But he was curious about this strong, beautiful woman who had managed for as long as she had on her own.
“But before that,” he added, “I want to hear more about your ranch and how you came to be alone.”
Sierra, who had been blushing, shrugged. “Not much to say. Generations of my family have lived here. I lived with my grandparents until they passed away several years ago.”
“Parents?”
“Moved into the city. Never got along with them, so I came out to live with Grandma and Grandpa,” she said. “They taught me everything I know.”
“That was kind of them,” Beck said, nodding. “I’m sure they’re proud of you.”
She laughed, but there was a sad edge to her voice. “I’d like to think so. There are some days that I really miss them. I wouldn’t want them to see the farm as it is now.”
Beck looked around. He had to admit that while the land was beautiful, the farm itself was dilapidated. Most everything was in need of repair or a fresh coat of paint. The good news was that he didn’t see anything he couldn’t fix.
“Well then,” he said, setting his empty plate aside and putting on his hat as he stood up. “I’ll get it fixed up real nice.”
“You don’t have to. That’ll be a lot of work,” Sierra said, putting everything away.
“I already told you,” he said with a grunt, tipping his hat. “You’re not stopping me. Not much can.” He smiled. “Thanks for breakfast.”
And with that, he left her in the meadow to go to work.
Sierra watched as Beck made his way over to the porch at the end of the day. The sun was setting low over the sky, sending rays of red and orange burning across the horizon.
All day, she’d been watching Beck from the window in awe of how much he could get done. He could do the work of ten men twice as fast as they could.
Fences were mended. Weeds were pulled. Trees were trimmed. Pens were fixed. The homestead looked better than it had in a long time, and it was all thanks to him.
She ran to get him a glass of cold water, then stepped out onto the porch to meet him.
Good gosh, he looked handsome after a day’s work. He was wearing work boots and jeans that displayed legs like tree trunks and a white work shirt that showed off his huge muscles. A bead of sweat glistened on his forehead just above his stormy eyes.
He came to a stop in front of her and took the glass of water with a grunt.
“Thank you,” she said. “You got nearly everything done in one day. How is that possible?”
“It’s my job,” Beck said gruffly. “I said I’d get the place fixed up, and I stick by my words.” Then he put the glass to his mouth and guzzled the water. When he was done, he pulled up his shirt to wipe his mouth, revealing gorgeous, ripped abs and a perfect V-line.
Oh merciful heavens… Stop looking, Sierra.
“By the way,” he added. “I got a call from Harrison.”
“What about?” she asked, wide-eyed and bright red and hoping he didn’t notice.
“He’s inviting us over for dinner.” His lips quirked up slightly. “You up to it?”
She nodded eagerly. “Of course!” She’d liked Harrison and Marian. And the idea of hanging out with them, plus spending more time with Beck, was irresistible.
“There’s time if you want to go get ready,” he said.
“Okay,” she said, furrowing her eyebrows. “But when will you change?”
“I can change while I’m over there,” he said.
“Oh, no,” Sierra said, putting her hand up in protest. “You do too much for me, Beck, to just be living out in that tent on the boundaries or waiting to go home for a shower. From now on, you’ll stay in here with a shower and bed and all the amenities.”
He scowled. “But—”
“No buts,” she insisted. “I won’t hear any rebuttals.”
“But I’m dangerous—”
“I’m not afraid of you,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I’m more afraid of you getting eaten by coyotes.”
And it was true. He didn’t scare her, and there had been coyotes out on the prowl lately. And besides, she couldn’t in good conscience let him renovate her whole farm while living in a tent.
That wouldn’t feel right.
“Please, Beck?” she begged, fluttering her eyelashes at him in what she knew to be blatant manipulation. But if it helped him get inside with her…
“Coyotes,” he muttered somewhere between frustrated and amused. Finally, he sighed and gave in. “Well, I guess I wouldn’t want to worry a pretty lady like you.”
“Exactly,” she said, flushing at his words. “Now get in here, and I’ll show you to your room.”
This sexy man thought she was pretty?
She fanned herself as she led him up the stairs and down the hall toward the bedrooms. She opened the door to the last one on the left, which used to be her room before she took her grandparents’ room in the house.
He stooped under the doorway and into the room, then looked around, taking in his surroundings. After a second, he took off his Stetson and frowned, seemingly regretting his choice.
“Listen, Sierra, I’m not sure that this is—”
“Too bad,” Sierra said, grinning at the big, awkward, sexy mountain man. “You’re staying, and that’s final. Bathroom’s down the hall and on your right.”
With that, she stepped out, closing the door behind her. Holy cow, it was getting more and more dangerous to be alone with him and all of his muscles.
It was so weird that he thought he was so terrifying and scary. She had to admit that he was intimidating at first, but once she got to know him, it was clear that he was a big softie.
Sierra hurried into her room, wondering what she was going to wear. This was so exciting.
But wait… What if it was a date?
She pursed her lips. It was Harrison that had invited them to dinner, but Beck had told
