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He cleared his throat. “So, you need to turn the key. See that green light?” He pointed to the dash. “That means we’re in neutral. Flick this switch to ‘On’ and then press that red button with your thumb.”

I did as he said and the engine roared to life. He lowered his lips to my ear so I could hear him above the noise. His breath was warm on my cheek, and when his stubble tickled my lobe, a small shiver rippled through me.

Shep explained how to accelerate, brake, and shift gears. It sounded straightforward, but I was still a tad nervous.

“Here goes.” I pressed the thumb throttle, and the bike crept forward. I applied it a little harder to increase speed. Ranger bounded along next to us while keeping pace.

We meandered along trails, Shep showing which way to go, but I was too focused on the track to take in the surroundings. We found the fence line and followed it, looking for damage.

“There’s a spot up ahead we need to stop at. I noticed it last time I was up here,” he said.

I eased on the brakes, and the bike came to a stop. Shep showed me how to shut it down.

“Holy shit, that was awesome.” I pressed my palms to my cool cheeks and tried to smooth down my windblown hair.

“You did great.” He hopped off first, wearing a proud grin.

“You’re an excellent teacher.” I returned his smile. He held out his big hand to help me off, and I took it without hesitating.

It was so serene in the forest. The earthy, woodsy scent was calming and the crisp air awakened the senses. Sunshine filtered through the foliage and when a light wind blew, leaves of every autumn hue glided to the ground. The only sounds were birds calling and Shep’s movements as he worked. I was more isolated than I’d ever been in my life, and I loved it.

Ranger barked in the distance. Shep didn’t appear concerned, so I assumed this was normal behavior for the pointer. A rustle of the nearby undergrowth sounded his return.

“Shep!” I yelped and shimmied up onto the bike to put some space between me and Ranger.

“What is it?” He was on his way to me in an instant.

I pointed at his dog. “There’s something in his mouth.” Something small, fluffy, and no longer alive. Ranger sat in front of me like he was offering a sacrifice. He seemed pretty satisfied with his kill if the intense wagging of his tail was anything to go by.

“It’s only a rabbit.” Shep adjusted his ball cap before patting Ranger on the head. “Good boy.”

I wriggled back further. “Erm, why is he still sitting there staring at me with a corpse in his mouth?”

Shep tried to hold back a smile. It wasn’t working. “My guess? He’s waiting for you to tell him he’s a good boy, otherwise he’s going to be heartbroken.”

It was worth a try. “Oh, okay. Good boy, Ranger.” My gut roiled at the floppy bundle cradled in his jowls. He dropped his gift at my feet and returned to the bushes.

I hoped he wasn’t hunting for another one.

I wandered to where Shep worked. “Is there anything I can help with?” I’d never repaired a fence before, but I was good with tools.

I tried not to stare at his delicious biceps and corded forearms as he twisted thick wire around an upright timber log. “Can you grab the cutters?” He nodded toward the tool bag on the back of the quad bike.

“Sure.”

I did like he asked, and as I returned, I couldn’t help but appreciate how capable he was with his hands. He knew what he was doing out here. The country boy with a fetish for guns, and the most lethal human I could ever imagine. And yet to me he wasn’t frightening or cruel. Serious, yes, but also charming, kind, and thoughtful.

I handed him the wire cutters and our fingers brushed with the exchange. The small contact sent a tingle across my skin, the sensation foreign but not unwelcome. His eyes shot to mine for the briefest of moments, and heat pooled at my core.

Shit. I needed to stop this foolishness right now. Becoming friends and flirting with Shep? That was trouble enough. But craving anything more was sheer stupidity.

Why did he have to be so damned caring and sweet? No. I wouldn’t fall for him. My life was plenty wretched without having my heart broken when I had to leave the country.

He glanced at me after trimming the wire. “You all right? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“It’s nothing.” I shook my head and wiped sweaty palms down my shirt. “I guess I was worrying about Justin and thinking about the move to Australia.”

And shouldn’t I be doing that instead of lusting after Shep? What the hell was wrong with me?