by Jill Sanders
When the back of her hand hit something solid, she pulled her arms closer to her chest as she watched a very tall man lose his balance and fall backwards until he sat in the dirt. He looked up at her as he held his jaw.
“Didn’t mean to scare you,” he said, wiggling his jaw a few times.
“Oh! I’m so sorry.” She leaned back on the trunk of her car, horrified that she’d almost knocked the man out. “Are you alright?” She held a hand out to help him up.
He glanced down at it and then dropped his hand away from his face and smiled up at her.
She gasped again, this time from the sheer shock of how sexy the man was. Even sitting in the dirt with a growing bruise on his chin, he was dripping sexuality.
She blinked a few times as she watched him stand up, without her help. She was thankful that he’d been too busy getting up to notice her second gasp.
“No harm done.” He stood next to her and she had to crane her neck to look up into his blue eyes. He was wearing a long-sleeved button-up shirt and an old pair of jeans. His tan boots had a light dusting of dirt on them and they looked well worn. He’d removed his hat and was holding it in his hands when her eyes moved back up to his. He had sandy blond hair with a slight curl; the color matched the stubble on his face.
“I suppose you’re Mrs. Thompson’s niece.” He tapped his hat to his thigh. When she nodded, he continued. “I’m really sorry about your aunt. She was a sweet lady.” He glanced down at his hat, like he didn’t know what else to say.
“Thank you, Mr.…”
His eyes moved to hers. “Corey.”
She arched her brows. “Mr. Corey?”
He chuckled, showing her the most perfect dimples on a man’s face she’d ever seen.
“Corey Park.”
She nodded. “Thank you, Corey,” she said, turning back to her bags and trying to hide her flushed face. Those dimples were sending signals through her body that she didn’t want to think about.
“I didn’t catch your name?” he said, walking up to the edge of her trunk, close enough that his shoulders brushed up against hers.
She glanced over at him. “Bella.”
He smiled again and she quickly looked away. Damn. If the man kept looking at her like that, she was going to have a hard time staying focused on building a new life. Men were trouble. At least that’s all they’d given her in the past.
“Car problems?” He repeated his initial question.
“Hmm? she questioned. “Oh, no. I’m just realizing I should have rented a truck.” She chuckled nervously.
“You can park your car here for now.” He nodded to a spot under a large oak. “I can carry you and your luggage up to your aunt’s in my truck.”
She glanced over at his truck and wondered why she hadn’t heard him pull up. She could still see dust settling from his wheels.
“That would be very kind of you.” She reached in to grab her bag, only to have his hand rest on her elbow.
“I’ll get those,” he said, causing her to step back, out of his reach. “Why don’t you park first.”
He stood back as she pulled into the low grass. When she reached to open the door, he was already pulling it open for her and holding his hand out for her to take.
“Thank you,” she said, letting his warm hand pull her out of the small car. She held her breath when she realized how close he was to her. Then he took a step back and started walking towards her open trunk.
She stood back as he pulled her two bags from the trunk like they weighed nothing. He tossed them over the bed of his truck and then held open the passenger door for her.
She reached in and pulled out her purse and smaller bag and then made sure to lock her car up before moving over towards his truck.
“I’ve been watching your aunt’s animals for the past few weeks. Since…”
She knew her aunt Betty had always been an animal lover. The last time Bella had visited, when she was twelve, the woman had had everything from chickens to pigs.
Instantly, worry flashed in her mind. How did one go about selling farm animals?
“How many animals?” she asked, leaning forward and looking at the place as they pulled closer to it. It was bigger than she remembered.
The house was painted a very light yellow with white trim. There was a large porch that wrapped around half of the house. White pickets hung from the top of the overhang, matching the railing of the porch. The roof was dark and looked brand new. All of the bushes and trees around the house were very well maintained.
“Your aunt really enjoyed working with all different kinds of animals. Rescued most of them. She had a real talent for yard work too. I’ve tried to keep it up since her passing,” Corey said, stopping the truck beside a light blue Ford truck. “That’s Chase.” He pointed towards the barn as a tall, dark-haired man started walking towards them. When he saw the truck, he waved and smiled. “He’s the local vet and has been helping out with the animals.”
Corey jumped out of the truck and rushed to help her down.
“Morning,” Chase called over. “You must be Betty’s niece.”
“Bella,” Corey added in.
Chase stopped right in front of them and held out his hand. “I’m Chase Graham.”
“Nice to meet you.” She shook the man’s hand.
“Everyone’s doing just fine. I had another look at Dutch and took the cone of shame off him,” Chase said to Corey.
“Thanks.” Corey frowned and looked down at his boots. “I’ll just take your bags in for you.” The man turned and rushed away. She watched for a moment, until he disappeared into the front door.
“What was wrong with Dutch? More important, who is Dutch?” She giggled nervously.
Chase stuck his hands in his pockets. “Dutch is the pit bull mix that Corey’s daddy shot with rock salt.”
“Oh!” She blinked and looked towards the house. “Poor thing.”
“Don’t worry. The dog has eaten up all the attention Corey’s been giving him. Actually, he’s been staying across the way…” He nodded to the left of the house. Her eyes moved over and saw a small brown home behind a row of trees. “With Corey. The guy has been spoiling him rotten.”
She felt a little unsettled knowing the sexy cowboy with dimples would be so close for the next few weeks.
Chase glanced down at her heels and skirt. “If you want to change into something more suitable, I’ll show you around and go over the animals’ schedules.”
She nodded. “I’d appreciate it.” She started walking towards the house.
“My wife, Lauren, would be happy to come out and help. We’ve got two little ones now, but she always can find time to help out.”
“That would be wonderful. I’m not too sure on how to handle animals.” She stopped on the porch, holding the screen door in her hand. “Actually, maybe we can talk about the possibility of selling off some of the animals.”
He nodded. “We’ll be here to help with whatever you need.”
She smiled then opened the screen and almost bumped into Corey just inside the darker hallway.
“Oh!” She gasped as his hands moved to her shoulders to steady her.
“Sorry,” he said at the same time. “It’s so dark in here.” He frowned and then dropped his arms. “Your aunt always kept the drapes closed.” He walked over and pulled back the heavy curtains, letting the bright sunlight into the room.
Instantly, Bella could see dust flying around the room. “I suppose it was so she wouldn’t have to dust so much.”
He nodded. “Actually, she was having some vision problems lately. The sun had been hurting her eyes.”
“We didn’t know she’d been in such bad shape.” She felt the need to explain why no one from her family had visited her in years.
Bella’s parents had come and gone for the funeral. But Bella herself hadn’t been able to tear away from her life until now, less than a week later.
Her favorite aunt had left everything,
including the farm, to her. Her parents couldn’t have been happier, since they didn’t want to deal with what they deemed backwoods issues.
Bella, on the other hand, had been looking for a fresh start. Especially after the Hugh incident.
“I hope I didn’t hurt you.” She glanced up at his jaw and noticed that the redness had already disappeared.
He chuckled and moved back in front of her. “No, just bruised my pride. I haven’t been knocked into the dirt by a woman before.” He smiled, showing her those dimples again. “Well, at least not when I didn’t deserve it.” He winked.
“If you want, I can keep Dutch at my place. At least until his leg has healed up.”
She nodded and glanced around. There were two cats currently rubbing themselves against Corey’s leg, begging for attention. He leaned down and picked one of them up, scratching it under its chin. “This is Beggar.” He let the cat brush its face against his. “He likes treats and will do anything for them.” He glanced down at the darker cat on the floor, who was just sitting up, staring at him. “That’s Snubs. He’s too proud to stoop to begging. He’ll just stare at you and annoy you until you cave.”
She chuckled. “What about the dogs?” She nodded to the front door, where two big dogs looked in at them. She could hear Chase out there talking to them and smiled.
“Rascal and Rusty. They’re brothers. Dutch was the newest to the family. Your aunt rescued him after the last storm. We’ll show you around.” He glanced at her skirt and blouse. Then his eyes moved to her heels.
“I was coming in to change.” She smiled nervously.
He nodded. “I put your stuff in your room.”
“I’ll just head up.” She felt a little sad knowing her aunt wouldn’t be there.
He stood back, holding the cat, watching her walk up the wide staircase. She felt like she was on a catwalk. She could actually feel his eyes on her and the heat from his gaze singed her, setting her body on a slow burn.
Corey stepped outside and whistled. “Never saw that one coming,” he said slowly as he remembered the exquisite view he’d had of Bella’s backside as she’d leaned into her car earlier. How more than just her backswing had caused him to fall backwards and land on his ass. He rubbed his chin, not wanting to admit that Bella had knocked him out in more than one way.
“What?” Chase asked from the front porch swing, causing him to jump. He’d forgotten the man was still there.
Shaking his head, he walked over and leaned on the railing. “Didn’t see Mrs. Thompson having a niece like her.” He nodded towards the house.
Chase laughed. “What did you expect?” He shook his head. “No, don’t answer that,” he said, holding up his hand. Then he stopped the swing from swaying and leaned on his knees. “I just don’t know how a city girl like her is going to take care of all of this.” He motioned to the large farm around them.
“Damned if I know. Did you see those shoes?” He whistled again, remembering how sexy those legs had looked in the short skirt and spiky shoes.
“Lauren only wears those kind when I take her into the city.”
“Looks like we’ll need to check in on her more often than we thought,” he said quickly as he heard her coming back down the stairs.
When she stepped out, he had to do a double take. He’d thought she’d looked good wearing her city clothes. But seeing her in a worn pair of tight jeans, tan boots, and a long-sleeved button-up blouse that fit her tighter than the blouse she’d, been wearing earlier made his mouth go dry. She looked like a Texan, born to sit in a saddle.
“Ready?” Chase asked, getting up from the swing.
“Lead the way,” Bella said, not even glancing his direction. It was a good thing, too, because he was sure that his chin was still down and his mouth wide open like he was trying to catch flies.
He leaned against the railing as Chase and Bella disappeared into the barn. He could hear Chase talking the entire time. He knew there wasn’t a good reason for him to stick around much longer, but since he had nothing else to do for a few hours, he figured he’d see if she needed anything before he headed back into town and his next job.
The past few weeks, since they’d hauled his dad away, had been filled with nothing but work. He’d taken as many odd jobs as he could to help pay for the bills he was faced with.
Since Mrs. Thompson hadn’t been around to press charges, the county had stepped in. Because of his dad’s growing record in such a short time, they’d held him for evaluation. Apparently, it hadn’t gone well since his father was now sitting at a state facility a county over waiting for his day in court.
He supposed that his father getting into a punching match with two county guards hadn’t helped his cause. Especially since one of those guards had been the judge’s nephew and had required several stitches.
He walked over and sat down in the swing. There was still so much that he would have to take care of before heading into work that evening. Besides working at the West brother’s ranch, he’d taken on a few odd jobs painting houses and building decks. His back and arms had never hurt so much in his life. But the pay was helping cover the vet bill for Dutch, who he’d grown even closer to over the last few weeks.
Actually, he was slowly becoming inseparable from the funny-looking dog. Dutch seemed to enjoy having all the attention.
He looked down at Rascal and Rusty, who had initially followed Chase and Bella out to the barn but had quickly returned and were now lying at his feet, fast asleep.
Actually, he’d grown very close to all of the animals on the property over the last few days.
“So, remember, if you need any help…” Chase was saying as the pair stepped out of the barn.
“I’ll call,” Bella said, smiling up at his friend.
“Corey is just a holler away.” Chase nodded towards him. Corey stood up and walked to the edge of the porch. “I’ll leave my cell number for you.” He smiled down at Bella.
“Here’s my card. My numbers are all on there.” Chase handed her a business card. “Well, I’ve got to get back to the office.” He tipped his hat and started walking away, then turned back to her. “I’m sure you’ll be seeing my wife and her sisters soon. Not to mention a few other ladies in town. They’ll hear that you’re here and want to stop by.”
Bella nodded as she tucked his card into the back pocket of her jeans.
“Thanks, I look forward to meeting them.”
They were silent for a while as they watched Chase’s truck bounce down the drive.
“Does that mean you’ll be staying on?” he asked when the dust had settled.
She turned to him, her eyebrows up in question.
“I haven’t decided yet.” She moved up the stairs and stopped just outside the door, still looking at him.
“So, you don’t plan on selling then?” He shoved his hands into his pockets and leaned back on the railing.
She sighed. “I haven’t decided yet,” she repeated as she looked around the place.
He thought about it for a moment. “If you do, let me know first.” He felt his heart kick.
Her eyes moved to his. “Are you interested in buying this place?”
He chuckled. “Since I was five.”
She slowly smiled. “Fair enough, I guess, since your property borders this one.” She glanced off towards his small cabin.”
“It’s not mine yet.” He frowned as he followed her gaze.
“Oh?” She turned back towards him.
His eyes burned when he saw the small building he was currently living in. “My father still has a hold on it.” His eyes found hers. “He might just take it all to the grave. He’s stubborn like that.” He mumbled the last part.
“I hadn’t expected all of this.” She glanced around again.
“Do you like living in the country?” he asked, wanting to know more about her.
She shrugged her shoulders. “I have never lived anywhere other than the city.”
He couldn’
t stop the laugh from leaving his lips. The fact was, he couldn’t imagine living anywhere other than the country. He’d spent a while in the city and hated everything about it. The traffic, the noise, the smells. Everything. Then he watched heat flood her eyes and he regretted the move.
“Sorry.” He shook his head.
“What?” She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. “You don’t think I can make it?”
He shook his head. “I never—”
“My parents said the same thing.” She huffed. “I don’t need to prove anything to them or to you.” She turned to open the screen door, but he was beside her in a flash, holding the door shut over her shoulder.
“That’s not what I meant,” he said in a low voice. “I have no doubt you can handle anything this place will throw at you,” he said to her back. “The fact is…” He sighed softly. “I can’t imagine myself anywhere other than here.” He looked down at his hand over hers. His fingers were tan, calloused, and rough from hard work. Hers were pale, soft, and small. Yet he knew that any woman determined enough could accomplish anything and something told him that Bella was one of those women who would rise to the challenge.
When she turned around, he dropped his hand from hers.
“I’m sorry,” she said, not really looking at him. Instead, her eyes were on his hands, which he quickly tucked back into his jeans. “I shouldn’t jump to conclusions,” she said, lifting her chin until their eyes met again. “Thank you for the ride and bringing my luggage in.”
He nodded, not knowing what to say. Especially since his throat had gone bone dry from the sad look in her eyes. He didn’t know what had really caused her outburst, but he was determined to prove to her that he believed in her.
“You can park your car at my place until you decide. The cabin is closer to the road and our drive is smooth.” She nodded, looking up at him, her eyes glued to his. “If you need anything, just yell.” He felt like someone had kicked him in the chest. His breathing was labored and he was having a hard time focusing his eyes on anything other than her face.
He took a step back, needing the space. Then, when she still just looked up at him, he turned and started walking back to the cabin.