Why can’t you just be normal, Charlie?
She shook off that memory. She didn’t have time to think about Brian and the mess she’d made of their relationship right now. She was busy trying to get through tonight and then...what? She couldn’t stay, right? Not when her boss seemed to think he’d have some liberties with her.
Yeah, like that’s not exactly what you want.
Well, not exactly. Because she wanted a man who was hers. Someone who could be equally stern and tender. Set boundaries and reinforce them, while also being kind and caring.
Those sorts of men only existed in stories.
And didn’t she know it.
Mind back on the job, Charlie. She wasn’t good in stressful situations. Her stomach filled with nerves and she became clumsy and forgetful. Like right now, she couldn’t remember what the hell she’d come into the pantry for.
“Damn it, what did I come in here for?”
Allan shuffled in behind her and reached up to grab the salt off a shelf. He handed it to her.
“Salt. Right. Thanks.”
He just glared at her. Yep, they were destined to become great friends. She pushed all her worries aside as she worked.
This had to be perfect.
* * *
Kent leaned back in his chair and rubbed his stomach. “Damned if that ain’t the best meal I’ve ever had.”
Clint nodded. Yeah, he’d had that thought himself. The venison stew had been tender, the mashed potatoes perfectly whipped and the beans coated in butter and seasoning. Simple but delicious.
“Wasn’t sure she’d know how to cook venison.” He’d felt kind of bad leaving her alone in the kitchen. She’d looked so small and defenseless. At least she had Allan for help. Even if he was older than dirt, he knew what he was doing.
Zeke slipped into the seat on his other side. Where Eden should have been. Clint frowned and glanced around for his sister. “Kent, you seen Eden lately?”
He saw Zeke frown at the mention of her name. The two of them had a rather fiery relationship. They seemed to dislike each other with equal passion.
“She’s staying the night at Jacey’s,” Kent told him. “Nash drove her over.”
He frowned. “She should have spoken to me first.”
Kent shrugged. “Said she tried to find you. She asked me.”
And Kent would never say no to their baby sister. She had him wrapped around her little finger. Clint knew he wouldn’t have told her no either. But he probably would have given her a talk first about his expectations for her behavior.
“Doubt she tried that hard,” Zeke muttered. “She’s irresponsible and rash. Used to getting her own way.”
Kent cleared his throat and gave Zeke a hard look. “That’s our sister you’re talking about.”
Zeke didn’t apologize. Clint sighed. He wasn’t exactly wrong about Eden. She was just a touch spoiled. But he and Kent could still remember how close they’d come to losing her. She’d nearly died in the same car accident that had taken their parents. She was precious to them.
“Enough talk about our sister,” Kent said, glancing over at Clint. “Since when do we hire females?”
“She can cook,” Zeke pointed out.
“Not arguing that,” Kent said mildly. “But we have that rule for a reason. We really going to change it? And without talking about it first?”
“I’m in charge,” Clint reminded him. Kent’s eyes narrowed. “Truth is, I was going to tell her that we couldn’t hire her but then I saw the state of her car.”
Kent’s eyebrow rose. “The state of her car?”
“Wouldn’t have made it back into town,” Zeke told him. “Leaking radiator fluid.”
“So, call Dave to come tow it.”
“Yep, that’s what I was going to do, chief,” Zeke said easily. “Until I saw the backseat. She’s been living in it.”
Kent had been a senior chief in the SEALs, and everyone who worked for him at JSI called him chief.
“What? Really?” Kent asked, looking worried.
Clint shrugged. “Appeared that way to me too.”
Kent sighed. “So, you felt sorry for her and offered her the job.”
“Wouldn’t you have done the same? You’re the one who’s always telling me I need to work on my empathy.”
“Yeah, but I was expecting you to start small. I didn’t think you would overturn rules that have existed since before we were born,” Kent pointed out.
Their great-great-grandfather had bought this ranch and hired on men who’d thought the same way as he did. He’d wanted a safe place for his wife, who he’d shared with his brother.
“I didn’t out and out offer her a job. Tonight is a trial to see if she can cook.”
“Which she can,” Zeke said with a contented sigh. He rubbed his belly. “Can’t wait to see what we get for breakfast.”
“If we hire her.” Kent sent Zeke a look.
“We have to hire her,” Clint told him. “Not only because we’re desperate but because I told her we would if she managed to cook a decent dinner.”
“She’s done that,” Zeke said.
“Haven’t you got somewhere else to be?” Kent asked him pointedly.
Zeke shrugged but rose. “Want me to unpack her car for her, boss man?”
“Yeah, put the luggage in the cabin but don’t leave her car there. I don’t want her driving it. If you can’t fix what’s wrong get Dave to come tow it back to the garage. Have him send me the bill.”
Kent sighed. “Clint, this isn’t a good idea—”
“She had a stuffed toy in the back seat among her bedding.”
Kent stiffened. He knew his brother’s preferences. “Lots of people have stuffed toys. Doesn’t mean anything.”
“I think she sleeps with it.”
“Still doesn’t mean anything.”
Clint tapped his fingers against the top of the table impatiently. “Yeah, except there’s something about her. I can’t turn her away, Kent.”
“Then what are you going to do? Are you really going to let her live here without a guardian?” They were alone except for a small group across the room.
“I figured it wouldn’t matter for a few weeks. Not much she could get up to in that time, but then when I was talking to her earlier…”
“Yeah?”
“Well, she might have lied to me about something. And I might have told her that would get her ass spanked.”
“And?” Kent was staring at him like he had gone nuts. And maybe he had. But he still felt like this was the right thing to do.
“And she didn’t run screaming in the opposite direction. In fact, she appeared slightly intrigued.”
He sighed. “Guess it’s a good sign she didn’t slap you. All right. So, what’s your plan then?”
He’d been thinking this over all afternoon. “I’m going to tell her that she has the job, provided she agrees to a few rules.”
“And if she disobeys those rules? You’ll treat her like the men and fire her?”
Let her leave? No, he couldn’t do that. Not when he didn’t know whether she had a safe place to go. The idea of her sleeping in her car, where anyone could get to her, harm her…
Not happening.
“Then I’ll spank her.” The words were said with satisfaction. The thought of having her over his knees, her ass bared, her legs kicking as he reddened her butt…yeah, he liked that idea.
Kent ran his hand over his face. “Jesus, we’re going to get sued. Or arrested.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll get her agreement first. I wouldn’t force it on her.”
“Right. And you’ll think she’ll agree to this? She doesn’t even know you, let alone trust you.”
“Oh, I think she’ll agree. Moreover, I think this is something she wants. And needs. You’ll see when you meet her. And I’ll get it all in writing.”
“Great,” Kent said dryly. “Because that’s going to make all the difference.”
&nb
sp; * * *
Had what she’d cooked been enough to get her the job? God, she didn’t know. She scrubbed at the kitchen countertop, even though it had already been cleaned by the cleaning crew who had turned up after dinner. They were a husband and wife. Eduardo had a heavy limp, although it didn’t seem to slow him down any. His wife, Graciela, was a kind-looking, older woman who only spoke Spanish. She’d tried to shoo Charlie out as soon as they’d arrived, but Charlie insisted on helping.
The other woman had just shaken her head with a huff while her husband laughed.
“Not many who tell my Graciela no,” he told her with a smile.
“Oh, sorry, I don’t mean to insult her. I just thought to help.”
Graciela went to move the table which sat in the middle of the kitchen and provided more countertop space to one side so she could sweep under it. Quicker than she’d thought he could move, Eduardo was there. He gave his wife a sharp smack on the ass and said something in Spanish. Graciela gave him an exasperated look, but she stepped to one side to let him move the table. And the way she stared at him, well, Charlie wished she had someone who’d gaze at her with that much love in their eyes.
“That was a good meal, chica,” Eduardo told her. “Even my Graciela was impressed.”
She smiled at him, even as she worried if it was enough. She was so tired that her hands shook. Her body begged her to rest. If she hadn’t passed the trial, she didn’t know where she would find the energy to drive to the closest town.
She guessed she could just pull off the road somewhere and sleep. One bonus of your car also being your home.
About the only bonus.
“Charlotte?”
She jumped at the deep voice and turned with a gasp. “Yes?”
Clint was standing at the entrance to the large dining room where everyone gathered to eat.
“Daydreaming again?” There was a rough note of disapproval in his voice that sent warning sparks through her blood. How was it possible she was attracted to him? He scared her. And intrigued her. He’d been so sweet to her earlier when she’d fallen over. She’d worried he was going to insist on checking her bottom for bruises. Her body flushed with heat. What would it feel like to have him touch her? To be wrapped up in his arms?
Safe. She’d feel safe. And that was something she hadn’t felt in a long time.
“Charlotte!”
Oh crap. She should probably say something. From the odd looks she was getting from everyone else in the kitchen, she figured she’d missed something he’d said.
“Yes? Did you want something?”
“Did you hear a word I just said?” He crossed his arms over his chest and gave her a stern look. How would she react if he ordered her over his knee? If he told her to go to the corner and raise her skirts above her naughty bottom to wait for her punishment?
Stop wishing for stupid things, Charlie.
She thought about lying, but she remembered his earlier admonishment and her bottom clenched in reaction.
“No, sir.”
His scowl eased slightly. He crooked a finger. “Come here.”
“I’ve just got a bit more cleaning up to do here.” Except it was more that she wanted to put off this conversation for a bit longer.
He appeared dumbfounded for a moment. As though he wasn’t used to hearing the word no. Which was probably true. Then he sighed. “Charlotte. Here. Now.” He pointed to a spot in front of him. That seemed a little rude and she gave him a disgruntled look. Then she quickly turned her face away. Because he still kind of intimidated her.
Kind of? Definitely.
She found herself walking over, trying to ignore the incredulous stares the three other people in the room were giving her. She stopped about a foot in front of him. She kept her gaze on the floor, but she could feel him staring a hole into the top of her head.
“When I give an order, I expect it to be obeyed.”
Her head shot up. That endearment made her tummy go all warm. “I wasn’t disobeying you. I was just finishing my job—”
Clint held up his hand with the expectation that she would stop talking. No one was more amazed than he was when she kept going.
“I only have a few more things to finish up—”
He reached out and placed his hand over her mouth before she could keep talking and irritate him more.
“Enough. Your job is not to clean up. That’s what I pay this lot to do.”
She made a noise as though trying to speak and he removed his hand.
“Then I have the job?” The hope in her face made his stomach hurt. He knew how desperate she must be and he didn’t like it. She shouldn’t have a worry in the world. She should be protected, sheltered, cared for and loved.
By her daddy. By him.
Fuck. Not a good idea. She works for you, asshole.
He took a deep breath in, noticed the way the hope was fading from her face. She dropped her gaze to the floor. “You didn’t like it.”
Reaching out, he tilted her chin up. “The meal was delicious, Charlotte. I think that if I didn’t hire you, I’d have a riot on my hands.” Eduardo nodded. He frowned at the older man and he returned to his job. Nice to know someone did what he wanted.
A big grin covered her face and her eyes sparkled with delight. Hadn’t she received much praise in her life?
“But before we talk about you staying on, there’s some conditions we need to discuss.”
“What sort of conditions?” she asked suspiciously.
He didn’t intend to go into them here. “I want you to come and meet my brother, Kent.”
Suddenly, she looked nervous. “Um, okay. Are you sure I shouldn’t—”
“Little girl, rule number one on this ranch. When I give an order, I expect it to be obeyed.”
Her eyebrows rose. “You expect everyone to do as you say? Nobody ever disobeys you?”
“I didn’t say that. Someone disagrees with me about something then they’re welcome to state their case. But I have the final say. They still disobey me, then they’re gone. My land, my rules. You look nervous. Does that worry you?”
Well, of course it damn well worried her. Charlie wasn’t at all sure she’d be good at following orders. She licked her lips. “No. Of course not.”
He leaned in, his breath tickling her ear. “No need to fret, that doesn’t apply to you.”
“It doesn’t?” she whispered back. She should probably step back. This affect he had on her wasn’t healthy.
“No. If you disobey me, I’ll simply spank you instead.” He turned and walked away before she could react to that outrageous statement. She stared after him.
“You better go with him, chica,” Eduardo advised. “Boss man doesn’t like to be kept waiting. He’s a good man. Took my Graciela and me in after my accident meant no one else want to hire me. Don’t know what would have happened to us if not for the boss man. He take care of you.”
That was kind of what she was worried about.
Eduardo made a shooing motion with his hand. “Go on. You’d best to do as he says, else you find yourself in trouble.”
She gave Eduardo a glare as he laughed, not appearing at all concerned that she might get in trouble. Well, why would he? Wasn’t his butt on the firing line.
5
Clint slipped into the chair across from his brother. Everyone else had cleared out of the dining area so it was just the two of them.
Kent glanced over his shoulder. “Did you forget something?”
“She’s on her way.” And he’d give her to the count of five before he went back, swung her over his shoulder and carried her out here. The caveman part of him was distinctly satisfied at that idea. But he soon heard tiny feet stomp their way towards him.
She chose to sit several chairs down from him. Obviously, she thought distance would keep her safe. She scraped the chair back then sat and plonked her elbows on the table. He was tempted to show her what happened to little girls in a temper.
&
nbsp; You’re her boss.
It seemed he was going to have to remind himself of that often. He slowly turned to her, raising one eyebrow. “Elbows off the table, little girl.”
She pulled back immediately, looking chagrined. More than that, she seemed ashamed. All right, he didn’t like that.
“Clint,” Kent said in a warning voice.
“I see it,” he said impatiently.
She now sat ramrod straight, her hands in her lap, her face guarded. Damn it. His intention hadn’t been to shame her. And the last thing he wanted was for her to close herself off like this. To be afraid of him.
“Hi, I’m Kent. Clint’s much more charming younger brother.” Kent sent her a smile. “You’ll have to excuse, Clint. He doesn’t often get to speak to beautiful young women.”
Clint gave him a warning look. It was one thing to try to put her at ease, another to damn well flirt with her.
The tension in her shoulders dissipated, but to his surprise and delight, she turned to him before she spoke. He gave her a reassuring smile.
“Hi,” she said shyly. “I’m Charlie.”
“Charlie, that was a delicious meal,” Kent said warmly. Clint sent him a questioning stare. He thought his brother was against keeping her. “Have you done a lot of cooking before?”
“I did most of the cooking growing up,” she told him. She flicked her gaze over to him.
Damn, she pleased him.
“So, your mother taught you?” Kent pressed.
“No.” There was nothing more. Clint frowned slightly at the abrupt reply.
Kent’s gaze narrowed but he didn’t push her any further. “Well, we appreciate you cooking for us tonight.”
She stiffened. “I didn’t pass the trial? Did you call me out here to tell me to leave?”
“You’re not leaving,” he bit out.
She flicked her gaze over to him then to Kent, looking surprised.
“Clint.” His brother sent him another look. Yeah, he got it. This is why he normally let Kent deal with all the people stuff. Because he totally sucked at it. But he was glad Kent had been in a meeting when Charlotte arrived. He didn’t like to think how things might have gone if Kent met her first.
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