Alive and Wells (Wells Ranch, #1)

by Bailey Hannah

“Just got here, Conway. So, are you a Louisiana Woman or a Mississippi Man?”

Funny how twenty years worth of adult heartache can screw you up, and make the idea of being alone by choice so much easier to stomach than the alternative of trying to develop a relationship with somebody.

She’s the sunshine of this ranch, bringing light into the parts of me that I thought I’d always keep hidden in the dark.

“On the off-chance you stay until next spring, you’ll never have to think about him again.”

“They’re both dead.” He shrugs. “You’re here right now—alive and well on my ranch. I care a heck of a lot more about you being comfortable than their spirits potentially getting riled up over some silly flowers.”

“You do. When the time comes where I can do this,”—his rough hand gently cups my chin and his throat bobs with a hard swallow—“without feeling every muscle in your jaw tense, I’ll kiss you until you’re unable to breathe. And a whole lot more, if you’ll let me.”

“I didn’t feel safe at home and wasn’t sure where else to go. I thought I’d be safe here… with you.”

“Just thinking.” “Whatcha thinking about?” “How happy I am that every girl who came before me didn’t realize how good they had it.” “I’m the lucky one. I don’t deserve you for a damn second, darlin’. But, if you let me, I’ll work every day to become a man who’s worthy of loving you. I’ll give you more of myself than I did with any girls from my past, and I’ll treat you better than any of the guys from yours.”