She doesn’t believe in fairytales. He’s about to give her one. FORD The first time I laid eyes on Ruby Miller, I was knocked flat on my ass—literally. One glimpse of those curves and my brain short-circuited, making me trip over my own damn feet like a fool. How had this gorgeous woman been living in Jasper Creek for over a year without me knowing? And, more importantly, why the hell was she hellbent on shoving me straight into the friend-zone? I have my own house, my own business, all my hair, and all my teeth—a full set, thank you very much. I even own a damn toolbox and know how to use it. So why is Ruby acting like I’m some stray puppy who wandered onto her porch instead of a man dead-set on worshiping every inch of her? RUBY Jasper Creek is my fresh start. When one branch of my family offered me a place to stay and a job in Tennessee, I jumped at the chance. LA had chewed me up and spit me out, and I was more than ready for small-town life. Everything was going perfectly… until Ford Larson happened. Why is this rugged, ridiculously hot man pretending he’s interested in me? I know my lane, and men like Ford Larson don’t swerve into it. Been there, done that, got the emotional scars and expired self-esteem to prove it. My mom and sisters made sure I knew exactly where I stood on the attractiveness scale—and it sure as hell wasn’t in his league. So, no, I’m not falling for his charm, his deep, rumbly voice, or the way he looks at me like I’m some kind of curvy goddess. He can take that nonsense elsewhere… preferably far away, before I start believing him. This book is number five of the Protectors of Jasper Creek series. It is a romantic-suspense stand-alone….yes, there will be suspense.