by Laura Ann
“Or you don’t eat,” Mr. MacMillan replied easily. “We run a good schedule here and don’t make exceptions. The whole ranch depends on it.”
Scarlett pinched her twitching lips together. She wanted to loudly agree with Mr. MacMillan’s handling of the situation, but figured she’d drawn enough attention to herself already.
Trent made a face, but folded his arms over his chest and shut his mouth.
“Now. Let’s get to the assignments, huh?” Mr. MacMillan began shuffling the papers again when his attention was caught off to the side. “Excuse me a moment.”
Scarlett pushed up on tiptoe to see what was going on when her eyes caught on Noah. He was speaking urgently to Mr. MacMillan. Seeing the two of them together confirmed Scarlett’s theory that they were related. She grinned as she imagined Noah looking just as ruggedly handsome as his father when Noah was older. The biggest difference between the two was the fact that Mr. MacMillan had gotten a little soft around the middle, where Noah was all taut lines and muscles. That, and the little detail that Noah wore the type of boots with a rounded toe instead of cowboy boots. Probably a generational thing, she mused.
Mr. MacMillan shook his head hard and stepped back from his son, ignoring the rest of what Noah was saying. Scarlett watched Noah back off with a scowl on his face, slinking into the shadows and crossing his arms defiantly. He must have felt her eyes on him, because after a moment, those hazel orbs clashed with hers and Scarlett gasped quietly.
She wasn’t sure how long they stood staring at each other, but when the furrow on Noah’s brow deepened and he turned away, she was finally able to suck in a lungful of air. “What the heck is wrong with me?” she murmured through a frown. And what’s wrong with him? I know I made a fool of myself, but why is he so angry?
“Now, most of these assignments are random. We only get picky when there’s a special need. Otherwise we basically draw a name out of a hat.” Mr. MacMillan chuckled. “Just like we mentioned earlier, we expect you to act like adults and get along with your guide for your time here.” He smiled encouragingly. “Oli!” Mr. MacMillan called across to the ranch hands. He nodded and a man walked up to the front. The worker was wearing a pair of worn jeans with boots and a tight T-shirt, which Scarlett noticed seemed to be the standard uniform for the employees. A straw cowboy hat sat on the man’s head and a wide smile on his face. It was clear to see he was friendly. “You’re going to be paired with Trent Jones.” Mr. MacMillan looked into the cluster of guests, waiting for Trent to show himself.
Scarlett barely kept herself from making a face. Poor Oli. That’s gonna be a rough one.
“We’re pleased to have you here, Mr. Jones,” Mr. MacMillan said in an easygoing tone. “This here’s Oliver, or Oli. Why don’t you two get to know each other a bit?”
Scarlett quickly turned away from the men as they walked to the outer edge of the group, eager to hear who would be next.
NOAH’S HEART BEAT HARDER and harder against his ribcage as he listened to his father work his way down the list. Noah knew exactly who he was going to be helping this week. His guest had been the cancellation, so he knew he was going to be paired with the replacement. Scarlett. The name slid across his mind like a sweet caress and it only made Noah scowl even harder. He’d tried to talk to his dad about changing up some of the assignments, but his father had refused to listen, saying it was too late for all that nonsense.
“Levi and Betsy Ray,” Noah’s dad called out.
Noah snapped to attention. He knew his name would be next. That spark of attraction he’d felt when he met Scarlett sprang to life, but Noah shoved it aside. Absolutely not. She’s just a guest. Nothing more.
“Scarlett Dylan and Noah.”
Noah closed his eyes and squeezed them tight. He could hear people moving all around him, but when a slight buzzing began in his chest, he knew without opening his eyes that she was here.
“Noah?” Her soft voice was tentative, nothing like the boisterous rambling she’d been doing a half-hour before.
Her fingers touched his arm and Noah nearly jumped. He turned to look at her. “Yes?” he forced himself to say.
Scarlett pinched her lips together and her stunning green eyes skittered to the side before coming back to meet his. “Are you the right Noah? Or am I assigned to someone else?”
Ooh, he was tempted. Noah almost told her there was someone else, but he knew the guilt would be more than he could handle. “Nope. That’s me.” He smiled wide. “Guess we’ve already met, though, huh?’
Scarlett smiled in return, but it looked slightly tense. “Yep.”
Wait, what? She’s not happy we’re paired up? What did I do? Even though he’d been having the same thoughts himself, Noah was irked that Scarlett might not want to be partnered with him. It stung his ego a bit, despite how hypocritical it was. “Uh...” Noah rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly feeling overly warm. “Since we’ve already exchanged names, why don’t we do a little tour, huh?”
Scarlett’s smile grew more genuine. “That sounds great. I’d love to see more of the ranch.”
Noah turned sideways and swung an arm toward the open door. “This...is the barn,” he said dramatically.
“Oooh,” Scarlett breathed, slowly nodding her head. “I wouldn’t have known that. Thank you for the clarification.”
Noah chuckled in spite of himself. “Yeah. Most city folk have no idea what they’re seeing, so I figured I’d spell it all out for ya.” He spoke with a twang that was not native to Washington State, but most people associated with cowboys.
Scarlett laughed lightly. “That was terrible.”
Noah shrugged good-naturedly and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Guess I’ll have to work on it.” Together they walked into the dark and dusty building. “There’s actually several barns around the ranch. This one houses most of the equipment. There’s also a horse barn, a hay barn, and several smaller sheds.”
“Well, that explains it then,” Scarlett said, her head turning every which way as she took in her surroundings.
“Explains what?”
“Why there’s no loft in here,” Scarlett said lightly. “It must be in the hay barn.”
Noah frowned, not sure where she was going with her comment. “Why does a loft matter?”
Scarlett gave him a coy look. “Because that’s where all the books say a cowboy takes his girl for a little snuggling.”
Noah barked out a surprised laugh. “Are you serious?”
“Oh, very,” Scarlett replied. She clasped her hands in front of her and Noah watched her eyes grow wide and innocent.
Oh, she’s good. Wonder how long it took her to practice that one. “Snuggling, huh?” He pursed his lips and tilted his head from side to side. “I don’t think most cowboys are into snuggling.”
“No?” Scarlett blinked several times. “Then just what are they into?”
Noah worked hard to hold back his smile, but he knew he was smirking. Stepping close, he leaned down into her space, her perfume drifting lazily on the air, just as sweet as she was. “Ladies might prefer snuggling, but I believe the men like a little kiss now and then, don’t you think?” When those tiny shocks began sparking through the air, he knew he was playing with fire, but their little game was more fun then he’d had in a long time. In fact, this flirtation had actually driven away his restlessness for the moment. It was a reprieve that Noah hadn’t been expecting and wasn’t positive he wanted. Arizona. Remember Arizona.
For a moment, Scarlett looked completely dazed, but it was quickly replaced by a look of mischief. She leaned in even closer, driving Noah’s pulse through the roof. “I doubt the ladies object to that very much.” Her eyes darted down to his lips and back up. Then a single eyebrow twitched in challenge.
I only met this woman a half-hour ago and I’m already in over my head. His good sense said to back up, but the side of him that had been looking for adventure was lapping this up like sweet nectar. Arizona was forgotten. “
Then I guess there’s just one problem.”
“What’s that?” she whispered.
Noah stood and dropped his voice to be completely stoic. “Even the hay barn doesn’t have a loft.”
There was a pause, and Noah was slightly afraid she would slap him for pushing the moment so far. The air was still charged, and his heart beat relentlessly against his ribcage. He could see her pulse fluttering almost as fast as his own, letting him know he wasn’t the only one affected by the moment. But he’d only met her, and no matter how strong their initial attraction was, he wasn’t one to jump in head first. He’d been planning his escape a long time. He needed to stay the course, not get caught up in a whirlwind romance.
Much to his surprise, Scarlett’s mouth dropped and she burst out laughing. Shaking her head, she began to walk toward the back door, wiping tears from her eyes. Noah watched her go, grateful she had a good sense of humor.
At the door, she paused and looked over her shoulder. “Guess it’s your loss,” she said with a smirk before disappearing into the sunshine.
Ahhh, crap.
CHAPTER 4
Scarlett kept a smile on her face through the rest of the tour even though she’d wanted to melt into the ground. Noah’s little stunt in the barn had sent all sorts of fantastical visions running through her head, only to have him pull back at the last minute. After her initial shock, she’d recovered enough to laugh and had even tried to get the last word in, but it had been hard.
Her heart had nearly stopped when he made that quip about kisses, and to have him so close, smelling like cut grass and fresh air, had sent her senses into a tailspin. Then he’d turned the tables on her. Scarlett was still trying to recover. I only hope I covered my reaction well. Good grief, that man could do some real damage if he wanted to.
Citing an excuse that he needed to run back to his house, Noah had dropped her off at the dining hall, showing her where the line for food was. It looked like most of the workers were also in the line, standing next to their guests, which made Scarlett feel a little self-conscious that she was by herself.
“Hey,” a friendly voice said from behind her.
Scarlett turned and smiled wide at the woman who was standing beside Levi. She looked old enough to be Scarlett’s mom, and her kind smile was exactly what Scarlett needed right now. “Hey,” she answered back. “I’m Scarlett Dylan.” She put out her hand and shook the other woman’s.
The woman smiled and nodded her head. “Betsy Ray.” She poked a thumb over her shoulder. “And that’s Levi.”
Scarlett chuckled. “Yep. He and I met.”
Betsy rolled her eyes. “Of course, you have. Men don’t waste time in meeting the pretty girls.”
Scarlett laughed, and she felt her cheeks flare red. “Uh...I don’t think that’s quite how it went, but thanks for the ego boost anyway.” She glanced at Levi, who grinned and shrugged.
Betsy chuckled. “What brings you to the ranch?” She put up a hand. “No, wait. Let me guess.” Besty put a hand over her closed eyes. “You’ve always held a secret dream of being a cowgirl and this was your one chance.” She peeked through her fingers, waiting for Scarlett’s response.
Scarlett laughed again. “Close! But it’s actually mostly my mother’s fault that I’m here.”
Betsy raised her eyebrows.
“She always had a dream of being on a ranch, and her fetish got me hooked on cowboy romance novels,” Scarlett admitted.
Betsy waited a moment, then leaned her head back and laughed loudly. “That’s the best reason I’ve heard yet.” She spun Scarlett around and pointed to the family in front of them. It was the family Scarlett had noticed when they were all gathered for the welcome speech. I’ll bet those are the ones who were in the Suburban. “Those four are from Seattle. I’m not sure how they’re going to survive their little vacation. The mother seems to have a difficult time with all the dirt.”
Scarlett nodded sagely. “I can see that.” She eyed the woman’s white capris. They would definitely not last long here.
“Then there’s that guy.” Betsy pointed to Trent. “He’s a writer. He’s getting ‘experience’ for his next novel.” She used her fingers to emphasise the word experience.
Scarlett raised her eyebrows. “Huh. I wouldn’t have guessed that.”
Betsy sniffed. “Yeah, well...I have no idea who he is, but he certainly seems to think he’s a hot shot. Can’t seem to stop putting his foot in his mouth.”
Scarlett nodded. “I hear ya. He told me I didn’t belong here when I met him.”
“What?”
Scarlett smiled at Betsy’s indignation. “Said I was too” —she glanced over at Levi, who had started talking to the person behind them, and dropped her voice— “non-curvy to be a cowgirl”.
Betsy’s jaw dropped. “He didn’t.”
“He did. It was crazy. I mean, I don’t even know this guy, and the first thing he tells me is that I’m not womanly enough. Who the heck does he think he is?” Scarlett put her hands on her hips.
“Piece of horse dung,” Betsy spat.
Scarlett barked a laugh. “Yeah. I was about ready to kick him in the shin or something.”
Betsy’s laugh was long and loud. She sighed. “I’m sure that would have taught him a lesson.”
“Probably,” Scarlett mused, pursing her lips. “But, the best part of the story is that my honor was totally defended.”
Betsy got a curious grin on her face. “Was it now?”
Scarlett smiled and wiggled her eyebrows. “Noah, the worker assigned to me, swooped in like a knight in cowboy armor and totally put the guy in his place.”
Betsy’s eyes twinkled. “Sounds like something right out of your books.”
Scarlett made a point of fanning her cheeks. “It totally was! You should have seen him!”
Betsy laughed again.
“You know, you never told me why you came here,” Scarlett said. “I’m sorry I blathered on so long.”
Betsy shook her head. “Don’t worry your pretty head about it. Your story is much more exciting than mine anyway.”
Scarlett moved forward with the line, then waited patiently for Betsy’s response.
“I became a widow last year,” Betsy said, making Scarlett gasp. “My husband and I used to own a ranch when we were first married.” She shrugged. “So when the anniversary of his death came around, I decided to come have some fun in his honor.”
Scarlett reached out and took the woman’s hand, patting it softly. “That is both the saddest and most wonderful story I have ever heard. I’m sure your husband would be excited for you.”
Betsy nodded. “I know he is.” She grinned in a conspiratorial manner and leaned in close. “But let’s hope he’s not watching too closely. Some of these cowboys are a feast for the eyes, and I intend to take my fill while I’m here.”
Scarlett pinched her lips together, but it didn’t help stop the laughter that trickled up from within her. “Betsy,” she said between breaths, “I think you and I are going to get along just fine.”
“Me too,” Besty said with a wink. “Now...let’s go fill our plates until our belts burst.”
Scarlett laughed again. The lighthearted moment was exactly what she needed after Noah’s intensity.
“Ready to eat?”
Scarlett spun as she heard Noah’s voice. Speak of the devil. “Hey!” she said with an awkward grin. “I thought you had other things to do.”
Noah glanced at Levi, who was smirking, and rubbed the back of his neck. “I took care of those. Now I’m here to help you get settled, so...”
Scarlett smiled, his boyish behavior making him more approachable. “Great,” she said. Glancing at the line, she noticed it had moved all the way up to the start of the food. “Looks like we’re up.”
Noah nodded and followed Scarlett up to the stack of plates.
“SO...” LEVI SAID, HIS voice teasing, “did you enjoy your tour, Scarlett?”
Noah glan
ced at Levi, who was sitting across the table from him, and frowned. What’s he up to?
Scarlett smiled wide and nodded. “It was very” —she sent a sidelong glance to Noah— “enightning,” she finished.
Noah let out a breath he hadn’t known he was holding. For some reason, he didn’t want her to mention their little moment in the barn. Even though they’d only been flirting, something about it felt intimate. That’s crazy. I’ve only known her a few hours. Why would it matter if we told everybody what we were talking about?
“Though I have to admit I was a bit disappointed in the barn,” Scarlett said with a straight face. She took a bite of her meat and tilted her head while looking at Levi.
Betsy’s eyebrows went up. “What was wrong with the barn?” she asked, jumping into the conversation.
Scarlett turned her gaze to the woman. “There were no lofts. Now I ask you, how is a girl to get a decent cowboy kiss with no loft in the barn?”
So much for keeping that conversation under wraps.
Levi choked on his barbecue pork and Noah kicked him under the table, then gave him a warning look.
Scarlett looked concerned and leaned forward. “Levi, are you all right?”
Betsy slapped her hand on the table as she laughed, ignoring the sputtering cowboy beside her.
“I’m sorry to hear that our ranch is so inadequate,” Noah began in a serious tone. “However, I have to tell you that hay is scratchy and itchy, and I can’t imagine any woman who would actually enjoy spending time in it.” He clenched his jaw together to keep from smiling. I’m enjoying this far more than I should. I’m gonna have to be on my A-game while she’s here.
Levi started coughing again, but Noah kept his gaze on Scarlett, curious to see what she would come up with next.
“I’m sure any cowboy worth his salt would be able to keep his girl’s mind from worrying about the hay, Mr. MacMillan,” she said sweetly.
Noah felt his neck begin to heat up, but the challenge she was presenting was too good to pass up. “Any cowboy worth his salt wouldn’t treat his girl to a pile of fleas and spiders.” He leaned in with a smirk. “There are much better places to take a girl if you want to do a little sparkin’.”