Total pages in book: 296
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
“They got engaged?”
“Yep. Finally. They’ve been together since college.”
“Wow, tell her I said congrats.”
“I will.”
The silence fills the air, and when I look out my window, all I see is country. Miles and miles of rolling hills and crispy brown grass. The sun is setting, painting the sky a pretty yellow and orange canvas. Texas is glowing, and I take a moment to take in the scene of the afterglows on the horizon.
“This is so different from city life,” I murmur as he drives through the winding roads that are starting to make me nauseous. “So weird to me.”
“I’m sure. It’s the only life I know, though. I couldn’t live anywhere else,” he admits, and my heart aches.
After a fifteen-minute drive, we turn down a gravel road until I see a giant house set in the distance with every light on inside. As we slow to a crawl, a large black post with a sign that reads CIRCLE B RANCH BED & BREAKFAST embellished with a bird on top comes into view. It’s surrounded by a bed of wild flowers and adds to the rustic feel of the whole ranch. Once I found this place online, I did as much research as I could and discovered that everything about the ranch life fascinates me. It’s obvious the whole community is very family-oriented, considering a majority of the ranches and land are passed down from generation to generation. You don’t see that much where I’m from.
“It looks even better in person,” I say as he parks right in the front.
“Wait till you see it in the early morning. The sun shines and brightens up everything. Mama’s worked obsessively on all the flowers, and John and Jackson take turns with the horses and trail riding. John manages more of the business aspect of it, too.”
“I can definitely see the appeal.” I smile, taking it all in. Alex jumps out and walks to my side to open the door. “If you’re interested in riding, we could set something up.”
I tuck my lips into my mouth and stop the words that so desperately need to come out.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to rush anything. Just figured while you’re in Texas, might as well enjoy some of it.”
“No, it’s fine.” I shake my head. “I mean, maybe. I’m only here for a few days.”
The smile drops from his face, and I feel bad for disappointing him once again.
After he grabs my suitcase, Alex reaches for my hand and walks us up the large staircase that leads to a gorgeous house with tall colonial columns and a wraparound porch. Planters and rocking chairs line the porch, and I make a mental note to come out here and sit later. It looks so cozy, and I haven’t even stepped inside yet.
“I’ll get you checked in. My brother is probably still here, so just a warning.” His tone hardens, and I wonder if he’s mentioned me to him.
“Okay.”
“John,” Alex says to a tall, brooding man. He’s Alex’s opposite with dark blond hair that’s longer on one side. Scruff covers his chiseled jawline, but his eyes are the same—soft and kind. He’s taller and leaner where Alex is beefy and muscular, probably since he does more laborious work.
“Mama send you again?” he asks with annoyance in his tone. “I already told her—”
“No, she didn’t.” Alex cuts him off before he can rant. “I have a friend checking in.”
His eyes noticeably shift from Alex to me, lowering down my body then back up to my face.
“What’d you do?” he accuses with a strong Southern drawl, crossing his arms over his chest. “Is your house too full of the Delta Gamma Sorority sisters again?”
I arch a brow, pinching my lips together as John gives him shit. I look back and forth between the two and can tell they must do this often.
“Fuck off,” Alex spits back, then clears his throat when he realizes his voice was a tad too loud in a house filled with guests. “Just check her in,” he demands. “River Lancaster.”
Something flashes over John’s face, recognition maybe, but his shoulders relax, and he smiles. “River, yes. We’ve been expecting you.”
“What room is she in? I’ll take her.” Alex’s deep voice is possessive, and I can’t deny how much it turns me on to hear it again. How much I hope to keep hearing it from now on.
“She’s in the Violet room,” John tells him, reaching for the key. “Make sure to show her everything. And how to call down if she needs anything.”
“Yeah, I got this. Thanks.”
Alex takes my hand and leads us to a staircase. I look at everything as we walk down the hall toward my room. It’s all so stunning. Definitely has that country charm with a modern flair.
“The Violet room? Does that mean everything’s going to be purple?” I tease.