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    Once a Rancher
    Once a Rancher
    Once a Rancher
    Ebook302 pages6 hours

    Once a Rancher

    By Linda Lael Miller

    4/5

    ()

    Read preview

    • Family

    • Ranch Life

    • Love

    • Personal Growth

    • Romance

    • Cowboy Romance

    • Love Triangle

    • Small Town Romance

    • Friends to Lovers

    • Second Chance Romance

    • Single Parent

    • Fish Out of Water

    • Marriage of Convenience

    • Slow Burn Romance

    • Second Chance at Love

    • Trust

    • Parenting

    • Friendship

    • Responsibility

    • Relationships

    About this ebook

    From a New York Times–bestselling author, “[a] marvelous contemporary western trilogy launch . . . fraught with amazing chemistry” (Publishers Weekly).

    The Carsons of Mustang Creek: three men who embody the West and define what it means to be a rancher, a cowboy and a hero in this brand-new series from the queen of Western romance

    Slater Carson might be a filmmaker by trade, but he’s still a cowboy at heart—and he knows the value of a hard day’s work under the hot Wyoming sun. So when he sees troubled teen Ryder heading down a dangerous path, he offers the boy a job on the ranch he shares with his two younger brothers. And since Ryder’s guardian is the gorgeous new Mustang Creek resort manager, Grace Emery, Slater figures it can’t hurt to keep a closer eye on her, as well . . .

    Grace Emery doesn’t have time for romance. Between settling into her new job and caring for her ex-husband’s rebellious son, her attraction to larger-than-life Slater is a distraction she can’t afford. But when an unexpected threat emerges, she’ll discover just how far Slater will go to protect what matters most—and that love is always worth fighting for.

    “Linda Lael Miller creates vibrant characters and stories I defy you to forget.” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Best is Yet to Come
     
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherOpen Road Integrated Media
    Release dateMar 29, 2016
    ISBN9781459292529
    Author

    Linda Lael Miller

    Linda Lael Miller is a No.1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than one hundred novels. Long passionate about the Civil War buff, she has studied the era avidly and has made many visits to Gettysburg, where she has witnessed reenactments of the legendary clash between North and South.

    Read more from Linda Lael Miller

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    Reviews for Once a Rancher

    4/5

    26 ratings4 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Linda Lael Miller's newest series, The Carsons of Mustang Creek, is off to a very strong beginning with the first installment, Once a Rancher. Starring the three Carson brothers, this first release features oldest brother Slater's unexpected romance with newcomer Grace Emery.

      A documentary filmmaker, Slater uses the family's ranch as his home base in between projects. Having just returned from a grueling filming schedule, the last thing he wants to deal with is an unexpected visitor but his dismay quickly turns to interest once he meets Grace and her stepson, Ryder. Fuming over Ryder's latest shenanigans, Grace is pleasantly surprised by how quickly Slater defuses the somewhat tense situation. Ryder easily picks up Slater's interest in Grace, but she has no interest in pursuing a relationship with the charming cowboy. As their paths continue to cross, they eventually give in to their passion, but will Slater be able to convince Grace to consider making their relationship permanent?

      Although he has a reputation as a player, Slater's interest in Grace is anything but casual. He is definitely attracted to the feisty redhead and he is quick to devise a plan to see her again. He is never overbearing or pushy, but he does gently nudge her into seeing him on a more personal basis. Slater also realizes that Ryder needs something to occupy his time so he stays out of trouble and with Grace's permission, he hires the teen to work at their ranch after school.

      Despite her attraction to Slater, Grace sees a few too many similarities between the sexy cowboy and her ex-husband Hank. She rushed into marriage only to realize that Hank's career was more important than family so she is not in any hurry to begin another relationship. She has her hands full trying to keep Ryder out of trouble but the more time she spends with Slater, the more irresistible he becomes. Grace is independent and more than capable of taking care of herself, but when a series of troubling incidents endangers both her and Ryder, she gratefully accepts Slater's help.

      The relationship between Grace and Slater is slow growing but their attraction soon gives way to love. While Slater is eager to take their romance to the next level, Grace is hesitant since she is afraid of getting hurt again. Slater is eager to move forward, but he is surprisingly patient as she tries to work through her reservations. Grace is sometimes a bundle of contradictions as she tries to maintain her independence while at the same time she is frustrated when Slater gives her the space she needs. Even though Grace and Slater are at a stalemate about their future, their relationship is remarkably free from conflict.

      Once a Rancher is a heartwarming and touching romance that has just a hint of suspense. The characters are beautifully developed, sympathetic and quite appealing. The story is fast-paced with an engaging and well-developed plot. Slater and Grace's relationship has a bit of an insta-love feel to it, but their emotions for one another ring true.

      Although The Carsons of Mustang Creek is a new series, longtime readers of Linda Lael Miller will enjoy returning to Mustang Creek. However, newcomers to the series need not worry; this first installment easily stands on its own.
    • 4/5
      Good start to the new series. Slater is the oldest of the three Carson sons, and the one known as "Showbiz" to his brothers. Besides being an honest-to-goodness cowboy, he is also a producer of well respected documentaries. He's just wrapped one up and is ready to start thinking about another one, when his evening is interrupted by Grace and her teenage stepson.Grace is a former Seattle cop who is now working as a resort manager. Ryder is her ex-husband's son who she is caring for while he is deployed. Ryder is a bit of a challenge right now, as he's not real happy about moving to the middle of nowhere. When she discovers that he has stolen a sign off one of the production company's trucks, she marches him to Slater's office to apologize.Sparks fly between Grace and Slater from the beginning. Slater definitely wants to pursue it, but Grace is a bit more wary. Her last relationship din't work out so well, and she isn't sure that she can trust her judgment. Slater is a force of nature, however, and won't be deterred from his pursuit. While she fights it at first, she gives in pretty fast. They do spend a fair amount of time getting to know each other. Slater is pretty forceful in his wants, but he's also sensitive to what she needs. I liked the times when she called him on his actions and he would, sometimes unwillingly, back off. Grace's independence often gets in the way of her willingness to accept his help, but eventually she learns that doing so doesn't make her weak. I really enjoyed the give and take between them as both learned the art of compromise. The ending was sweet, with a rather unusual wedding.Both Slater and Grace are single parents, and I enjoyed seeing how both handle it. Slater and his daughter's mother are good friends and have an excellent parenting relationship. You can tell that Slater and his daughter have a terrific relationship. I liked seeing him extend the same kind of relationship to Ryder. Grace's relationship with her ex isn't as good. She's pretty much disgusted with the way he has treated Ryder, putting his work way ahead of his family. It was great to see how she is there for Ryder, providing the stability he needs. She still struggles with him, and I enjoyed seeing how Slater stepped in and became a great role model. The help allows Grace to relax just a bit, and not be quite so tough on him.There's a bit of suspense in the story, as Grace deals with a disgruntled former employee. This man had been fired for stealing and doesn't take it well. He turns into a rather nasty stalker, committing various acts of vandalism before setting fire to her house. As a former cop, Grace doesn't panic over it, but turns it over to the local police. I liked seeing her try to rein in Slater, as his protectiveness comes to the surface. The resolution of the problem is well done.The secondary characters all add depth to the story. I loved Ryder, who was a pretty typical teen who is dealing with family upheaval, While he exhibits some bad attitude at times, he is a good kid. I liked seeing the effect that the entire Carson family had on him. Slater's younger brothers, Drake and Mace are also great. Each one has their strengths, which I'm sure we'll see more of in later books. I enjoyed the sibling rivalry among the three brothers. They could be snarky but the love and support underlies it all. Their mom, Blythe, was awesome. Though the guys all live at home, she is able to treat them as adults - except, of course, when they are acting like teenagers and she gives them "the look". I liked the way that she took Ryder under her wing. The brief appearance of Grace's ex, Hank, showed just why she divorced him and had the issues she did. I was disgusted with his disregard of Ryder and Grace's feelings. It was fun to see his reaction to Slater. There were also brief appearances by previous characters, such as the police chief, Hadleigh, Melody and Becca from the Brides of Bliss County series.
    • 4/5
      Once a Rancher by Linda Lael Miller is a 2016 HQN Books publication.I love this author, but I am always incessantly behind with her series, so when I saw this one and noticed it was the first one in a new series, I didn’t hesitate. The ‘Carsons of Mustang Creek’ is centered around the Carson brothers on their Wyoming ranch. The oldest brother, Slater, is a historical documentary filmmaker, with a young daughter, named Daisy. He’s single, not really looking for love, but when he meets Grace, he finds he is missing something in his life, and didn’t know it until now. Grace is a former cop, now in the hospitality business, and raising her teenage stepson, Ryder, despite being divorced from his father. After the failure of her first marriage, Grace is not looking to make a repeat mistake. But, Slater Carson has her considering a second chance at love. As with many ‘first in a series’ novels, I had a little trouble getting into the story at first. But, once all the characters were introduced, and the lay of the land was mapped out, the story picked up speed, which is a good thing, except it felt like we went from a slow trot to a full blown gallop, in nothing flat. I did enjoy this story, though, and should explain that although this is pretty much a standard contemporary western romance, it also has some romantic suspense elements mixed in, as well. When Grace catches an employee engaging in illegal activities, she must terminate him, but he's not leaving without a little payback, which awakens Slater's protective instincts. I couldn’t help but laugh as poor Grace was literally swept off her feet, caught up a true whirlwind romance. Slater is a cool guy, not a game player, is honest, straightforward, and stable. He showed Grace how a real man behaves, and proved he is a good father, and will be a positive influence on Ryder, who really needed a steady male presence in his life. Things do seem to happen very quickly between Slater and Grace, and although Grace fights against the inevitable, she runs out of steam pretty fast. It was so funny watching the Carsons help Slater wear her down, and put her fears to rest, too. I loved the tight knit family atmosphere in this one and the way they all work together, and support each other. I really liked Slater, who is strong, has a dominant personality, but is not a jerk!! He may move at warp speed, but he treats Grace with respect and understands the challenges she faces and her reluctance to move too quickly, even though he hates cooling his heels or having to step back and let her handle things her way, in her own time. By contrast, Grace is very special, especially towards Ryder. She doesn’t always like being nudged along by Slater or his family, but she grows to love them and accept them just the way they are, while still maintaining her strong independent personality. Slater and Grace have a different approach to life’s curveballs, but, they complimented each other nicely. Ryder’s story is sad, but he has found a nice landing spot, and is better off now than he ever could have thought possible, which really warmed my heart. I think the Carson family series has gotten off to a pretty good start and Miller’s fans will probably like this one. I’m looking forward to Drake’s story in the upcoming ‘Always a Cowboy.”Overall, this one gets 4 stars
    • 4/5
      Slater Carson, cowboy film maker is about to meet his match in a whirl of red hair. Grace, is a wonderful woman who is raising and loving her ex's teenage son. Grace isn't looking for relationship complications she is looking for publicity for her resort place and Slater Carson just might be the one to get it for her. So begins a work ,to friendship, to more relationship. Their relationship is not instant, well Slater falls for her looks with his man parts but his heart slowly takes over. Grace, she is a tougher one to win over, she has had a bad relationship and is not willing to do that again, plus she has a 14 years old son to raise.Miller's characters are rich well developed and likable people with real world problems and fears. I'd love to sit and share a cup of coffee with any of them. I can't wait for more " Now, that's what I like to see. A big strong cowboy with a dish towel in his hand...."- that is real sexy.

    Book preview

    Once a Rancher - Linda Lael Miller

    CHAPTER ONE

    SLATER CARSON WAS bone-tired, as he was after every film wrapped, but it was the best kind of fatigue—part pride and satisfaction in a job well done, part relief, part bring it, that anticipatory quiver in the pit of his stomach that would lead him to the next project, and the one after that.

    This latest film had been set in a particularly remote area, emphasizing how the Homestead Act had impacted the development not only of the American West, but also the country as a whole. It had been his most ambitious effort to date. The sheer scope was truly epic, and as he watched the uncut footage on his computer monitor, he knew.

    160 Acres was going to touch a nerve.

    Yep. This one would definitely hit home with the viewers, new and old.

    His previous effort, a miniseries on the Lincoln County War in New Mexico, had won prizes and garnered great reviews, and he’d sold the rights to one of the media giants for a shitload of money. Like Lincoln County, 160 Acres was good, solid work. The researchers, camera operators and other professionals he worked with were the top people in the business, as committed to the films as he was.

    And that was saying something.

    No doubt about it, the team had done a stellar job the last time around, but this—well, this was the best yet. A virtual work of art, if he did say so himself.

    Boss?

    Slater leaned back in his desk chair and clicked the pause button. Hey, Nate. He greeted his friend and personal assistant. What do you need?

    Like Slater, Nate Wheaton had just gotten back from the film site, where he’d taken care of a thousand details, and it was a safe bet that the man was every bit as tired as he looked. Short, blond, energetic and not more than twenty years old, Nate was a dynamo; the production had come together almost seamlessly, in large part because of his talent, persistence and steel-trap brain.

    Um, Nate murmured, visibly unplugging, shifting gears. He was moving into off-duty mode, and God knew he’d earned it. There’s someone to see you. He inclined his head in the direction of the outer office, rubbed the back of his neck and let out an exasperated sigh. The lady insists she needs to talk to you and only you. I tried to get her to make an appointment, but she says it has to be now.

    Slater suppressed a sigh of his own. It’s ten o’clock at night.

    I’ve actually pointed that out, Nate said, briefly consulting his phone. "It’s five after, to be exact. Like Slater himself, Nate believed in exactness, which was at once a blessing and a curse. She claims it can’t possibly wait until morning, whatever it is. But if I hadn’t been walking into the kitchen I wouldn’t have heard the knock."

    How’d she even find me? The crew had flown in late, driven out to the vineyard/ranch, and Slater had figured that no one, other than his family, knew he was in town. Or out of town. Whatever qualified as far as the ranch was concerned.

    Nate looked glumly resigned. I have no idea. She refused to say. I’m going to bed. If you need anything else, come and wake me, but bring a sledgehammer, because I’d probably sleep through anything less. A pause, another sigh, deeper and wearier than the last. That was quite the shoot.

    The understatement of the day.

    Slater drew on the last dregs of his energy, shoved a hand through his hair and said, Well, point her in this direction, if you don’t mind, and then get yourself some shut-eye.

    He supposed he sounded normal, but on the inside, he was drained. He’d given everything he had to 160, and then some, and there was no hope of charging his batteries. He’d blown through the last of his physical resources hours ago.

    Resentment at the intrusion sent a tremor through his famous equanimity; he was used to dealing with problems on the job—ranging from pesky all the way to apocalyptic—but at home, damn it, he expected to be left alone. He needed rest, downtime, a chance to regroup, and the home place was where he did those things.

    One of his younger brothers ran the Carson ranch, and the other managed the vineyard and winery. The arrangement worked out pretty well. Everyone had his own role to play, and the sprawling mansion was big enough, even for three competitive males to live in relative peace. Especially since he, Slater, was gone half the time, anyway.

    Will do. Nate left the study, and a few minutes later the door opened.

    Before Slater could make the mental leap from one moment to the next, a woman—quite possibly the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen—stormed across the threshold, dragging a teenage boy by the arm.

    She was a redhead, with the kind of body that would resurrect a dead man, never mind a tired one.

    And Slater had a fondness for redheads; he’d dated a lot of them over the years. This one was all sizzle, and her riot of coppery curls, bouncing around her straight, indignant shoulders, seemed to blaze in the dim light.

    It took him a moment, but he finally recovered and clambered to his feet. I’m Slater Carson. Can I help you?

    This visitor, whoever she was, had his full attention.

    Fascinating.

    The redhead poked the kid, who was taller than she was by at least six inches, and she did it none too gently. The boy flinched; he was lanky, clad in a Seahawks T-shirt, baggy jeans and half-laced shoes. He looked bewildered, ready to bolt.

    Start talking, buster, the redhead ordered, glowering up at the kid. And no excuses. She shook her head. I’m being nice here, she said when the teenager didn’t speak. Your father would kick you into the next county.

    Just his luck, Slater thought, with a strange, nostalgic detachment. She was married.

    While he waited for the next development, he let his eyes trail over the goddess, over a sundress with thin straps on shapely shoulders, a midthigh skirt and silky pale skin. She was one of the rare Titian types who didn’t have freckles, although Slater wouldn’t be opposed to finding out if there might be a few tucked away out of sight. White sandals with a small heel finished off the ensemble, and all that glorious hair was loose and flowing down her back.

    The kid, probably around fourteen, cleared his throat. He stepped forward and laid one of the magnetic panels from the company’s production truck on the desk.

    Slater, caught up in the unfolding drama, hadn’t noticed the sign until then.

    Interesting.

    I’m sorry. The boy gulped, clearly miserable and, at the same time, a little defiant. I took this. He looked sidelong at the woman beside him, visibly considered giving her some lip and just as visibly reconsidered. Smart kid. I thought it was pretty cool, he explained, all knees and elbows and youthful angst. Color climbed his neck and burned in his face. I know it was wrong, okay? Stealing is stealing, and my stepmother’s ready to cuff me and haul me off to jail, so if that’s what you want, too, Mister, go for it.

    Stepmother?

    Slater was still rather dazed, as though he’d stepped off a wild carnival ride before it was finished with its whole slew of loop-de-loops.

    His father and I are divorced. She said it curtly, evidently reading Slater’s expression.

    Well, Slater reflected, that was cause for encouragement. She did look young to be the kid’s mother. And now that he thought about it, the boy didn’t resemble her in the slightest, with his dark hair and eyes.

    Finally catching up, he raised his brows, feeling a flicker of something he couldn’t quite identify, along with a flash of sympathy for the boy. He guessed the redhead was in her early thirties. While she seemed to be in charge of the situation, Slater suspected she might be in over her head. Clearly, the kid was a handful.

    It was time, Slater decided, still distanced from himself, to speak up.

    I appreciate your bringing it back, he managed, holding the boy’s gaze but well aware of the woman on the periphery of his vision. These aren’t cheap.

    Some of the f-you drained out of the kid’s expression. Like I said, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done it.

    You made a mistake, Slater agreed quietly. We’ve all done things we shouldn’t have, at some point in our lives. But you did what you could to make it right. He paused. Life’s all about the choices we make, son. Next time, try to do better. He felt a grin lurking at one corner of his mouth. I would’ve been really ticked off if I had to replace this.

    The boy looked confused. Why? You’re rich.

    Slater had encountered that reasoning before—over the entire course of his life, actually. His family was wealthy, and had been for well over a century. They ran cattle, owned vast stretches of Wyoming grassland and now, thanks to his mother’s roots in the Napa Valley, there was the winery, with acres of vineyards to support the enterprise.

    Beside the point, Slater said. He worked for a living, and he worked hard, but he felt no particular need to explain that to this kid or anybody else. What’s your name?

    Ryder, the boy answered, after a moment’s hesitation.

    Where do you go to school, Ryder?

    The same lame place everyone around here goes in the eighth grade. Mustang Creek Middle School.

    Slater lifted one hand. I can do without the attitude, he said.

    Ryder recovered quickly. Sorry, he muttered.

    Slater had never been married, but he understood children; he had a daughter, and he’d grown up with two kid brothers, born a year apart and still a riot looking for a place to happen, even in their thirties. He’d broken up more fights than a bouncer at Bad Billie’s Biker Bar and Burger Palace on a Saturday night.

    I went to the same school, he said, mostly to keep the conversation going. He was in no hurry for the redhead to call it a night, especially since he didn’t know her name yet. Not a bad deal. Does Mr. Perkins still teach shop?

    Ryder laughed. Oh, yeah. We call him The Relic.

    Slater let the remark pass; it was flippant, but not mean-spirited. You couldn’t meet a nicer guy, though. Right?

    The kid’s expression was suitably sheepish. True, he admitted.

    The stepmother regarded Slater with some measure of approval, although she still seemed riled.

    Slater looked back for the pure pleasure of it. She’d be a whole new experience, this one, and he’d never been afraid of a challenge.

    She’d said she was divorced, which raised the question: What damn fool had let her get away?

    As if she’d guessed what he was thinking—anybody with her looks had to be used to male attention—the redhead narrowed her eyes. Still, Slater thought he saw a glimmer of amusement in them. She’d calmed down considerably, but she wasn’t missing a trick.

    He grinned slightly. Cuffs? he inquired mildly, remembering Ryder’s statement a few minutes earlier.

    She didn’t smile, but that spark was still in her eyes. That was a reference to my former career, she replied, all business. I’m an ex-cop. She put out her hand, the motion almost abrupt, and finally introduced herself. Grace Emery, she said. These days I run the Bliss River Resort and Spa.

    Ah, Slater said, apropos of nothing in particular. An ex-cop? Hot damn, she could handcuff him anytime. You must be fairly new around here. If she hadn’t been, he would’ve made her acquaintance before now, or at least heard about her.

    Grace nodded. Full of piss-and-vinegar moments before, she looked tired now, and that did something to Slater, although he couldn’t have said exactly what that something was. It’s a beautiful place, she said. Quite a change from Seattle. She stopped, looking uncomfortable, maybe thinking she’d said too much.

    Slater wanted to ask about the ex-husband, but the time obviously wasn’t right. He waited, sensing that she might say more, despite the misgivings she’d just revealed by clamming up.

    Sure enough, she went on. I’m afraid it’s been quite a change for Ryder, too. Another pause. His dad’s military, and he’s overseas. It’s been hard on him—Ryder, I mean.

    Slater sympathized. The kid’s father was out of the country, he’d moved from a big city in one state to a small town in another, and on top of that, he was fourteen, which was rough in and of itself. When Slater was that age, he’d grown eight inches in a single summer and simultaneously developed a consuming interest in girls, without having a clue what to say to them. Oh, yeah. He remembered awkward.

    He realized Grace’s hand was still in his. He let go, albeit reluctantly.

    Then, suddenly, he felt as tongue-tied as he ever had at fourteen. My family’s been on this ranch for generations, he heard himself say. So I can’t say I know what it would be like having to start over someplace new. Shut up, man. He couldn’t seem to follow his own advice. I travel a lot, and I’m always glad to get back to Mustang Creek.

    Grace turned to Ryder, sighed, then looked back at Slater. We’ve taken up enough of your time, Mr. Carson.

    Mr. Carson?

    I’ll walk you out, he said, still flustered and still trying to shake it off. Ordinarily, he was the proverbial man of few words, but tonight, in the presence of this woman, he was a babbling idiot. This place is like a maze. I took over my father’s office because of the view, but it’s clear at the back of the house and—

    Had the woman asked for any of this information?

    No.

    What the hell was the matter with him, anyway?

    Grace didn’t comment. The boy was already on the move, and she simply followed, which shot holes in Slater’s theory about their ability to find their way to an exit without his guidance. He gave an internal shrug and trailed behind Grace, enjoying the gentle sway of her hips.

    For some reason he wasn’t a damn bit tired anymore.

    * * *

    HAVING BEEN A police officer, Grace had plenty of experience dealing with men. In law enforcement, still a male-dominated field even though women were finally making inroads, overexposure to testosterone was inevitable. She’d come to terms with the effect her appearance had on the male gender, not out of vanity, but because she was practical to the bone.

    She wouldn’t have described herself as beautiful; she got an instant update on her imperfections every time she consulted a mirror. She knew her mouth was a shade too wide. Her nose tilted up just a little, giving her an air of perkiness that was wholly unfounded, and she couldn’t have gotten a tan in the middle of a desert. Her eyes were an almost startling shade of blue—she’d been accused of wearing colored contacts—and she didn’t even want to discuss the hair. Just call her Carrot-Top.

    It was ridiculously curly unless she wore it long, and the stuff could go clown-crazy if the humidity was high. Thankfully, Wyoming was drier than Seattle, so she didn’t have to fight it quite as much now. The color was impossible to change, although she’d tried highlights and different treatments, but nature won out every time, so now she let it go its own way.

    Slater Carson hadn’t been turned off.

    Quite the opposite, in fact.

    Grace wasn’t sure how she felt about her own reaction. Yes, she was jaded about men, but something was different this time. She was—okay, she could admit it—sort of flattered.

    Recalling the slow, gliding assessment of those sexy blue eyes as they moved over her, she got a definite buzz. And Slater Carson wasn’t hard to look at, either, with all that dark, wavy hair, a day’s beard growing in and a lean, wiry build that said cowboy. He moved like one, too, with long, slow strides, and when he smiled at her as he held the back door open to a starry Wyoming night, there was an easy curve to his mouth, the hint of a grin, not in the least boyish, but confident, amused, knowing.

    The message had been clear: he wouldn’t mind if they met again.

    Well, Grace thought, Mustang Creek was a small town, where everybody seemed to know everybody else, so they were bound to run into each other at some point.

    If he expected more than a polite nod and a howdy, though, he’d be disappointed.

    Grace distrusted men like Slater—too good-looking, too privileged, too used to getting whatever and whoever they wanted. Yep, the illustrious Mr. Carson reminded her a little too much of her ex-husband, exuding confidence the way he did, certain of his success, of his place in the world.

    No, thanks. Grace had been down that road before, and after all the excitement and the heady passion and the dazzle, she’d run smack into a dead end. In some ways, she was still reeling from the impact.

    Feeling resolute, she got into her vehicle, which she’d parked in the well-lit driveway alongside the Carson mansion, and slammed her door, waiting for Ryder to stop dawdling and plunk himself down in the passenger seat.

    This wasn’t how she’d planned to spend her evening. Her vision had included downloading a movie, munching popcorn, generally vegging out on the couch with her bare feet propped up, wearing shorty pajamas and face cream.

    Grace had had a long day at the resort; she’d dealt with a faulty air-conditioning unit and repairmen who couldn’t seem to agree on what was wrong, a chronically late employee who was wonderful when he actually got there, by which time the rest of the staff was thoroughly and justifiably annoyed, plus guest complaints about the lap pool that ranged from too hot to too cool. Among other things.

    Coming home to find Ryder about to nail a newly acquired and obviously expensive metal sign to one wall of his bedroom had immediately thrown her evening plans for a loop. Immediately suspicious, Grace had questioned the boy.

    Never a good liar, he’d confessed.

    Grace had figuratively grabbed the kid by one ear and dragged him to the Carson house.

    Now he hauled open the door on his side and got in.

    I’m sorry, Ryder said. He didn’t really sound sorry, and he didn’t look at her, but sat staring out the windshield instead. His tone was stubborn, and the set of his mouth underscored his attitude.

    Grace sighed inwardly.

    Ryder was a good kid, and Slater Carson had been right earlier, when he’d said everybody made bad decisions now and then. You know better.

    It just—

    She raised a hand to indicate she wanted him to stop. Now. There’s no excuse I care to hear. You stole something and we returned it.

    Grace started the car, flipped on the headlights and turned around to head back down the driveway.

    Ryder was quiet for a few minutes. They reached the county highway, which was practically deserted at that time of night, and, since both the ranch and the resort were well outside town, they didn’t pass many cars.

    Eventually, Ryder said, He liked you.

    Fourteen and he’d picked up on that, Grace reflected with rueful amusement, but he still couldn’t pick up his underwear.

    He liked you.

    There was liking a woman, and there was wanting to go to bed with her. Grace was not inclined to explain the difference to a fourteen-year-old.

    So she said briskly, He doesn’t know me.

    He thought you were pretty.

    There were times when she wished Ryder would talk to her more, and times, like now, when she wished he wouldn’t. I think it’s just possible that he’s prettier than I am.

    That made Ryder crack up. At least he tried to be subtle. He didn’t, like, stare at your—

    He stopped abruptly, and Grace figured he’d be blushing right about now over what he’d almost said, so she cut the kid a break and kept her gaze on the road. Mr. Carson was very polite, she conceded. How’s the science project coming along?

    Ryder jumped on the sudden change of subject, even if school wasn’t one of his favorites. Okay, actually. Turns out my partner isn’t as geeky as he looks. He was quiet for a moment, then he went on. I was wondering if he might come over to our place and hang out sometime. That okay?

    Grace felt a rush of relief. She’d been waiting for Ryder to stop rebelling against the move to Mustang Creek and make some friends, hoping and praying he would.

    She was in over her head with this parenting thing.

    And she didn’t seem to be getting any better at it.

    A few months back Grace’s former father-in-law had called her one day, out of the blue. Haltingly, he’d explained that with his wife so ill, they couldn’t handle their grandson on their own. They hated to ask, but since Hank was overseas and all, they didn’t have anyone else to turn to.

    Hank, Grace’s ex and Ryder’s father, made a career of being unavailable, in her opinion, but of course she didn’t say that.

    She’d had no idea what to say, under the circumstances. Ryder’s mother was remarried, with a whole new family, and for reasons Grace still didn’t understand, the woman had never shown much interest in her firstborn, anyway. When she and Hank were divorced, she’d handed Ryder over without a quibble, not even asking for visitation rights.

    The woman couldn’t be bothered to send her son a birthday card, never mind calling to see how he was doing or firing off the occasional text to keep in touch.

    The whole scenario made Grace furious on Ryder’s behalf, and it didn’t help that Hank was so emotionally distant, absolutely caught up in his military career.

    In that respect, she and Ryder had been set adrift in the same boat, but Grace had had options, at least. She could divorce Hank—which she had—and move on. His son didn’t have that choice.

    So she’d said yes, Ryder could stay with her until Hank’s current deployment ended, and here they were in Mustang Creek, Wyoming, stuck with each other, both of them struggling to adjust to major changes.

    Grace brought herself back to the present. I think it would be great if your friend came over sometime. I could order you guys a pizza, how’s that?

    Ryder nodded. As long as it isn’t like the ones they have at the spa, with goat cheese and whatever those green things are. I tried to like the stuff, Grace, but no way.

    Artichoke hearts, she supplied helpfully. How about plain old pepperoni?

    Ryder grinned. That would be great, he said.

    Okay, you’re on. I just need your word that you’ll stay out of trouble for five minutes. She feigned a narrow glare. "I

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