Page 8 of Open Arms

My stomach did a little flip. A ranch manager? I pictured a grizzled old cowboy and tried not to grimace. I knew Eryn had married a cowboy who owned a large horse ranch, but I hadn’t given it much thought until now.

“Don’t worry,” Eryn said, reading my expression. “Mason’s a sweetheart. And he’s been looking for someone to rent this place. Normally, he’d be working right now, but he took the afternoon off to deal with some stuff with his daughter.”

As we approached the gate, I couldn’t help but wonder what I was getting myself into. But the alternative was that rundown motel, and suddenly, taking a chance didn’t seem so scary after all.

I hung back as Eryn strode confidently up to the front door, giving it a rhythmic knock. My heart pounded so hard I was sure she could hear it.

The door swung open, and I forgot how to breathe.

This was not the grizzled old cowboy I had been expecting. Mason Bridges was tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome . ..

My face grew hot as his piercing gray eyes met mine. I quickly looked away as a flush spread across my cheeks. What was I thinking ogling my potential new landlord like that?

“Eryn! What a nice surprise.” His voice was deep and smooth, with a hint of a drawl.

Eryn gave him a quick hug. “Mason, I’m so glad I caught you. There’s someone I want you to meet.”

She turned and beckoned for me to join them on the porch. I tried to discreetly smooth my windswept hair as I approached.

“This is Chloe, she just started working at the retreat,” Eryn explained.

Mason’s gaze shifted to me, and one corner of his mouth ticked up in a crooked smile. “Well hey there, Chloe. I’m Mason.”

He reached out to shake my hand. His palm was rough and calloused against mine. I hoped he didn’t notice my hands trembling.

“N-nice to meet you, Mason.”

His smile widened, putting me a little more at ease. “Likewise. Any friend of Eryn’s is a friend of mine.”

Eryn gave me an encouraging nod. “I was hoping you might still have that cottage available to rent? Chloe’s new in town and needs a place.”

Mason stroked his chin thoughtfully. “As a matter of fact, it is available. Just finished some renovations on it last month.” He glanced at me. “What do you think? Want to take a look?”

My heart leapt. This was really happening. “Yes, I’d love to see it.”

“Alright, follow me.”

Mason led us around the side of the house to the charming little guest cottage nestled against the trees. Ivy crawled up the weathered siding and roses bloomed in the flower boxes underthe windows. It looked like something straight out of a fairy tale.

“Here we are,” Mason said, unlocking the front door. “It’s just a studio, but it’s got everything you need.”

We stepped inside and I gasped. It was perfect—small but cozy, with a living area, kitchenette, and bed tucked into the corner. The space was filled with natural light and had a rustic, homey feel.

“This is amazing,” I breathed, taking it all in. And it was. After a week in that dingy motel room, this felt like a palace.

Mason rubbed the back of his neck, looking pleased. “Glad you like it. Renovated it myself. Rent includes utilities, and you’d have access to the main house laundry if you need it.”

“What do you think, Chloe?” Eryn asked, nudging me forward.

“I’d very much love to rent it.”

“Perfect. So, I’d just need to run your credit, and one month’s security deposit.”

My face fell and I could sense the tears building up again. My credit didn’t exist, because Chloe Beecham didn’t exist. Not to mention the funds for a security deposit were non-existant.

Eryn stepped forward. “I’ll vouch for her and pay the deposit.”

“No. No, you can’t do that.”

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