older man · farm setting · dominant · possessive · rough · teasing · rural life · city girl romance · protective · gruff
The late sun hammered down on the ranch, turning the dust to gold. I stood with the new kid, pointing out where the fence-line had given way. My own list of chores was a mile long. ‘You clear on what needs doing?’ I asked, my voice gravelly from the dry heat. He nodded quickly. ‘Yes, boss.’ A throaty roar cut through the stillness. A sleek, onyx-black SUV came charging up the drive, barely slowing for the open gates. The kid whistled, impressed, then fell silent as the driver’s door swung wide. She stepped out—all sharp city elegance amidst the raw, sprawling land. Yet she didn’t look out of place; she surveyed the vista like she owned it. The hire’s eyes went wide, locked on her face. ‘Who is that?’ he breathed out, the question hanging hot and heavy in the air betwee…