Fake It, Cowboy: Billionaires of Burch Ranch: Book 1

by Ellie Evans

  He held up his palms. "I apologize. I didn't mean any offense. I just want you to be comfortable and you'd be doing me such a great favor in return for something so small on my part."

  She crossed her arms. "Yeah, well offering to pay off loans is kind of a big deal in my world. And what happens when I leave?"

  "We can say that we've been secretly seeing each other, but that the cruise ship was always your dream. So, we'll sign the marriage license, then you'll go as planned. In the meantime, while you're away, we can say we've grown apart so when you're back in six months, we can sign the divorce papers."

  "As easy as that, huh?" She turned her head to look at her car.

  "Yes, it literally is as easy as that. Come on, Joanna. Please. I know you don't know me, but I promise you won't regret this. I'm not Eric, I'm a good guy. Ask anyone in Jasper about me or my family and I can assure you, we have a good reputation. And don't worry, I wouldn't expect anything from you during these next few weeks. As in, I won't be expecting any type of real relationship, except when we have to fake it in front of people, which don't worry, it won't be that often."

  "I'd rather stay hidden in my apartment for the next month to avoid Eric."

  Tucker swallowed and looked away. His cheeks appeared to flush in front of her.

  "Promise me you'll at least consider it?" He grabbed a napkin and scribbled his number across it before passing it to her. Joanna took it, staring at his digits.

  Joanna scrunched up the napkin and pushed it into her jeans pocket. She reached for the door handle and pulled it open. "It's been really nice meeting you, and thank you for helping me out earlier, but I'm sorry. I won't marry you."

  Chapter 3

  Tucker

  After she'd left the car park, Tucker headed home, but along the way, he began to second-guess his proposal. No wonder she had refused; it's not like they were friends or that they even knew each other. Poor girl, he must have really scared her off. He put himself in her position, being hassled by an ex and meeting someone new who was trying to convince her to marry him to save his family ranch. She must have thought he was crazy! He berated himself, for jumping two feet in, without even trying to get to know her. That was part of Tucker's problem - he always wore his heart on his sleeve. Goodness knows he must have reeked of desperation, no wonder she ran.

  As he was getting ready to head out to his brother, Mitchell's place for dinner, his phone began to ring, and Tucker couldn't believe his eyes to see that Joanna's name flashed up on the screen.

  "Tucker? I'm so sorry… I didn't know who else to call…"

  He could hear the fear plain as day in her voice and it made his chest constrict with worry.

  "What's wrong?" he asked gently.

  "He's here…" She didn't need to say who. "I don't know how he found out where I live now… I can't… Look, I know this is crazy, but were you serious? About the marriage thing?"

  "I'm coming," he said resolutely, turning the truck around suddenly, causing the car behind him to honk in alarm. He held up his hand in apology and raced off. "Where's your apartment?"

  She quickly gave him her address and he didn't ease up on the gas until he was outside her grimy building.

  Half an hour later, Joanna was zipping up the last of her clothes in a ratty old duffel bag.

  "Okay, let's do this. I'm done."

  Tucker saw the hesitation in her eyes. In an ideal world, she wouldn't be planning her wedding with a stranger, and he felt for her. She must be wary of what she was getting herself into.

  He smiled, trying his best to reassure her. "Look, I just want to say, that although you've agreed to this if, at any time, you're uncomfortable, I want you to know that you don't have to do anything you don't want to."

  She nodded. "Thanks. But it's only four weeks. I'm sure we'll be able to tolerate each other." She moistened her lip. "I just hope your family will like me."

  "You've nothing to worry about. And we can discuss our story over dinner."

  Tucker led the way down the stairs. He pushed open the main door, immediately on alert for any sign of Eric. Looking left and right for the black van, Tucker didn't see it parked within the vicinity. When Tucker had pulled up, Eric had immediately left.

  Tucker led Joanna to his truck, dropped her bags into the back while she slipped into the front seat.

  "Lou's?" He asked.

  "That would be great."

  Tucker let Joanna lead the way into the Diner. He was aware of it, had stopped by on occasion in the past, but hadn't been there for a long time. The decor hadn't changed apart from the upgraded booths. She was welcomed by the staff and led to a booth at the back.

  Tucker watched the interaction between Joanna and the server. They made small talk and for the first time, he saw how relaxed she was. He observed her genuine warmth as she spoke to the server and ordered the pot pie for both of them.

  "You have to try it," she insisted. "It's the best comfort food in Jasper."

  Tucker already loved the fact that she enjoyed food. His mom was a great cook and couldn't understand girls who would merely pick at salads.

  "So, Joanna, tell me about yourself." Tucker settled into the booth once their order was taken. "I don't even know your last name."

  She took a sip of her cola. She looked up at him and he noticed her long, dark lashes for the first time. "Carver. We, um, actually went to the same school."

  "I thought your face seemed familiar. We were in Photography together?"

  Joanna sat up, evidently surprised. "You remember me?"

  "Honestly, I remember you, but I don't think we ever talked, did we?" Tucker felt a little uncomfortable at his lack of memory. Joanna smiled, revealing a row of straight, white teeth. How had he never noticed her in school?

  "It's okay, Tucker. No, we never actually spoke. Besides, I'm not sure what I'd have said to the famous Burch family. I was in your sister's grade, but not the same class."

  Tucker took a long sip of his drink. He felt momentarily uncomfortable with her reference to his family, but there was no hiding from the fact that they were the wealthiest family in Montana. "Well, I'm sure Rose must remember you in that case. Either way, I'm sure she'll be happy to see you again."

  Their conversation was interrupted as the food arrived. Tucker took a couple of bites and had to wholeheartedly agree with Joanna - dare he admit, this was even better than his Mom's pot pie.

  They made pleasant chit chat as they ate, and not once did Tucker feel any awkwardness between them. Joanna had a certain grace about her, an independent streak that was alluring.

  "So, shall we talk about how we met? Just so we can set our story straight?"

  Joanna lowered her fork. "Sure. What are you thinking?"

  "First of all, be prepared for my family being shocked." He gave her a wry smile. "Let's just say that I very rarely date, so that fact that I've turned up with you, is going to raise a lot of eyebrows. I think they thought I'd be a bachelor forever. Which to be fair, is what I want. But it will be fine. I'm sure we can pull this off together."

  "We've been seeing each other quietly, then."

  "Yup, exactly." Tucker took another mouthful of his pie. "We can say that we kept it quiet as neither of us was sure where things were going. But feelings were growing between us."

  "And then you told me about your grandfather's land-"

  "-and I realized that there was no one else I'd want to marry but you. So, I proposed, and you said, yes."

  Joanna leaned back in her seat. "That sounds good." She smiled. "I think I'd believe it myself."

  Tucker grinned. "Good. If we believe in our story ourselves, then it will be easy to convince my family."

  They finished up their meal. Joanna said she was too stuffed for dessert and so was he. Also, Tucker was keen to get back to the ranch before his mother went to bed so that he could make the introductions. When the check arrived, Joanna grabbed it, but Tucker wasn't having any of it. He settled the bill much to Joanna'
s protests and then they left Lou's Diner.

  Once they were back in the truck and on the road, Tucker stole a side glance at Joanna. She was looking out the window, but he heard her loud exhale.

  "You feeling okay?"

  "Yeah. I'm just nervous about meeting your family."

  "I promise they won't bite." Impulsively, Tucker reached over and covered his hand with her. No matter what, he had to respect what a brave decision she had made this evening, regardless if it also helped her a little along the way.

  Joanna looked down at his hand on hers. He saw her mouth lift into a small smile before he gently removed his hand.

  "Let's play a game." She suggested.

  Tucker lowered the volume of the country song that was coming from his speakers. "What kind?"

  "I think we should get to know each other a bit. I'll start. Remind me of your brother's names?"

  "Sure. Well, there's Mitchell, who's a year younger than me. He's dating Claire, and they live together separately, on the ranch. Then the twins, Samson and Jackson. After them came Liam, and finally Rose."

  "It must have been… wild growing up with all those siblings. I can't imagine how your parents coped."

  "Yeah, it definitely had its ups and downs. It was mostly our Mom who raised us. I'm sure we put a ton of grey hairs on her."

  "Is your father out of the picture?"

  A muscle ticked in Tucker's jaw. Even after all these years, it was still raw. "He passed away when I was twelve. The big C."

  Joanna took a sharp intake of breath. "I'm so sorry. I know what that's like."

  Tucker turned to look at her. "How so?"

  "Hey, eyes on the road." She mocked him playfully but then the smile faded. "I lost my mom to cancer too. When I was eight."

  Tucker didn't know what to say. Sorry didn't seem enough. She was so young. "Was it just you and your father?"

  In his peripheral vision, he saw her slightly shaking her head. "No, he left when I was born. It was just the two of us. As she didn't have any relatives, I got placed in the foster system in Montana."

  Tucker was sure she didn't want his pity, thought from the expression she wore, all he wanted to do at that moment was to take her in his arms and comfort her. "And did you stay with the same family?"

  She snorted. "No. I got bounced around somewhat. Ended up moving to Jasper as a kind older couple took me in - Ann and John. They were good to me but only answered to Mom and Dad, which was kind of strange. But we've got a pretty good relationship, they've since moved to Arizona. And now Ann is in the early stages of dementia, so it's pretty tough on John."

  Tucker couldn't even begin to imagine what that must have been like. Even though his father died when he was young, he had his grandfather until recently. And his Mom who was fiercely protective of her family.

  She laughed. "Have I put you off? I'm sure I'm not the usual type of girl you'd bring home, probably with a trust fund or two."

  "Not at all," he quickly replied, realizing his silence had given her the wrong message. "And besides, I don't care for that type of girl. There's a few I can think of who would be happy to have a pretend marriage, but I'm done with that type."

  "I'm sure you could, Tucker." She smiled, easing the slight atmosphere in the air. "So, who are you closest to among your siblings?"

  "Mitchell. He's a little like me. The twins are always up to some kind of mischief. And being close to each other in age, Liam and Rose can mostly be found together. But all in all, we're all close and I know we'd do anything for each other."

  On they drove, Tucker enjoying the conversation. Considering they'd only met that day, he was once again taken aback at how easy it was to be in her company. She was fascinated with his large family, which was an easy topic to talk about. He told her about the Ranch and briefly about how they operated their business.

  "Do you have a favorite animal?"

  "Oh my God, yes," she gushed. "I love horses. But I don't get a chance to ride much nowadays."

  That warmed Tucker's heart. He too had an affinity with the magnificent creatures. "In that case, Joanna Carver, you can ride to your heart's content while staying with me."

  Soon after Tucker turned off the main road and took the exit to the ranch. He looked over at Joanna, who's eyes had widened at the sight before her. Their sprawling house was mostly still lit up, causing it to be bathed in a warm glow. He took it for granted over the years but looking at their stately-looking house from a newcomer's point of view, it really was beautiful. And grand. His mother was a fan of gardening and created a paradise full of welcoming and sweet-smelling blooms.

  " 'Tis ok.." Joanna whispered.

  Tucker chuckled. He turned off the ignition to the truck and then looked to his right.

  His jaw dropped.

  Oh, shoot.

  Chapter 4

  Joanna

  Joanna immediately picked up on the change in Tucker's demeanor.

  "Is everything okay?"

  Tucker turned to her, a grim expression on his face. She tried to peer over his shoulder to see what had caused this but all she noted were parked cars. Nothing unusual.

  "Remember I told you about my brothers?"

  "Yes?" She frowned.

  "See over there?" He pointed to the cars he was looking at when he pulled up. "Those are their cars. I thought they'd be out, and I'd be able to introduce you to my mom. But it looks like we might have an audience." Tucker pressed his lips together.

  "I see. And there's no way to delay this at all?"

  Tucker unclipped his seatbelt. "Come on, there's no time like the present."

  Joanna felt like butterflies had been released into her stomach. She couldn't believe she was going through this. Of course, she'd heard of the formidable Mrs. Burch in school - she always had a reputation for being a kind woman, but woe betide anyone who crossed her. She was a smart woman. After all, she ran the ranch and brought up six kids by herself. If that wasn't admirable, Joanna didn't know what was.

  "Tucker, wait." She reached over and placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him from getting out of the truck. Tucker froze, his eyes dropping to her hand on his. "Are you sure you want to do this? I'll understand if you want to back out. No hard feelings."

  Tucker's piercing eyes fixed onto her. "I'm very sure, Joanna. I promise you, Mom will be fine. And maybe the others are up in their rooms already."

  "Okay." Joanna exhaled and dropped her hand from his warm shoulder. She unclipped her belt and stepped out of the truck.

  "We'll grab your bags in a bit. I'd like you to meet my mom before she goes to bed."

  Joanna followed Tucker as he led the way to the front door. The smell of the jasmine flowers in the planter by the front door filled her nostrils with the sweet aroma.

  Tucker unlocked the door and Joanna found herself standing in the middle of a vast hallway. She looked up into the most beautiful sight to feast her eyes upon - a cathedral ceiling with cross beams.

  "This is beautiful," she exclaimed,

  "I'll give you a proper tour of the house tomorrow." He moved ahead and Joanna quickly followed, passing a front room, where a huge rock fireplace immediately caught her eye. This place was stunning.

  "Mom's probably in the kitchen if she's still up."

  Tucker stepped into yet another vast room and Joanna's mouth fell open. It was a stunning open plan kitchen. From the built-in stainless-steel appliances to the gorgeous granite countertop, not missing the huge island, which was probably the size of her front room in her apartment. It was modern and bright, but it still held a certain rustic comfort.

  "Mom's over there." Tucker had lowered his voice and pointed to the other end of the kitchen, where she spotted the back of Caroline Burch, sat at the circular wooden table.

  He smiled and Joanna and reached down for her hand. Joanna hoped it wasn't too clammy as he picked his way across the kitchen.

  "Mom?"

  "Oh, Tucker is that you? Give me a sec, sweetie, this cr
ossword has really gotten me tonight."

  Joanna peered over Tucker's shoulder to see Mrs. Burch bent over the newspaper, pen poised to solve the puzzle.

  "Mom. I'd like you to meet someone."

  "What, honey?"

  Joanna smiled. She was engrossed in her puzzle. However, she must have heard as she peeled off her glasses and turned around. She immediately spotted Joanna with a look of surprise on her face.

  "Oh my! Tucker, you hadn't told me were expecting company this evening."

  She pushed her chair back and rose. Mrs. Burch was probably in her late fifties but didn't look it. Joanna was struck by her pretty features, and she saw where Tucker got his blue eyes from. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail, blond hair blending perfectly with the light grey strands. Her face was clear of any makeup, but she was still beautiful. In all her years at Mason High, Joanna had only encountered a sighting of Mrs. Burch a handful of times. She'd never seen her this close as she was standing now.

  Tucker squeezed Joanna's hand and she appreciated the gesture.

  "Mom, I'd like you to meet Joanna Carver."

  His mother looked from Tucker to Joanna, the confusion still evident on her face. "Hello, Joanna. Lovely to meet you." She held out her hand.

  Joanna stepped forward, a warm smile on her face. She shook the older woman's hand. Like Tucker's, Mrs. Burch had signs of rough skin from her laboring over the years.

  "Really nice to meet you too, Mrs. Burch. I've heard so much about you."

  Mrs. Burch grinned. "Well, I hope I'm not as bad as you hear."

  "Oh no, not at all, I didn't mean it like that." Joanna could have kicked herself for suggesting that, and her cheeks were on fire.

  Tucker laughed. "Relax, she's just kidding."

  "Come, please take a seat." She gestured at the table and Tucker pulled out a seat for Joanna. She was relieved to sit down and discreetly wiped her hands on her jeans.

  "Let me make some cocoa for us and Tucker perhaps you can tell me why you're only just introducing me to Joanna now."