Chapter 4
Ivy shaded her eyes against the harsh sun, as she blinked at the vast expanse of the ranch that stood in front of her. Her father had driven her to the gates of the ranch, kissed her goodbye and then driven away. She could tell that he was still upset. When he left, she dragged her cell phone out and sent him a quick text. ‘Thank you daddy’ She had written to him. And now she stood staring up at the sign that greeted her at the entrance.
‘Old Marigold Ranch’
On the ride-over, her father had hesitatingly told her a little about the ranch, and what he knew. Leon Cooper was new to these parts because he had recently bought the place, for some millions of dollars, and then spent even more money to repair it and build it up. Nobody knew much about him, because he kept himself to himself. All they could tell was that the man was very rich, and liked to be left alone.
A well brushed dusty path led up to the newly painted white mansion that stood in the middle of the ranch, with a backdrop of the Montana mountains behind it. Ivy sighed, bit down on her lip and started dragging her bags behind her as she walked towards it. She had barely slept the previous night from the anticipation of seeing him again. She had a sudden new purpose in life, and she was planning on grabbing it by the horns.
As she drew closer to the mansion, she heard the sound of horse hooves. Ivy shielded her eyes again to look out in the distance. As predicted, Leon Cooper was approaching her, on a fast riding horse, and it looked like he had no intention to stop. Her mouth hung open slightly, her heart was beating fast, she had never been this sexually aroused by just looking at a man before.
“You’re late, Ivy Hart.” Were the first words that escaped his lips, as he made a sudden stop on his beautiful chestnut horse, only a few feet away from her. A dust cloud, formed by the hooves of the horse was settling in around Ivy, and she could feel the dust in her hair.
“It’s only half past eight.” She found the strength in herself to say.
Leon jumped off his horse and patted it on its neck lovingly, before stepping towards her. He had the same hat on his head, his face was just as well sculpted and rugged as she remembered it. In the surroundings of the ranch, he looked even more muscular, more athletic, like he could crush her in his bare hands if he wanted to.
Ivy could feel her nipples harden under her loose peasant blouse as he walked closer to her. She had never before been this awash with sexual desire for a man.
“Only? I asked you to be here at eight, young lady.” He said, his voice was as harsh and grim as before, and Ivy dropped her eyes from him. His gaze made her uncomfortable, as much as she wanted to continue looking at him.
“I’m sorry, we got delayed with the packing and I had to…” She was fumbling with her words.
“I don’t want to hear your excuses. From now on, please stick to the orders given to you. I took you on, because you are able bodied and seem smart, but I also need you to be obedient.” He had interrupted her. Ivy’s brows crossed and she jerked her head up to look at him. Who did he think he was? She could feel her nostrils flaring. Which century did this man think they lived in? He wanted her to be an obedient housekeeper?
“I will do my best to get the job done, Mr. Cooper. But please do not expect me to be a meek obedient slave to your wishes and fancies.” Ivy said, gritting her teeth. As much as she wanted him, wanted his lips on hers, his fingers in her hair; she was also prideful. She matched his fiery gaze with her own, and glared back at him, daring him to dismiss her. They stared at each other for several moments.
“I don’t intend on you being my slave, Ivy. Just my employee.” He said and took a few steps closer to her. She could see that he was studying her again, his eyes were drinking in the shape of her breasts under the cotton fabric of her blouse, how her jeans fit splendidly on the curves of her hips. Then he looked back at her eyes again.
“What are your tasks for me today?” She asked him, the silence between them was growing to be very uncomfortable, she couldn’t control her ragged breathing any more. She wanted to get a moment to catch her breath, away from him.
“The maintenance of the house is your responsibility. I don’t intend on setting you any tasks. You can figure it out yourself. You can set up your room, it’s the one at the bottom of the stairs, next to the kitchen.” He said, and before Ivy could respond; Leon had jumped back on his horse.
She looked up at him, confusion, anger, desire all streaming out of her eyes as she glared at him. He tipped his hat at her, and then out of nowhere, he smiled. His smile was wide, warm and reached his eyes, and just like that, he had turned his horse around and he was galloping away.
Ivy could feel her breasts rise and fall as she tried to make sense of her own feelings. She was offended by his behavior, and yet dangerously attracted to him. Maybe her father was right, she was foolish to think that she could work as a housekeeper for an absolute stranger. But she wasn’t a quitter either, she was going to give this one chance.