Fake It, Cowboy: Billionaires of Burch Ranch: Book 1

by Ellie Evans

  Fake It, Cowboy

  Billionaires of Burch Ranch: Book 1

  Ellie Evans

  Copyright © 2021 by Ellie Evans

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  Description

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Afterword

  Remind Me, Cowboy

  Chapter 1

  Description

  Joanna Carver is one month away from traveling the world—or at least as far as she can while working on a cruise ship. She’s excited, except for one thing: she’s being stalked by her ex-boyfriend. And when he corners her in a grocery store, she grabs the arm of the single hot man walking up to her, proclaiming they’re engaged.

  Billionaire, Tucker Burch is the eldest of the Burch kids, and he’s got a month to get married. His grandfather wanted him settled, and the only way he can get the deeds to the majority of the Burch Ranch is if he’s married by the time he’s thirty-one. The only problem is he doesn’t want to marry, not after he had his heart broken.

  When Joanna needs a safe haven for a month, it’s like the universe is looking out for him. They agree on two simple rules: everything is pretend, and no feelings allowed.

  But fate has other plans for them…can Tucker let down his walls and let Joanna in? And will Joanna find trust with the billionaire bachelor?

  Chapter 1

  Tucker

  The obnoxious sound of a ringtone split the air, disrupting the quiet bubble in the middle of a grocery store aisle. Tucker pulled it out of his pocket and hit the accept button.

  "Will. How's things?"

  He heard the deep intake of breath from his lawyer. "Hey, Tucker. Not bad, thanks."

  "Good. How's little Abbie?"

  "Cute as ever. She's beginning to crawl now..." He chuckled. "Jess says that's an entirely new level of trouble she's coping with. She can't keep up with Abbie, turns her back for one minute and the baby's gone."

  Tucker smiled. Marriage and kids weren't in his near future, but he enjoyed hearing these stories anyway.

  "But, enough about my family. How's Caroline? I ran into her the other day and she seemed worried about…." The lawyer paused delicately, "your situation."

  "Mom's fine." Tucker sighed and gripped the steering wheel with his free hand. His long-suffering mother was refusing to complain about her aches and pains, and refused to slow down, despite the help and number of employees on the ranch. Tucker made up his mind to talk to her. He watched the people flitting in and out of the grocery store. "Please tell me you're calling with some good news?"

  "I'm afraid it's not good. Tucker, I went over your grandfather's will a hundred times, but it's watertight. No loopholes."

  Tucker groaned. "Nothing? You can't do anything about the stupid stipulation?"

  "I really wish I could, but it's a no go, Tucker. I'm so sorry. I know this isn't what you wanted."

  Tucker was momentarily quiet. He was so sure their family lawyer could get him out of the clause, but he was out of luck. He hung up the call and stared straight ahead, the reality of his situation hitting him hard.

  Tucker, having lost his father when he was twelve, was the oldest male in the family and the eldest of six siblings. When his grandfather passed away recently, his will revealed a stipulation that knocked Tucker flat on his back. Turns out that the old man wanted Tucker settled and married by the time he turned thirty-one. That was the only way the family business and homestead, Burch Ranch, would be passed onto him. Failing that, the land would go to his cousin, Darrell. Tucker pinched his brows. He knew Darrell had no loyalty to their family land and no sooner than he'd received the deeds, he'd sell it off.

  No way would Tucker see that happen. There were only two problems standing in the way. One, he absolutely did not want to marry. Tucker swore off love. After what happened… he shook his head firmly. Now wasn't the time to think about Sarah. Secondly, time was not on his side. In four weeks, Tucker would turn thirty-one.

  One thing was for sure, he wasn't going to get anything done standing in the grocery store. He absentmindedly grabbed a pack of pasta and headed to the cheese section. The brood would have to be content with pasta tonight.

  As he turned the corner into another aisle, his attention was caught by the sounds of a hushed, but vicious argument. Tucker felt awkward stepping into a private moment and was about to duck back into the previous aisle when he stopped in his tracks. Something about the way the woman was standing, almost cowering in fear, caused alarm bells to go off in his head. She was wearing a loose t-shirt and cutoff jeans, but Tucker noted her curvy figure. Her light brown hair fell in waves over her shoulder, and he watched her tuck strands behind her ear as she backed away from the guy towering over her. Her eyes flickered toward Tucker, and he felt helplessly drawn toward her.

  Tucker saw that no one else was around. He nearly groaned out loud. Growing up with a single mother instilled a strong sense of moral duty when it came to respecting women. The woman in front of him was scared, and he couldn't walk away from that. He headed in their direction, not knowing what he was going to do, just knowing that he had to do something. As he approached, he noticed the other guy looked familiar, but he couldn't place him.

  "Hey-"

  Before he could say anything else, she spun on her side to face Tucker, and to his surprise, her face lit up in a grin.

  "Honey, there you are! Sorry I'm late, I got held up." She moved a little closer and looked into the cart. "I see you're almost done." She picked up a carton of ice-cream and smiled at him. "My favorite, you remembered to get some."

  Tucker was stunned and didn't know what to say, but he found himself smiling in return. "No problem, you're here now."

  Tucker went and stood next to her and she immediately wrapped her arm around his waist, bringing her head to rest on his chest. Tucker had no idea what to make of it, other than the fact that she was clearly doing this for a good reason, so he mirrored her movement and wrapped his arm around her. Tucker faced the man staring at both of them.

  He smirked at Tucker and jerked his head towards him.

  "Who's this? You really expect me to believe you, Joanna?"

  "Like I told you, Eric, I've moved on. I'm getting married now and this is my fiancé. So, I suggest you leave me alone. Don't bother me again."

  The man narrowed his dark eyes. Tucker wasn't one to be intimidated by anyone, having worked on the ranch all his life, his body was toned and muscled, and his tall, broad frame was more than an equal match for the greasy-haired man standing in front in front of him.

  "Is that for real? You really her fiancé? He stabbed a finger in her direction. "You think you're some big man?"

  "I told you, I'm not yours!"

  Tucker held up his hand to the man, who backed off slightly. "Take it easy." He instinctively tightened his grip around her thick waist and couldn't help but note how nicely she fit up against him. "Yes, Joanna's my fiancée. I don't know who you are or what you want, but I suggest you leave us alone before I call security over there."

  The man shook his head in di
sgust but stepped away backward, eyeing them both up.

  "This isn't over Joanna. You're mine. You always will be, so don't ever forget that." He shot a look of disgust at Tucker and then turned on his heel and left the store.

  Tucker realized she was still holding onto him and vice versa. For some reason, he didn't want to let go. Even though she was doing her best to hide it, Tucker could tell she was shaken up by the deep flush running up the side of her neck. Who was this woman, holding onto him and proclaiming him to be her fiancé? Was she in some sort of trouble? Judging by the grease ball who just left, it was clear she was dealing with an ex who couldn't deal with rejection. Unfortunately, the ex-boyfriend looked dangerous and suddenly Tucker felt overcome with the desire to protect her.

  Who was this woman? And why was she having such an effect on him?

  Chapter 2

  Joanna

  "Thank you."

  It was all she could say even though it barely seemed appropriate or enough for what this stranger had just done for her. Joanna felt heat spread up to her face as she realized she was still holding on to him. There was something about him that made her feel safe and comfortable and, in that minute, she knew she could stay like this for hours, but she reluctantly loosened her grip and took a step back.

  She cleared her throat, still feeling shaken. Eric had come out of nowhere and the shock of seeing him, knowing that he had followed her here, was still coursing through her veins.

  "Are you okay? I'm Tucker by the way."

  His voice was soothing with a deep timber to his tone.

  "Yeah, I'm really sorry about that. As you know, I'm Joanna. Thank you so much for helping me out." She smiled and looked into the set of worried blue eyes staring at her. "I'll let you get on with your shopping."

  She began to back away.

  "Wait. What if he's waiting for you outside?"

  Joanna nodded. "Don't worry, I'll just run to my car or something."

  "No, don't do that. I'll walk you out. Can you wait a few minutes while I just pay for my shopping?"

  Joanna was touched by the kindness of this stranger. Sure, the people she'd worked with were kind, but she mostly kept herself to herself. She hadn't experienced this type of kindness in a very long time. Someone actually wanting to look out for her.

  Joanna waited patiently while he checked out his shopping and then they headed for the exit.

  "Do you see him anywhere?"

  Joanna scanned the car park. Eric's distinctive black van was parked up close to her car.

  "Yeah. Black van at nine o'clock."

  To her surprise, Tucker slipped his arm around her again while pushing the cart with his free hand. "Walk with me to my truck. We'll drive around for a bit and then we'll come back here once we know he's gone so you can get your car."

  "Are you sure? I don't want to cause any trouble for you."

  "No trouble at all. I don't trust that meat-head."

  Joanna smiled. She really appreciated his help, as she had no idea what Eric was capable of. There was something wrong with him, and she wasn't sure if it was a recent development or if love had blinded her.

  "Nice truck," she commented as she slipped inside.

  "Thanks." Tucker smiled and loaded up the food. Then he got in the truck and started up the engine. From her side mirror, she could just about make out the black van which hadn't moved.

  They exited the car park and Joanna breathed a sigh of relief.

  "Tucker, I'm really sorry to get you involved. I feel really bad for wasting your time like this."

  She glanced at his profile. The man was handsome as sin. His thick dark hair set off his piercing blue eyes. He'd grabbed his aviators as he pulled away, which gave him a movie-star aura. Surely, he had someone waiting for him back home? Joanna surprised herself by feeling a slight tremor of jealousy at the thought. She shook her head. What was she thinking?

  "So, boyfriend?"

  "Oh no. We broke up seven months ago. He's back in town and somehow thinks that he deserves another chance."

  Joanna looked out her open window at the cars driving past. Her hair was flying in her face, but she liked the fresh air and warm sun.

  "Looks like he's not taking no for an answer?"

  "Right. I just need to be firmer with him next time."

  "Do you live locally? On your own?"

  "Yeah, just by Lou's Diner in town. I was working there until yesterday, but I'm a free woman now."

  "Oh yeah, you didn't like your job?"

  "Nothing like that. They were great, but I've got some money saved up and I just wanted a month off before I leave."

  She turned to look at Tucker. He turned his head sideways to glance at her momentarily, though she couldn't see his eyes behind his shades. "You're leaving town?"

  "Yeah, I can't wait. I've got four weeks and then I'm heading to Florida for my new job on a cruise ship."

  Tucker let out a low whistle. "That's a big change."

  "I guess it is. But I've wanted to travel for a long time. After Eric left, it put a lot of things into perspective for me."

  Tucker was quiet. "Yeah, I get that," he finally said.

  They drove around for a little while longer in companionable silence and then before she knew it, they entered the store car park once again. Joanna felt a stab of disappointment that their time together was coming to an end. She also had no idea where these crazy thoughts were coming from.

  Thankfully, Eric's van was nowhere to be seen. She pointed out her car and Tucker pulled up beside it.

  "Tucker, I don't know what to say. You've really helped me out today. I'm not sure what I would've done if he'd cornered me out here again on my own." She smiled at him. She genuinely felt indebted to this man for his kindness. "If there's anything I can do to help you out of a bind in future..."

  Tucker pulled off his sunglasses. He seemed to be deep in thought while staring at her.

  "Tucker?"

  "Joanna. I know this sounds totally crazy, but just hear me out, okay? I think there is something you could do for me that would help me to no end."

  Joanna dropped her hand from the door handle. Tucker looked at her earnestly.

  "Okay? What can I do for you?"

  "Marry me."

  Joanna's jaw slackened and she looked at him incredulously. "You're kidding right?" She smiled and shook her head. "You almost had me going there for a moment."

  She watched Tucker's face for a hint that he would break into a grin. Tucker blew out a breath and turned to look out the front screen of the truck.

  "I know this sounds totally ridiculous, but I'm serious." He looked at her once again. "Will you just promise to hear me out?"

  "Okay. Go ahead. And I'll hold my opinion until you explain."

  "Thank you, Joanna." He smiled warmly at her and the corners of her mouth lifted in return.

  "So, I'm in a bit of a bad situation. Being the eldest of the family, my deceased grandfather decided that he wanted me to be settled before my thirty-first birthday."

  Joanna nodded waiting for him to continue.

  "Well, that's in four weeks."

  Joanna shrugged her shoulders. "Okay, I get that he'd like to have seen you settle before he passed, but what's the big deal if you're not married?"

  "That's just it. If I'm not married in four weeks, I'll lose my grandfather's share of the ranch. That's around seventy percent of our land to put it in perspective." Tucker tightened one hand around the steering wheel. "And the worst part is that my share will go to my cousin, who has no value for the ranch. He'd sooner sell it off to some big development company before the ink would've even dry on the paperwork."

  "Wow."

  "Yeah…and I can't do that. The ranch has been in the Burch family for over a century. It's part of our heritage." He lowered his voice. "It would kill us all, especially my mom for it to be sold off."

  "Tucker…. I'm so sorry, but I don't see how I can help you."

  "Tell me why y
ou're going away, Joanna?"

  She sighed. "As you have probably guessed, I've been in a bad relationship. Eric and I dated for three years, but when he left, I swore I would make something better of my life. I've always wanted to travel, so when the job on the cruise ship came up, it was the answer to all my problems." She ran a hand through her hair and tucked a strand behind her ear. "The money is decent, so I get to pay off my student loans….and I'll also get away from Eric."

  Tucker couldn't help it. His eyes narrowed. "So, your main reason is to get away, primarily from him, and to start over?"

  She nodded. "It is, mostly. He got back to town sometime last week and has been getting more persistent by the day. A few days ago, I called the cruise ship company to see if I could get on board a little earlier than planned so they bumped up my departure date."

  "Have you called the police? About Eric hassling you?"

  "No. Because he hasn't actually done anything to me. It's just not worth the hassle and the paperwork. I'll just lay low for the next few weeks and hope he gets the message."

  "Joanna, I know this way left-field, but please, if you could just consider my request-"

  "-Tucker! Do you realize that we barely know each other and were total strangers and an hour ago? And now you're proposing?" She laughed. "Do you realize how crazy you sound right now?"

  "I know, I know. But look, I really think it's the perfect solution. All I want is my land and in return, I need a temporary wife. I'm not asking for anything from you, just to sign some papers. In return, I'll pay off your debts, all your student loans, whatever you need."

  The offer squeezed her heart. Surely it was too good to be true. Joanna narrowed her eyes. "You can't buy me, Tucker."