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That stopped him, though he didn’t bother to face her.

“I mean it. Whatever you want, I can make it happen. I’m going to come into a lot of money after this summer. I don’t know what my uncle is paying you, but I’m sure I could double it. I get that you don’t care about that sort of stuff, but everyone needs money.”

Still, he didn’t turn around.

Hope flickered to life in her chest, and she gestured wildly at the barn. “Maybe you don’t want money, but this place? Your home? What if I offered to fund the build of another barn? I’ve watched you guys long enough to see how many people live here. Or how about another house? A small cottage just for you.” Harley was showing her cards, and she knew it. How else was she supposed to get the upper hand on him? She had to get on his good side somehow and then she could work her charm.

Once she stopped talking, the barn fell into silence. The only sound she could hear was a slight breeze blowing through the open doorway behind her. Even the animals seemed to be waiting for his response.

Mason faced her, his eyes narrowed. He didn’t trust her; that much was certain. Lucky for her, that would be an easy change. Harley flashed him her most flirtatious smile, but it did nothing to soften his expression. “You’re joking, right?” he said.

“Joking?”

He took a step toward her. “You realize that none of what you’re suggesting is making any sense. Money can’t solve all your problems—”

“You’re right,” she rushed to say. “Money can’t solve my problems, but you can. And money can help you.” She could feel her frustration rising. “Honestly, I don’t understand what you have against any of this. You’ve basically been offered a dream job with all the perks. All you have to do is the same kind of stuff you do here.”

“And teach you the ropes.”

“Is that so bad?” she demanded.

“It might be,” he said.

She gaped at him, her hands flying to her hips. “I’ll have you know, people love me.”

“I’m sure they do,” he said flatly. “I don’t happen to be one of them.” He turned again.

“Why not?”

He snorted. “I don’t have to explain myself. Not everyone has to like you.”

Harley had never been the kind of person to really care what other people thought of her. Not her mother, not her professors, not even her uncle. But there was some reason his words stung more than they should have. They left her breathless, but not in a good way.

Her face flushed hot at the same time as her whole body went cold. Mason wasn’t going to help her.

Karma.

That’s what her friends would have called this. She’d come here with less than stellar intentions and she was going to walk away with nothing. That’s what they would have said.

She refused to believe this was her fault.

“Fine. You don’t want to help me? I’ll leave you alone.” Harley let out a huff but only got a few steps before his voice stopped her.

“I didn’t say that.”

Spinning to face him, she waited for him to elaborate. When he didn’t, she moved toward him again. “So you do want to help me?”

“I didn’t say that either.” Mason turned partially. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, then dragged a ragged hand down his face. “I’ll take the job.”

“You’re going to help me?”

“I don’t know how much help I’m going to be.” He eyed her once more. “Who knows why your uncle wanted to hire me—”

“He probably thinks you’re the only one who can handle me.”

Mason lifted a brow.

“Or maybe he just thinks you’re gonna be harder to scare off.” She shrugged. “Frankly, I don’t care. All I want is a buffer.” And someone I can turn to be on my side. Harley squirmed beneath his stare.