Chapter Two
Braden
MONTHS LATER
“Where did you say you were from again, sir?”
“Florida, ma’am. My hometown was no bigger than this.”
Ms. O’Neal, the shriveled-up old prune interviewing me, sniffs her nose. Probably thinking what’s a man from Florida doing up here in Georgia, begging for a job as a foreman for an apple orchard. Well, that’s a good question. One I am hoping she doesn’t ask, because the answer I have isn’t pretty. And besides, nobody here wants to hear my sob story. Pretty sure there are enough of them to go around without adding mine to the lot. If she presses, I’ll tell her that it’s for my son—which is true. After eyeballing me for a few uncomfortable minutes, the lady speaks, giving me the answer I expected from the moment this interview started.
“Well, I’m sorry, Mr. McClain, but I’m afraid this ranch isn’t a good fit for you. We’re looking for someone a little… different. I mean, could you even handle it with that limp of yours?”
Fuck yeah, I can. I’ve never worked at an orchard before, but I know how to get things done. I never would have applied for the position if I couldn’t. It’s a huge spread located in small mountain town called Cold Water Ridge, perfect for me. I enjoy small town living.
But I know what the real problem is… I’m too old. Younger is what she’s looking for. Someone wet behind the ears who she can bend to her will. Not a hardened old grunt set in his ways. And at thirty, I guess that’s what she thinks I am. The sad thing is, I know I can run this ranch… I just know it. But I also know that I would demand to do things as I see fit. So yeah, the old bat is right… it’s not a good fit.
I stand to leave, disappointed that I came all this way for nothing. I’ve gone through several interviews since making the decision to quit logging, each one turning me down for one reason or another. I’m starting to think that working with timber is the only thing I can do. I’m about to walk out of the sitting room the old lady escorted me to when the sound of laughter hits my ears. It’s coming from two people. One I recognize as my seven-year-old son, Bear. The other… the other must be an angel. A very sexy one at that. One who has me discreetly adjusting myself.
Get it together, Braden. Who gets a hard-on from a giggle?
The shrew watches me closely, checking my reaction to the sound. It all becomes a little bit clearer now. She has a young daughter whom she wants to protect from the big bad wolf. Well, she doesn’t have to worry about that. After the number my ex did on me—running away with my so-called best friend and leaving our child behind—I’ve sworn off all women. Especially ones who sound young enough to be my daughter.
“Dad!” Bear shouts as he runs into the room. “Ms. Tina Marie said I could ride the horses whenever I wanted. And eat all the apples I want. Our cabin is right behind the house… did you know that?”
I love my son… I really do. He’s my everything and I thank God every day for his existence. But right now, I want to yank his tiny hand out of the curvy bombshell’s who followed him into the sitting room. What grown man is jealous of his own son? Any grown man seeing the vision before me, that’s for damn sure. Thick waist with thighs to match, a soft, rounded belly made for holding my babies, and a pair of tits I could feast on for days. This woman is a wet dream come alive. Given the chance, I’d keep her under me so long, the sheriff would come looking for us. I’m not the only one struck by lightning. Her wide hazel eyes light up the moment she notices me, then darken with need. Oh shit, I might be in trouble here. The girl can’t be more than eighteen—way too young for an old cuss like me. Besides, I’ve sworn off women… right?
“Excuse me, little boy, but you and your daddy won’t be living here. In fact, y’all were just leaving.” Ms. O’Neal steps in front of me, shielding her daughter from my leering eyes.
My body responds before my brain can catch up. Stepping around the hag, I extend a hand to the goddess.
“Braden McClain, ma’am… pleasure to meet you. Sorry if my son disturbed you.” Taking her hand was a bad move because now I don’t want to give it up, but I do, instantly feeling the loss.
She chuckles and then slides past me, boldly pressing her chest against my arm. I turn, my body following her movements of its own accord.
“He’s no trouble at all, Mr. McClain. I enjoyed his company immensely. I, however, apologize for not being here for your interview. There were some minor troubles down at the orchard that I was caught up in. But I guess that’ll be your problem now.” She laughs, a full-bodied one that jiggles those gorgeous breasts of hers.
Again, the older woman steps in between us. “No, it won’t. I, unfortunately, had to decline Mr. McClain the position. He’s not what we’re looking for, Tina Marie.”
Tina Marie. That name fits the angel standing before me somehow.
“Maybe not for you, Mama,” she says, narrowing her eyes and then softening them when she peers at me over her mother’s shoulder. “But he’s exactly what this ranch… and I, need.”
Shit, I’m in trouble.