Savannah could ask why the animals needed to be killed, but what did she know from cattle? Or hell, animals in general? Much less running a whole ranch. “Do I have to go there or can I just sign papers and get it off my back?”
“Go out there, check it out. You might just like the home.”
“Wait. I have a house? That’s all mine? Free and clear?” Her apartment was one thing, but a home of her own? She’d never had anything but a car growing up. And it was still twenty four more payments before that was technically hers.
“Nothing is free and clear. Your dad had a few mortgages and no life insurance.”
“You made me come here to try to trap me with debt,” Savannah accused.
“No, I made you come here hoping you’d go out the ranch and fix up the place. I’d also like to be your legal representative against Federated Gas.”
“Who’s that?”
“The company that broke EPA regulations and destroyed your ranch.”
“Can it be saved?” Why did she bother to ask that? Stupid! It wasn’t like she could actually become a rancher.
“You remind me of your dad, just don’t make the same mistakes he did.” Dean tossed a file to her. “The ranch is in Tender Root, at the edge of the county really, but Tender Root’s the closest town. It’s beautiful.”
“Just all the cow’s milk glows in the dark.”
“They’re beef cows.”
“My point exactly. I’m not a cowgirl.”
“Go to the ranch. Meet your aunt and uncle. Spend a few days. Maybe you’ll change your mind.”
“I have no money. No job. And no interest in livestock.”
“You’re a Winston,” Dean affirmed. “It’s in your blood.”
“My last name is Georgio. I have marinara in my blood.”
Clay slowed his truck and she saw him turning into a ranch with a sign over the top. Long Ranch. He pulled to the side and let down his window. “You’ve got about another thirty minutes, but it’s down that road. It’s the next ranch on the right. Drive slow. It turns into gravel in about a mile.
“Sorry about earlier,” she said. If for some strange reason she ended up staying around, the last thing she needed were enemies. If only she weren’t so good at making them.
“You’ve had a handful of shocks. I’ll give you a little leeway. Just know we’re your neighbors and around here, that means we help each other.”
What a foreign concept. She looked at his deep mahogany eyes and saw…truth. Was this why Dean wanted her to come here? To meet the people and somehow decide this was the life for her? Obviously, he had no idea how stubborn and stupid she could be. Even if this place was a palace, all she could do was destroy it, like she did everything in her life.
About the Author
Michel Prince is an author who graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes new adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance.
With characters yelling, "It's my turn damn it!" She tries to explain to them that alas, she can only type a hundred and twenty words a minute and they will have wait their turn. She knows eventually they find their way out of her head and to her fingertips and she looks forward to sharing them with you.
When Michel can suppress the voices in her head, she can be found at a scouting event or cheering for her son in a variety of sports. She would like to thank her family for always being in her corner and especially her husband for supporting her every dream and never letting her give up.
Michel has been awarded Elite Status with Rebel Ink Press in 2013, the service award for her local RWA chapter Midwest Fiction Writers in 2013 and 2015 and is a Pro member of RWA. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, and dog Bolt.
You can follow Michel on Facebook, Twitter or at her website.
Other Books by Michel Prince
The Guardian’s Heart-Book One of the Growing Strong Series
Nominated for Book of the Year 2013 By LASR
Case Thomas is always in control whether it’s on the basketball court, the lab where he works, or in his love life. He thinks he has everything all figured out. All that changes when his parents pass away during his last year of college and Case is thrown into fatherhood when he becomes temporary guardian to two adorable twin toddlers. Weeks later, exhausted and running out of time, Case must decide if he's ready to become a father to these children, or give them up and move on with what's left of his life. Then he meets Gabbie Vaulst.
Gabbie is amazing with the kids, owns her own business, and has all the right curves in all the right places. She can tell Case is attracted to her, but does he really love her or is he just settling for a surrogate Mom who can wrangle his new kids? Knowing that she's falling in love with him, she chooses to push him away until his world straightens out. Can Case prove to Gabbie, and himself, that his feelings are real? Or, is this sudden family too much for both of them to handle?
The odds, as well as members of their past who've come out of the woodwork, are against them, but when kids are involved, all bets are off.
The Queen’s Heart-Book Two of the Growing Strong Series
At the tender age of seventeen, Mary Beth discovered the family she thought would see her through anything couldn’t accept her one mistake. Thank goodness for her best friends that stepped up to support her decision to keep her child. Seven years later together with her friends, she’s created a successful business on the verge of a large expansion.
But the desire to be accepted by her family continues to be a failure that taints all her accomplishments and has her making concessions she never thought she would.
Elias Marquez was content with his life. He definitely wasn’t looking for the vibrant redhead down the hall from him. After a chance encounter, he can’t escape the need to be in her company again. He wants to explore the possibilities and the undeniable spark her touch inspires.
Torn between trying to right the past and accepting that she can only control her own life is Mary Beth truly ready for the love Elias is prepared to offer as a future?
The Politician’s Heart-Book Three of the Growing Strong Series
Karen Schroeder made the choice to be a politician. Her local success has caught the eyes of her party and she’s suddenly thrust into the national stage. She knows how to play the game and exactly who she needs to be, even if it’s not who she really is.
Sarah Lindstrom has never questioned her feelings, even when they made her believe her girlfriend would say yes to her proposal instead of breaking up with her. When she sees Karen Schroeder campaigning, the rush of attraction is undeniable. Sarah knows she’s been wrong before, but her feelings for Karen overwhelm any apprehension for this woman who’s trapped in the closet.
As the relationship grows, Sarah learns love can be the painful when the one you love can only be herself with the door is closed. More importantly, her love of Karen could cost her everything she’s worked for. Can love bloom when hidden in the dark?
The Teacher’s Heart-Book Four in the Growing Strong Series
There's no way Amanda Butler would ever let herself get attached to anyone. Sure, sex is fun, but love is for suckers. Her parents taught her that. She has her friends, a job she loves, and lots of fun flings. Everything she thinks she wants.
Ashton Gilmore is at a crossroads when he meets Amanda. She's every thing he's ever wanted in a real relationship, but she might have too much baggage for even this hot political fixer handle.
For the past few years, the women of Growing Strong Montessori have been discovering loves they’d never thought possible. Sans one, Mandy who has spent the last few years taking one hit after another and can’t see Ashton Gilmore as anything more than a bump in the road.
Ashton has to find a way to teach Mandy that love exists, before she gives up on the concept all together.
Silly Girl
Nominated for a RONE 2014
Are professional sports just children’s ga
mes played by oversized kids?
With an all-consuming focus, Matthias Jessup has sacrificed his body in pursuit of greatness. But while he’s enjoyed the spoils of being an elite athlete, the physical punishment can only be held at bay for so long. He knows his time is running out and he will have to face his future soon.
Sylvia Kinder is obsessed with Matthias' public image. But now, that her fantasy has walked into her life, could it possibly lead to a happy ending? She worries if there's any place for her in his world, much less his heart.
Drawn to each other on a chance meeting, Matthias must look off the court and discover the real world, while Sylvia will have to find the strength of self to not become lost in a world she doesn’t understand. But those who aren’t ready for a life after the game surround Matthias and are willing to do anything to keep him on the court.
Kiss from a Rose: A Red Hot Valentine Story
Jenna Turner wasn’t looking for anything but a quick bite to eat when she met the sexy peace officer Marcus Peterson. While Jenna has always been singularly focused on her next big promotion at work, suddenly she’s distracted by alluring texts from Marcus.
His evocative words and her naughty responses invoke emotions neither seem ready for, and luckily, neither have room in their busy lives to follow through on all their sexting.
Can two career driven people find the time to take their relationship to the next level? Or, will careers and the pressure to achieve goals cause the end to a budding love?
One Last Rodeo: A Red Hot and Boom! Story
Betsy Flynn's star is rising as she serves as the color sports reporter for the local CBS affiliate. Her focus, knowledge, and high heels have become a staple along every sideline in Minneapolis, but a rodeo has come to Minnesota and this Texas transplant will have to go back to her roots.
Five years ago, pick-up man JT Long chose his best friend’s rodeo career over the love of his life, Betsy. As JT’s rodeo shows up in Northern Minnesota, he quickly realizes his chances of winning Betsy back are getting slim as he learns he only has one last rodeo to win her heart.
*Break out the fireworks and get ready to kick off your summer with this HOT new collection of stories. One Last Rodeo is part of the Red Hot and BOOM multi-author series (stands alone for reading enjoyment)
Mask of Fire: A Red Hot Treat
Barton Nuril has attended the Harvester's Gala for more years than most. He'd given up the dream that a woman would want him for more than copulation until a dark haired beauty he dubs Fire fights to get him in bed. Even as those from his province plot to take down the establishment and all its traditions, Barton for once, is discovering love may exist
Abigail Stone knew the Rules chapter and verse. Even as others perverted their purpose, Abby stayed true and attended the Harvester's Gala to find her soul mate. Just as she feels she's found him the fates step in between omens and a battle no one could have foretold Abby is sure her choice is doomed. Will she see beyond her traditions and still stay within the rules to find love?
Can love ignite when one believes it no longer exists and the other fears the fates have doomed the union?
Shared Redemption-Book One of the Frozen Series
Former slave Nye ended his life in 1859 after losing his love. The angel Gabriel has offered Nye a chance at redemption by hunting demons as a member of the Frozen. With less than seven years left until his salvation, Nye is staying on the straight and narrow – until a woman gets caught in the crossfire during a demon hunt.
After receiving devastating news, Kiriana Kladshon moves across the country, only to get caught up in the world of The Frozen. Nye and Kiriana are pulled into an attraction neither can control. Will it be their ultimate demise or their greatest salvation?
Damarion, is leading a group of female demons on a mission. During his punishment on Earth, Damarion learns of dangers within his coven trying to stop him from returning to his love, still trapped in Hell and A love he was so sure was true...
Redemption of Blood-Book Two of the Frozen Series
Trisha O’Driscoll started tending bar to give her a free schedule and quick cash. She never thought the young solider that wandered in with a fake ID would want a woman almost twenty-years-older. Although they drew the line at commitment, Trisha can’t help falling for this mysterious stranger and his dark past.
James Schmitt took his life to escape his pain. The offer from Gabriel for salvation gave him a chance to take responsibility for his actions, but his inner demons won’t stop tormenting him. Gabriel gave but one order—protect his partner Kiriana at any cost. And he’ll be damned if he lets anyone down ever again.
Princess LaDressa, daughter of Lucifer, has come for revenge on the woman who slew her beloved Damarion. Kiriana holds his ashes, and with them, his only chance for resurrection. One way or another, LaDressa will be united with her love.
Stolen Redemption-Book Three of the Frozen Series
Esther, Vincent, and Pivane thought they knew what side they were on.
When Esther became Frozen, she thought she'd spend the rest of her afterlife searching for salvation. She never thought she'd find it in the arms of a small town detective.
Vincent thought a small town would be just the place to bury his past. Mount Pleasant, Iowa is a sweet town on paper, the kind of town a guy could forget his feelings and live to serve and protect. He didn't count on meeting Esther and having the gates of his hearts forced open again.
With all his rivals captured or injured, Pivane is poised to finally become leader of his demon clan and make all his dreams come true. However, even his black heart can be touched by love. A love he’d have to throwaway everything for.
They thought they knew whose team they were on, but love changes everything.
Chrysalis-Book one of the Chrysalis Series
Winner of the Interracial Romance Author Expo Sweetest Romance 2015
In the annals of dysfunctional families, the Chisholm’s are working their way to the top. Drug abuse, an unwed mother with multiple fathers, and the questionable cash flow for the 'pretty one'. All this from a seemingly normal, two parent middle class family. But were the choices truly made of their free will?
Bad choices are a Chisholm family trait, one that confounds the youngest child, Ellie, who's trying to separate herself by making smart decisions. And falling for Oscar Jeffreys, the hottest guy at school, would be number one on the list of Chisholm family disasters. Yet the crazy part is it’s not a one sided attraction. Somehow, Ellie has caught Oscar Jeffreys’ eye. Sure, she could see the barriers between them. Race, age, popularity. They were at opposite ends of the spectrum. But a demon set to destroy her family? She can't see that.
Oscar provides security and acceptance Ellie never imagined she deserved. As the passion of first love grows, Ellie honestly believes she has a chance to beat the odds and live a happy, normal life. Then her world collapses around her. With the help of a guardian angel, Ellie learns of a world that has unknowingly surrounded her for years. And she'll have to find strength buried deep inside to save not only her future, but flush out and stop the demon in her midst.
Ellie will have to learn that sometimes the hardest lesson about growing up is accepting that you're worth more.
The Beam-Book Two of the Chrysalis Series
When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.-Corinthians 13:11
There comes a time in everyone’s life when they must put aside their childish ways. In the past year, Ellie Chisholm has fallen into the security of her relationship with Oscar Jeffreys, emerging with a stronger sense of herself. But now Ellie's mother has started inserting herself into Ellie’s life, treating her as if she were a child even though Ellie has begun to make very adult decisions for her future. Having finally consummated her relationship with Oscar, Ellie learns the powers inside of her stretch further than vaporizing demons.
Maria, th
e demon bent on revenge, has been reigned in by God but that doesn’t stop her from disrupting and threatening those around Ellie and Oscar. Ellie becomes off balance as Maria switches strategy and attempts to destroy Ellie from the outside. Now the gauntlet has been thrown down. Ellie must help her family achieve positive change and finally break the tie between her mother and Gaap or risk losing everyone she loves.
Can Ellie maintain her sanity while walking the last steps as a child?
One Last Sunset (The Long Ranch Series Book 1) Page 17
