Alive and Wells (Wells Ranch, #1)

by Bailey Hannah

“Rancher—not cowboy. I own the land, the cattle, the horses. I keep the cowboys employed.” He scratches at the thick, dark stubble lining his jaw. “You’ll learn the difference if you stick ’round here long enough.”

“Okay, City Girl.” “Thanks, Not-A-Cowboy.”

“Not if we text, darlin’.” Am I having a stroke? “Text?” I croak. “I didn’t peg you for a texter.” His nostrils flare as he maintains focus on the road ahead. “I could start if you’d like.” It’s official. I’m definitely dead because there’s no way this grizzly bear of a man who seems to like looking at me, but isn’t interested in talking to me, wants me to text him. It’s a seriously laughable thought. Though he’s not laughing. In fact, he’s right back to his natural stoic expression. “Yeah?” My corpse somehow forms words. “What would we text about?” “I’m sure you’ll think of something.”

Austin: You up? I need your help with a project. Denny: A project at 1AM? Is quitting the family ranch an option? If so, consider this my resignation. Austin: Yes or no? Meet me at the end of the driveway. Denny: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Let me put my pants on. My brother shows up seven minutes later with a whisky bottle in hand.

Family dinners were designed by somebody who wants hell on Earth, I’m sure.

“I don’t know if I can move.” I groan. “Might need to leave me here to die.” “The last time I left you somewhere to die, I almost got replaced by a showerhead less than an hour later. I don’t know if I should let you out of my sight just yet.”