Masoud leaned back in his office chair and stretched his arms above his head, working out the soreness in his shoulder muscles. He’d gotten a good run in that morning, as well as some time with the exercise equipment he’d had shipped to the house, and that added to his soreness.

It was a good ache, though. A productive one. The last few days had been busy. Each morning, he’d woken around dawn, exercised, had breakfast, and headed to his desk.

Plans for the mine were coming along well. Stretched out on the desk in front of him were the speculative maps that had been rush-shipped to him that morning. Masoud could see the lithium mine now, its wells stretching across the land.

Now, though, whenever he imagined that, a heaviness formed in his gut. From where he sat at his office desk, he could see some of Kelsie’s sheep grazing. Just that morning, he’d seen her and Francesca out there, guiding the flock with Cowboy. Leila had whined to go out and join them, and he’d complied, opening the back gate and letting her out.

Now, Leila rested under the desk, and Masoud leaned his chin in his hand and gazed out the window. He’d seen Kelsie a few brief times in the few days since their kiss on her couch, but they’d both been busy. It seemed every time he looked over at her house, he saw a new car or truck there. Being Rancho Cordero’s only vet was no joking matter; Kelsie had her hands full.

They’d had coffee together once, and shared a couple walks with the dogs the other two times. On one occasion, he’d given her a kiss goodbye. They’d texted pleasantries a bit, but other than that, nothing had happened.

As much as Masoud liked Kelsie, he didn’t like the conflicting feelings filling him. He felt as if she didn’t know him, and that he was deceiving her by not being completely honest. Rancho Cordero was going to be changing soon, and for Kelsie the upheaval would be dramatic.

He tried to tell himself the change would be good for her, that she would be able to establish a practice elsewhere, but each time he repeated that in his head, it was less convincing.

His whole life, he’d seen progress as a good thing. People needed prosperity in order to survive. He’d been to places where families would have given anything to have a mine nearby, a place where they could earn the dollars needed to put food on the table and send their children to school.

But here, in Rancho Cordero, everything seemed different. People seemed content with the way life was. Masoud didn’t know how to make peace with that.

He did know that he wanted to get to know Kelsie better. It had been a long time since he’d been in a relationship, and casual dating had never fulfilled him. He didn’t want to be a passing thing in Kelsie’s life. Instead, he craved the opportunity for the two of them to become closer, to become intimate in a deeper way.

Would they ever get that chance? What would she say once she found out about the mine?

A knock on the front door made him start. Leila let out a woof, and Masoud stood and made his way through the house.

Opening the front door, he found Kelsie and Cowboy standing there. She was dressed in a checkered button-up, and work gloves poked out of her jeans’ front pocket. Random pieces of hair had come loose from her high ponytail, and she looked like she belonged on a poster portraying the All-American girl.

“Hi,” she said, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

“Hello,” Masoud answered, aware that he was grinning wide.

The dogs started sniffing each other, walking in a circle as they did so, their tails wagging fast.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” she said.

“No,” he quickly answered. “Not at all. I was taking a break.”

“How’s the investing business?”

“It’s...busy.”

“Hm. One of these days, I’ll have to find out more about your work.”

“Yes,” Masoud said, hoping she wouldn’t ask more questions too soon. He needed more time to figure out how he would break the news of the mine to her.

“Anyway, I came over to ask you to dinner tonight. You cooked me dinner, and I’d love to return the favor, Nevada style.”

“That sounds very nice, thank you.”

“Cool.” Kelsie tilted her head, her ponytail sweeping across her shoulder. “How does six o’clock sound?”

“Perfect. Can I bring anything?”

“Just yourself.”

“I’ll be happy to.”

Kelsie laughed. “See you then, Masoud.”

He watched her walk across the yard to her house, Cowboy trotting next to her. The way she’d said his name had left a sweetness in his heart, and excitement filled him at the thought of spending another evening with her.

He’d have to tell her about the mine promptly, and as much as he wanted to just enjoy the evening, he knew he’d have to come clean either that night or another one soon.

Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad, he decided as he went back into the house and logged into his email. Perhaps Kelsie would see the mine as an opportunity. She certainly had her hands full running the clinic all on her own. Moving to another area could give her the jumpstart she needed. She could open a bigger facility and hire someone to help her out.

Feeling slightly more satisfied, Masoud focused on work so he would have time to shower before dinner.

At six o’clock on the nose, he let himself and Leila out of the house and walked across the yard.

“Perfect timing,” Kelsie said when she opened the door.

Masoud lifted the bottle of wine he carried. “I know you said not to bring anything...”

“But wine is perfect,” she finished. “Come on in.”

A memory of what happened the last time they shared a bottle of red flashed across Masoud’s mind. It hadn’t been the alcohol that caused him to kiss Kelsie. Rather, he’d been acting on a desire that had been building since the day they met.

At first, he’d told himself that getting involved with her would be too messy. Now, he still struggled with the two competing voices in his head, but the optimistic one was winning. Kelsie’s presence brought Masoud a peace that no one else’s could. Something like that was worth fighting for.

“Can I help with dinner?”

“Nope.” From the stove, she looked over her shoulder at him. “I got this. If you want to crack open that wine, though, go ahead.”

He obliged, taking the bottle opener she passed him and removing the cork. The unmistakable smell of roast chicken filled the air, but what else was on the dinner menu, he couldn’t say.

Kelsie took a break from stirring something at the stove to raise her wine glass. “To...”

“Tonight.” Masoud clinked his glass against hers.

Kelsie blushed, and Masoud burned with a need to touch her.

Setting his wine down without taking a sip, he wrapped his arms around Kelsie and pulled her into him. She came easily, fitting into his chest like she had been made for him.

Cupping the back of her head, Masoud pressed his lips to hers. Her mouth was soft and sweet, just like he remembered it. He wanted to kiss her forever, to taste every single inch of her, but he made himself step back.

Kelsie was special to him, and he wanted to prove that to her by taking his time. If something deeper were to develop between them, he wanted it to be natural and meaningful. He didn’t want to give her the impression that he was looking for a fling.

Kelsie bit into her bottom lip, looking even sexier than she had a minute ago. As the smell of something burning filled the air, though, she gasped and whirled back to the stove.

“You, sir, go and have a seat,” Kelsie ordered, “and let me get back to the cooking.”

“Absolutely,” Masoud chuckled. “And sorry for the disruption.”

While Kelsie stirred whatever was in the pan, Masoud took a seat at the table. The dogs joined them in the kitchen, sitting side by side and staring in Kelsie’s direction.

“You two need to wait,” Kelsie said, waving a serving spoon at them. “I’m saving you some chicken, don’t worry.”

As Kelsie finished cooking, the two of them talked about their days. As Masoud didn't have much information he was ready to share with her, as it all had to do with mining, he was happy whenever it was her turn to talk.

“Shearing time is definitely the most stressful,” Kelsie said, bringing two plates piled with food to the table. “But it’s the most fulfilling too.”

“You and Francesca do that on your own?”

“We hire a couple hands to help out.”

Masoud looked at the plate in front of him. Steam wafted off a thick slice of chicken breast, and next to it were piled fried potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and some kind of slaw.

“I hope it’s all stuff you’ll like,” Kelsie said.

“It looks delicious,” Masoud genuinely answered. “Is this what would be considered typical Nevada fare?”

Kelsie unfolded a cloth napkin and set it in her lap. “Typical in this house. These are all dishes my dad taught me to cook.”

Instead of looking sad at the mention of her father, like she had in the past, Kelsie wore a smile. It was clear that she had some positive memories connected to cooking with him.

The food was just as good as it smelled, and by the second helping, Masoud thought he might burst.

“More?” Kelsie asked, offering him the last scoop of potatoes.

Masoud leaned against his chair with a sigh. “I can’t eat another bite. I see two salivating tongues, though.”

“Of course.” Kelsie rolled her eyes. “How could I forget about those two? They’ve been staring at me all night long.”

Taking the last of the chicken, Kelsie removed the skin and pulled it into pieces while the dogs waited. She was probably giving too much thought to preparing the chicken, but Masoud found it endearing. He used to think he’d never meet someone who loved their dog as much as Masoud did Leila, and yet here was Kelsie standing in front of him.

In more ways than one, she was almost too good to be true.

“Here you go,” she sang to the dogs, putting the chicken into two metal bowls. Immediately, the dogs rushed forward and gobbled up the treat.

Kelsie went for the dish soap at the kitchen sink, but it only pumped out air. “Rats,” she said. “I’ll be right back. Just gotta wash my hands.”

She headed for the other side of the home, and a moment later there was a knock on the door. Masoud looked at the door, then over his shoulder.

“Kelsie,” he called.

Only the sound of running water answered him.

Standing up, he went for the door. Cowboy barked, and Leila growled.

“It’s all right,” Masoud told the dogs as he opened the door.

A man in his thirties, dressed in a flannel shirt and worn jeans stood there. At the sight of Masoud, his eyebrows quickly rose.

“Hello,” Masoud said.

The man’s forehead creased. “Where’s Kelsie?”

“Spencer,” Kelsie’s voice said from behind Masoud. She walked up to the doorway wearing a look of surprise. “What are you doing here?”

“You didn’t answer my text.”

Kelsie crossed her arms. “I don’t have to.”

The hair on the back of Masoud’s neck stood straight up. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out there was some history between Kelsie and this man. Whatever it was he was here for though, it didn’t matter. Kelsie had already made it clear he wasn't welcome.

“I need to talk to you,” Spencer said, his gaze on Kelsie.

She didn’t budge, instead remaining with her arms folded, the dogs at her side. “I’m busy right now.”

Spencer glanced Masoud’s way, and the bad feeling in Masoud’s gut intensified. “It’s something you need to hear, and it’s gonna make you think twice about having this guy in your house.”

Kelsie exhaled loudly. “Spencer. Leave.”

“You heard her,” Masoud told him. “You need to leave.”

Spencer’s gaze jumped up and down Masoud, taking him in with that look that a man used when he wanted to intimidate another man. It never worked on Masoud. Not only was he taller and broader than most men, he’d also been a star boxer in college, his royal status the only thing that prevented him from going professional. He didn’t get into fights often, but when he did, he didn’t lose them.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Spencer said, “until I say what I came here to.”

Masoud exhaled harshly. Did this Spencer character know about his secret? How could he? Masoud had spoken to no one in the area about his plans for Rancho Cordero.

Secret. That was the wrong way to put it. And yet, Masoud knew how awful things would look once they came out. While he already planned on telling Kelsie about the mine, it would look very, very bad if Spencer beat him to it.

“Your boyfriend here...” Spencer jutted his chin at Masoud. “He’s not just some businessman here looking to live it up country-style.”

Kelsie sighed in exasperation. “Spencer, what the hell are you even talking about? Are you drunk right now?”

“Listen,” Spencer growled. “This fellow is looking to build a lithium mine here, Kels. He’s gonna try and buy out the whole town, you included. And if he can’t do that, he’ll get the government’s help and make it eminent domain. You know what that means? It means they can just take our land!”

Masoud turned to Kelsie, holding his breath as he waited for her reaction. A long moment passed, during which she blinked like she was confused.

“What... how...” Kelsie looked to Masoud, then back to Spencer.

“The boys and me,” Spencer said, “we have pictures of all his plans, if you don’t believe me. Took ’em on my cellphone, and they’re already uploaded to the web. By tomorrow morning, the whole town is gonna know about this.”

“You went through my belongings?” Masoud roared. He took a step toward Spencer and the man shrank back some. “You broke into my home?”

“You left the door unlocked.” Spencer sniffed. “I’d hardly call that breaking and entering.”

“Except it is,” Masoud responded. “You went into someone else’s home without their permission.”

“Hold on,” Kelsie said, holding up her hand. Her eyes scrunched closed and she shook her head. “Is this true, Masoud?”

It felt as if all the air had been sucked from the room. As much as Masoud wanted to be honest with Kelsie, at that moment it seemed like the most painful thing in the world.

“Yes,” he admitted. “It’s true.”

Spencer laughed in glee. “Told ya so!”

Kelsie’s face turned pink, and she pointed an accusatory finger at him. “You need to go... Before I call the sheriff or go and get my shotgun.”

“Aw, come on, Kels, you wouldn’t...”

“Go!” she shouted at him.

“Fine.” Spencer shot Masoud a contemptuous look. “Have a good night,” he spat.

Masoud ground his teeth together, watching as Spencer loped down the steps.

“Masoud...” Kelsie’s voice was soft. She sounded like she was in shock.

“Kelsie.” He took a deep breath. Where did he begin? So much had fallen apart in a few short minutes. Spencer had posted his plans online. That one act would severely damage the relationships he hoped to build with the townspeople. In that moment, though, the only thing that mattered was the woman standing in front of him.

What did Kelsie think of him now?

He needed to know, but he also needed to get home and make sure Spencer and his cronies hadn’t taken anything of value. If months of planning weren’t to go to waste, he also needed to call his PR person and get her on damage control.

“Kelsie, I am sorry I kept this from you, and I will explain more soon. But right now, I have to get home and fix things.”

“Um... Yeah... Okay.” Her eyelashes fluttered, and she looked at the ground. The dogs paced back and forth, surely knowing that something wasn’t right.

Masoud half hoped Kelsie would ask him to stay, in spite of everything. But the look of confusion in her eyes crushed him, and he found he couldn’t bear the judgement he saw there.

“I’ll explain everything. I promise,” he said, moving to the door. Inside, though, he knew he didn’t have the words.