The ride home is quiet. I’m almost positive I wounded his pride, but I’ll let him make it up to me. It’s been a while since I’ve been out to dinner. It was a rarity when I was with Danny, so I decide not to argue and just enjoy myself.

I must admit, though, the jacket was made for him.

His rugged physique made it a perfect match, like he was meant to be a rancher.

I don’t care that he’s from New Jersey, I’ll show him what it’s like to be an outdoors man.

Ryan now has all the proper tools to do the job. His prominent cheekbones and well-defined chin and nose were complemented by the brimmed hat I had him purchase. I was able to get a glimpse of taught muscles that rippled across his chest when he was trying on the flannel shirts, but it wasn’t until he was trying on those skin-tight denim jeans that my face flushed. He has an amazing ass, and they fit him perfectly.

I pull into the driveway and park near the front door. “Why don’t you go grab your things from your truck and I’ll show you to your room,” I say just before exiting the car.

“Good idea,” he answers, walking toward his truck.

I pluck Avery from her car seat and trudge up the steps toward the front door. Once it’s open, I carry her through the house, plop her down in front of the TV, and turn on one of her favorite Disney shows.

By the time I’m finished and back at the front door, Ryan is approaching with a single duffel bag. “That’s all you have?” I ask in surprise as he walks in.

“I’ve learned to travel light,” he answers with a smile.

“Your room is through here.” I lead him down the hallway to the left of the kitchen toward the guest room. It’s modest, but will work for what he needs. The most important thing is he has his own bathroom.

“This is perfect. Thank you.” He tosses his bag on the bed. “I’ll just go get the bags from the Jeep.” I stand to the side so he can pass me, and his hand brushes against mine. A small gasp almost escapes as a slight tingle runs under my skin. It’s a warm sensation that has the hairs on my arm standing on end.

As he goes to retrieve his new clothes, I shake it off and check on Avery. “Do you want juice?” I ask, moving toward the refrigerator, pretending I didn’t feel any of that.

“Juice!” she repeats. I pour some apple juice into a sippy cup and tighten the lid. She managed to unscrew the top yesterday and I had grape juice all over the rug. I’m not making that mistake again.

“Here, Avery.” Without taking her eyes from the screen, she reaches her tiny hand behind her. I place the handle of the cup in her hand, and she yanks it from me. “You’re welcome,” I mutter under my breath.

Coffee. I need coffee. I scurry around the kitchen and brew a pot. By the time it’s finished brewing and I’ve poured myself a cup, Ryan enters the kitchen, dressed in the new jeans, flannel, and work boots. “I’ve brought everything in. What do you need me to do?” He leans on the doorframe, waiting for a response.

I can’t speak.

Hell, I can’t move.

Standing in front of me is the definition of a smoking hot rancher, and I’m stunned silent. What I would do to see that flannel crumpled up on my bedroom floor…

“Montana,” he teases, waving his hand through the air in front of his face. “You with me?”

“Uh, yeah. So—Sorry.” Willing myself to get it together, I shake the naughty thoughts floating around my brain. “I thought I’d take you on a tour of the ranch, get a feel for it.”

“I figured something along those lines.” He smiles, still leaning on the wall. Damn, that looks so sexy. “Let me go change. Give me a minute,” I say as I scurry toward my bedroom.

I quickly throw on my jeans, work boots, and a hoodie since it’s warmed up a bit since yesterday. When I come back out, he’s sitting on the floor next to Avery. She’s explaining her cartoon to him, and he looks genuinely interested.

“Avery, you ready to go see the horseys?” I ask her. She always gets excited to see the horses.

“We watch Mickey, Momma,” she answers, pointing to the TV.

“I’m going to see the horseys, Avery. Don’t you want to come?” Ryan says, trying to reason with an unreasonable toddler.

She thinks about it for a second.

Here we go. It’s tantrum time. I don’t have time to deal with her outburst.

“Otay,” she answers and stands.

“Wait, what?” I mumble under my breath.

Ryan stands and shrugs. “Guess she likes me,” he brags with a wink.

Heat sears through my cheeks. There's something about Ryan, a slight confidence and inflated ego, that has me muddling my words and blushing uncontrollably.

Avery walks over to Ryan and lifts her hands over her head. He complies and picks her up. I’m not sure what’s going on, but it seems Avery has taken a shine to Ryan.

She’s not complaining.

She’s not wiggling in his hold.

I’m floored.

“We’re ready when you are,” he chuckles.

“Fine, follow me.”