by Jenna Byrnes
He spent an hour showing her the house and outbuildings, inwardly surprised at how little she seemed to know. He’d understood her to be some type of ruthless businessperson. From what he could tell, she wasn’t like that at all.
They headed toward the stables where, if she was willing, they’d mount horses to examine the ranch grounds. If she couldn’t ride, he’d take her along on Domino. The thought of her straddling his horse, holding on tight, her breasts pressing into his back, had his cock hard again.
Kyle was knotting a piece of rope when they entered the stable.
“We’ve seen most of the buildings,” Dean told him. “I’d like to saddle up and take a ride.” He glanced at Miranda. “Are you game?”
She looked at the horses skeptically. “I guess.”
“You can ride behind me if you like. Domino won’t mind.” He patted his horse’s rump.
“I don’t know.” She seemed to think about it. “I bet I could ride on my own. If you don’t mind helping me.”
He glanced at Kyle. “Let’s put her on Daisy. She’s probably the most easy-going mare we have.”
“Yes sir, Boss.” Kyle strolled to where the black and white horse waited. “Let’s go,” he called over his shoulder to Miranda. “I’ll show you how to saddle her up.”
“Gee, thanks.” Miranda’s voice was breathy and excited.
Dean was excited, too, for a different reason, he was sure. He followed and watched as Kyle patiently explained the various pieces of tack and every step of the process.
She nodded and did as instructed, then it took both men to get her situated in the saddle. Dean found himself pushing on her ass to raise her up, and his cock grew pleasantly hard.
“Lead the way.” He climbed on Domino and instructed Kyle on his mount, Isis. “I’ll stick close to Miranda.”
“I’m sure you will.” Kyle gave him an amused glance, then headed out.
Miranda followed timidly.
“How’s it feel?” Dean rode alongside her.
“Pretty good.” She ran a hand through the horse’s mane.
“You might want to hold on with both hands,” Dean advised. “Daisy’s good-tempered, but I really don’t want to see her get spooked and you go flying.”
She smiled sideways at him. “Flying sounds fun. How would that look, do you think? Something like this?” She nudged Daisy’s ribs with her heels and the horse took off.
“Miranda!” His heart nearly stopped as Daisy and her rider sped off. When she passed Kyle and flashed a sarcastic grin, he knew he’d been had.
He rode Domino up even with Kyle, who was scratching his head.
“What the fuck?” The foreman stared at him.
Dean smiled. “We’ve been played, my friend. She obviously knows more than she let on.”
“Obviously.” Kyle glanced at him, a determined expression on his face.
He nodded, and they both raced off to join her.
Miranda didn’t slow down. She ran Daisy at a quick pace until they reached a brook, where she slowed the horse to a trot. She eventually stopped so Daisy could drink.
They came alongside her, allowing their horses to drink as well. “You’ve seen horses once or twice?” He glanced at her, amused.
She smiled pleasantly. “I might have underestimated. Or maybe I’m a really quick learner.”
Kyle frowned. “Or maybe you’re a really good liar.”
“Maybe.” She waggled her eyebrows. “Come on, now. You really didn’t expect Mr O’Connell to send me on a job I knew nothing about, did you? That wouldn’t make good business sense.”
Dean chuckled. This was the ruthless consultant he’d been expecting. “So you have experience with horses.”
“I was going to tell you, but you assumed I was ignorant, so I went with it, just to show you what assuming gets you.”
“Yeah, right,” Dean muttered jovially. “I’ve been called an ass on more than one occasion.”
She smiled. “Since we’re being honest now, I guess I can tell you. I was a member of the California Junior Rodeo Association for ten years.”
“Rodeo?” Dean and Kyle exclaimed at the same time, glancing at each other. Dean added, “What events did you do?”
“Barrel racing and pole bending, mostly. I won Best All-Around Champion for three years straight. But if it makes you feel any better, I was only Rodeo Queen for two years.”
Dean nodded at her appreciatively. “Which just goes to show, the judges who chose the queens had very poor taste most years.”
A look of surprise crossed her face. “Wow. Thanks.”
He laughed. “Weren’t expecting a compliment?”
Kyle guided his horse in the other direction. “After that stunt, I’m not sure she deserves one.”
She laughed now. “That’s the reaction I was expecting.”
Dean smiled again. “I haven’t quite figured out what you deserve, Miz McCabe. But I’m working on it. I promise you, I’m working on it.”
Chapter Three
Kyle put away the last saddle and made sure all the horses had been tended to properly. Since they’d figured out that Miranda was an expert horsewoman, they’d put her to work, letting her get the true feel of a horse ranch. Not some dude ranch where people came to play cowboys. Double-F ranchers put in long days and were rewarded for their efforts by good meals and decent wages. She’d experienced all of that the past few days. She’d also become aware of the ranch’s mantra. Always treat the horses with the utmost respect. No one worked on the ranch if he or she didn’t share that attitude.
“Hey.”
The voice from behind caused him to jump. Kyle turned to see Dean smiling at him.
“A little on edge, are we?”
Kyle rolled his eyes. “I suppose I am. Since Miz Fancy Pants got here, you and I haven’t managed a minute alone together. I’m not used to doing without.”
Dean glanced in either direction before cupping Kyle’s crotch. “Doing without what, my cock in your mouth, or your ass?”
Kyle grinned. “Both. You here to make an offer?”
“Of sorts.” Dean’s expression grew serious.
“Aw, shit. I’m not going to like this, am I?”
Dean chuckled. “I can’t say. But I suspect you knew it was coming.”
Another eye roll. “At least something is coming. Or should I say, someone? You’ve got your eye on Miz Fancy Pants, don’t you?”
Dean tucked two fingers through Kyle’s belt loops. “You know I do. Something about her intrigues me, and that body! I know you’re not into women, but sheesh, man. Have you noticed her? She’s fuckin’ hot!”
“I noticed you think that, sure. What I want to know is, what do you intend to do about it?”
“I’ve been giving that serious consideration.” He glanced around again, and dragged Kyle into the small restroom, the only truly secluded place in the stable. He drew Kyle close for a kiss, allowing their tongues to bat against each other hungrily. When both of them were panting, he pulled back. “What I’d like would be to spend some time alone with her tonight after dinner. I’ll test the waters, and see if I get anywhere.” He nibbled Kyle’s earlobe. “I’m just curious, mind you. But I’d never do anything to jeopardize what we have. If you really don’t like the idea, I won’t do it.”
Kyle tried not to scowl. “Not sure I like it, but I won’t stop you if it’s something you’re interested in.”
Dean blew in his ear. “I am interested. I’d really like to find out whether she’s interested too.”
“And if she is?”
Dean pulled back and smiled. “Why, I’ll invite you in, of course.”
* * * *
Miranda had never felt as bone-weary as she had the past few days. Working on the ranch was tough but satisfying. Immersing herself in their world was fascinating, and it gave her a good opportunity to see the day-to-day pace of the ranch. There were obviously changes that needed to be made. She wanted to see all angles befor
e suggesting what those changes might be.
She didn’t mind hard work. It helped her sleep more soundly. The first night she’d spent tossing and turning, in and out of sleep, dreaming or fantasizing about either Dean or Kyle. Or Dean and Kyle, together. She’d had her share of those daydreams as well. Both men were hot, and the idea of them taking her together had her pussy and nipples aching.
She pushed those thoughts from her mind when it was time to work. She had a job to do, and she intended to do it well. Her reputation was golden—she planned to keep it that way.
“You don’t have an excess of staff,” she told Dean after dinner that evening. Kyle had excused himself to go check on a pregnant mare.
“I think we’re tight,” he agreed. “Jake’s pretty much retired. He was the ranch foreman under my father for fifty years. When he was ready to step down, we hired Kyle, and gave Jake the title of ‘stable manager’. He helps out when needed but doesn’t draw much salary. My father promised that he and Bessie can live in the cottage for as long as they like.”
Miranda nodded. “That’s nice. Your father is loyal.”
“He is that.” Dean appeared thoughtful. “But I don’t want to talk about my father. What do you say we pour a couple glasses of wine and move to the other room? I’d like to find out all about you. What makes Miranda McCabe tick?”
“Oh, that’s not very interesting. I’d actually planned to take the ranch’s bookkeeping ledgers to my room tonight and continue going over them.”
“Talk about not interesting!” He rolled his eyes in amusement.
“I am here to work,” she reminded.
“True, but nobody said it had to be all work. I recommend a compromise. Give me thirty minutes. You can decide what you’d like to do after that.”
“Thirty minutes,” she repeated, considering the offer.
He smiled. “And one glass of wine.” He stood and motioned to the other room.
She went in and chose a seat on the sofa.
Dean followed a few minutes later carrying a bottle of Chablis and two glasses. He sat next to her and poured.
Miranda fidgeted. With all the chairs in the room, he had to choose the one spot next to me? She could feel the heat radiating from him and smell his masculine scent mingled with cologne. Is he trying to drive me crazy?
He didn’t seem to notice her discomfort. He handed her a glass of wine and smiled. “I guess I should ask you straight away—is there someone special waiting for you in L.A.? I wouldn’t want to step on any toes.”
She blinked. Huh? Is he coming on to me? “No,” she replied slowly. “Not at the moment.”
“Good. I’m pleased but slightly surprised. Someone as beautiful as you can’t remain unattached for long.”
Beautiful? She blinked again. How much has he had to drink? “You’re very kind, but—”
“No buts. I’m not being kind, simply stating a fact.”
She smiled. “For someone who grew up on a ranch, you sure don’t talk like a cowboy, Why is that, do you suppose?”
Dean laughed. “I spent a lot of time in college working on that. Cowboys have a bad reputation with city folks. You ought to understand, being from the city and all.”
“Who says I’m from the city? I live there now, sure. But I’d tend to disagree with your assessment. Cowboys have that ‘bad boy’ thing going for them. Most women love it.”
“Most?” He raised one brow.
She nodded. “Same goes for race car drivers.”
His face reddened. “That was a misguided attempt at hanging on to my youth. I was a lousy driver, but I thought if I wanted it badly enough it would work out. The best thing I can say was I got lots of women in that line of work.”
Now Miranda laughed. “Honesty. I like that. So the women weren’t enough to keep you on the circuit?”
He shook his head. “Nah. After my mother died, my father stayed on here a while. Eventually, it became too painful. He needed to get away, and I needed to settle down. I’d been floundering since college. The change in careers suited us both.” He drank the last of his wine and set the glass aside. “Besides, I’d already decided there was more to life than just women.” He winked and slid closer to her.
She froze.
He reached up and shoved the hair back from her face. “I’ve wanted to do this all evening.”
“No!” She grabbed his hand, and with the other moved the hair back into place.
Dean clasped both her hands in his and gazed into her eyes. “It’s all right. I already told you, I think you’re beautiful. Gorgeous, actually. Nothing’s going to change that.”
She sighed and relented. “Don’t be so sure.”
He shoved the hair aside again.
Her face burned as he examined her scar. “This looks like it was painful. If it’s not too forward, may I ask what happened?”
Several flippant remarks went through her mind, but she didn’t say any of them. For the first time in her memory, she was at a loss for witty repartee. The truth would have to do. “When I was seventeen, my father’s stable caught on fire. Faulty wiring was the official cause. Of course it happened in the middle of the night. We all ran outside in our night clothes. I was wearing a long, flannel nightgown. Mom turned the hose on the building while my dad and I tried to get the horses out. My show horse, Lady, was in the very back stall. My nightgown caught fire as I tried to get to her. Dad pushed me down and rolled me in the hay to put out the flames, but the damage was done. I suffered second and third degree burns over the left side of my body.”
“And Lady?”
Miranda gazed at him. No one had ever inquired about the horse first, after hearing that story. “Lady died. I didn’t get on another horse for many years after that.”
He touched her hand. “I’m so sorry, Miranda. What a horrible loss, and a terrifying experience. I can see why you wouldn’t want to ride again.”
“My parents made me, eventually. The old ‘if you fall off a horse’ adage, you know. But I didn’t go back to the rodeo and they didn’t ask me to. I simply moved on with my life.”
“Except you’ve never really gotten past it, because the burns won’t let you forget.”
She smiled sadly. “The burns won’t let me do a lot of things. No, I guess you’re right. I haven’t gotten past it.”
He cupped one hand around her scarred cheek. “Traumatic, for sure, and a horrible, awful thing. But it doesn’t look so bad. I suspect you were lucky to come out alive.”
“They said I was.” She pointed to her face. “This isn’t the worst of it.”
Dean smoothed his hand over her skin. “This is nothing, I’m sure the rest is just as minimal.”
She eyed him evenly. “You haven’t seen it.”
He gazed back at her. “I’d like to. I’m hoping to see that…and more.” He leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her lips.
Heat soared through her at the same time warning flares went off in her mind. Am I nuts? Bad idea! What am I thinking? Miranda ignored the warnings and did what she’d wanted to do all week. She kissed him back.
His lips were soft yet demanding. When she parted hers the smallest bit he pressed forward, claiming her tongue with his. He tasted like Chablis and all male and suddenly Miranda couldn’t get enough. She groaned and opened her mouth wider.
Strong hands roamed over her shoulders and when they reached her scarred flesh, Miranda froze.
“Don’t,” he murmured, his lips on hers. “No need to flinch or be self-conscious. No burn marks are going to change how I feel about you.”
She pulled back slightly. “The last man I…was with said pretty much the same thing. But when he saw me with no clothes, he couldn’t hide the look of disgust on his face. I told myself I’d never allow that to happen again.”
Dean frowned. “He was a fool. That is not going to happen with me. I want to cherish you, Miranda McCabe, from your head down to your toes. And every inch in between.” Leaning forward, he captur
ed her earlobe between his lips, tugging it playfully. “Come to my bedroom,” he whispered. “I want to see everything. Touch everything. Kiss everything. For starters.”
A shiver ran down Miranda’s spine. She wanted that too, more than anything she’d ever wanted before. “I’m scared,” she whispered.
“I won’t hurt you. I promise. I may even have a surprise in store. But I swear, it’s a good surprise.” He gazed into her eyes. “Take a chance on me, Miranda. I guarantee it’ll be worth the risk.”
She was torn, emotions warring with raging hormones. It’s been so long. Her nipples were tight, and her pussy creamed when he glanced at her with his sultry gaze. The hormones are winning. “Do you always get your way?” She smiled.
He grinned. “If at all possible.”
She bit her lip and held out her hand.
Dean led her by the hand to his room. “Bathroom’s through there if you need to use it.”
She nodded and stepped into the master bath.
He grabbed his phone and quickly texted Kyle. He tossed the cell in the nightstand drawer and pulled out a handful of condoms. He’d removed his shirt and was working on his jeans when she exited the bathroom, suddenly looking shy.
He smiled and patted the bed. “Don’t be nervous.” Throwing back the covers, he sat to remove his boots.
She unfastened one button on her blouse before hesitating.
Dean stripped to his briefs then moved to her side. “This might go a little faster if I help.”
Miranda smiled up at him. “You want it to go faster?”
“This part, yeah.” He glanced down at the erection tenting his briefs. “Can’t you tell?”
She eyed his bulge hungrily. “I might need to get a closer look.”
“Count on that.” Buttons freed, he slowly pulled the shirt off her shoulders.
“You ready for this?” she whispered, turning her back to him.
He ground his groin into her ass. “Like I said, can’t you tell how ready I am?”