Book excerpt: He’s always been the love ‘em and leave ‘em type, until she gives him a reason to stay. Former cowboy Spence Keller never puts down roots, so when he’s needed back home on Keller Ranch, he drops everything to return. After a belligerent neighbor shuts off a much-needed water supply, Spence volunteers to negotiate a water lease with Hayley Parker, another neighboring ranch owner. He and shy Hayley have a history, so it should be simple, but things are made complicated when he sees Hayley, now confident, gorgeous, and armed with a counteroffer. Ranching is in Hayley’s blood, but after her father passes, she’s lonely. Hayley’s always wanted a child, but is too independent to run her ranch and raise her child with someone else. She’s exploring sperm donors when her handsome neighbor saunters into her barn with a proposition. Spence is perfect—he’s hot as hell and always has one foot out the door. Spence is definitely up for a no-strings affair with Hayley, but father a child and walk away? Never. Can he convince Hayley that he’s ready to settle down and raise a family—with her?