The last place city girl Cecily Kennedy expected to end up was a cattle ranch.

But she needs a job-and refuge from her abusive soon-to-be-ex-husband.If only her new boss, Austin Wells, would make it clear whether he hates her or wants her. His gaze makes her feel things she hasn't in years. Though getting over her ex by getting under her grumpy boss isn't worth the potential fallout.Austin's a gruff, no-nonsense rancher who's seriously regretting letting his head cook hire her own help. As far as he's concerned, Cecily won't be sticking around for long. Nobody ever stays. And the wedding ring indent still on her finger makes her more trouble than she's worth.When Cecily's past catches up with her, Austin discovers that she's already placed a branding iron on his heart. He wants her to stay. First, he needs to keep her safe.

CW/TW: domestic violence (on page), physical violence (on page), death of parent and grandparent (discussed), troubled parent-adult child relationship (discussed), alcohol consumption (on page), ranching activities (branding, castration, vaccination, roping - on page), explicit sex scenes