Page 4 of The Stranger's Code

Levi slightly adjusted his hat before he nodded at a trail to our right. “And there’s my favorite trail. It’s a good walk and you pass right by one of the lakes on the property. Sometimes, swans stop in.”

“Swans?!” I said, sounding way too excited.

Levi smirked in response. “Swans, Cam.Swans.”

The rest of the property tour went much the same way, with Levi pointing out various areas and me trying to remember it all. I was also trying to remember every detail about Levi that I could, taking him all in from head to toe. He was becoming my muse, whether he knew it or not, and I wanted to embody everything about him perfectly.

Although, somewhere in the back of my mind, I was already worried about how much I liked him. Even if I was studying him for a character, I needed to remain objective and detached. Which meant that I wasn’t supposed to get too close to him…

Even if a part of me really,reallywanted to.

2

LEVI

Cameron Miller.

I’d taken a quick peek at the guest logs, curious about his full name. I’d given Cam an impromptu tour around the ranch earlier, after I’d witnessed his run-in with a gopher hole. He seemed like a nice enough guy, and I was always happy to help out a fellow entrepreneur, someone trying to build something of their own.

As the owner of Big Sky Rescue Co., I could relate to the ups and downs of building a new business. Big Sky was a wilderness search and rescue company, specializing in hard-to-reach places, the ones that required a helicopter and specialized equipment. The company was also basically my firstborn, with me putting so many hours into it that I’d lost count. I loved the work, though, even if there were constant reminders from my accountant that we still weren’t in the black.

Even after three years, we were still only breaking even.

But Big Sky had to work. I wasn’t interested in living solely off the Stratton name, especially with my brother, Cole, taking over as CEO and managing the ranch. I loved Cole but I didn’t want to work for him or work with our father for the rest of my life. I didn’t want to be next in line to inherit something, with everyone just assuming I’d patiently wait my turn.

I wanted to forge my own path forward. And Big Sky was it.

I took a deep breath as I pushed open the door to my office, ready to check my emails and voicemails?—

“You were riding around the ranch,” Shane said, his tone a question but his words very much not. He was sitting in front of my desk, his back turned to me, as he typed something on his laptop. “I saw you pass by the window in here.”

“Was that supposed to be a question?”

“I thought it was obvious.” Shane finally looked over at me and quirked an eyebrow.

“See, this is the problem with super smart people. You just expect the rest of us to figure you out.” I playfully rolled my eyes as I settled down in my desk chair. “You’re lucky I’m willing to put in the time, Shane.”

“You still haven’t answered my question.”

“I was just showing Cameron Miller the ropes. The new volunteer ranch hand?” I replied. “He’s thinking about buying a farm. He’s staying with us to see if it makes sense for him.”

“Of course. Running a farm is a serious investment. He sounds like a wise investor.”

“Is that why you broke into my office? To ask me about giving that tour?”

“How can I break into your office when you gave me a key?”

“Now look who’s not answering the question.” I grinned. “Seriously, Shane. Why are you over here?”

“I was just… checking in.” Shane looked up from his laptop. “I wanted to make sure things were going okay.”

“Wow, that bad, huh?” I laughed, even though it sounded strained. “You’re really worried about me, aren’t you?”

“I’m not worried about you. I’m worried about Big Sky,” he clarified. “I know how much this company means to you?—”

“It takes most companies two to three years to be profitable, Shane,” I interrupted him. “I know we’re not in the black just yet, but we’re right on track. You don’t need to come check on my company like it’s on its deathbed.”

“That’s not what I—” Shane held up a hand, stopping himself. “Shit. You’re right. Sorry. You don’t need this from me. I’m sure you’re getting it enough from your dad.”

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