Page 2 of Resisting Isaac

I grab the box and reach for my hat.

“If that’s all you needed me for, I’ll just head?—”

“Isaac, wait,” Ivy says gently, turning toward me. “We do have something else to talk to you about. Something serious.”

I set the box back down. “What’s up?”

Wyatt’s eyes are tight when he nods to a manilla folder I hadn’t noticed before. “There’s a contract in there for you.”

“For me?”

He nods. “The production studio is going to pay you two-fifty to run the six-week cowboy training camp for the actors and possibly a stunt double for the male lead if needed. But there are stipulations.”

My brain catches on the dollar amount. “Two fifty, as in?—”

“A quarter of a million dollars,” my brother clarifies. “But there are some strict rules in there you might have a hard time following.”

“One in particular is a cause for concern for you specifically,” Ivy adds.

I snort. “Who do I look like? Caleb?” I gape at them. “I don’t have any trouble following rules.” I huff out a loud heavy breath directed at my brother. “I pretty much follow your damn orders all day long.”

“Yeah, then after work you act like a wild buck in the middle of the rut.”

At that, I grin. “I work hard so I play hard. Life is all about balance, brother.”

Ivy closes her eyes and gives a small shake of her head. “Read the contract before you sign it, please. It’s important. Not only could violating it cancel your training camp, but it could cost the ranch the income if the production company decides not to film here because of any type of…indiscretion.”

I open my mouth to argue, but Ivy holds up a hand. “Your middle name is indiscretion.”

“My middle name is Archer.”

The audacity of these two. I can behave.

My brother gives me a hard stare.“If you want to argue with my wife, be my guest. It’s pointless though—take my word for it.”

I nod to the chandelier I’m about to hang in the hen house. “Gathering that.”

They glance at one another, then back at me.

“Well?” I prompt, folding my arms across my chest. “Is that all, Mom and Dad? Or is there more?”

“Don’t get your feelings hurt, precious.” My brother sighs while giving me a disapproving frown. “Antonio will be warning the ranch hands, too. Everyone that interacts with the talent will sign this same agreement. But it’s legally binding, Isaac. I need you to understand that. The last thing the production company or this ranch needs is a lawsuit because you couldn’t keep your hands or other various body parts to yourself.”

“The talent?” I snort. “Is that what we’re supposed to call these fancy folks we’re not allowed to touch for fear we might dirty them up?”

Ivy steps toward me. “If any of the actors get involved with an employee at the ranch, they’d likely be fired, too,” she says softly. “There’s a lot on the line here. For everyone.”

Ivy’s wide hazel eyes plead with mine as she hands the folder over. She’s impossible to be upset with. I can see why Wyatt gives into her demands so easily. I’ve already made up my mind to hang this damn light fixture myself because it’s likely Colter lied about having electrical experience.

“I’ll sign it and I’ll be on my best behavior, Scout’s honor,” I tell her.

She smiles but Wyatt side eyes me as I lay the folder atop the chandelier box and slide my hat back onto my head.

“You weren’t in the Scouts,” he mutters.

I tip my hat at him and head toward the door.

“Thank you for hanging my chandelier. And oh,” Ivy callsout to my back. “Watch out for Sophia. The oldest hen. She’s crankier than usual lately.”