CHAPTER FIVE

HOPE

"I'm not cut out for Montana weather."

"Sorry for the boring explanation. Sometimes I get so caught up in talking about the magazine and book that I forget other people don't care nearly as much as me."

Samuel had zoned out somewhere in my rambling, his glazed eyes not really seeing me anymore.

Of course, the moment I have a man alone, I bore him to death rather than impressing him with sparkling wit. My body isn't enough to capture his attention either, since it's hidden beneath his baggy clothes.

Okay, baggy might not be the right term because they're not exactly hanging off me, but they're definitely turning my roundness into a boxy blob. And no man ever got turned on by those two descriptors.

Boxy blob .

It is kind of fun to say, though.

"Don't apologize for being passionate. I think what you're doing sounds amazing." Samuel smiles, revealing deep dimples that soften his gruff exterior.

"Thanks… But enough about me. What about you? I'm embarrassed to admit that I thought you worked for Braden. I figured I was still on his land when I wandered into the stables."

He clenches his jaw and a rumble of annoyance comes from his chest. "If he had his way, it would be. He's been hounding me about selling the property ever since he moved in next door."

I knew Braden could be persistent when it came to business, and according to Brooke, he could be a real asshole to people. Except Carrie. And me, by extension.

"My family has owned Harper's Landing for generations, and I don't plan on selling it. Ever. Especially not to a bored businessman looking to expand his portfolio," Samuel says, grimacing at the possibility. No wonder I sensed animosity between the two that first day.

"Have you explained that to Braden? He doesn't seem like an unreasonable man."

"I've told him multiple times. He's aware of how precarious the ranch's finances are. We're on better ground now that the horse training business is profitable, but we're a long way off from having a safety net beneath us if anything disastrous hits. Braden is like a shark sniffing out blood in the water."

"I'm sorry." I don't know what else to say. It's not my place to interfere with Braden's business, even if I do feel defensive on Samuel's behalf.

Maybe I can ask Carrie to mention something…

Samuel snags another blanket off the recliner he's leaning against and unfurls it to drape it over my bent knees. "It's not your fault that your friend's boyfriend is a thorn in my side." He changes the subject. "Are you warm enough? Do you want hot cocoa or anything?"

"No, I'm good. I'm just glad I found your place. It was getting dicey out there." I laugh, but it sounds as hollow as it feels.

I'm not cut out for Montana weather.

Freak blizzards are not something I'm equipped to survive. Except you did survive. How am I supposed to live on Serenity Ranch for a year like I'm Annie Oakley rather than orphan Annie before she meets Daddy Warbucks?

"What do you know about Serenity Ranch? They're your other neighbor, right?" Might as well suss out more information about the place I'll be calling home as soon as I work up the courage to drive over there and announce myself.

I don't know why I'm so hesitant. Maybe because it'll be the first time I've seen the other kids affected by the plane crash since the accident? Maybe I'm subconsciously afraid of digging up that part of my childhood.

"Yeah, I've known the Mannings for years. Heath is a good friend, and his sister is cool, too. Their family owned the land for decades, like mine, until their dad sold it to another billionaire CEO."

"The hills seem to be crawling with them around here," I remark. Isn't there a study about where wealthy people congregate or something? Because Guardian Valley would be on the map.

Samuel chuckles. It's a deep thundering sound that sends a pleasurable shiver down my spine. Forget about blankets and blazing fireplaces, all I need is this man's growly voice to warm me up.

"No kidding. That's another reason I'm opposed to selling to Braden. Even if we were suffering financially like the Mannings were, I'd rather sell at a loss to someone who wants to work the land. Build a home, not an expensive playground for their time off from jet-setting around the world."

"That makes sense." The peaceful surroundings and small-town charm are suited for raising a family. It's a community where a person can put down roots and become connected.

I hadn't considered that aspect of Guardian Valley before, but it's something I yearn for. A sense of belonging.

I thought I might find that in a person—preferably a husband—but with zero relationship experience, perhaps I should consider Guardian Valley a permanent home and start planting the seeds for a thriving future.

A place I can create the supportive, loving life I crave.

It doesn't hurt that I could also keep seeing Samuel, too.

"It's only you out here?" I ask, curious about his personal life. He doesn't wear a ring, so I doubt he's married, but he could have a girlfriend stashed somewhere.

"Yep. My parents retired to Florida three years ago, though they never loved spending much time here. Too rustic."

"The no power thing does kind of suck," I tease. We've inched closer to each other, and I'm chalking it up to sharing body heat.

Yeah, right. You just want to feel the strength of his arms wrapped around you again.

But I'm not exactly a seductress.

"Makes for a cozy time by the fire, though." The back of Samuel's hand grazes my cheek.

That's an opening, right? He broke the ice by touching me, now I need to reciprocate by being brave.

Oh my god, what am I doing?