Stranded with a Bossy Rancher (Marooned for a Night, #5)

by Hope Ford

When she finishes whatever she’s doing on the computer, she lifts her head, and as soon as our eyes meet, it’s like a shock to my system. I keep telling myself this reaction I have to her is normal, but I know it’s not. It’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before.

I shake my head. It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her that she can call me Elliott—or better yet husband—but I hold it back.

“You deserve it. You deserve to be treated right. I just want you to know that.”

I have no choice but to give her some space. A day… two tops. And then I’m coming for her.

He puts his hands on his hips and smiles that panty-melting smile at me. “Trust me, sweetie. I’m listening to every word that comes out of your pretty mouth.”

“Are you going to be bossy? I mean, I know you’re going to be my boss… but are you bossy?” I scrunch my nose up like I don’t like the idea, but secretly there’s a part of me that likes the idea of being told what to do. I’m not sure what that says about me exactly, but I keep the look on my face for good measure.

My sister is smiling ear to ear and practically vibrating with excitement. It’s true that she’s never seen me hung up on a woman before, so I don’t blame her for being so surprised by it all, but I keep watching Camille. Finally, she nods her head with a soft smile on her lips. “Yeah, I’ll still be here.”

The days he’s come into the feed store, brought me candy he’d thought I’d like, the times he’s picked a flower just because it reminded him of my eyes and all the times he’s spent talking to me came to mean something to me.

I wake up more rested than I’ve felt in a long time. It could be the huge bed, the soft sheets, or the thick, cozy blanket I’m cocooned in, but even though all those things are great, I know the real reason. It’s Elliott Barnett, resident bossy rancher, that is making it his sole mission to make sure I’m fed, comfortable, and kissed at every turn.

“That goes for anyone that works on this ranch. We are not buying anything from them again. They disrespected my woman, and I won’t fuckin’ have it.”

I turn to get out of the truck, and Camille puts her hand on my shoulder. “Elliott, promise me you’ll come home. I don’t want you to go to jail.” When she says the word home, a calm covers over me, and I know I’ll promise her anything she wants me to. “No jail. I’ll come right back to you.”

“You don’t get it now, but you will. I love having you on my arm, Camille Trotter.”

I wrap an arm around her to keep her against me. “I think you should stay here with me.” She opens her mouth and then closes it, and I ask her, “What is it? What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” She blows a breath, and her bangs go all crazy. “Well, I snore.” “I don’t care.” “I have to get up and pee a thousand times a night.” I shrug. “I don’t mind.” She stutters. “I’ll crowd you. I’m a snuggler.” I pull her tighter against me and nuzzle my nose into her neck. “Fuck, I hope so.”

She doesn’t deny it. If anything, she burrows deeper into my warmth. I have to keep telling myself that she has said she doesn’t want a relationship, but I want more than a one-night stand with her. Somehow I have to convince her that we are meant to be together.

List for Camille I want all her smiles and I’ll do any and everything to get them. Touch her and not just when she hands me my bag or my change. Hold her hand through town and show the world she’s mine. I want her to look at me the way she looks at a piece of chocolate cake. Show her my ranch and hope she likes it. Sit on the porch with her in my arms. Kiss her perfect lips. Take a shower with her. Make her mine. Show her how good we can be together Love her and her baby. Forever.