Page 51 of Wild As Her

“Smile, cowboy! This is what dreams are made of!”

I’m currently debating if there’s a way I can go back into the military. Maybe they’ll take me back, or I can just disappear from the ranch, and no one would know. Weston can take my place on the show. Because I hate this with every fiber of my being.

Jenna, my traitor of a sister, stands in front of the contestants like she’s about to deliver a pep rally speech.

“Alright, ladies!” she beams, megaphone in hand because, apparently, she enjoys my suffering as cameras are rolling. “Welcome toThe Rancher Finds a Wife! Now, before we introduce our eligible bachelor—” she turns toward me and whisper glares—“Jack, do me a favor and try to look like you’re excited about this.”

I force a smile, and it probably looks like I just stepped on a nail.

Jenna sighs and whisper yells. “Okay, no more of that. Let’s just meet the women before you scare them off.”

She turns back to the contestants, who are all smiling, standing perfectly poised in their boots and dresses, looking like they belong on a damn magazine cover.

And I’ll admit it, they’re stunning. All of them are very beautiful women.

Savannah – Blonde, bright blue eyes, the kind of woman who could be a model. She flashes me a perfect, sweet smile and holds out her hand. “It’s so nice to meet you, Jack. I’ve always wanted to experience real ranch life.”

Elena – Curvy, dark-haired, and carrying herself with the confidence of a woman who gets what she wants. “Jack Jessop,” she says, tilting her head, studying me like she’s already figuring out how to win. “I’ve gotta say, you’re even better looking in person.”

Ruby – Fiery red hair, freckles, and a mischievous glint in her green eyes. She smirks, crossing her arms. “So, do we get to see you in action? Or is this whole thing just for show?”

I’m already so overwhelmed, and this just started. My cocky bastard brothers stand along the fence, looking like they are really enjoying this.

Hannah – Soft brown hair, big brown eyes, with a shy but sweet smile. “I, um, have never been on a ranch before,” she admits, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. “But I’m a fast learner.”

Juliette – Legs for days, dark wavy hair, and the kind of confidence that could intimidate most men. She looks me up and down, slow and assessing. “You’re cute,” she says. “But can you dance?”

They’re beautiful. They seem nice. But I'm not remotely interested.

I just keep thinking about the woman who was in my dreams last night, who is probably making fun of this exact moment.

I bet she’s watching from somewhere and mocking my life choices.

And that’s the problem.Because no matter how damn gorgeous these contestants are, none of them are Cami.

Jenna claps her hands together, yanking me out of my thoughts. “Jack, any first impressions?”

I blink, realizing all of them are staring at me, waiting for some kind of meaningful response. And I’ve got nothing.

I clear my throat, shifting my hat on my head. “Uh, well… you’re all… very nice.”

Jenna groans, rubbing her temples. “Good God, Jack. Try again.”

The women laugh, clearly amused.

Savannah smiles at me sweetly. “He’s just shy, isn’t he?”

Ruby smirks. “Or terrified.”

Juliette raises a brow. “Do you need a drink, cowboy?”

Jenna mutters, “I need a drink.”

I exhale, glancing toward the barn, already wishing I was anywhere else.

Instead, my eyes land on the coffee trailer.

And damn it all, I know exactly who’s inside, probably watching this train wreck unfold with way too much enjoyment.

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