Page 6 of One Heated Summer

The restoration and improvements on my ranch house would continue when time allowed, but helping my men and finding a way to bring prosperity and fertility back to the surrounding land was much more of a priority.

As Jensen and I sat together in the fading light, I sensed our journey to securing the future of Grantin and the surrounding ranches was just beginning—a journey that held the promise of transforming not just the land but lives as well.

Chapter Four

Jensen

Repeated, almost frantic banging at my door had me frowning. It was dark out…almost 7:30pm, who the hell would be calling at this hour? I turned off the stove where I’d been putting the finishing touches to a stir fry and padded to the front door.

Harlyn, normally a blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty who displayed a confident air of composure stood on my porch looking disheveled and on the verge of tears.

I pulled the door open wider. “Come inside, darlin’, tell me what’s wrong.”

Harlyn stepped into the foyer, I closed the door and led her to the living room where I encouraged her to sit. Once she had, I kneeled in front of her and gathered both hands.

“What’s wrong?” I asked in a soft voice.

“I can’t do it! The men need my help and I can’t even ride a fucking horse. Elijah said mucking the stables and feeding the chickens, ducks, and goats is a big help but I can see it’s not enough. I’m not used to getting up so early and I no sooner finish one lot of chores than it’s time to start another. It’s dark before I get home and I’m so tired I don’t even bother with dinner.”

Leaning forward, I gathered Harlyn in my arms, her head resting against my chest, as she cried in what I suspected was frustration. When she hiccupped a couple of times and sat back, I handed her a tissue and she wiped her eyes.

“Darlin’, you’re struggling to adapt to the demands of ranch life because it’s unlike anything you’ve ever done. Early mornings are a bitch for anyone used to starting their days well after the sun has come up. It messes with your body clock and the days feel twice as long when you work until the sun goes down. It’s only natural that you doubt your ability.”

“I need help. I need you to teach me how to ride, what to do around the ranch to help the men, and how it should be done.”

I found it intriguing that Harlyn had come to me for help and advice.

“Let me speak with my men in the morning and then I’ll ride over and give you your first riding lesson. Ask Elijah to write out what needs doing and we’ll do it together. I’ll help until you find your rhythm and become confident.”

“What about your ranch? It’s not fair to expect your men to do extra so you can help me.”

“Darlin’, you asked for my help, how do you think I can do that if I’m taking care of chores over here?”

“I thought you might let me tag along,” she admitted.

“My men are more than capable of picking up the slack and I have five men to your four. It’s not a busy time of year so they’ll be fine. Can I get you a coffee?”

“No, it’s okay. I didn’t mean to bother you.” Harlyn started to stand but I put a hand on her arm and she turned her gaze on my face.

“You’re not bothering me. Have you had dinner?”

Harlyn shook her head.

“I was about to serve up a beef stir-fry if you’d like to join me. There’s more than enough for both of us. I usually cook a big batch and freeze some for down the track.”

“Are you sure?” Harlyn asked quietly.

“Wouldn’t have offered if I wasn’t.”

“Thank you, I’d appreciate sharing a meal with you.”

“Come on out to the kitchen while I finish up.”

Harlyn followed me to the kitchen where I pulled out a chair and she sat. After turning the stove back on, I set her a place, poured a large glass of lemonade and she gulped down almost half.

When the food was cooked, I spooned a portion of rice onto each plate and a good helping of the beef and vegetables in honey-soy sauce. I set one of the plates in front of where Harlyn sat and another opposite for me. I then put a basket of buttered bread slices between us and joined her at the table.

Harlyn scooped in a mouthful and her wide eyes landed on mine. She indicated her food with the fork. “This is really good. I didn’t think ranchers cooked.”

---