Cool water splashes over my face and I cup my hands under the running tap to do it again. I’ve finally managed to get my emotional outburst under control. I know it must seem like an overreaction to Marge that I’m taking losing this job so hard. But it’s more than just a job to me, it’s a chance to start over. And I blew it.

Sniffling, I pluck a couple paper towels from the dispenser hanging on the wall and pat the water off my face. In the mirror, red-rimmed eyes blink back at me, a bit puffy from all the crying. The cool water felt nice but didn’t actually do a whole lot to change it. My chest lifts and then sinks low with a deep sigh, and I take the pile of neatly folded clothes in my arm and head out the door.

I’m not sure where I’m going to go or what I’m going to do, but I can’t give up. Not knowing how I’ll get my next meal or where I’ll sleep tonight is stressful, but I’d rather live like this forever than go back to Hollywood. If I have to live hand to mouth for the rest of my life I’ll do it, if it means being free from the man who locked up my mother and used visitation as blackmail against me. Anger surges up inside me and the tears I couldn’t seem to hold back all dry up. I’ll never shed a single one for him. Not even if he dies. It’s the worst kind of man who would steal a child away from her mother’s arms. Unfortunately, I got to call that man “Dad.”

With a turn of the knob, I’m back out into the kitchen. I walk over to the office to drop off the uniform and am surprised to see the two cowboys waiting by the door. They both take a step back, letting me pass between them to drop off the clothes. I step back out of Marge’s office and a shiver caresses my skin as I pass through the guys again.

“I’m sorry about Dale.” The taller guy with blue eyes looks down at me. “He shouldn’t have gotten you fired.” His tone is so soft and deep, it’s almost musical. It’s surprising coming from a burly, big man like him.

“Yep, he’s an ass all right,” the dark-haired man with the tattoos nods. “Pardon my language.” He locks his hazel eyes on mine.

“It’s okay. Marge is right. I’m probably not cut out for waitressing anyway.” I shrug.

What am I cut out for? The only job I’ve been working since my first year of life is acting. And outside of Hollywood, I don’t think that leaves me with many useful skills.

“I don’t know how long you plan to stick around here, but if you’re staying for a while and need a job, we’re looking for help on the ranch.” The blond tilts his head at me.

“Really?” I stand a bit taller and hope I don’t still have puffy, red eyes. I want to look presentable and competent.

“That’s right,” the guy with dark hair cuts in. “First thing we should do is introduce ourselves, though. Excuse our manners. I’m Holden Slidell.” He holds out his hand. I grasp onto it and he gives it a firm shake.

“And I’m Travis Stewart.” The blond also shakes my hand, but more gently than Holden.

“I’m Audrey Law—uh, Lacey,” I lie. With my father no doubt on some kind of rampage looking for me, the last thing I need is either of these guys Googling “Audrey Lawrence” and finding out I’m in hiding. No, the best thing to do is lie low and try not to raise any suspicions in this town. If I can just start over, on my own terms, maybe I can keep my father out of my life.

“Audrey Lacey?” Holden arches an eyebrow and I blink a bit too much.

“That’s right.”

“Where are ya from?” He watches me closely.

“Oh, up North.”

“I figured out that much. Any place in particular?”

“Yeah, from Seattle,” I lie.

“I see.”

“Are you done grilling the girl? Do you think maybe I can tell her about the job?” Travis cuts in.

If Holden is suspicious of me, he keeps it inside. His shoulders relax and he gives me a friendly smile. “Sure, of course.”

“So, basically we need you to cook and clean. We own one of the biggest ranches in these parts and we don’t have enough hours in a day to do all our work, let alone make meals and do laundry.”

“Like a maid?”

“Basically.” Holden nods. “I gotta warn ya, the pay ain’t great. It’s probably no more than Marge was giving ya.”

“No, he’s right. We can’t pay no more than the minimum rate. But on the plus side, the job would include all your meals and your own room at the ranch. I don’t know if you’re up for feeding and picking up after a couple of slobs like us.” He laughs.

“Speak for yourself,” Holden interrupts. “Some of us don’t just walk out of our clothes and leave them in a dusty pile on the floor.” He shakes his head.

“Okay, so a slob like me and a hardass like him.” Travis squeezes his friend’s shoulder with a smile.

“I’ll take it.”

“Yeah?” Travis looks at me with surprise dancing in his faded denim blue eyes.

“Absolutely. When can I start?”

“Well, hold up now. I don’t suppose you have some experience for the job, do you?” Holden gives me another suspicious look.

“I do,” I fib. “I’ve waitressed before and I worked as a cleaner in a hotel once.” I don’t bother explaining that my only real waitressing experience is the job I just got fired from here and that my hotel job was really a part I had on a sitcom.

“Sounds perfect.” Travis smiles at me and then at Holden. “If you’re up for it, you can follow us out to the ranch now. We’re ready for you to get started right away.”

“Thank you, I will.” I can’t help but grin.

I know I’m very lucky to have these guys give me a shot. Especially after they saw me drop an entire plate of food on a customer’s lap. I make a promise to myself to try harder and not screw this up. This is the perfect opportunity for me to get off my father’s radar.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that my new bosses are two of the most handsome men I’ve ever seen.

Yes, this could be perfect all right. It could be the beginning of a beautiful new life.