The Rancher’s Fake Girlfriend: Radford Ranch Brothers, #3

By Leslie North

They lied to the town. But their hearts know the truth…

 

No one has ever taken rancher Chad Radford seriously—not even himself. So when he tries to join the board of the cattleman's union, most folks in town think it's just a joke. But for once in his life, Chad's ready to get serious…

 

To prove he can be trusted, Chad convinces single mom Hannah Smith to pretend they're in a relationship together. Which is fine with Hannah, who's being harassed by a persistent ex. Their charade works, and people start to see Chad in a better light. But he can't deny his heart beats faster when the beautiful Hannah is by his side…

 

All Hannah wants for her and her daughter is a quiet place to live, far away from the mess of her past. And if being in a fake relationship with Chad will help the locals accept her, she's all for it. But when her attraction starts feeling all too real, Hannah is faced with the most difficult decision of her life.

 

One that could break the tenuous trust of a man she's falling in love with…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Relay Publishing
• Release date: Dec 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201942649

Book preview

1

If the scowl on his face didn’t tell the world he was in a crappy mood, the slamming door definitely did.

Morning, Chad! His sister-in-law Noelle smiled at him from behind the counter at Magpie Bakery as she filled a display tray with cranberry scones. When she looked up and saw his expression, she froze. What’s wrong?

The advantage of coming to the bakery was that Noelle was the best damn baker he’d ever met, and she gave Chad the family discount. The disadvantage was that she was also nosy as hell, and now that she was married to Jett—his bossy oldest brother who still treated Chad like he was a twelve-year-old in need of constant supervision—she’d started thinking she was justified in prying into Chad’s business.

He shrugged and threw himself into a chair in the back corner of the cheerful bakery. Nothing. He wrenched his hat off and tossed it on the table.

You’ve never been a good liar, she said, wiping her hands on the front of her apron. The usual?

Please.

You’re staying?

Yep.

Chad hunched over the table as the sound of the cattlemen’s laughter reverberated in his head. He shut his eyes and tried the deep breathing technique Shane had taught him, the one his former rodeo star brother used to use to calm himself before a tough ride.

Didn’t help.

He still wanted to flip a few tables.

Here, Noelle said, placing a cup of black coffee and a cinnamon sugar morning roll in front of him. I warmed it up, just how you like it.

Thanks. He gulped the coffee then ripped off a piece of bun like he was angry at it.

Noelle pulled out the chair next to Chad and sat down, concern etched on her usually smiling face. Hey. She reached out and placed her hand on top of his. What’s going on with you?

Chad was about to give her another evasive non-answer when someone swept out from the back room. Noelle’s new employee. Both Noelle and Jett had mentioned her in passing, but Chad hadn’t had the chance to meet her. He usually only came into town from the ranch once a week or so, and while he always stopped in at the bakery, she was normally doing hands-on work in the kitchen whenever he was there. So he’d seen her, but never spoken to her before. He kept forgetting her name, but there was no way he could forget her face—or the rest of her. She had the irresistible combination of dark hair, wide green eyes, and an ass that made him want to thank her momma. She was exactly the kind of girl he could usually win over with a smile and a few two-steps, then take her home for some dancing between the sheets.

Noelle squeezed his hand. Hey, did you hear me, or are you too busy drooling over Hannah?

Hannah. He wouldn’t forget her name again. But once he dragged his eyes away from her, his current problems crashed over him again.

He scowled and considered putting Noelle off again … but he knew that she’d get it out of him eventually. And the cinnamon sugar morning roll was pretty amazing. Maybe he should make her happy and tell her what was going on. I just left the Cattlemen’s Association meeting. Turns out Ralph Evans is retiring after fifteen years, and they’re going to be electing a chairman in a month. And I want a shot at it.

That’s a great idea! You’ve worked at so many ranches, and you’ve got a different perspective than all those old-timers who’ve only ever worked their own ranches.

Exactly! He slammed his hands on the table. That’s what I think! I’ve done time on ranches from Oregon to Virginia and everywhere in between. I’ve basically got a traveling cattleman’s degree, and they’ve been doing the same thing the same way forever.

You’re right. Noelle nodded supportively. And Radford Ranch shouldn’t be the only property that benefits from everything you’ve learned.

I know, he said as he ripped another hunk off the morning roll. "But when I said I wanted to run, they laughed. He chewed faster, washing the bite down with a sip of coffee, trying—and failing—to swallow some of the bitterness he felt, too. They thought I was kidding."

But why …

Hank Greeley pulled me aside in the parking lot after the meeting ended. We’ve always had an understanding, me and Hank. He told me that the board members know that I have strong ideas, but they don’t see me in a leadership position. The roll was gone now. He shoved the empty plate across the table.

Noelle was quiet.

"Look, I know people think I’m the spare Radford. Jett’s the head of the family business, the one who knows how to get everything done; Shane’s the soul, the horse whisperer who can get an animal to do anything he wants; and I’m the comic relief. I get that. But it’s not like I’ve had a chance to show what I can do. How can I compete with my brothers if no one will take me seriously?"

It’s not a competition, Noelle said softly.

Chad let out a joyless laugh. "Yeah, tell that to the Cattlemen’s Association. Someone actually mentioned Jett’s name as a contender for Ralph’s seat. Jett hasn’t been to a meeting in years! I’m the one who goes to every meeting."

I’m sorry, she said. But I bet there’s a way you can change their minds. You’ve got a while to campaign. I could help you. The first thing we could do—

Chad shook his head. Noelle, thanks, but I’m not ready to get into logistics right now. Not while he was still fuming, stuffed full of bitterness and hurt. But none of that was her fault. He gave her a weak smile as an apology for cutting her off. I want to focus on this fine cup of coffee and think about the day ahead.

And maybe daydream about that pretty thing behind the counter. Chad craned his neck to catch another glimpse of her.

Hannah.

She went outside to change the chalkboard, Noelle said with a grin.

What?

I see you looking for Hannah.

I wasn’t. I was seeing if Tania was here. Noelle’s other employee, Tania, had a bit too much of an edge to her to be Chad’s type, but she was still a lot of fun to joke around with.

Yeah, right. I saw you checking her out. And I approve. Hannah and her daughter are still finding their way here in Kingsley. She could use a friend. Or more. Noelle winked and punched Chad’s shoulder lightly.

You think?

Noelle’s teasing smile faded. Between you and me, she’s a little closed off. I’m not sure how she ended up in Kingsley because she doesn’t talk about herself much. I think she’s had a rough go of it—I get the sense that this is a fresh start for her. But she’s a hard worker, she’s dependable, and obviously she’s cute as hell.

You ain’t kidding, Chad answered, spotting her outside in front of the front picture window.

She’s really good at chalk art, too, which is great because Tania and I both write like kindergarteners. Noelle gazed outside then stood up quickly. Shoot, that jackass is back. I banned him from coming in, but I guess he thinks the sidewalk is fair game.

Chad’s face clouded at the sight of Tripp Hamilton’s hulking frame. Growing up in the same small town, Chad and the other rancher were close enough in age that they’d always been aware of each other—and they’d never gotten along. Calling him a jackass was putting it mildly. Is Tripp bothering her?

Noelle nodded. They went on a few dates when she first got here, before any of us could warn her about what he’s like. Mr. Possessive seems to think that Hannah’s got a Hamilton brand on her now, and he won’t leave her alone. It’s bad, but it’s not bad enough that we can involve the police.

Yeah, but you can involve me, Chad said, putting on his hat and standing up abruptly.

Well, if it isn’t Mr. Chad Radford, Tripp said in an overly friendly voice as Chad came outside. Or should I say, the future chairman of the Cattlemen’s Association. He smirked.

Tripp, he replied with a terse nod, then glanced at Hannah. She seemed caved into herself, with her arms hugged tightly around her torso. Tripp was standing too close, like he was about to grab her and sweep her into an unwanted embrace at any second.

Chad took a step towards her and extended his hand, so that his body was in between hers and Tripp’s. Hi, my apologies that we haven’t formally met yet, but I’ve seen you around. I’m Chad.

Hi. Hannah. She shot him a grateful look and shook his hand.

Something passed between them in the handshake, in the way she gripped his hand and clung to it for a second longer than was necessary. Chad straightened his back and turned to face Tripp, staying in between him and Hannah.

What are you up to, Tripp?

Oh, not much, really. Just saying hello to my special little lady right here. Trying to convince her to let me take her to a fancy dinner on Friday. She says she’s busy, but she won’t tell me doing what. He tried to edge around Chad, but settled for creepy staring when Chad wouldn’t budge. And what’s more important than me, darlin’?

Chad knew that Tripp never backed down without a fight, and he was likely to push even harder with Chad watching. Rather than set the stage for a confrontation, he opted to freeze him out before he had a chance to heat up.

Work, that’s what, Chad said before Hannah could answer. Noelle has a huge wedding this weekend. She told me she’s not going to make it to the family dinner on Friday night because she’s going to be frosting cupcakes or something. The lie came easily to Chad because it was something that happened frequently. He hoped Hannah would play along. Was it cupcakes, or am I getting it confused with another event?

No, no, it’s cupcakes, Hannah replied in a shaky voice. She’s frosting the main cake and I’m taking care of the mini cupcake favors. Three hundred of them, actually.

Chad shot her a quick smile for catching on. Wow, that’s gonna be a long night!

Tripp leaned on the chalkboard sign that Hannah had been working on, his jeans rubbing up against the lettering she’d just completed. You’ll be here at the bakery on Friday? Maybe I’ll swing by with dinner, and you can take a break with me.

Um … I’m not …

No need, Chad said, jumping in again. Shane’s wife, Matilda, is making her famous fried chicken, and I’m delivering it to them. Sorry. His shit-eating grin had the exact effect he was hoping for; Tripp scowled.

The door to the bakery opened and Noelle stepped out. How’s the sign coming, Hannah? Are these boys in your way?

Tripp and I were just leaving so she can finish up, Chad said.

I might stop by on Friday evening anyway, Tripp said as he backed away from the trio. "Since you ladies are going to be here alone all night."

We might not hear you knocking, Hannah said, finally finding her voice. We’ll be in back. You won’t even be able to tell that we’re here; it’ll be completely dark in the main part of the shop.

Chad liked how Hannah leaned into the lie.

Tripp pulled his phone from his back pocket. Then I’ll use this.

Bye, Tripp. Noelle said with finality. Hannah, back to work, please. And no more breaks, do you understand? Chad saw the quick wink she gave Hannah.

I do, Hannah replied, gathering the chalk she’d dropped.

A few minutes later Tripp sped by in his gleaming black pickup and honked his horn.

Looks like my work here is done, ladies. Chad turned to Hannah and touched the brim of his hat. Nice to meet you. I’m sure I’ll see you here again.

Chad certainly hoped so.

2

I watched the whole thing through the window, Tania said as Noelle and Hannah came back in the shop. "When will he learn ? Such a creeper."

You okay? Noelle asked Hannah, draping a protective arm around Hannah’s shoulder.

She nodded. On the surface, yes, she was fine, but deep inside she felt like a shaky mess. The way Tripp treated her, as if she belonged to him, felt frighteningly familiar. Even though she’d put those days far behind her, it didn’t take much to dredge up the old feelings of dread.

Should we just call it like it is? Tania asked as she hopped up on the counter behind the display case. "The man is a full-on stalker. And you’re not the first, Hannah. Every few months he finds a new woman to obsess over. For a while it was my friend Cassidy. They went on a few dates and she really liked him at first. But then he started getting possessive of her and demanding that she spend all of her time with him. He even cracked her passcode and went through her cell phone! He followed her around for months—not backing off until she found a new boyfriend who wasn’t afraid to tell Tripp that Cassidy definitely wasn’t available anymore. That finally got through to him … and then he went off to find his next target."

I’d say you dodged a bullet, getting him to go away, Noelle said to Hannah.

But did I? she asked. Yeah, he left for now—but he won’t stay gone forever. It sounds like I’m on the exact same path as your friend, just because I was dumb enough to go out with him in the first place. I met him at the grocery store right after Aria and I moved here. He was really sweet to her, and I was feeling lonely. When he asked me out … well, of course I said yes. She shrugged and looked sheepish. He’s a good-looking guy. I wanted to keep it casual. I’m not looking for a relationship at this point. But after three dates it went from us just hanging out to him calling and texting me nonstop, driving by my house late at night to make sure I was there, and leaving presents on the porch for Aria—totally ignoring the fact that she’d never really warmed up to him. It was weird. She shuddered. It made me feel even better about my decision not to get serious about anyone. Not anytime soon, at least.

Not exactly dream date material, Noelle said.

Not even close, Hannah replied.

But Chad, on the other hand … Chad Radford was another story entirely. He’d been so smooth with the Tripp situation. He’d used his brain to get Tripp to back down instead of puffing up like a tough guy and turning it into the kind of confrontation that would have made Tripp