Olivia held the money that she earned working at the ranch in her pocket like a treasure. At the general store she picked out the cheapest fabric she could possibly find. The ones she admired were too expensive. With the one she bought she'll have enough for the curtains and she was sure that there would be leftovers for making the apron she needed.

Olivia happily snuggled her purchase close to her chest as she hurried out of the store and walked down the narrow dirt path back to the little cottage. 

She was so excited that she started her project as soon as she got home, and if she worked until late, she just might be able to finish it in one night. While she was sewing her mind wandered back to Austin Jade. 

When she helped on the ranch she was well aware of Austin's stare. He was very handsome! Yes. Should she daydream about him? No. Austin was too rich and too powerful to consider a girl like Olivia for anything more than a fling and she knew that. Olivia might be as poor as a church mouse, but she had an idea how things are viewed in society.

Olivia went to a little local school for a few months before her mom passed away. Wilma, the cook at one of the ranches down South continued teaching her, and taught her how to read and write. 

At nineteen most of the girls she knew were married. It wasn't she didn't want a family of her own, and Maybe one day she'll meet the right guy to marry. Sometime she dreamed about it, but for now she couldn't leave her dad.

When the door opened she looked up.

"Liv, you're still working? It's getting late, tomorrow is another day. Don't strain your eyes by the lamp," her dad came inside after having a few puffs of his tobacco pipe. 

Olivia already knew he'll say something. He did always worry about her.

"I won't be long dad. I'm almost finished. I'll give it the last touches tomorrow. Good night." The old oil lamp flickered when he closed the door of his room. Olivia just smiled at her dad's care for her and continued with her little task. It was midnight before she made it to bed.

Austin decided to question his new employee, maybe he'll find out who she is. He could ask his housekeeper, but that would be too obvious. He didn't want to give anyone reason to suspect his interest in the young girl. For a week now every day he found some excuse to go to Kenth. Every one of his trips was made in anticipation of seeing her, but so far he didn't have any luck. He hadn't seen her since the day she was at the ranch.

His plans to avoid Victoria fell in the water. It was just too busy at the ranch, and he knew if he left, his brothers would likely follow him. He rode out early to the pastures and not come back until late. That gave him minimal exposure to the self-centered Victoria. This day's Austin simply didn't have the patience for her constant demands. 

His head was filled with an image of the golden hair and violet eyes. Instead of wasting time avoiding Victoria the idea of helping at the stalls entered his mind. Albert might have more information about the object of his thoughts.

Albert couldn't understand his boss's sudden desire to spend the day mucking out stalls alongside him. Why did his employer ask him the questions about his previous employment and living arrangements? Albert couldn't figure it out.

Austin tried everything to steer the conversation to Albert's personal life, but despite his attempts his hired hand didn't mention the girl. He was disappointed as for the next few days he wouldn't have time to work alongside Albert. Victoria found out his hideaway, and discovered her profound interest in horses. That meant he'll be too busy avoiding their guest, and he'll need again to ride out in the mornings far from her reach.

Victoria was beautiful, until she opened her mouth. It was then and there her beauty ended. She never appealed to Austin beyond being a family friend. He didn't have plans on getting married anytime soon. As far he was concerned all the matchmaking parents were wasting their time.

It was a few days later and he felt irritated and his brothers were having quite a laugh at his expense. Victoria followed him everywhere demanding his attention.

One morning, all four of them just got ready to ride out when she showed up in her fancy suit and insisted she comes along. It took Austin a few moments but he came up with an excuse to leave her behind. 

"We are out to herd the cattle Victoria, and that is not a job for a young lady like you. Maybe next time when we go riding." Austin was pleased with himself. He managed to avoid her company, and safely rode a distance before stopping. 

Donald, Wes, and Nolan were holding their sides, bending over in laughter. For they knew how much he disliked having her around. He'd have to deal with them later. He nudged his horse forward into a gallop and disappeared quickly from view leaving them behind. 

Austin made a last round on the southern pasture and noticed that the river went down and the banks were exposed.

He could clearly spot wolf tracks in the mud, that represented a danger for herds of cattle in this part of the pasture. Wolves were a big problem for ranchers. Austin managed to track the wolf down and had to shoot it. Unfortunately, he had already killed one of the calves.

He got back to the house and prepared himself for a long evening. The table was set, the rich dishes of all kinds steamed from the fancy China set; their aromas filling the air. All day out in the open increased his appetite.

His mother always made sure there was extra food any time they had company. It wasn't like they didn't eat well rest of the time, but when there were guests there was more of a variety.

After dinner the evening went on for what seemed like forever, and Austin was bone tired. He settled himself in a leather chair by the open fireplace with a whiskey in his hand. This way, when Victoria was finished with playing the piano, she won't be able to find a seat beside him. Austin watched the flames shoot up from a log and in it he kept seeing a heart shape face with deep violet eyes. Her name was still unknown to him.

It intrigued him way more than he wanted or cared for. 

In upcoming days Austin spent more time with his new worker, who proved to be a valuable and knowledgeable addition to the horse racing crew. Only thing so far Albert revealed about himself was where he use to live