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.”
“Mom and I,” Melissa corrected automatically, earning a scowl from her son.
“Then I will have to come back and investigate for myself. Thanks for bringing me here, Aaron. It’s truly a special place. An oasis where you’d least expect it.”
“What’s an oasis?”
“It’s like a piece of paradise, beautiful to see and a pleasure to have.”
“Oh. Okay. Whatever. Can we go home now?”
“Sure. I’ll give you a hand. That’s a mighty big horse, yet you handle him well. How long have you been riding, sport?”
Aaron scrunched up his nose and thought for a moment. “I can’t remember when I couldn’t ride. My Grandpa taught me.” He looked at his mother, his face registering sadness.
Melissa nodded. “That’s right. Gramps used to sit you in front of him and take you for rides before you even knew how to walk. He loved you so much.” When her voice choked on the last word
s, Jimmy was afraid she’d break down and cry. Instead, she hurriedly mounted her horse and said, “Race you back.”
It was a challenge he desperately wanted to win, but Jimmy found himself slowing down to allow Aaron to charge on ahead. He followed close behind Melissa, always on the lookout for the unexpected, but nothing uneventful happened and they arrived home safe and sound.
They led the horses into the biggest of the barns, curried them, and then turned them loose into the corral, except for Sherry. Melissa and Aaron followed as Jimmy led Sherry to her stall in the foaling barn and settled her down for the night.
“Thank you for the evening ride, Jimmy. It was fun,” she said as the trio walked to the house.
“The pleasure was all mine. You’re both excellent riders. I enjoyed the experience and the pond.”
Her soft chuckles sounded husky and downright sexy as they carried to him on the evening breeze. A thrilling sense of awareness tingled up his spine. It had been almost a year since a woman had that effect on him. Why now? And why her? He hadn’t even been here twenty-four hours yet. Geesh! He definitely needed to get a grip and quit fantasizing about his boss.
They entered through the back door into a mudroom off the kitchen. Jimmy pulled off his boots, set them to one side, then made his excuses and headed to his room to gain some much-needed control. That woman drew him in faster than he could reel in a fish dangling from a hook.
He paced for a while, trying to get his thoughts under control, then spied the boxes stacked in one corner. Physical labor, just what he needed.
Jimmy unpacked the rest of his belongings and put them away, not that he had much in the way of sentimental stuff, just his diplomas and grad pictures, but it felt more like home once he had his things situated. The framed picture of him and Sherry now hung over the mantel. A cozy fire in his sitting room on a stormy winter’s night was something he’d look forward to. Or would Melissa want his company when storms raged? Curled up in front of the fire in the main room, they could keep each other warm during the long winter nights. His mind instantly conjured images of the two of them together…keeping warm.
Suited to be a Cowboy Page 5