picky.” The sweet sound of her voice sent thrills up his spine. “But won’t you need this for guests?”

He glanced over his shoulder. She stood on the second step, Nadine and Maddie close at her side, and stared up at him.

His jaw clenched. “Not until the lodge fills ups. And that hasn’t happened, yet.” He opened the door then crossed the threshold. “Come on in.”

A flurry of movement from the other side of the room caught his eye. Two legs and a muddy pair of boots darted behind the worn couch in the center of the den. Streaks of mud and clumps of dirt dulled the shine he’d spent hours buffing into the ancient hardwood floor just days ago.

Irritation sparked in his gut. “Jaxon.” He bit his tongue, trying to soften the hard edge of his tone. “Get your tail out here.”

Grubby fingers gripped the back of the couch then brown hair and green eyes rose above them.

“What are you doing in here? I asked you to stay in the game room with your sisters.” Mac stiffened, Dani’s light tread approaching behind him. He motioned toward the eyes peeping over the couch. “Dani, this is my son, Jaxon.”

Jaxon stood then rounded the couch, his arms behind his back and his ten-year-old frame stiff. He studied Dani, the shaggy ends of his brown hair falling forward, brushing his eyebrows. The strands were the same shade as his mother’s.

A stabbing pain shot thorough Mac. He hunched his shoulders and motioned toward Jaxon’s obscured arms. “What have you got there?”

Jaxon scowled. “You said you were gonna take the day off and play baseball with me. I’m tired of babysitting.”

Mac sighed. So was Ann. But he couldn’t afford to hire a babysitter on a permanent basis. Or take a day off work like he’d planned. Not if he expected to hold on to this place. “I just asked you to stay put for an hour—not babysit.”

“We ain’t babies,” Nadine said.

“Yeah,” Maddie added.

“Aw, hush up.” Jaxon’s eyes flashed. “No one asked you two.”

“That’s enough. All of you.” Mac dragged a hand over the back of his neck, the weight of Dani’s stare heating his face. “It took me hours to clean this place up, Jaxon. You’re going to spend the afternoon scrubbing this floor. Now, show me what you’ve got behind your back because I swear, if you’ve gotten into Tim’s tools again—”

“I ain’t got any tools.” Jaxon stalked over and thrust a bundle against Mac’s gut. “You promised you were gonna play ball with me.”

Mac looked down, catching the baseball glove before it fell. Deep croaks, muffled by the mitt, vibrated the material against his hand. He unfolded it and a muddy bullfrog sprang from the center then plopped onto the floor.

Maddie squealed and hid her face against the back of his thigh. “Ew.”

“Cool.” Nadine chased it through the door and down the front steps.

Something else was lodged in the top portion of the mitt. Mac thumbed smudges of mud away from the paper-thin item, revealing a familiar smile. His throat thickened as he studied the well-worn photo of his late wife. The shape of Nicole’s eyes and nose were exact replicas of Jaxon’s.

“You promised.”

Mac blinked hard and glanced up.

Jaxon glared at him but his chin trembled and his eyes glistened.

Gut churning, Mac said gently, “I’m sorry, Jaxon. I’ll make it up to you. I promise—”

“Yeah, right.” Jaxon snatched the glove back, shoved past him and stomped out of the cabin.

“Why’s he so mean all the time?” Maddie asked, poking her head around his thigh and frowning up at him.

Mac forced a smile and tugged the pink ribbon brushing her cheek. “He’s not mean, baby. He just...” Misses his mother. Mac swallowed hard. God help him, so did he. “He just needs his space once in a while. That’s all.” He motioned toward the door. “Why don’t you play outside with your sister for a few minutes while I talk to Ms. Dani?”

“Yes, sir.” Maddie brushed a speck of dirt off her sundress then skipped outside.

“Don’t wander off, all right?” Mac called after her. “Stay near the cabin.”

He relaxed slightly at her affirmative response then thrust his fists in his jeans pockets and avoided Dani’s eyes. “Sorry about that.”

She was silent for a moment then her soft voice drifted in, soothing the tight knot in his neck. “It’s okay.” Her footsteps drew closer. “I don’t mean to pry but...is your wife here?”

“Nicole passed away four years ago. The girls were too young to remember her but Jaxon does.”

Mac cringed at the gruff sound of his voice. He walked to the door and peered out against the glare of the midmorning sun. Nadine chased the bullfrog across the grass while Maddie picked wildflowers nearby. Jaxon was nowhere to be found. As usual.

Mac closed his eyes, his limbs heavy.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Dani whispered.

“They’re normally not underfoot,” he said. “But it’s July and school’s out so they wander around from time to time. Just don’t mind them and go about your business as usual.”

“Does that mean I have the job?” Dani’s voice was hesitant. “Because if so, I think I should tell you now that...that I’m really...”

He opened his eyes and faced her. She stared at the muddy streaks marring the floor and her fingers picked at the hem of her T-shirt. Her soft curves and gentle tone made him yearn to cross the room to her side, ask her to wrap those slender arms around him and hug him close. Have someone hold him for a change.

She met his eyes and hitched the bag strap higher on her shoulder. “I’m actually here to—”

The strap snapped and her bulky bag slammed to the floor, clothing spilling from the gaping hole left behind. An unladylike word burst from her lips.

Blushing, she knelt beside the bag, gathering up lacy bras and ragged T-shirts then shoving them back inside. “Sorry.” She puffed a wisp of hair out of her face. “That was rude.”

A rusty chuckle stirred in Mac’s chest. Smothering it, he grinned and tried his best to keep his gaze from straying to her tempting cleavage. “You really do need this job, don’t you?”

Her hands stilled. “Honestly?” She looked up, eyes lingering on his smile. “I really do need to be here. And woman or not, I know I can help you.” Her slim throat moved on a hard swallow. “If you give me a chance to prove it, I promise you won’t regret it.”

Mac’s smile slipped at the shift in her tone. A strange coldness trickled into his gut and pricked at his skin.

“Trial basis.” He forced the words past stiff lips. “It’ll only take a day or two for me to see if you can hack it.”

Chapter Two

Dani was going to hell—straight down a hole she’d dug herself. And she was tempted to drag lead hand, Cal McCoy, with her.

“Now this here is what we call an ax.” Cal’s mouth—still chewing on that filthy straw of hay from earlier—delivered each syllable with slow, exaggerated movements. He eased the tool closer to her face, pointed a blunt finger at the sharp end and raised his brows. “And this here is the blade.”

Dani narrowed her eyes on the scruffy cowboy in front of her, a spark of anger overtaking the guilt that had lodged in her gut one hour earlier during her conversation with Mac. Only ten minutes in Cal’s presence and she was ready to flip her wig. How in the world was she going to hold on to her temper long enough to secure this job?

“And this here...” Cal grabbed a log from the ground, balanced it in his palm then hefted it in front of his chest. “This here is what we call wood.”

“Butthead.”

Choking back a laugh at the muttered insult, Dani glanced over her shoulder.

Jaxon stood several feet away, leaning against a fence and tossing a baseball into the glove on his hand. Just as he had for the past ten minutes as Cal led her through her first assigned task on the ranch.

“What was that, boy?” Cal frowned at Jaxon, the hay dangling precariously from the corner of his chapped lips.

Jaxon looked away and thrust the baseball harder into his glove. “Nothing. Sorry, sir.”

“You got fire, kid,” Cal said, laughing. “I’ll give you that. Ain’t you supposed to be babysitting? Your dad’s havin’ a time keeping up with those sisters of yours and getting the hikers started.”

Jaxon stared down at his glove and didn’t answer.

Dani leaned to the side and peered over Cal’s shoulder. A small group of guests was gathered at the edge of a nearby field, packing backpacks and listening to Mac’s instructions for the impending hike.

Mac gestured toward Tim, who stepped forward and took over speaking to the group, then knelt beside his daughters. He tugged something from his back pocket, pulled one twin close and started brushing her hair.

Judging from the girl’s muddy jeans and unhappy expression, Dani guessed it was Nadine. She craned her neck for a clearer view and smiled, the sight of Mac’s big hands moving gently over the girl’s long hair stirring warm flutters in her belly and an ache in her chest.

When she’d concocted this plan to gain access to Mac, she’d expected to meet a ruthless man holding out for top dollar in a deal. Not a grieving father who loved his children and was clearly in over his head.

And she’d lied to him.

That ache in her chest tightened and a bead of sweat trickled across her temple. It didn’t matter if she’d never intentionally deceived someone before. She’d done it today.

“...heard a word I just said?”

Dani snapped back to attention, her gaze jerking from Mac to Cal’s disgruntled face. “What?”

Cal rolled his eyes. “Whatever you missed, girlie, I ain’t got time to explain it again. And if you were a man, I wouldn’t have to explain it at all.” He tossed the ax in the dirt at her feet then ambled off, saying over his shoulder, “Just split those piles of wood and stack them. You got one hour.”

Dani frowned. Jaxon was right. Butthead fit the bill perfectly.

She stared at the high pile of thick logs and shook her head. Female pride or not, if she had any sense, she’d grab her tattered bag, hop in that pathetic car and burn rubber back to New York.

Her shoulders sagged. But that would mean standing in the boardroom and facing a roomful of male executives—including her father. And what would she say? Sorry, Dad. I know I promised to make this deal but...

But what? She’d failed to deliver yet again? Prove that he’d been right all along and she wasn’t equipped to run the company? That she was just another spoiled, rich girl who couldn’t pull her own weight?

“Do you know what you’re doing?”

Dani looked over her shoulder. Jaxon straddled the top rung of the fence and stared intently at her. His green eyes held no mockery or disdain. Just a concerned, empathetic light. And the kind note in his small voice made her think he knew much more than foolish men like Cal gave him credit for.

“No,” she said. “I don’t.”

Jaxon glanced down and shrugged. “I could help you. I mean...if you wanted me to, I could.”

She smiled, her heart melting for this boy who’d lost so much, and whispered, “That’d be great. Thank you.”

He looked up, revealing a crooked grin.

Dani’s breath caught. The tilt of his mouth was so similar to his father’s brief smile earlier. The one that had lifted the sagging fatigue from Mac’s muscular frame and the heavy shadows from his handsome face. The one that had made it too difficult to come clean entirely and risk adding to the painful load he carried.

“Okay.” Jaxon straightened on the fence rung and gestured toward the stacks of wood. “First, you gotta pick out the best logs. My dad says the seasoned ones with the cracks in ’em are the easiest to break.”

Dani nodded then sifted through several logs before hefting one out of the pile and tilting it toward Jaxon. She drifted a finger along a deep crack in the wood. “Like this?”

“Yeah.” He pointed at a large stump on the ground. “Now, put it on that and hit it right on the split.”

She set the log on the stump, steadied it then grabbed the ax. “All right.” Taking a deep breath, she lifted the ax and started to swing. “Here we go.”

“Wait!”

Dani jumped and her hands slipped on the ax handle. The tool plunged to the ground, slicing into the dirt and lodging dangerously close to the toe of her sneaker.

“Sorry.” Jaxon winced. “But if you stand like that, you’re gonna chop your foot off.”

She raised an eyebrow, a humorless laugh bursting from her lips. “Sure looks that way.”

Jaxon hopped off the fence, tossed his baseball glove on the grass and walked over. “You gotta stand wide and bend your knees.” He tapped her insteps with his boot until her stance met his approval then squatted slightly and held his hands up as though gripping the ax. “Like this, see? One hand high and one hand low.”

Dani grinned, grabbed the ax and mimicked his posture. “This way?”

“Yep.” Jaxon smiled and tossed his brown hair out of his eyes. “Dad splits two piles every day and saves ’em up for the cabins during winter. He lets me help sometimes. He told me it ain’t about strength. It’s about finesse.”

Those warm flutters returned to her belly. She glanced across the field. Mac stood still, eyes fixed firmly on her and Jaxon, as his daughters chased each other by his side.

“You need gloves, you know?” Jaxon added. “And glasses. At least, that’s what my dad says. He doesn’t let me practice without ’em. Says it’s better to be safe than sorry. You could ask him.” Jaxon’s voice hardened. “But he’s probably too busy to get ’em for you.”

Mac lifted a hand to his forehead and squinted against the sun, his scrutiny more intense.

Cheeks heating, Dani tore her gaze away. “I’ll be careful.” She adjusted her grip on the ax and tipped her chin toward the fence. “Jaxon, could you please watch from over there? I’d feel better if you were out of the danger zone.”

He nodded, darted off then ducked between the fence rungs.

She eyed the thick log standing on the wide stump, steadied her stance and swung. The blade stabbed into the surface of the wood and stuck, the impact reverberating down her arms.

“Take it out and hit it again.” Jaxon climbed on to the fence.

Dani smiled, pried the ax from the log then struck it harder. The blade landed perfectly, a heavy thud echoing across the valley, but the log didn’t split.

Her back and shoulders were another matter. Every muscle in her upper body stretched with strain, screaming that she’d pay for this later.

Jaxon smacked the fence rung with his palms. “You got perfect aim. Better than Mr. Cal.”

Dani laughed, the excitement on his face easing the painful throb in her arms. “Really? You’re not just trying to make me feel better, are you?”

“Heck no. You’re a better shot than him any day.” He grinned and bounced on the fence rung. “Flip it over and do it again.”

She did. Two more swift strokes of the ax and a satisfying crack rang out as the wood split, toppling off the stump and onto the ground in even halves.

Dani tipped her head back, heaved out a satisfied breath and closed her eyes. The sun’s heat seeped into her skin, her muscles tightening deliciously and a sweet satisfaction vibrating within her.

Take that, suits. She laughed. This was something those stuffy executives could never experience behind an office desk or in a corporate boardroom.

“You’re good.” Jaxon hopped off the fence, scooped up his baseball glove and tugged it on. “Better than good.” He crossed to her side, pounding a fist in the mitt. “You play baseball? ’Cuz I bet you’d be killer at bat.”

“Yeah. I like baseball.” She bent, grabbed another log and balanced it on the stump. “I watch the Mets on TV quite a bit but it’s been years since I’ve played.”

“The Mets?” His brow furrowed. “You from New York?”

Dani froze, the log’s bark rough against her palm. She glanced up and the innocent curiosity on the boy’s face intensified the churn in her stomach. “Yes.”

He mulled this over for a moment then asked, “How’d you end up here?”

She swallowed the thick lump in her throat. “It’s complicated.” And shameful. Which made her a straight-up awful person. She ducked her head and resumed her chopping stance. “I should get back to work. And you should probably check in with your dad. Thanks for the help.”

Jaxon kicked the ground and spun away. “Whatever.”

The hurt note in his tone sent a fresh wave of guilt through her. “Hey.” She waited until he stopped, back planted to her. “There’s no way I could’ve done this without your help. And I really do enjoy your company. I just need to finish this, okay?”

He looked over his shoulder, voice hesitant. “So can I stay and watch? I promise I won’t get in the way.”

What was it Mac had said? Just don’t mind them and go about your business as usual.

Dani’s eyes returned to Mac. He’d rejoined the group of guests and carried on a conversation with one of them, his daughters at his side, but he kept shooting looks at her.

She faced Jaxon and studied the hopeful light in his expression. It was so familiar. That vulnerable look of wanting to be given admittance. Wanting to belong and not be brushed aside. It was a feeling she knew all too well.

“Of course,” she said. “I’d like that.”

Smiling, he hustled to the fence and climbed up again, settling on the top rung.

Dani faced the log, tightened her grip on the ax handle then swung. An hour passed with rhythmic thuds of the ax. Sharp cracks of wood and Jaxon’s baseball pounding into his glove reverberated across the grounds. Sweat streamed down her face and back, her soaked shirt clinging to her skin with each swing.

She struck the wood harder and tried not to think about Jaxon, his sisters or their handsome dad. Instead, she paused between each stroke of the ax and took mental notes of the ranch’s layout.

Three paddocks with worn fences were stationed near a large stable. The stable looked sound and efficient but the outside walls were weathered and unattractive.

A fat drop of sweat stung her eye and she flinched, blinking it away to view the structure more clearly. Hmm. Some red paint, a bit of white trim and several strategically placed azaleas and it’d be much more appealing to the eye. It would also induce that good old-fashioned nostalgic feel a lot of people sought when choosing a place to stay in the Smokies.

Body aching, she paused, grabbed the split halves of wood then stacked them in a slowly growing pile. The grounds were in much the same state as the secluded cabin where she’d stowed her bag. So much potential but too much neglect.

“Want me to take over for a while?”

Dani dragged the back of her hand across her sweat-slickened forehead then smiled at Jaxon. “No, thanks.”

“But you look tired.” He frowned, peering over her shoulder. “And they’re laughing at you.”

She glanced around. The group of guests had left for their hike with Tim, and the girls were no longer in the field playing. But Cal and several other hands stood by the fence of a neighboring paddock, sipping from water bottles and grinning as they leered in her direction.

“It’s okay.” Dani hefted the ax into her hands, renewed her grip and smiled. “Let them laugh. I’m used to it.”

Jaxon smiled back but whispered, “You’re all red, though. And you really do look tired.”

“He has a point.”

Big palms settled on the wood handle between her smaller ones and Mac, solemn-faced, stared down at her.

“The stalls need mucking,” Mac said, eyeing her and tugging on the ax. “You can do that instead.”

She tugged back. “But I’m getting it done and there’s a lot more to split.”

“Yeah, and at the rate you’re going, it’ll take you a week to finish.” His expression softened. “You’re getting it done. Just not fast enough.” He pulled the ax from her grip. “I’ve got time to finish this stack now and I’ll do the second one in the morning.”

“But—”

“The shovel and wheelbarrow are in the stable store room. Remove the waste, add clean shavings then dump the load out back.” He grabbed a log and steadied it on the stump. “When you finish, see Cal and he’ll tell you what to do next.”

He positioned his muscular bulk in front of the stump, his hard jean-clad hip brushing against her soft middle.

Her heart tripped in her chest and she stepped back, thighs trembling from her earlier exertions. Gritting her teeth, she forced out, “I can finish this.”

“I’m sure you can,” Mac said, lifting the ax. “But I’d prefer it if you’d clean the stalls.”

A fresh round of male laughter cracked the silence of the fields.

“Break’s over,” Mac shouted. He stepped in front of her and faced the hands. “Get back to work.”

They stopped laughing and dispersed.

Dani froze, staring at Mac’s broad back. Things were no different here than they were in New York. Here, she was brushed aside just as carelessly as in the Vaughn boardroom. Mac and these men didn’t see her. They saw only what they wanted to see—a weak woman.

Face burning, Dani spun on her heels and started toward the stable. Jaxon scowled at his father then hopped off the fence as she passed.

“Jaxon,” Mac called. “Go inside with your sisters.”

Footsteps drew closer at Dani’s back. “I’m gonna help Ms. Dani.”

“I said, go inside.”

The footsteps quickened and Jaxon sprang past her then ran into the stable.

Dani stopped. Mac stared at the entrance of the stable where Jaxon had entered and the look of angry helplessness on his face returned the ache to her chest, forcing her pride to lower its ugly head.

Catching her eyes on him, he jerked back to the wood in front of him, swung the ax and split the wood in one stroke. She watched for a minute then joined Jaxon in the stable. Jaxon no longer smiled or asked questions as she worked. He just shoveled silently by her side.

Dani wheeled the first cart of waste out back, dumped it and stared at the foggy mountainside. The guilty pang of having lied returned. Her presence at Elk Valley exacerbated whatever rift existed between Mac and his son. And her conscience, overruling her pride, wouldn’t allow her to carry on with this charade.

No matter how much Cal laughed...or how many times Mac dismissed her.

For Jaxon’s sake, she’d leave first thing in the morning. But before she crawled into the cabin’s rickety bed tonight, she’d prove Mac wrong. That second pile of wood would be split and stacked before the sun rose. Even if it killed her.

* * *

PREDICTABILITY ENSURED SECURITY. Risk invited chaos. Mac firmly believed both.

“But why?” Nadine flopped back against her pillow, crossed her arms over the pink blanket he’d tugged over her and frowned. “Why can’t we go hiking with the group tomorrow? Ms. Dani said a girl can do anything she sets her mind to.”

Ms. Dani, again. Mac sighed and sat on the edge of the bed in the twins’ bedroom. After he and the kids had retired to the family floor of the lodge for the night, Nadine and Jaxon had talked about Dani nonstop through dinner. It was unsettling how quickly they’d attached to her.

“Ms. Dani is right. But she’s also an adult who can take care of herself. You and Maddie, however, are too young to take off by yourself and Mr. Tim can’t lead the group and supervise the two of you. Besides, a storm is supposed to roll in midafternoon and I don’t want you or your sister stranded on a mountainside when it tears through. And because...”

Because I have hours of work tomorrow—including splitting an extra stack of wood and clearing the lower hayfield. And because Tim might turn his back for a second and you’ll run off. Get lost. Hurt. Or worse.

Mac frowned and tapped her small chin with a knuckle. “I’d rather you and Maddie stay here where I can keep an eye on you.” Or at least try to. He grinned. “I promise when the weather’s right and things settle down, I’ll take you, Maddie and Jaxon hiking myself. We’ll climb and—”

“Fish?” Nadine asked.

“Yes. And have a campfire and—”

“Roast marshmallows?” Maddie piped from the twin bed across the room, grinning. “I like the marshmallow part better than the fishing part.”

Mac laughed then stood. “First, we’ll go fishing.” He bent, kissed Nadine’s forehead then crossed the room and kissed Maddie’s. “Then, we’ll roast as many marshmallows as that little belly of yours can hold.”

“Did Mama like roasting marshmallows?” Maddie leaned up on her elbows, brushed the ever-present pink bow from her eyes and blinked up at him. “Is that why I like them so much?”

Mac’s breath caught in his throat, making it difficult to speak. Roasting marshmallows was one of the few things Nicole had liked about hiking and camping. She’d never been a fan of the outdoors. Not even when they were teens. But she’d loved snuggling by the campfire and sharing marshmallows with him. That part’s the sweetest, she’d always said.

“Yeah,” he whispered. “She did. That was always her favorite part.”

Mac cleared his throat and walked to the door.

“Dad?”

His hand stilled on the doorknob. Nadine smiled gently at him, a hint of sadness in her eyes. As though she knew...

“It’s okay if we don’t go hiking tomorrow.” She shrugged. “We’ll find something else to do.”

Mac’s smile returned. “I’m sure you will. But please check with me before you do it and no running off without telling anyone. Now, go to sleep.”

He made his way through the family wing of the lodge to the next bedroom then hesitated, fist lifted, at the closed door. Nadine and Maddie might not be stress-free but at least they were easy to talk to. Jaxon, not so much.

“Jaxon?” He knocked then cracked the door open. “You ready for bed?”

A bed creaked and sheets rustled. “Yeah.”

Mac entered, stooping to pick up a pair of muddy jeans, several baseball cards and a glove then toss each in its proper place. “Thanks for cleaning the cabin floor today. You did a good job.”

Jaxon sat up in the bed, a small smile appearing.

Mac’s throat thickened. Lord, it’d been so long since he’d seen Jaxon smile, he’d forgotten how much it eased his mind and brightened the day. It’d hit him hard earlier this afternoon when he’d watched Jaxon share a laugh with Dani. That was the first time Jaxon had laughed in ages.

“Think you could clean up just as well in here tomorrow?” he asked, glancing around.

The lamp’s low glow highlighted little-boy clutter from one corner of the room to the other. Darts, baseballs, rumpled papers and toy guns littered the nightstand, dresser and chest of drawers. And dirty clothes, comic books and socks were strewn across the carpet.

“It’d be a tough job. But...” Mac narrowed his eyes and rubbed his chin. “I think a hardworking man like you can handle it.”

Jaxon’s smile widened. “Yeah. I can do it.” He cocked an eyebrow. “Does that mean you’re gonna increase my allowance?”

“Don’t push it.” Mac grinned, ruffled his hair then reached for the lamp switch.

Jaxon grabbed his wrist and peered up at him. “Ms. Dani did a good job today, too. Didn’t she?”

Mac hesitated, studying the hopeful gleam in Jaxon’s eyes. “I suppose she did.”

“Then why’d you make her clean the stalls instead of chopping the wood?”

“Well, she was obviously worn out. And sunburned. And...”

Sweaty. So sweaty that her clothes had stuck to her. With the sun at her back, her every swing of the ax drew more male attention to her enticing curves. Almost every hand he employed had lined the fence to gawk, crack lewd jokes and mock her. And, even though she’d seemed oblivious to it, he’d been damned if he’d allow it to continue.

“She’s got good aim, you know?” Jaxon said, leaning forward. “Better than Mr. Cal. And she likes baseball, too. Said she watches the Mets. I told her she’d be killer at bat. Did you know she’s from New York?”

Mac frowned as Jaxon paused to catch his breath. “New York?” She hadn’t listed any prior residences or work experience in New York on her application. “What makes you think that?”

“She told me so.” His face lit up. “I bet she’d play ball with me. She said she liked having me around and could use my help. So can I help her again tomorrow? You are gonna hire her, aren’t you?”

“Slow down, Jaxon.” Mac placed his hands on his shoulders and eased him back against the pillows. “We just met her and I can’t say for sure if I’ll be able to hire her or not. Besides, I think you’re spending too much time with her as it is.”

All afternoon, in fact. Jaxon had trailed after Dani the entire day, only returning to the lodge when she’d knocked off for the night and joined the other hands in the commons for supper. Mac stiffened. His intense attraction to Dani unnerved him enough on its own. But the contradictions surrounding her and her dodgy mannerisms caused him even more concern. Especially when it came to Jaxon and Nadine who were both clearly taken with her.

“Why? I ain’t bothering her. I’m helping.”

“I know but I’m telling you to ease up.” Mac braced his hands on the mattress and leaned close. “And I expect you to obey me when I ask you to do something. As in earlier this afternoon, when I asked you to come inside with your sisters and you disobeyed me instead.”

The last remnants of Jaxon’s smile vanished. His face flushed and he burrowed deeper into the bed, pulling the sheet up to his chin. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to hang out with her.” He bit his lip. “She listens to me and...likes having me around.”

Unlike you. Mac flinched, the unspoken phrase darkening Jaxon’s gaze and thickening the air between them.

“I like having you around.” Mac cupped a hand around Jaxon’s head. “And I promise you—” Jaxon moved to speak and Mac firmed his features. “I promise that when things slow up, we’ll spend more time together.”

Jaxon stared up at him, eyes doubtful. “When?”

“When I get this place back in order. But for now, I need you to be patient and do as I say.”

Jaxon nodded reluctantly then rolled over, his back and shoulders stiff.

Mac kissed the top of his head. “Good night, Jaxon.”

He received no response. As expected.

Mac turned the lamp off and left, striding swiftly down the winding staircase to the front porch. He leaned on the porch rail, the screen door slamming shut behind him, and sucked in a ragged breath.

Damn. He’d screwed up. Again. He hated dictating orders to Jaxon. Arguing with him. Offering weak platitudes in place of actually spending quality time with his son. He was a weak, pathetic excuse for a father and Nicole would be disappointed in him.

Head pounding, he rubbed his forehead and stared at the starlit sky above him. But what was he supposed to do? Call it quits? Sell the ranch, uproot his kids and hope he had better luck elsewhere?

He’d barely survived losing Nicole to cancer. Losing his family’s land—the only tangible memory he had left of his deceased parents—might just finish him off.

The incessant pounding grew stronger and he stilled, realizing the heavy thumps weren’t just in his head. They echoed across the grounds, too. He shoved off the porch rail and followed the sound, his steps halting beside the stable.

Dani stood in front of the chopping stump, the waning moon overhead and a camping lantern at her feet casting competing glows of white and yellow light against her curvy figure. She swung an ax and split a log. Shifting the ax to one hand, she grabbed one half of the split log and tossed it onto a freshly cut pile of wood, her long ponytail swinging across her upper back.

“Working late, huh?”

She jumped and spun around, hand pressing to her chest. Her eyes narrowed as they peered into the darkness surrounding him. “Good grief, you scared me.”

He stepped into the pool of light, smiling gently. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to. I heard the noise from the lodge and thought I’d check it out.”

She nodded then turned away and grabbed the second half of the split log.

“You don’t have to do this, you know?” Mac gestured toward the ax at her side. “I told you I’d take care of it in the morning.”

“After you let me down easy?” She shrugged and tossed the log onto the pile. “Figured I’d earn my stay tonight before I move on tomorrow.” Pausing, she studied the ax handle then glanced at him. “Thank you for offering me a chance here but I don’t think this is going to work out for either one of us.”

He blinked, chin lifting as he examined her face. “What makes you say that?”

Her head tilted and a humorless smile spread slowly across her face. “Well, let’s see. I wasn’t what you were expecting. You don’t think I can pull my weight.” She ticked each concern off on her fingertips. “You banished me to the stable to scoop poop, as Nadine puts it, because I wasn’t passing muster with the ax—”

“Now, hold up.” He held up a hand. “That’s not true. The fact of the matter was half my hands had lined up to ogle you while you worked and I was—”

“Protecting the weak, trouble-stirring girl?” Her eyebrows rose. “Telling me what I could and couldn’t do for my own good?”

“No.” He clenched his teeth, a streak of anger burning his gut. “I was trying to be a gentleman.”

She stared, shoulders dropping and head lowering. “I appreciate that,” she whispered. “But I’ve had enough of men telling me what I can and can’t do. It’d just be really nice to have a choice for a change.”

The resigned look on her face tempered his frustration. “Not all men are the same. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

She smiled. A real one that sent a rush of pleasure through his veins. “Not all women are the same. And I’m sorry I took offense.”

Mac shoved his hands in his pockets as she retrieved another log and balanced it on the stump. “So where you movin’ on to? Back to New York?”

Dani sprang upright and faced him, expression guarded.

He examined her more closely, trepidation creeping up his spine. “Jaxon said you told him that’s where you’re from.”

Her features relaxed and she nodded. “Yes. That’s where I’m headed.”

“What do you do there?” He gestured toward the stack of firewood. “I don’t get the impression that you’ve been doing this type of work for very long.”

Her stance stiffened. “I’m in...sales.”

“What kind of sales?”

“The boring kind.” She sighed. “The kind that keeps you holed up in an office staring at walls all day.”

“So you came here for a change of scenery?”

“I suppose you could say that.” She hesitated, voice softening. “I definitely needed a change and it is beautiful here.” She hefted the ax into her hands, shooting glances at him. “I enjoyed spending time with Jaxon today. He’s a wonderful child.”

Mac smiled. “That he is.”

“He admires you a lot and talks about you often,” she said. “He told me about how you taught him to split wood and how important his safety is to you.”

His face heated and he looked away. “Yeah, well, everyone has to pitch in around here to keep things running.”

“He misses you.”

Mac’s eyes jerked back to hers, the pointed look filling the blue depths conjuring deep-seated guilt. “Putting the shoe on the other foot now, huh?” he asked. “Giving the man pointers on parenting? Going to tell me what a bad father I am?”

“No.” She looked genuinely appalled. “God, no. If anything, I’d say the opposite. I may have only been here a day but it’s obvious how much you love Jaxon. And Nadine and Maddie.”

He stared down at his boots, the heat in his cheeks scorching down his neck. Her words lingered in his head then eased into his chest, delivering a sense of comfort that he wanted to hold on to.

“I don’t have children and I have no clue what it’s like being a single parent.” Her scuffed sneakers appeared in his line of vision and the fresh scent of grass and sun-seasoned wood drifted in. “But I know what it’s like to want to be seen. Noticed. My father is a hard worker like you and when I was young, he’d always say we’d spend time together. Tomorrow or the next day. But time got away from him and it just never happened. Our relationship hasn’t been the same since.” Her tone softened. “That’s all Jaxon wants. To be seen. Noticed.”

He raised his head, finding her closer than he’d expected. The once-creamy skin of her cheeks and forehead was sunburned a cherry red and freckles were scattered across the bridge of her nose, giving her an earthy, attractive air. Her wide eyes blinked up at him, patient and kind, then focused on his mouth and darkened.

She stepped back and shook her head. “Anyway, it’s my turn to apologize. It’s none of my business and I didn’t mean to offend you. I like Jaxon and just thought I’d give you my two cents before I left.”

She moved farther away and resumed splitting wood, her movements slow and unsteady.

Mac hesitated then went into the stable and fumbled through a couple shelves in the storage room until he found a pair of small gloves. He returned to Dani and held them out.

“Here. You’ll wake up with more blisters than you can count if you don’t put these on. They’ll be too big but will help at least. And breakfast is at six if you’d like to have a decent meal before you leave tomorrow.”

She paused between swings, breathing heavily, and took the gloves. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

He hovered, waiting as she tugged on the gloves then returned to the task at hand. He headed back to the lodge, walking carefully along the moonlit stone path, and listened as the strokes of the ax echoed across the fields.

There was no need to mull over whether or not to hire Dani. She’d decided to leave on her own accord. That thought alone should ease his worries. She’d been a risky hire from the start and she was still far too guarded for his peace of mind. But in just one day, she’d made Jaxon smile more than he’d managed to in months.

So...what if he asked her to stay?

His steps slowed. With a new hand, he’d be freed from chores more often and would actually be able to follow through with some of his promises to Jaxon. But he’d have to invest a great deal of time in training her for the job first. And judging from today, he’d bet it wouldn’t be a smooth transition with the rest of the hands.

Mac stopped and looked back. Either way, Dani had a point. If he didn’t try something different soon, he could lose a lot more than his land. He could lose the respect of his son.

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