At that moment, it all feels so real. Nerves start to dance inside my stomach, but I inhale deeply to suppress them. There’s no going back. Although I’m here, I still can’t believe Riley Carrington selected me as her assistant for the summer.
After quick salutations, the chauffeur grabs my luggage and I follow him to the black limo. The hour trip north to Riley’s place is more beautiful than I ever suspected. Let’s face it, I’m a city girl. I grew up in the Windy City and I’ve been living in the Big Apple for the past four years. I’ve never ventured into the countryside and this rural experience is quite new to me. I’m a fish out of water, but I’m so looking forward to this opportunity of a lifetime.
I spend most of the ride surfing on my iPad, obsessed with learning as much as I can to make a good first impression. I’m so immersed in my research, I’m surprised when the stretched car slows down. I lift my head to find out what’s causing the change of speed. A large sign reads, Grand Valley Colorado Grass-Fed Angus Beef & Natural Meat Ranch.
Angus Beef Ranch?
I don’t think I’m at the right location. Riley is a food blogger, not a cattle rancher. She lives in a beautiful home on spectacular land overlooking a magnificent organic garden. None of the photos on her blog post ever suggested she lived on a ranch. Confused, I lean in to ask if the chauffeur has made a mistake.
“I’m sorry, but are you sure we’re at the right address?” I ask as I show him my iPhone with the last message Riley sent me.
“Yes, ma’am. Miss Riley lives here with her brother. He’s owned this land for a few years now.”
“Oh. I see.”
Riley talks about her kids and she also talks about her nanny-slash-housekeeper Isadora Bennett, but she never mentioned her brother.
Maybe it slipped her mind. I’m a bit taken aback, but I’ll roll with it. After all, it’s only for a few months.
“Thank you so much.” I fish through my bag to pull out a few bills to pay for my ride.
The chauffeur looks at the money and back at me. “Thank you, ma’am, but the ride’s been taken care of. You don’t have to worry about a thing.”
“Of course,” I mutter uncomfortably. “Will you at least accept a tip?”
“I’ve already been well tipped. This isn’t the big city, ma’am. We do things different around here.”
“Apparently so. Thanks again for the ride.” I open the door and I circle the limo to meet the chauffeur to retrieve my bags from the trunk.
“I’m sure you’ll enjoy your stay here. The Carringtons are real good people.”
“I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy myself here. Thank you,” I respond, smiling.
I watch the black car drive off and I close my eyes as I inhale deeply.
My God, this is it.
When I open my eyes again, I’m struck by the contrast of scenery compared to the skyscrapers I’m used to seeing everyday in Manhattan. It’s so green and so wide. The sky seems so blue, lined with puffy white clouds, and the majestic mountains make it so picturesque. I’m so ready for a fresh start.
After a short communion with nature, I grab my luggage and I roll them towards an impressive-looking house, grinning like a kid going on a field trip. I guess this is home away from home now. I’m just about to climb the first step when a deep chocolatey voice speaks to my right.
“You must be Allison.”
I turn around and my jaw drops when I face a tall, rugged and extremely handsome man.
He’s hot.
Correction. He’s smoldering.
Good Lord, does he work with my new boss? I don’t think I can handle having to see him every single day.
“Welcome to our ranch. I’m Jake, Riley’s brother. I was keeping an eye out for you, but I got caught up with a phone call in my office and I just noticed the car driving away.”
Holy Jesus. My insides flip when he flashes me a heart-arresting smile. I didn’t know Riley shared her home with a freaking GQ model. When the chauffeur talked about her having a brother, I surely didn’t expect him to look, well, delicious.
“Oh, thank you,” I respond, mesmerized by the hotter-than-hell stud standing in front of me.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Jake extends his hand and I’m in such a daze I simply stare at it and forget all my good manners.
It takes me a few seconds to realize I’m acting like an idiot and I drop my luggage in a hurry to shake his hand. Since he caught me by surprise, the suitcases I was holding crash to the ground and Jake lunges forward to grab them.