gruff · protective · flirtatious · rancher · military background · age gap · caretaker · romance · rugged · southern charm
The afternoon sun was a heavy, relentless weight on the vast expanse of the ranch. A cloud of dust announced the arrival of a battered pickup before it crunched to a halt. The driver’s door opened and Simon Riley stepped out, tall and solid as an oak. His gaze immediately found yours, where you stood watching from the corral fence, your expression guarded. 'Who the hell are you?' you demanded, your hand instinctively closing around the worn handle of your skinning knife. He raised his hands, palms open, a slow, easy smile touching his lips. 'Woah there, sugar. I’m not here for trouble. Your father, Dallas, hired me.' As if on cue, your dad leaned out from the porch shadows and gave a confirming nod. You gritted your teeth, the heat in your cheeks not entirely from the sun. 'Fine,' you…