“That wasn’t funny you know,” she says as she approaches, which launches me into a fresh round of laughter.

“Oh yes, it was,” I say between breaths.

She stops directly in front of me, dropping the bucket by her booted feet. I look at her, really look at her as the laughter dies in my throat. Despite the crazy outfit, she looks hot as hell. The tank top is torn and bleach stained, clinging to her breasts, and those denim shorts should be illegal they’re so damn short. I can’t help but wonder if she’s even wearing any panties underneath because if she is, they’re pretty damn tiny.

But those white rubber boots are the finishing touch. I’ve never seen Bryn look like this.

I kinda like it.

“What are you doing here, Matt?” she asks, sticking the shovel into the ground, her fingers still gripping the handle.

“I came looking for you.” My mouth goes dry the longer I stare at her. A faint sheen of sweat covers her skin, and I can smell that addictive-as-hell scent of hers wafting all around me, despite the bucket of chicken shit sitting at her feet.

“Why?” Her voice is so soft, so full of doubt I wish I could pull her in and hold her close.

But I don’t. Not yet. I might have to wait until she takes a shower or at the very least washes her hands, but I will be holding this woman very soon in my arms, I promise.

“I want you to come back with me, Bryn,” I tell her, keeping it simple. “I miss you.”

Her lips part, and she grips the shovel handle so tight, her knuckles go white. “What?”

“I miss you. Have you missed me too?” I step closer to her, notice the way her eyes widen, her tongue sneaks out for a quick swipe of her lips. Damn, I want to kiss her. “After being without you, I realized I need you.”

“As your assistant?”

Ah, my silly Bryn. She just can’t believe someone would actually want her, can she? Wouldn’t she be surprised, knowing I was a complete wreck while she was gone? “Not as my assistant. I need you in my life. I want you by my side, helping me run the winery.”

“Working for you,” she says, her voice flat.

“I’ll pay you, yes, since technically you’ll be my employee but not as my assistant. You’ll be my partner.” I smile gently and take another step toward her, until I’m standing directly in front of her, reaching out my hand to settle it over hers still gripping the shovel handle. “I’m in love with you, Bryn. And I don’t want to live without you anymore.”

“Matt,” she starts, but I squeeze her hand, silencing her.

“Don’t protest or tell me you don’t want to bring me down or whatever other crazy excuse you came up with the last time we talked. I don’t want to hear it.” With my free hand I reach for her, cupping her cheek, savoring her soft, soft skin. “I want you in my life. I want you living with me in California and working with me. I want us to be partners and grow DeLuca Winery together. What do you think?”

She smiles, her blue eyes bright with tears. “I think you’re crazy.”

“You’re right.” Unable to resist any longer, I lean in and press a soft kiss to her tempting lips. “I’m crazy for you, Bryn. Now say that’ll you give up scooping chicken shit for the rest of your life and come work with me.”

Bryn laughs, the tears flowing freely now. “I don’t know. Let me think about it.”

“Stubborn woman,” I murmur just before I kiss her again, this one deeper, hotter, full of plenty of tongue and sweet, low murmurs of pleasure coming from my woman.

My woman. Mine. That’s the only way I’ve thought of Bryn since she left me. It just took me this long to work up the courage to finally go after the woman I want.

“What about . . . what will everyone say?” she asks when she pulls away. “They’ll talk about us. About how you’re screwing your assistant.”

I’m completely offended she would simplify our relationship like that. “I’m not screwing you. I want to be with you. I want you as my partner. In business, in life, in everything. I want you. Fuck anyone who questions that.”

She gapes at me like she can’t believe what I said. Clearing her throat, she murmurs, “I’ve been so worried how all of this will affect me. Being with you. I’ve not had the best luck with men, you know.”

“I know,” I say softly, my heart breaking for her. She looks scared. Nervous. The very last things I want her to feel. “I would be proud to call you my partner in all aspects of my life, Bryn. You’re smart and strong. I need you in my life. More than you can even imagine.”

Her eyes shine with unshed tears. “Really?” she asks incredulously.

I dip my head, my mouth hovering above hers. “Really. I love you,” I whisper against her lips, as I thrust my fingers into her thick, beautiful hair. “Come home with me, Bryn. Be with me. I need you.”

She smiles, a tremulous laugh escaping her before she nods. “I love you too, Matt. I missed you so much. I—I couldn’t stand being without you.”

“I missed you too, baby. And trust me, I’ll never make you scoop up chicken shit at my house. It’s one hundred percent chicken shit free.” I kiss her again because I can’t resist and we both release our grip on the shovel handle at the same time, grabbing hold of each other, our bodies colliding. She feels so damn good next to me, her sexy little body barely covered, looking like my every dream come to life.

Even in the crazy white rubber boots.

“Are you saying you’re my own personal savior again? Coming in to rescue me from a life of scooping chicken crap?” She blinks up at me, and I smile, nuzzle my nose against hers.

“Yeah, that’s exactly what I’m saying. Only when you call me your savior, I gotta say, you’ve become mine too.” I lower my head and kiss her, wanting her to know how ready I am to take her out of Cactus and bring her home with me for good.

Where she belongs.

I HAD A lot of fun writing about these billionaire bachelors and their ridiculous million dollar bet. Creating the perfect matches for them, watching them fall hard, I enjoyed every minute of it. I want to thank my editor Chelsey Emmelhainz for her endless support, for helping me make the books better every single time and her infinite patience with me while I flailed and generally worked myself into a complete frenzy throughout the summer of 2013. I appreciate you more than I think you know, and I look forward to working on something new with you!

To everyone at Avon Impulse, I think you’re a fabulous publisher full of amazing support. To Caroline Perny for being so responsive and for all the help. I’ve had a great time being an Avon Impulse author and hope to continue this journey.

As always, I must thank my family for dealing with me as I hide away in my office and work all the damn time. I have the best husband and kids EVER.

And to the readers. Your support means the world to me. I wouldn’t be able to do this job without you so thank you from the bottom of my heart.