Page 35 of The Rogue

“Why’d you come to Hideaway Springs?”

“Which time?” I ask, already putting up my defenses.

“All of them.”

“These are not the questions you asked the other candidates today.”

“Doesn’t mean I don’t expect a candid answer.”

Our gazes lock, it’s raw and intense and it makes me look away. I hate being the first to look away. “I’m not answering it.”

“Well, I can’t exactly ask what your experience is since it’s non-existent.”

“I can cook.”

“So can I.”

“I can tell by all the takeout containers.” I blink with a grin.

His biceps tighten, flexing with the pressure against the counter. “Summer’s really busy at the ranch.”

“You’re welcome,” I remind him with a snap.

He crosses to me. “You’ll protect him.”

The word jolts me into hyper-awareness. “From what?”

His gaze drifts. “Anything that could hurt him.”

“With my life,” I say it with every bone in my body. I’d protect the hell out of that kid.

His gaze drops to my mouth. “The job is temporary. Just till the end of summer. That’s six weeks. Can you make it without skipping town that long?”

“Pretty sure.”

“Tessa.”

“Yes,” I say tightly instead of storming out that door like he deserves.

He nods like he doesn’t know what to do with himself. But it’s clear as day. Someone did a number on this guy. Or his kid. Maybe both?

“Do I get a question?”

“Sure,” he answers just as tight.

“Is every conversation going to be this intense?”

“Can’t handle it?”

I narrow my eyes. “I’d like to be prepared.”

“Probably.” He glances at my small suitcase at the bottom of the steps. I’d brought it down this morning, prepared to leave. “Where’s the rest of your stuff?”

“This is it.”

“It’s one bag. People pack more on a four-day cruise.”

“I live with someone back…where I’m from. She doesn’t have a lot of space.”

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