Suited to be a Cowboy

by Lorraine Nelson

“Then set it up for two signatures on each check.”

  “Why? Are you trying to tell me you’re not trustworthy?”

  “No, it’s just in your own best interests to keep control of the funds.”

  “What if I’m away and you need to buy something?”

  Jimmy stared at her long and hard. She fidgeted, crossing one beautiful leg over the other, picking lint off her blouse, wiggling around on the chair, anything to avoid looking at him, or so it seemed.

  “If you’re away, I’ll pay for any purchases and you can reimburse me. But you need to learn how to read accounting reports. Deal?” He held out his hand.

  “Deal.”

  She took his proffered hand, and the warmth of her touch went straight to his heart. He had to get away from her for a few minutes. Regain some control. His emotions had never been in such a quandary. “Okay. I’m off to speak with Brian.”

  “What if the lawyer calls back? What do I say? You’re the one who has all the answers for any questions he might ask.”

  “You’re an intelligent woman and you know enough to give him the gist of it. Don’t underestimate yourself.” He wrote something on a slip of paper and passed it to her. “Here’s my cell number. If you need me, holler, but I suspect you’ll do just fine.”

  Even after the way she’d messed up, he still believed she was a smart woman. It hadn’t taken much of a nudge to get her moving on his suspicions. He could be wrong, but the entire scenario stunk. Her marriage had ended, her grandfather died, and they’d moved. Three major upheavals within six months. Her main concern during that time would’ve been her son, so Jimmy could understand her steering clear of the racetrack and any contact with her ex.

  When Jimmy went outside, Sherry was in the home corral. He headed in that direction and let loose a shrill whistle. The horse’s head jerked up. She whinnied and reared, showing off, then ran like the wind to meet him at the fence.

  He caressed her velvety nose. “Hey, girl. Lovely morning. Are you enjoying the new digs as much as I am?” She whinnied again, her upper lip curling as if she was laughing. “Yeah, I know. Lots better for you than being cooped up all day.”

  “I do that too,” said a man’s voice from directly behind him.

  Jimmy whirled in surprise to see Brian, the ranch foreman. “It’s been just my horse and me for a long time. Got to be a habit.” He grinned at the older man. “Thanks for taking care of Sherry and letting her out for a run. She’s already in heat and we need to keep her close to the home paddock, away from the stallions.”

  “Not a problem.”

  “Good. Now for ranch business. I was just about to go looking for you.”

  Brian nodded, giving him a thoughtful look. “Is that so? What can I help you with?”

  Jimmy passed him the stack of papers. “Can you tell me what these purchases were for?”

  Brian glanced at the first page. “Tractor repairs.”

  He passed it back and Jimmy made a quick note on it. They continued in this vein until they reached the final page. “You have a good memory. Some of these go back to the first of the year.”

  “Been doing this a long time, sonny. You get to know parts and supplies after a while.”

  “Yes, I imagine you do. I must get back to the office and start entering this stuff. Thanks for your help and for seeing to my horse.”

  “No problem. She’s a beauty. I’ll look after her for you. Seems like you’ll have your work cut out for you playing catch-up. Melissa’s not one for bookwork and except for figuring the men’s wages, I’m not either.”

  “Speaking of which, warn the men that I need to catch up on their deductions. I’ll have to deduct double the required amount on each pay to account for them before year-end.”

  “Figured as much. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help there, but my priority was to pay the men.”

  “Understood. I didn’t see any time cards with the payroll sheets. How do you keep track?”

  “I keep a book in the barn office. If they don’t sign in and sign out, they don’t get paid.”

  “Good enough. As long as there’s a record. What’s the cut-off for the next pay?”

  “Saturday. We get paid the following Friday.”

  Jimmy nodded and gave his horse one final pat. “Then I’d better get to work. See you around.”

  He took the long way around, walking through the courtyard until he reached the patio door to the office. Melissa was talking with someone on the phone and he didn’t want to interrupt, so he sat by the fountain and waited. Not much time elapsed before the glass doors slid open and Melissa came out to greet him.

  She was smiling, looking confident and pleased with herself.

  “Mr. Danby returned my call. He was totally appalled at the news, and not knowing Marcus at all, told me I was doing the right thing by having him investigated. He’s sending a letter to the police in Kentucky to have him escorted off the property and questioned on suspicion of fraud. He also told me that he’d file an order to freeze his accounts until an audit has been completed. Not having access to reports or bank accounts serves as reasonable cause for action.

  “Other than his salary, Marcus isn’t entitled to any monies since we separated. Danby was also puzzled as to why this hadn’t been seen to during the divorce proceedings. Quite frankly, I am too. I thought about firing him when he walked out, but he is Aaron’s father.”

  “The proverbial ‘rock and a hard place.’ Did you have a lawyer for the divorce?”

  “No, he filed. I just signed the papers and sent them back.”

  “Did you read them? Was there any mention of the track?” he asked as they headed back inside.

  “Yes, I read them. Other than giving up all rights to Aaron so he wouldn’t have to pay child support, there was nothing in them to interest me. If there had been mention of the track, I would’ve remembered.”

  “Do you still have your copy?”

  “Yes. Danby wants me to fax the papers over.”

  “Good. It does sound like he’s looking out for your best interests. Let me know when the police pick Marcus up and I’ll have a man on standby, ready to audit.”

  “Thanks, Jimmy. I appreciate your help in all this. Fraud investigations are not part of your job description.”

  She smiled at him and he was lost for words, lost in the sensuous curve of her lips, and the sparkle in her eyes. Melissa was fast twining a rope around his heart. Did he want to be lassoed? He gave his head a mental shake. Don’t go there, McGovern. You have nothing to offer a woman with her heritage. Nothing at all.

  “That’s okay, but if there’s nothing else, I need to get back to the job you are paying me for.”

  Melissa laughed. “I can take a hint. It’s time I checked on Aaron anyway. That boy spends too much time alone these days. I’ll be around if you need me.”

  “Thanks.”

  His gaze rested on her firm derriere in those tight white shorts as she walked away. Her long, lovely legs carried her out the door all too soon. Jimmy was certain he could watch her all day and never tire of the view. But there was more to it than that. Despite the mistakes she’d made, or maybe because of them, he felt the need to hold her close, be there for her.

  Melissa wasn’t stupid, not by a long shot. She’d just trusted the wrong person. Her ex-husband was about to get his comeuppance and Jimmy wished he could be there when the police showed up.

  His mouth curved in a wicked grin as a vivid picture of the man’s outrage came to mind. What a great start to his new job. He was still grinning as he entered data into the computer, so immersed in his work that when the phone on the desk rang, he jumped, reaching for the receiver.

  “Thoroughbreds R Us. James speaking. How can I help you?”

  “Who are you?” demanded an angry voice.

  “Excuse me?” Jimmy asked, not liking the man’s tone.

  “I need to speak with Melissa Dehavilland.”

  “May I ask who’s calling?” Jimm
y didn’t like the peeved tone of the man’s voice.

  “Tell her it’s Marcus.”

  He’d already suspected as much. “Please hold.” Tempted to leave him hanging while he finished entering data for the week he was working on, Jimmy thought better of it and rose to find Melissa. Her personal problems were really none of his business.

  As he stepped briskly down the hall he heard sounds coming from the game room. Sure enough, Melissa and Aaron were playing a video game.

  “Melissa, there’s a call for you on the office phone.”

  “Thanks. Can you transfer it to this extension?”

  “Ah, no. I think you should take it in the office. I’ll take your turns with the game until you return.”

  “Okay, but don’t you dare lose,” she warned, a smile on her face.

  “Wouldn’t dream of it.” As she stood to go, Jimmy sat down. “So, Aaron, what game is this and what do I do?”

  Melissa’s laughter echoed back to him as she headed for the office.

  On her walk to the office, Melissa wondered if it was her lawyer calling back. That was one call she wouldn’t take within Aaron’s hearing. She reached for the phone as she sat. “Melissa Dehavilland. How can I help you?”

  “You can start by calling off the dogs.”

  That whiny, petulant voice grated on her nerves, but she couldn’t resist a secret cheer of victory. “Nope. Not going to happen. You’ve been telling me the track hasn’t been showing any profits, so I’ve requested an audit.”

  “Was having me arrested part of your plan? I can’t believe you’d do that after all we mean to each other.” Now he was beginning to pour on the charm.

  “Meant. Past tense. Your current predicament is not my problem. And I think it’s customary for the police to question people when they’re suspected of fraudulent behavior.”

  “Darling, help me out here. I’ve tried to make you understand that I’m sorry. Walking out was the biggest mistake I’ve ever made. I miss my family. Please reconsider and come back to me.”

  “That is so not going to happen.”

  “At least let me come visit, see my son.”

  “No, I don’t want you here. Goodbye, Marcus.” After disconnecting the call, Melissa went to the kitchen in search of some comfort food.

  “What’s got you looking so down, Missy? Sit yourself at the table and I’ll make us some tea,” said Sheila, always the mother hen.

  “I just received a call from that low-down ex of mine. He wants to reconcile.”

  Sheila turned and with a stern look said,” I wouldn’t give that man the time of day after he went and run out on you and the boy. You deserve better and so does Aaron.”

  “He says he misses us,” Melissa said, feeling a sudden chill and wrapping her hands around the hot mug of tea that Sheila set in front of her. “Are there any sweets to go with our tea?”

  Sheila busied herself loading a plate with homemade goodies as she spoke. “He misses you? He never paid any attention to either of you when you were together. Mark my words, he’s after your inheritance. I know you can’t seriously be considering it. That snake couldn’t charm his way out of an open basket.”

  “He wants to see Aaron, but I told him he wasn’t welcome here.” She picked up a date-filled cookie and sank her teeth into it, chewing thoughtfully. “Mmmm, these are really good.”

  “Thanks, Missy, but don’t go changing the subject. And good for you. That’s telling him!” Sheila boasted as she sank into a chair across from her.

  “Yeah, except now he wants us to go back to Kentucky. Maybe I should—for Aaron’s sake—at least consider it.”

  “Hogwash. Your place is here. That’s the way your Grandpa wanted it. How is Aaron going to learn ranching in the city?”

  “True. Thanks for helping me make sense of things, Sheila. I’ll think on it a while.”

  “I don’t know what needs thinking about. You and Aaron are happy here, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, much happier, at least I am. But you’re right. Marcus hasn’t once inquired about Aaron since he left. There’s been no contact at all until the sale. Still, I’ll think about it and maybe talk to Aaron. A boy needs his father, and if Marcus is finally willing to step up to the plate, well…” She rose to place her now empty cup in the sink. “Thanks for listening, Sheila. I think our place is here on the ranch. This is the life I want for us. But I can’t see Marcus here at all.”

  “Then that should tell you something. Think on it then, but make sure you come to the right decision. You have employees counting on you.”

  “Whatever that is, but yeah. See you later. I have some decisions to make.” Melissa’s thoughts automatically zeroed in on Jimmy. Her son was developing a case of hero worship and she…well, she wanted to explore the sizzle between them. She no longer loved Marcus. That died when he ran off with his secretary, so what kind of life would they have by reconciling?

  The peaceful courtyard beckoned and she went outside into a gorgeous summer day with just a hint of a breeze. Melissa ambled over to the fountain and sat on the stone rim. The sound of the water running over the rocks and splashing playfully into the pool below always seemed to ease heavy thoughts. Not so today. Her thoughts were too dark. Giving up, she walked around the courtyard on the path that led to the yard. Brian and a couple of the wranglers stood at the fence, watching the new foals play.

  “Hi, guys. How are our babies doing?” she asked when she got to the rail. “They sure are beautiful.” She watched as the six foals chased each other around the home paddock. Every once in a while one would stop to check with her mama, but then went back to running with her playmates. “Is it safe for Aaron’s Pride to be in the same corral as the fillies?”

  Brian tipped his hat in acknowledgement of her presence. “The foals are doing just fine, Boss. Won’t be long and we’ll have a couple more out here. And Aaron’s Pride is fine for now. He tries to lead the ladies, but that’s all he’s capable of at present.”

  The wranglers beside them chuckled, probably because Brian was taking such pains to tone down his language around her.

  “It sure has been a busy year for birthing. Are Minnie and Daisy in labor yet?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Could be any time now. I’ve been keeping a close eye on those two. And Marriott is running close behind.”

  Melissa hated being called ma’am, but with the men, she knew it was a sign of respect, so she let it go. “Great! Well, I’ll get back to Aaron. Come get me if you need me.”

  “Will do, Missy.”

  The days went by fast, in large part due to the time he spent in the office. Jimmy was glad there was so much work to catch up on. It didn’t give him much time for thoughts of his lovely employer. Evenings stretched out, long and boring, except for riding Sherry. But the nights, they were the worst. He tossed and turned, his body aching with need. If he fell asleep, he dreamed, and those dreams had him up and in the shower at odd hours. He couldn’t win either way.

  Jimmy had located Tippy, and he expressed an interest in earning some extra cash during his off duty hours, so they’d been rounding up Mustangs in the evenings. Jimmy was pleased to realize that he’d gained quite a herd.

  Sherry appeared content enough on the ranch. Of course, he’d often take her on morning rides to clear his head of the naughty dreams he’d been having of late. Dreams that featured a blonde-haired, blue-eyed temptress.

  He’d shut down the computer, ready to call it a day, when the phone rang. “Thoroughbreds R Us. How can I help you?”

  “Hello, may I speak with Ms. Dehavilland, please?”

  The voice was male, soft-spoken and polite. “Certainly. May I ask who’s calling?”

  “John Coates.”

  “She’s not in the office at the moment, but I’ll see if I can find her. Please hold.” Jimmy rose and stretched, then went in search of Melissa. He found her in the living room, watching a movie with Aaron. “You have a call on the office phone, Melissa.”

/>   “Oh?” She stood and prepared to leave the room. “Did they say who it was?”

  “Some guy named John.”

  She scrunched up her nose in apparent confusion. “I don’t know any John that would be calling here.”

  “Maybe he’s looking to buy a horse. Want me to take a message?”

  “No, that’s all right. Aaron, pause the movie. I’ll be right back.”

  “Okay, Mom, but hurry.”

  “I’ll try.”

  She headed for the office and Jimmy didn’t know whether to follow or allow her to take the call in private. He stayed and talked to Aaron for a few minutes, but when Melissa didn’t return, he went to check on her.

  He found her slumped in the desk chair, staring at the phone, unmoving.

  “Melissa?” No response. “Melissa, are you okay?” He rushed to her side, knelt beside her, and gently touched her arm. She stared as if she saw right through him. “Who was that man? Did he threaten you in some way? Talk to me.”

  She blinked a couple of times and focused on him. “I have an uncle.”

  Jimmy breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. “Most people have uncles.”

  She shook her head, clearly agitated. “No, you don’t understand. Mom and Dad were only children. Neither of them had brothers or sisters.”

  “So how does this John guy figure in?” he asked, smelling yet another rat in the rafters.

  “He claims he’s Grandpa’s illegitimate child and rightful heir to the ranch.”

  “Did he give you particulars?”

  “Yes, I wrote it all down.”

  She passed him the page, one of the receipts he had yet to enter, and saw the handwriting scrawled across the top. “Good girl.” Jonathan William Coates, son of Wilhelmina Coates, born December fifth, 1951. “What was your father’s birth date?”

  “September nineteenth, 1952. I need to call the lawyer. He’ll know what to do.”

  “I wouldn’t be too worried about it. The onus will be on John to prove kinship. Kind of late to do that now, with your grandfather gone and all.”

  “Oh, I’m not worried, but he’s not about to get the ranch. Gramps left the property to Aaron, his great-grandson. It’s Aaron’s heritage and I’ll fight John if I have to, but if he really is family, I’d like to meet him and get to know him. You know?”