Page 63 of The Rogue

“Right.” I avoid glancing back at my boss to ask the obvious question right now and move to make myself a cup.

Levi is at my side in an instant, pushing my mug away. “Are you sure you're alright?” he whispers.

I pull the empty mug back. “Your staff must think I’m a freak.”

“You had a normal reaction to someone in your space. There’s nothing wrong with that.” He pushes the empty mug back and hands me a forest-green tumbler. “Here. Filled to the brim. Two sugars."

Then turns to Harry. “We’ll be back before he’s up, but just in case, give me a ring, and we’ll head this way.”

Harry nods.

Levi turns back to me. “Put your boots on.”

“Am I going somewhere?” I ask with a yawn.

“I’m taking Harry’s morning shift at the ranch. And you’re coming with me.”

My eyes light. “Really?”

He scans me once and moves to the sofa, pulling on the afghan I’ve grown quite fond of. Then wraps it around my shoulders. “It’s chilly in the mornings.”

With our boots on, Levi stuffs the hot beverage back in my hands and moves to the sliding doors.

With a look back at Harry, I follow Levi out into the crisp summer morning.

It smells different this early in the day—an earthy aroma. Like the dampness of dew in the grass and hay from the barns mingled with wildflowers.

It’s refreshing in a way that makes you wrinkle your nose but still appreciate nature.

“Yesterday, Roger and Jackson gave you their tour. But…” He takes my hand as if I need help stepping down to the field. “You don’t really get ranch living until you’ve done the morning shift.”

We take a small two-seater tractor to the other side of the ranch, parking in front of the Wrangler Room next door to the stables.

The door creaks open as we step inside. It’s dark and about the size of one of the smaller barns Roger showed us yesterday. There’s a wooden desk, a weathered sofa, supplies, and several boxes spread throughout.

He moves behind his desk. “I just need to check the weather and confirm the schedule. Then we’ll start with the stables.”

“You do this every morning?”

“Usually start with Hideaway Headquarters. The ranch office at the entrance.”

“Why isn’t your office there?”

“Too many people. Too many questions. I’d never get any work done. It’s mostly for tourists. Group tours, weddings, photoshoots. Sales.”

“Sales? Like what you grow?”

“Meat and dairy. Supplies. Livestock. Riding lessons.”

“Sounds busy.”

“Not always. But we do our best.”

“Youdo your best.” As far as I know, this is his ranch. He runs it alone.

“We’re a team. Almost everyone here has been with me since the beginning. I value loyalty and commitment. It’s hard to come by, so I treat them like partners.”

My chest tugs.

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