Suited to be a Cowboy (4 page)

“So far, when they’ve hit,” she said, “we’ve been at the
homestead, but a couple of the wranglers were out checking on stock and had to
hole up in one for a few days last winter. “We keep them well stocked, just in
case.”

“Good to know,” Jimmy pulled up in front and cut the
engine. “Mind if I have a look?”

“Not at all.” She hopped down from the cab, with Aaron
jumping out right behind her. The cabins were never locked, so she walked up
and opened the door, figuring she might as well check on supplies while she was
there.

“Cozy,” Jimmy said. “A person would be quite comfortable
here.”

“That’s the idea,” Melissa replied as she checked the
pantry.

“A roof over one’s head, food to eat, and a roaring
fire...life doesn’t get much better than that.”

“Sounds like you enjoy a simple life, Jimmy.”

“Yes, I do. Modern technology has its place, but I like to
leave it behind whenever I can. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t mind living in
one of these line shacks.”

“No can do.” She eyed him warily. “I need to have you on
hand to do your job. If you don’t want to live in the house, you can bunk down
with the wranglers.”

Jimmy struck a hand over his heart as if pained. “Now that
makes me sound ungrateful. The accommodation is fine. I’m more concerned about
your privacy. It won’t be easy having a stranger living under your roof.”

Aaron had gone back outside, and deciding to be frank, she
said, “I married a man, lived with him for over ten years, and one day I found
out I didn’t know him at all. I’ll take my chances.”

He grazed her with a considering look and then nodded. “Fair
enough. Shall we go?”

“I need to bring in some wood. Always helps to have dry on
hand if you end up stranded here during cold weather.”

“Lead me to it.” He glanced at the wood box. “Want me to
split some kindling?”

She smiled at his offer. “I wouldn’t refuse.”

She enlisted Aaron’s help in carrying armloads of wood
inside, and when they’d finished, headed out to continue their tour. As they
topped a rise, acres of land spread out before them. Land that she now owned. “The
ranch must seem huge to you.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Well, being from town and all.” She fidgeted in her seat,
feeling as if she was beating a dead horse. Why did she feel it necessary to
remind herself that he was a city boy? “There isn’t any acreage like this to be
seen in the city.”

“Ain’t that a fact? Where did
you
live before coming here?”

Melissa snorted a laugh. “Touché!”

Jimmy chuckled. “Well?”

“Lexington,
Kentucky. I own a business there
as well.”

“You don’t get much more city than that. What made you
take up ranching?”

Out the window, the magnificent expanse of the Rocky Mountains rose up, bordering her land. “This was my
grandfather’s ranch. I used to spend summers here, following Gramps around. He
taught me how to ride and rope...taught me a lot, actually.”

“He sounds like a good man.”

“The very best. Although I was surprised to inherit. The
property was supposed to go to my father, being the only child.”

“Really? Where's your father now?”

She shrugged. “Who knows? Last I heard from him was a
postcard from Bermuda. I guess Gramps knew him
better than I did.”

“Maybe so.”
              

Conversation ceased and all was silent. Melissa checked on
Aaron, only to find him sprawled across the rear seat, fast asleep. “All this
excitement tired him out. It’s not like Aaron to nap during the day.”

“He’s quite a boy...smart. You must be proud of him.”

“Yes, I am. This past year hasn’t been easy on either of
us.” Right away, she regretted opening her mouth. Jimmy was an employee. He
wasn’t interested in hearing her life story. She didn’t want his pity or
condolences. She didn’t want anything from him except a job well done. Her
glance strayed in his direction. God, but he was handsome!

“Well, my being here should take some of the pressure off
so you can spend more time together. What kind of shape are the ranch accounts
in?”

Thankful that he hadn’t asked any personal questions, she
answered immediately. “Not great. I can order feed and supplies and make sure
they’re paid for, but that’s about it. Brian does up the payroll and writes out
the checks for each employee. All I have to do is sign them.”

James shook his head. “I hope he’s been making the right
deductions or the accounts could be in a mess.”

“What deductions?” She nervously twined her fingers around
a loose thread on her shirt.

He slanted her a look of disbelief. “Never mind. I’ll
handle it all from here on out.”

“Those words are a blessing in disguise. Thank you.” She
let go of the thread and a button popped off, leaving much more cleavage
showing than she liked. “Would you like to have a couple more days to settle in
before you tackle the accounting?”

“No thanks, but since I’m on salary, am I also on specific
hours?”

“All I ask is that you keep a time sheet and put in your
forty hours a week.”

When he glanced toward her, she knew the exact moment he
noticed the opening of her shirt. His eyes widened, darkened, and zeroed in on
her exposed cleavage before raising his gaze to lock with hers. She tried to
pull the edges of her shirt together, but without much success, and the heat of
a blush rose into her cheeks. Should she explain? “Uh, this isn’t for your
benefit. I’m not trying to entice you in any way. A button popped off.”

“Pity.” His smile lit up his eyes, but he turned his
attention back to the trail ahead, saving her further embarrassment.

Melissa had been jumping in and out of the cab to open and
close gates as they drove across country. “If you turn right up ahead, we’ll be
on the ranch road…no more gates.” She got out to attend to the last one.

“You have some gorgeous acreage here, but I haven’t seen
any horses except those nearest the ranch yard.”

“My horses are in the summer pasture, but keep your eyes
peeled. There’s a section of land along here that borders mine and it’s owned
by the BLM. Plenty of wild Mustangs
for the taking.”

“BLM? Free
horses?” His face registered interest and intent as he watched for the Mustangs,
his eyes narrowed against the brilliance of the sun.

“Bureau of Land Management. And yes, if you can catch
them, they’re yours.”

“If I catch them while I’m working for you, are they mine
or yours?”

She chuckled. “Good question, but as long as you catch
them on your own time, they’re yours.”

“Hot damn!
Er
, sorry.” He caste a
quick glance to the back seat.

“He’s still sleeping, but thanks for considering his young
age.”

“Truth is,” he scratched behind his ears with his free
hand, “I hate profanity, but I’m not used to being around kids, at least, not
in the last ten years or so. I’m half afraid I might end up saying or doing
something you may disapprove of.”

“Not to worry. I’m sure he’s heard worse from the
wranglers, not that I approve, but I can’t go around lecturing everybody. I’d
soon lose my staff.”

“Well, I’m used to not talking rough, especially around
the ladies, so it should work out all right. If I step out of line, give me a
look or something to make sure I’m aware of it.” His brows drew together as he
frowned at her in demonstration.

Melissa giggled at the expression he’d conjured up. “Okay,
so if I give you
that
look, you’ll
know.” She wondered what he’d do if that look portrayed desire instead of
reprimand. Would he act on it? Pretend it hadn’t happened? Or run the other
way?
I have to stay in control. He’s a
man in my employ.
She licked her lips.
And
what a man!

“So, if I catch some of those horses, where would I keep
them? Could I board them here?”

“Sure, we’ll work something out. Some of the outer
pastures are empty since I just sold off quite a few of my stock.”

He nodded. “Where is the summer pasture?”

“Due east of here. It has a creek running through it so we
don’t need to worry about watering them.” She pointed in the general direction.
“We’ll be driving past that section shortly.”

He nodded and kept driving, but when the high chain-linked
fencing came into view, he slowed the truck to a crawl. “Is this the BLM section?”

“Yes. This is where it starts.”

“Can you see the Mustangs from the road?”

“Sometimes. I think they like to flaunt their freedom.”

Jimmy stopped the truck at a clearing and whistled in
merriment. “
Wooeee
! Just look at those beauties run!
There must be over a hundred head out there, and such a mix of colors. That
stallion is as pure a white as I’ve ever seen.”

She delighted in his reaction as he concentrated on the
horses, his amazement clear to see. His smile, so full of joy, did strange
things to her insides. Her internal organs vied for space among the tangled
knot of nerves. His avid gaze locked with hers.

“I know how you feel. They’re amazing horses. Are you
truly interested in capturing some for yourself?”

“Yes, ma’am. I intend to have a ranch of my own one day.
If I can start a herd now, train some horses, I’ll be one step ahead when the
time comes.”

“Oh!” She frowned. “What about your position here?”

“Not to worry. I’ll watch for a place close by so I can
still honor my promise to you.”

Melissa nodded, uncertain if she’d hired the right man for
the job after all. If he was thinking of moving already, where would that leave
her? “If I hear of anything, I’ll be sure to let you know.”

“I’d appreciate that. Much obliged, ma’am.”

She laughed. “You’re already beginning to sound like a
cowboy, but if you don’t cut the ma’am, you’re likely to feel the toe of my
boot.” She flexed her foot, raising it for him to see the pointy red tips.

Jimmy chuckled, the sound low-pitched and sexy. “I’ll keep
that in mind. Where to now?” He gave the Mustangs one last, longing look as
they disappeared over a ridge.

“Might as well head back to the ranch. I have several
mares ready to foal and I prefer to be on hand if needed.”

Jimmy put the truck in gear and drove ahead. “Does this
road lead right back to the ranch yard?”

“Yes, it does. It circles the south end of the property
and comes out by the barn just beyond where you parked your trailer.” She
quickly shut her mouth, but his swift glance told her that he was aware of what
she’d inadvertently let slip…she’d watched him.

“Okay. Thanks. That gives me a better visual of the
layout.” They rode in silence for a while until they came upon another herd of
horses. “Are those yours?”

“Yes. We have over two hundred horses grazing in the
summer pasture right now.”

“Nice. They’re a gorgeous lot. How do you decide when to
sell and which ones?”

“Good question. For the most part, Brian decides. He
worked for my grandfather and is better suited to making decisions like that.” The
horses ran across the pasture, heading for the creek. “Someday, maybe, I’ll be
able to take control of every aspect of ranching, but I’m not ready for that
yet. If it were up to me, I’d keep them all. I love horses.”

Jimmy chuckled. “I hear
ya
, but
there wouldn’t be much profit in that.”

“True enough. What kind of ranch do you intend to own?”

“Cattle. I love beef, so it makes sense for me to grow my
own. Being able to get a start on owning and training horses will serve me
well.”

“Yes, it will. One of my wranglers, we know him as Tippy,
is real good with horses. He can help you break them in and train them.”

“I wouldn’t want to take him away from ranch duties.
Tippy?”

“Yeah.” She chuckled merrily. “He was a rodeo rider. Apparently
he earned the nickname by falling off one too many horses.”

“Ouch!”

“As to him helping you, he’d probably be willing to earn a
few extra bucks on his own time. He and his wife, Melinda, are expecting their
first child in a few months.”

“Great! I’ll be sure to check with him.”

“And don’t underestimate those wild Mustangs. They’ve been
free all their lives and won’t take too kindly to being penned in…or saddled.”

“Good point. I’ll remember that when the time comes. Have
to catch them first.”

She studied his earnest expression. “I have no doubt that
you’ll be building your herd as soon as you get a chance to ride out after them.”

He smiled but said nothing more as he pulled to a stop
beside the house and cut the engine.

As she thought over their conversation, she couldn’t help
wondering if he’d have any time to spare…for her.

Chapter Four

On returning to the ranch, Jimmy went to the office to
review the accounts. Melissa’s information had him worried they’d be a mess.
Nothing he couldn’t sort through and fix, but it would be time-consuming.

She unlocked the door for him and continued down the hall.
He admired her shapely form until she was out of sight, then entered the office
and booted up the computer only to find that the programs and files were
password protected. Smiling, he knew could easily bypass them, but he didn’t
want to annoy Melissa first thing, so went searching for her. Since she’d mentioned
checking on dinner, he headed for the kitchen.

At the stove, an older lady, short and a little on the
plump side, stirred something in a pot. Melissa had changed clothes and was bent
over, rooting through a bottom cupboard, her shorts riding high with the effort.
He loved the view, but averted his gaze before a telltale erection embarrassed
him in front of the women. “Good afternoon, ladies. It sure smells good in
here.”

Melissa jerked up in surprise, banging her head in the
process. “Ouch! You startled me.”

“Sorry. Are you okay?” he asked, noting the concern on the
cook’s face as she turned toward her employer.

She rubbed the sore spot. “Nothing a bag of ice can’t
handle. Did you want something?”

Oh, yeah, he wanted all right. Since seeing her shapely
rear stuck up in the air, he was all but drooling. “Passwords and keys. I
wanted to get a head start on the accounts.”

“All the passwords are written down and locked in the top
drawer. I’ll find the other set of keys after dinner,” she said as she reached
into her pocket and withdrew a set of keys. “For now, use mine.”

“Thanks,” he said, noticing some curious stares from the
cook. “Hi, I’m Jimmy.”

“I figured as much. I’m Sheila, chief cook and bottle
washer around here. You sure are a handsome devil.” She winked and turned back
to the stove.

Jimmy snorted a laugh. “Some say I’m a devil in disguise,
so thanks. Anyone who can cook is beautiful in my book. Is that chili I smell?”

“Sure is, and homemade bread to boot.”

“I’ve died and gone to Heaven.” He clutched a hand over
his heart.

Sheila shook a spoon at him, but he caught a smile. “Devils
don’t go to the promised land. Better mend your ways, young man.”

“True enough. I’ll be on my best behavior from now on.”

Melissa rattled the key ring. “Did you still want these?”

She sounded perturbed. Was he not supposed to be talking
to the cook? “Yeah, thanks.” He plucked the keys from her outstretched hand.

“Dinner’s in half an hour. I’m not sure how much work
you’ll get done in that amount of time, if any.”

Jimmy smiled. “Maybe a lot, maybe none, but at least I can
familiarize myself with the program you’re using. See you at dinner.”

He retraced his steps to the office to find Aaron there
ahead of him. “Are you supposed to be in here?”

His guilt was plain to see as he as he clicked the mouse
and twirled the chair to face him. “Uh, no. Just wanted to help you bypass the
locks.”

Jimmy stood beside the desk. “Ah, I see. Well, I
appreciate the help, but I just got that information from your mother. Thanks
anyway.”

“Oh, okay. I better get going then.” He trudged toward the
door, hesitating in the doorway. “Anytime you get stuck, come find me.”

Jimmy swallowed a chuckle before he replied. “Thanks,
Aaron. I’ll be sure to do that.”

The boy’s face brightened and he went on his way, leaving
Jimmy to wonder what he’d been doing on the computer. He pulled up the history.
Well, I’ll be damned!
For a
nine-year-old, that kid was definitely computer savvy.
Does his mother know what he’s up to? That he chats with people on
Facebook?
Should he tell her? Nah, he’d keep the boy’s secret for now. What
harm could it do?

He opened the accounting program and groaned. Nothing
entered since the beginning of the year. Jimmy hoped everything was in the
overflowing in-tray on the desk. It would make catching up so much easier. At
least the program was familiar. For the time being, he closed the program, shut
down the computer, and went to wash up for dinner. Tomorrow would be soon
enough to tackle that particular mountain.

*
* * *

“Thanks, Sheila. Dinner was excellent, and I love cherry
pie.” Jimmy grinned at the cook as a blush entered her cheeks.

“Go on with
ya
. Ain’t nothin’
special.”

“It was for me.” He stood and brought his dishes to the
sink. “I think I’ll saddle Sherry and go for a ride before it gets too dark to
see.”

“Good idea. Mind if I join you?” The thought of an evening
ride filled Melissa with anticipation. At his curious glance, she quickly
verified her request. “I wouldn’t want you to get lost your first venture out
on the range.”

Jimmy laughed, a full belly laugh. His eyes sparkled with
delight. “I haven’t managed to get lost yet, but sure. What about Aaron? Does
he like to ride?”

Melissa nodded. “Yes, he does, if we can tear him away
from his games again. I’ll go check.” She left Jimmy standing by the kitchen
door and sure enough, found Aaron in the game room. “Hi, honey! Want to go
horseback riding with Jimmy and me?”

“Wow!” He switched off the game and was on his feet in
seconds. “Can I ride
Midnight
?”

“Not yet, honey. He’s too big for you. How about Glory’s
Dream? She’s a nice horse.”

Aaron wrinkled up his nose. “I want to ride a boy horse.”

“Any particular reason?”

“Brian says real men ride stallions.” He shuffled his
feet, his gaze hopeful as he looked up at her.

“Don’t tell Jimmy that.” She giggled and made a mental
note to speak to Brian…again. The thought of a nine-year-old thinking himself a
“real man” was just too much.

“Why not?”

“Because his horse is a girl.”

“Oh! Okay, Mom. I’ll ride Glory’s Dream.”

His quick acquiescence disturbed her. Jimmy had only been
here a few hours and it seemed as if her son was already developing a case of
hero worship for her new employee. She’d have to monitor their outings more
closely. She didn’t need her son attaching himself to another man who could leave
at any given time. “Fine. Jimmy’s waiting for us. Let’s go.”

The kitchen was empty so they headed to the corral to
saddle their mounts. Jimmy had gotten there ahead of them, and with Brian’s
help, had his horse and two others saddled and ready.

Jimmy’s smile brushed over her and her son as he spotted
them. “I hope you don’t mind. Brian picked out the horses you usually ride and
I helped saddle up.”

Melissa grinned when she noticed that Brian had picked
Midnight Thunder, a brown and white stallion, for Aaron to ride. “Well, I guess
you get to ride a colt after all.” She placed an arm around Aaron’s shoulders,
hugging him close, but he wriggled away. His, “Aw, Mom,” told her plainer than
words that he didn’t want to be hugged in front of the men. So be it. He was
growing up much too fast.

Jimmy gave them each a leg up, then mounted his horse in
one smooth movement, a move so natural it almost seemed as though he glided
onto Sherry’s back.

“Where do you want to go?” she asked.

“Can we ride over to the pond? I want to show Jimmy our
swimming hole.”

“You don’t swim in the creek?” Jimmy asked.

“No,
we
don’t,
but sometimes the wranglers do. You’ll understand when we get to the pond,”
said Melissa.

“Then let’s ride so I can see this swimming hole of yours.”

Aaron led the way, the adults following as they galloped
across the pastures. Jimmy leaned over to unlatch and latch the gates with very
little effort, or so it seemed. He sure looked fine on a horse. Of course, she
already knew that from his bareback stint in town that day, but there was just
something sexy about a man wearing western gear, his muscles bunching and
rippling as he tended the gates.

“How long have you lived here?” he asked.

“Going on seven months. Gramps had a heart attack and
passed away in January.”

“I’m sorry for your loss. Were you close?”

“I loved him, yes. He was a tough old codger, though.” She
smiled at the memory of his gruff countenance and sarcastic wit. “The only time
he softened the least bit was with Aaron. That boy had Grandpa wrapped around
his little finger. I’m so glad we were able to spend Christmas with him last
year.”

“Yes, you and the boy would have good memories of him. Did
you know he had a bad heart?”

“Nope. He never said a word. Kept working the ranch up
until the day he died. Brian said he’d ridden out to check on the horses
because of a storm front moving in. When Gramps was late coming back, he
saddled up, ready to ride out searching for him when he spied Blaze. That horse
walked slowly into the ranch yard with Grandpa’s body slumped over the saddle
horn, as if she knew to bring him home. Gramps loved the horses, but Blaze had
been his favorite. I’m glad she didn’t sell. I’ve decided to keep her.”

Jimmy nodded as if he understood. “Your grandfather sounds
like a fine man. I wish I could’ve known him.” A serious thread laced his
voice. “So he left you the ranch.”

“Yes, he left it to me in trust for Aaron. The title
changes to him when he turns twenty-five.”

“What if he’s not ready to accept the responsibility?” A
thoughtful frown marred his features.

“I don’t know. We’ll cross that bridge if and when we come
to it. He’s taken a real interest in the horses, so I don’t think there will be
any problems. Still, you never know.” She shrugged and smiled in his direction
and their gazes locked, held, for a few seconds only, but it felt like an
eternity.
I could so fall for this man
.

Nope! Been there,
done that, bought the T-shirt and had it refunded.
She and Aaron had a
chance at a new life here and she wasn’t going to muck it up with emotional
garbage. Her hormones could give it a rest. She might be drawn to him…what
woman in their right mind wouldn’t be…but she didn’t have to act on it.

Aaron’s shout drew her attention.

“I think we’ve arrived.” Jimmy glanced toward the sound of
Aaron’s voice.

“Yes, we have.” Melissa raced ahead, the need to put some
physical distance between them a vital necessity
. Stick to business, keep Aaron close.
That should thwart any
wayward thoughts she might have. Her mind settled, she dismounted at the top of
the hill and waited beside Aaron, wanting to see Jimmy’s face when he saw their
‘pond’ for the first time.

*
* * *

Not unexpectedly, she rode like the wind, at one with her
horse, her golden tresses blowing out behind her, tempting him, as did her derriere.
It bounced nicely up and down as she rode. Jimmy kept his horse at a slow trot
as he followed in her wake, thinking that he’d love to cup those butt cheeks in
his bare hands and make her body bounce on his. If they hadn’t been on
horseback, he might’ve breached the employer/employee relationship back there. Her
eyes had darkened with desire and those firm, full lips had begged to be
kissed. Right or proper protocol had nothing to do with it. He’d wanted to hold
her tight, mold her body against his.

When she dismounted and stood beside her son, the reddish
haze of sunset provided the perfect backdrop to outline her enticing curves. He
gave his head a shake and rode closer, ready to dismount, but a quick glimpse
of the area beyond rooted him to his saddle.

The valley spread out before them bordered the Rocky Mountains. A waterfall cascaded over huge rocks to
settle into the body of water below. Trees surrounded three sides of the
valley. Steam rose from a rocked in section close to the base, but away from
the main waterfall. It was a miniature oasis and it was beautiful.

He turned toward Aaron in disbelief. “That’s your
pond
?”

Co-conspirators in presenting the surprise, Melissa and
Aaron both giggled at his expression and nodded their heads.

“That is one pretty spectacular swimming hole. Is that a
hot spring up there? Do we have time to ride closer, or should we head back?”
asked Jimmy.

“Yes, there’s a small pool that has a natural hot spring
running into it.” Melissa smiled and glanced toward the horizon. “The sun will
soon be setting but we should have time. I didn’t bring a light, so we’ll have
to head back before dark. I wouldn’t want one of the horses stumbling into a
prairie dog hole and going lame.”

He stared ahead at the gorgeous expanse of landscape as
Melissa and Aaron remounted. Never in his life had he come upon such a peaceful
and beautiful spot. As they rode closer, Jimmy could see that the pool was much
larger than he’d originally thought. After they dismounted, Aaron and his mom
accompanied Jimmy to the pond, leading their horses and allowing them to drink
from the cool mountain water.

Jimmy plunged his hand into the water. “It’s cool but not
as cold as I expected it to be.”

Once the horses drank their fill, they tethered them to
nearby bushes and climbed the rocks to the hot spring. Steam rose into the air
and Jimmy could feel the heat coming off the water.

“Awesome. This will be a great place to unwind at the end
of the day. Thanks for showing me. Is it all right if I come back again?”

“It’s better to come in the afternoon if you’re intending
to swim, unless you prefer to laze in the small pool. A natural spring feeds
the waterfall and it’s downright cold at the best of times. You can’t see it
from here, but there is a river that flows west from beneath the waterfall.”

“Yeah, me and Mom checked it out. It’s like a big cave
with water running through it.”