Page 4 of Nanny for the Cowboy

TWO

Clover

“I’m just surprised, is all. We’re going straight to your friend’s house?”

The car bumps along the dirt drive that leads down into the ranch. Dad drove us straight here after the longest day of traveling in my life, and all I want to do is take a damn nap.

Getting acquainted with the new boss could’ve waited until I wasn’t horrendously jetlagged.

The sweeping sky over the hill behind the ranch house is like something out of an early Americana painting. It’s swirled with orange and pink and yellow, bits of blue still hanging over the low clouds as the sun goes down.

It’s fucking gorgeous, no way around it. I can see why people want to escape to the country. If every sunset is as beautiful as this one, that’s a hell of a way to end the day.

The ranch’s sprawling land reaches out in every direction, with the house in the center by a massive oak tree. Red Lodge is beautiful, and this particular little slice of heaven looks well-loved and homey.

There’s even a tire swing on the tree.

“You’re going to be the nanny for the family, hun. I want you acquainted with it.”

I’m hardly listening to my father’s response, my eyes eating up the impeccable scenery until we pull up to the house and Dad shuts off the engine.

Immediately, the sound of countless insects blares all around us. As we step out, I’m hit by the oppressive heat I noticed earlier.

It’s windy, too, like a hair dryer blowing across your skin, and the dust of the dirt driveway swirls around me.Ugh, it’s in my mouth.

“Alright, hun. Brooks should be out to greet us any second now.”

Again, I’m not paying much attention, but this time, it’s because I’m swatting away flies like one of the cows in the pasture to my right. They won’t stay away, and I’m already sweating again as the fading sunlight beats down on me.

How the fuck do they do it when that shiny asshole is blaring down at high noon?

A squeaking sound pulls my attention as I swat another bug away. I see an exceedingly tall figure coming down from the house steps as the screen door swings shut again.

Undoubtedly Brooks, he crosses the massive lawn quickly, and my mouth goes dry. He’s…really tall and pretty damn attractive.

Thisis my dad’s friend? He’s definitely not in his fifties.

I silently kick myself for thinking that Brooks would be my father’s age. Of course, he’s not. He has a son that I’m needed to help take care of.

That doesn’t track with being older. His son would be older, too, and wouldn’t need me.

“There ya are!” My dad calls out, and Brooks goes right up to him for a hug, clapping each other on the back. “And here’sClover, as promised. I just know she’ll be able to help you while you’re dealing with that arm.”

I offer a smile as Brooks turns to face me, but it dies in seconds. The guy practically glares at me, cocking a brow as I shoo away another fucking bug.

“Hi. Nice to meet you.”

Attempting to hold out my hand, I’m left hanging as Brooks sizes me up. He reminds me of the stuffy boardroom assholes I’m used to dealing with—except for the pristine attire.

“Mmm, Ms. Joy.”

That’s it? That’s all you’re going to say? Jesus.

I put the smile right back in place, unwilling to let him see how annoyed I am. “Mr. Lowe. My father has told me a lot about you, and I’m happy to help while you’re recovering from your injury.”

I nod to his arm, and Brooks narrows his eyes, clenching his jaw before nodding back at me.

“Hopefully, not too much. I’d hate to have Leo scare you away before I get the chance.”

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