The Ranger's Heart: A Clean Army Ranger Romance Book Three Read online

  Gwen was so well-liked by the public that the network had given her a job on the first season of Celebrity Proposal. “I’m going to go over your itinerary for the next four weeks. You’ll be getting a more detailed paper copy in the morning, but just so you aren’t shocked when you start getting calls at seven in the morning, I thought I’d go over it a little tonight.”

  Seven? No big deal. That would give Gunner time to work out.

  “Over the next four weeks, there will be group dates followed by one-on-one dates. Most of the time, you’ll be in two groups competing against each other, and those on the winning team will get dates with Sophia.”

  Great. If he bombed competitions, he’d be ticking off his roommates. If he helped them win, he’d be going on single dates with Sophia…leading her on.

  “I won’t go into detail about the activities because that will be outlined on your itinerary.” Gwendolyn lowered the clipboard. “That’s it for tonight. Go to the house, get some rest, and be ready for an early call. We won’t be leaving that early, but hair and makeup will be over, and, well, we have to make you look pretty.” She cut Gunner a glance and grinned. “Okay, prettier.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Those are fighting words where I’m from.”

  She giggled and put her hand to her mouth. “I couldn’t resist.”

  “Thanks. Now these guys won’t let me hear the end of it.” Gunner looked around. Oh yeah, he was dead meat.

  Blake choked back a laugh as he rubbed his jaw. “Thank goodness she didn’t say it to me. You know how many times I’ve had announcers call me pretty because of my baby face? Seriously, I hate it. I even grew a beard once just so they’d stop, but it was so itchy, I couldn’t stand having it.”

  Yeah, Gunner remembered reading that in his file. He’d also read that two years ago, Blake Johnson didn’t have the best reputation. He was a partier who’d gotten arrested several times. A great athlete when it came to surfing, but not such a great person. Though, at the present, it seemed the guy had mended his ways. Gunner hoped for his sake he had, because Sophia didn’t need to charmed by a loser.

  “Okay, guys, to the limo. I’ll see you in the morning,” Gwendolyn said.

  Gunner hung back and followed behind the five guys. So far, things were pretty good. If they stayed like this, his assignment would be a cakewalk. Well, other than traversing cameras and junk and trying to weed out the person who was threatening Sofia.

  They reached the limo and got in. It seemed a lot roomier with only six of them left. Now that he thought about it, the Malibu house they were staying in had ten bedrooms, which meant he wouldn’t be sharing. Had the other guys picked up on that yet? There was no point in saying anything. They’d know once they got back to the house.

  Before they’d left that morning, they’d packed up, knowing they might be sent home. Unless someone had tagged the door with names, he’d be making a beeline for the room with the ocean view.

  Once he staked his claim, then he’d change clothes, find some milk, and eat the cookies Sophia had baked. In his mind, it was the best way to end the day. It was also a good way to sit around and talk without looking like he was interrogating his five roommates. Now that the field was narrowed, he could concentrate on them. With no leads so far, what if it was one of them? There was no time like the present to find out. Still, he’d keep his eyes and ears open to anything that felt off. If the person was suspected of working for the show, it was possible that they were just good at hiding in plain sight.

  Chapter 5

  The second the limo stopped in front of the house, Gunner was out the door and up the stairs. He’d been a little more subtle than breaking out into an all-out run, but he’d been quick and landed the room with the ocean view. It even had a chair he could pull over to the window so he could look out when he was struggling to sleep at night.

  He put away his clothes and changed out of his suit. It was nice to be out of that thing. The collar was starting to get itchy by the time the ceremony ended. Part of him wondered if the other guys would question him completely unpacking, but he’d quickly dismissed that. Why would they wonder? They’d probably done the same thing. If nothing else, it was a good psych-out move.

  Shaking his head, he grimaced. This is why he didn’t like this show. Looking at a woman like she was a prize to be won. Sophia Parker was a real live human being. She had feelings and wants and desires. It wasn’t okay to play with her feelings just to win a show.

  She also had soft-looking skin, beautiful eyes, and a little dimple on her cheek that would deepen when she smiled. Warmth emanated from her, and she’d said she was afraid of getting her heart broken. Maybe Gunner would pull double duty. He’d keep an eye out for the letter writer and watch over her heart. In his book, that’d be a win-win.

  A knock came from the door, and Gunner picked up his box of cookies before answering. He had a good feeling that was the reason for the knock. Pulling the door open, he smiled. “Hey, Landon.”

  “Hey, I was heading to the kitchen for some milk and wondered if you wanted some too.”

  Gunner held up the box. “I was just on my way there.”

  Landon held up his and laughed. “I can’t resist.”

  Gunner stepped out of his room in his bare feet, shutting the door behind him, and walked with Landon. “Did you ever think you’d be on a show like this?”

  “Are you kidding? If my eighteen-year-old self saw me right now, he’d be doubled over, laughing. But, man, Sophia Parker seems worth the hassle of this show.”

  Gunner had to agree with him. From the little bit of conversation they’d shared, it was easy to see why she was so popular. In person, she was a hundred times better than on video. “Yeah, she does.”

  They continued talking as they walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. It was a massive kitchen, no doubt made for entertaining. From where he stood, he could see Christopher and Riley already messing around in the pool.

  “The only thing I’m not keen on is all the cameras,” Landon said and pointed to a camera mounted in the corner of the kitchen.

  Looking around, Gunner could see that not an inch of the house wasn’t covered. “Yeah, can’t say I’m thrilled with that either. What exactly do they expect to happen that they need to film all the time?”

  Chuckling, Landon pulled open the fridge and grabbed the gallon of milk off the shelf. “I’ve watched a few episodes, and apparently, in the past, guys have gotten into fights and stuff.”

  “Fights? For what?”

  “Have you ever watched the show?”

  Gunner shook his head. “No, I’m pretty busy most of the time. Television isn’t a priority.” Even in his downtime, he didn’t care for TV. He’d be watching Sophia’s YouTube show from now on, though. She was too cute to miss.

  Landon took some glasses out of the cabinet and filled them with milk, putting the jug back before taking a seat at the island. “Eh, me either. Most of the time, I’m trying to book gigs, and those are at night. Sometimes I get a corporate gig, but those are few and far between.”

  That piqued Gunner’s interest. The background check Ryder ran said Landon was doing well. “You’re pretty funny if you ask me.”

  “I’m doing okay, but I do wish I was further along in my career.” He leaned closer. “Honestly, I do like Sophia, but I’m hoping this gives me some exposure. I’m not trying to be a jerk. If I can get the girl and a career, I’ll see it as a win-win.”

  Gunner nodded, but his thoughts were far from agreement. He didn’t like the idea of coming on the show under the pretense of wanting to date Sophia. While he understood wanting a career, this wasn’t the way to do it. “But getting the girl would be the real win.”

  “Oh, sure. I mean, she seems awesome.” Landon opened his box of cookies and took a whiff. “And she can bake. Man, these have to taste fantastic.”

  Gunner opened his while he let his thoughts settle on what Landon had just confessed. Were the other guys using the
show to help their careers? The smell of the cookies halted his thoughts, and he took a deep breath. “Oh yeah. I’ll need to modify my workout routine if she chooses me.”

  What? Did he actually say that out loud? Well, he was there to play a part. Only, he meant what he said. The prospect of her choosing him actually made his skin tingle, much like when she touched him. What would a date with her be like?

  He sighed and dunked one of the cookies. He was certifiable.

  He bit into the cookie and nearly moaned. Chocolate, pecans, and something he couldn’t put a finger on. Butterscotch or something maybe? Whatever it was, it was flat-out amazing. “Oh, this…” His sentence dropped as he took another bite.

  Landon nodded. “Geez, these are fantastic.”

  “The way to a man’s heart ain’t no lie.” Gunner chuckled between bites.

  “I think I’d start a war over these.”

  “As far as reasons for war, it’d be a better one than most.”

  Laughing, Landon choked and set his cookie down as he grabbed a towel to wipe his mouth.

  Christopher poked his head in the back door. “Hey, guys, water is great if you want to swim. Blake and Riley are out here too.”

  Gunner looked over his shoulder. “We’ll be there in a minute.” He wasn’t really interested in sitting by the pool, but it would be a good way to find out if they were like Landon. Sure couldn’t hurt to ask a few innocent questions.

  “All right.”

  As Christopher let the door close, Gunner shook his head. “I’m tempted to steal their boxes.”

  “Weren’t we just talking about war?” Landon chuckled.

  Before Gunner could respond, Justin sauntered into the kitchen holding his box of cookies and sporting swimming trunks. “They as good as they smell?”

  Landon nodded. “Better.”

  “Then I’m already picking out a ring ’cause they’ve been pulling at my taste buds since I picked up the box. I just had to get out of that monkey suit.”

  Gunner smiled. “Me too.”

  “Either of you looking forward to the date tomorrow?” Justin asked as he took out a glass, pulled the jug of milk out, and poured himself some. He set the jug back and took a seat next to Gunner. “I hope it’s bowling.”

  Landon shrugged. “It’s been so long since I’ve bowled. I just hope I don’t make a fool of myself.”

  “I play quite a bit with friends at home,” Justin said.

  Gunner leaned away from him. “I need you on my team.” He laughed.

  Justin grinned. “Aw, well, I play a lot, but that don’t mean I’m all that hot. I do okay, but I’m no whiz.”

  “Better than not playing at all.” Landon took a bite and sighed as he closed his eyes. “I shouldn’t eat all of these tonight, but I’m not sure I’m going to be able to help myself.”

  Justin bit into one of the cookies and groaned. “Mmmmmm…it’s sacrilege to say this, but these are better than my Meemaw’s.”

  “So, Justin,” Gunner said. “What’s it like running a horse ranch? Is having broncs different than regular horses?”

  The guy nodded. “Oh yeah. They gotta have a certain type of temperament. If not, they won’t be worth nothin’ to the guy ridin’ ’em.”

  Landon leaned against the counter. “I don’t know anything about horses. I’m so city that I’ve got high rises for organs.”

  Justin chuckled. “One of the Celebrity Proposal seasons I saw, the guys got to take the bachelorette and show her where they lived. I hope I get that chance. I think she’d like my ranch. It’s not huge or fancy, but it sure is pretty. There’s nothing like watching a sunrise with the silhouette of horses running. It’s better than a picture.”

  Gunner knew as much about horses and ranches as he did about sewing, which was nothing. “If you’d stayed in the rodeo, would you still have opened a ranch?”

  “Oh yeah. It’s kinda in my blood. My family had ranches from the very first time they set foot on the land.” Justin took a bite of his cookie and smiled.

  That wasn’t true. Gunner had studied the files of every bachelor. Justin Turner came from farmers, but none of them were considered ranchers. And the land Justin was on wasn’t passed down; the guy had purchased it. At least, according to what Gunner read. Why was the man lying? It wasn’t a malicious lie, but it still wasn’t the truth, and Gunner couldn’t call Justin out on it either. Not without opening himself up to a boatload of questions.

  “Did you inherit your ranch?” Landon asked, finishing his last cookie and tossing the box into the trash. The guy had downed a dozen cookies as they sat there, while Gunner was still working on his fourth.

  Justin nodded. “Yep.”

  “Is farming and ranching the same thing?” Gunner asked, hoping the guy wouldn’t be the liar he seemed.

  The guy shrugged. “No, it’s not really considered the same thing.”

  Why was the guy lying about something so simple? Why not just be honest? Did it really matter if he’d been on the land for hundreds of years? Gunner had seen the pictures of Justin’s ranch. It was a nice place now. When he’d purchased it, it was run-down. If nothing else, Gunner would have been proud to have taken a falling-down house and made it into the nice place Justin had.

  Gunner wanted another cookie, but want and need were two different things. He closed the box on the cookies and stood, finishing off his glass of milk. “I think I’ll save the rest for later.” He faked a yawn. “If you guys go outside, let Riley and Christopher know I’m sorry but I’m going to bed. I’m exhausted.”

  Landon nodded. “Sure thing. I won’t be up too much longer. I’m tired too, and I need to bowl a good game tomorrow.”

  “See you tomorrow, Gunner,” Justin said.

  Gunner deposited his glass in the sink and headed to his room. Once he got inside and shut the door, he pulled out his toiletry bag, unzipped the hidden compartment, and pulled out his phone to dial Ryder.

  After stepping into the bathroom, he shut the door as Ryder answered, “Hey.”

  “Hey, Ryder.”

  “Gunner. You looked good tonight.” Ryder laughed.

  “Shut up, Ryder. I’m calling for a reason.”

  The jerk laughed harder. “Okay, why are you calling already?”

  “Two things. Landon’s looking for a career boost, and Justin lied about his family being in ranching. Maybe checking on them again would be a good idea.”

  Ryder grunted. “I can check Justin, but there’s nothing in the rules about using the show to further a career. From the research I’ve done, it’s almost expected.”

  Gunner leaned his hip against the bathroom counter. “I don’t like it.”

  “You don’t like it, or you don’t like him using Sophia? I saw how you looked at her.”

  “Look, that’s all I called for. I need some sleep.” Gunner wasn’t discussing how he looked at Sophia. He was doing what he was assigned to do. To be charming and act interested. Nothing more.

  Ryder snorted. “Okay. I’ll check on both of them for you.”

  “Thanks. I’ll talk to you later.” Gunner ended the call and set the phone down. He rubbed his face with both hands. It was going to be a long ten weeks, but at least the view was nice. Sophia’s face came to mind, and he shoved it away. “Ocean view, Gunner, ocean view.” Yeah, it was going to be a long ten weeks.

  Chapter 6

  A herd of elephants could have run over Sophia and she’d have felt less blindsided. Of the six guys the show picked—no, Hillary picked—they were all decent, but the idea that she’d had no say made her hot as a ghost pepper.

  Once the taping was over, Jeremiah and Travis had driven her to the cottage where she’d changed clothes. It had been a little funny watching Travis trying to maneuver the car. He wasn’t a bad driver, but Sophia was thinking he needed to stick with small cars…like Volkswagens or something.

  The cottage she was staying in was located on the same property where the guys were staying, but there�
��d be no spying on them. A tall temporary privacy fence stood between the cottage and the main house. Sophia couldn’t say she wasn’t a little disappointed. Even if she stood on her tiptoes, she couldn’t see over it.

  When Hillary had shown her pictures of the cottage, it had seemed quaint. For a guesthouse, it was really nice, though. Bigger than her apartment by several hundred feet. It was a two bedroom, two bathroom cottage, with an architectural style much like the main house but without all the glass.

  That was fine by Sophia, because with as crazy as she’d seen some fans get, she didn’t want to give anyone the chance to peek in through her windows. In a way, she almost felt bad for the bachelors. She knew the house they were staying in had cameras in every nook and cranny.

  Sophia didn’t have to worry about that. The second bedroom had been turned into a confessional interview room. After her dates, she’d turn on the camera and give a rundown of what she thought of the date, how she was feeling, and her impression of the bachelor. The footage would be remotely uploaded and used during the next episode. Thankfully, that was the only camera in the place.

  Just as she finished dressing, a knock came from the front door, and she hustled to get to it. She was pretty sure it was Hillary, and they needed to talk.

  “Hey,” Hillary said as Sophia opened the door. “I know you’re mad.”

  Sophia waved her in and shut the door. “Mad? No, I’m furious. You didn’t tell me you were going to be picking the guys, Hillary. We had lunch yesterday. Was there not a point during our meal that you thought maybe I might like to know that?”

  Her friend turned and faced her. “I knew you would, but I also know you. You would have been second-guessing yourself, and all six of these guys are really great. I personally went to Mr. Matchmaker and worked with their personality experts. One of these guys is your soul mate; I just know it.”