by Liza Kay
How do you feel about boxed mac and cheese? Jamie racked his brain for any lunch alternatives that didn’t involve two slices of bread and peanut butter. Well, he had Wi-Fi. He’d google a weekly menu and recipes. “I’m sure I can whip something up for dinner.” Maybe.
“Nah.” Ben waved. “It’s your first day here, and Charlie will occupy you as soon as she’s back. I’ll show you to your room, and you can unpack your stuff or take a nap if you prefer. I’m sure the journey was hell.” He smiled softly. “No stress. Today we’ll go into Bloomington and eat at the diner to celebrate your arrival.”
Jamie blinked. “Oh... uh... thank you. That’s... I didn’t expect that.”
“What did you expect? That I’d chain you up in the kitchen?” Ben smirked. “I think that can wait until tomorrow.”
Jamie laughed and finally relaxed into his seat. “All right, boss.” Although he’d only known Ben for close to thirty minutes, he had a good feeling about the man—and that didn’t include the forbidden feeling between his legs. He was glad the handbag in his lap shielded his groin from view. The whole pickup smelled like Ben. It was a combination of spicy aftershave, sweat, leather, and something else. Maybe eau de cow. Anyway, Jamie was helpless against it.
“Boss, hm? Only the hands call me that.” Ben shot him a quick look and frowned. “Look, I have four men working for me right now, and more will come in spring. If anyone gives you crap or is unfriendly, you tell me right away. They’re good guys, but a rowdy bunch. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”
Jamie bit his lips. There was something in Ben’s gaze...”I’m not a snitch. I can take care of myself.”
“I believe you, but... humor me? You’ll spend a lot of time with Charlie, and she’ll get attached to you. I think meeting you will be good for her. I don’t want you to leave us because someone was mean to you for any reason.” Ben’s cheeks took on a pink hue over the edge of his short beard.
Jamie had to admit he was a little confused. Why would anyone be mean to him? Because he was a woman on a dairy farm? Because he was from the city? It was possible, and Ben knew his men and what they were capable of, so Jamie nodded. “I promise I’ll let you know if there’s trouble. But I’m good at protecting myself.” He thought back to his journey. “Uh... at least I always thought so before today.” Would he be brave enough to punch a guy if needed while he was in his costume? As Jamie he’d do it and run away as fast as he could. But as Janie? He’d wait and see.
“Look, we’re home,” Ben said.
Jamie leaned forward and smiled when they drove through a wrought iron gate. “I always thought these things only exist in movies. Happy Hoof Farm?”
Ben shrugged. “Legend says the crazy sister of my grandfather picked the name. It kinda fits.” He pointed forward. “There’s the main house where the family lives, you included. We have two barns for about 350 cows, means it’s a small farm. A couple of years ago I shifted the whole business to organic farming, so we’ve been able to extend the operation gradually. I expect business to pick up even more over the next years. Over there’s the shed for the farming machinery and other equipment.”
Jamie’s eyes widened. “And the hands? Where do they live?” He’d read enough cowboy romance books to know about bunk houses.
“Most live in Bloomington, since we don’t have a bunk house.” Ben steered the car toward a white two-story building with a wrap-around porch. “Makes for calmer evenings.”
Jamie gasped. “You have a porch swing.”
“The weather forecast said to expect snow over the next couple of days. But cuddled in a blanket and with a cup of hot cocoa, we’ll withstand the cold.” Ben laughed. “If you want, that is.”
Had Ben invited him to a romantic porch-swing evening? Nah. Impossible. He was merely a nice employer. Jamie shouldn’t even think about romance and Ben in one sentence. When Ben parked by the house, Jamie opened the door.
“Oh, wait.” Ben jumped out and rounded the hood.
Not wanting to appear too helpless, Jamie carefully slid out of the seat and searched for the ground with his heeled foot. But the pickup was higher than he’d thought, and the material of the skirt more slippery on the worn leather seat than expected. With an embarrassing eep, Jamie slipped.
Two strong arms wrapped around his waist and pulled him upright against a hard chest. Jamie grabbed the lapel of Ben’s leather jacket and placed his other hand on the man’s pectoral. If he had to embarrass himself, he could at least take full advantage. He shot Ben a grateful smile and saw the man’s nostrils flare. His blue eyes were... intense.
“Did you hurt yourself?” Ben’s voice had dropped an octave.
Jamie petted Ben’s chest. “I’m fine. Sorry. I’m not usually such a klutz.” They were too close. A little more cuddling and Ben would know what was up. Quite literally.
Ben’s chest expanded as he took a deep breath. His blond brows crinkled adorably while he stared at Jamie, as though he was looking for an answer that was out of reach. Not good. Ben placed his hands on Jamie’s hips, steadying him. “All right.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll get your luggage.”
Jamie followed Ben with his gaze, admiring his broad back and slim waist. His cock twitched in the confines of his tight underwear. Eyes widening, Jamie adjusted his handbag over his middle and tripped over the uneven ground toward the porch steps. He prayed Ben hadn’t noticed the slight hardness where Janie should be soft. Jamie climbed the three steps, turned, and waited for Ben. There were empty flower boxes in the windows, and Jamie briefly wondered if he’d be allowed to plant some flowers in spring. Provided he didn’t jump Ben and risked a black eye and the termination of the contract he hadn’t even signed yet.
What the fuck did I get myself into?
Chapter Four
Ben carried Janie’s luggage up the stairs and to her room, trying not to stare at her too obviously.
He wasn’t so much confused about his nanny but about the way he felt toward her. At the bus station, he’d admired how she’d stood up against the guy molesting her. Her big brown eyes were beautiful, and her long, light brown hair looked silky soft. Her deeper than usual voice and throaty chuckle sounded oddly erotic. And she had a great sense of humor.
Ben hated to admit it, but he was mildly attracted to her. His reaction was wrong on so many levels. First, he was her boss, and he never mixed business with pleasure. And second, he’d never been attracted to a woman. While it wasn’t any of Ben’s business what exactly Janie hid under her skirt and blouse, he had a guess. He’d seen her Adam’s apple when she’d slipped earlier and he’d caught her. And he’d felt something poke his leg that he hadn’t expected. Ben didn’t mind at all, as long as Janie was nice to Charlie and did her job.
No matter what, she’d introduced herself as Janie. And since she hadn’t told him otherwise, that made her a woman as far as Ben was concerned. Ben had to get his head on straight. No pun intended. He placed the suitcase and backpack by the bed and turned.
“This is it. I hope you’ll find it comfortable enough. Oh...” He walked over to a door. “You have your own bathroom.” He saw her relax visibly, though her shoulders remained a bit stiff.
Janie spun in a slow circle. “It’s a beautiful room. Thank you.”
“The sheets and the towels in the bathroom are fresh. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.” Ben checked his watch. “We have about one and a half hours until we need to leave for the diner. Is that okay?”
“Of course.” Janie played with a strand of hair falling over her shoulder down to the small swell of her breasts. “I think I better take a shower. Fourteen hours on a bus...” She shrugged.
Ben cleared his throat. “Sure. I’ll leave you to it.” He walked to the door and turned before leaving. “Oh, before I forget it. I have a contract ready for you to sign, but we can do that later. Did you bring the references?”
Janie nibbled on her bottom lip. “I... ha
d to ask my former employer to send me another copy. The thing is... I lost my home last week and all my stuff is still there.” She wrung her slender fingers. Her brown eyes were impossibly wide, almost pleading. “Please don’t be mad. I know I should have told you.”
Ben melted. His mama had worked hard to raise him as a gentleman, and Janie looked so panicked...”That’s no problem.” Then something else registered. “Wait, you lost your home?”
Gasping, Janie placed her hand over her mouth. “Fudge. Didn’t mean to tell you. It was a... falling out between me and my father. He told me to pack my shit and leave.”
Pressing his lips into a firm line, Ben shook his head. The nerve of some people. What kind of father tossed his own kid out because they were as unique as Janie? “I understand. Don’t worry about the references. Give them to me as soon as you have them.”
Janie’s answering smile was blinding. “Thank you, Ben.”
Nodding, Ben waved and left her room. Janie’s fate gave him pause. Not for the first time he wondered if he was a good enough guardian for Charlie. Ben was fairly sure she felt safe enough with him to express herself, and he hoped Janie’s presence would show Charlie that it was okay to be different. He vowed to tell her how much he loved her more often, too.
Leaving the house, Ben saw Gene hurrying toward him. “Everything all right at the barn? Betsy didn’t kick you again, did she?” While not all of his cows had names, some of the animals stood out because of their attitude and had earned a moniker. Betsy had the habit of running from Gene or kicking him if she had a particularly bad day.
“Nah.” Gene shoved a hand through his black hair and peeked around Ben toward the house. “Is she here? Did you pick her up yet?”
Narrowing his eyes, Ben crossed his arms over his chest. “Who?”
“You know who.” Gene gave him a look as though he was daft. “The nanny. Is she pretty?”
Ben breathed out through his nose. “First of all, she’s an employee and a human being.”
Gene rolled his eyes. “You and your holier-than-thou attitude. Serves me right, though. Shouldn’t have asked you of all people about her looks.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Because you don’t look at the ladies like that.” Gene’s expression turned sheepish. “Hey, you know I don’t mind. So, tell me about her.”
Ben shook his head. He placed his hand on Gene’s shoulder and turned him toward the barn, nudging him forward. “I thought you and Sally from the feed store are dating.”
“We were, but I found out she’s dating Hank from the Miller farm as well. Not that we agreed to be exclusive or anything, but I had hoped we were anyway. Damn Hank.” Gene frowned.
Ben laughed. “Well, Hank swings both ways. There’s always the chance you three will make a cute throuple.” He laughed even harder at Gene’s scandalized expression.
* * * *
Jamie hurried to his suitcase, a fluffy green towel wrapped around his body. Steadying the towel turban containing his long, wet hair, he rooted through the case in search of something appropriate for meet the kid and go to a diner with her and her hotter-than-hell uncle.
It was cold out, so Jamie chose a long-sleeved dark blue dress and leggings to go with it. He laid out socks and his black sneakers, then grabbed underwear and hurried back into the bathroom. It took some finagling, but eventually Jamie managed to fix his padded bra. Since the dress he’d picked had a wide-swinging skirt, he hid his twig and berries with the help of one of Maria’s tight slips.
Jamie dried his hair with a blow dryer and pulled the soft strands over his right shoulder. Parting his hair in two sections, he made quick work of fixing a fluffy-looking fishbone braid. Smiling happily at the result, Jamie searched his vanity bag for make-up. He didn’t want to overdo it, since he didn’t plan to go clubbing, but a little bit was necessary to play his part. Jamie chose a toned moisturizer instead of foundation and only applied some eyeshadow. He darkened his lashes and eyebrows before applying lip gloss.
Looking at himself critically, Jamie turned left and right in front of the mirror. He jumped when someone knocked at his door. “Ben?”
“Yeah, it’s me. How are you?”
Jamie relaxed when Ben made no move to open the door to his room. “I’m fine. Just getting dressed for dinner. I’ll be downstairs in a second.”
Ben laughed. “No stress. I came up to tell you that Charlie is home and almost bouncing out of her boots, she’s so eager to meet you. But take your time.”
Rolling his eyes, Jamie walked into his bedroom and picked up his leggings. “Sure. No pressure at all.” Ben’s answering chuckle sent a pleasant shudder through Jamie’s body and threatened the integrity of his slip.
“We’re waiting for you in the kitchen.”
Jamie listened to Ben’s retreating steps as he shoved his legs into the leggings. He slid his hand over his groin, checking for too obvious bulging. Next he pulled on the dress and wriggled his hips until everything was where it was supposed to be. He wrapped the blue scarf around his neck and fixed it with a little side knot.
Jamie grabbed his sneakers in one hand, his handbag and his coat in the other, and hurried out of his room. His socked feet almost slipped on the smooth wooden staircase, but he managed to reach downstairs without cracking his skull open.
Breathing a little fast, Jamie straightened and tugged at his dress. When he looked up, he found himself the center of attention. While Ben wore his typical open smile, the little imp beside him regarded him with a serious expression.
“Hi.” Jamie smiled, through it felt a bit wobbly. He cleared his throat. “You must be Ms. Franklin. I’m Janie.” He walked closer and held out his hand, waiting for Charlie to take it.
Ben nudged his niece’s shoulder and earned an eyeroll from her. But at least she took Jamie’s hand. “How old are you?” she asked.
Ah. Twenty questions. “I’m twenty-five.”
“Have you always worked as a nanny?”
“Uh, no. I’ve also been a cashier and a part-time dancer.” It was a relief to tell at least part of the truth.
“Married?” Charlie pursed her lips.
“Nope.”
“Boyfriend?”
Ben coughed. “Charlie, I don’t think—”
“No boyfriend.” Jamie smiled.
“Girlfriend?” Charlie crossed her arms. “Because we don’t discriminate in this house, ya know? Uncle Ben likes boys. So if you have a problem with that...”
Jamie’s eyes widened as his gaze met Ben’s. Poor Ben looked both proud and pained at his niece’s protectiveness. Ben is gay? Not good. Not good at all. Did he have a boyfriend? Jamie raised his hands. “I don’t have a problem with it. Honestly. Love is love.”
“Good.” Charlie nodded, giving him a sharp look. “I guess I don’t have to warn you away from him, then. You wouldn’t be the first woman trying to... convince him otherwise.”
Jamie swallowed. “Wouldn’t think of it.”
Ben groaned. “That’s enough, cupcake. It took me months to find Janie. Don’t scare her away on the first day.”
“Jeez, Uncle Ben. I’m testing her a little.” Charlie grinned. “Do you like cows, Janie?”
Jamie blinked. The kid’s mood swings would give him whiplash for sure. “I’ve never met one personally, to be honest. Why?” he asked, suspicion gnawing at him.
“Because I have a pet cow. Delilah. I’ll introduce you!” Charlie took his hand and started to drag him off, but Ben stepped in the way.
“Not right now, Charlie. Dinner first. Remember what we talked about?” He gave Charlie a stern look.
Charlie’s nose wrinkled. “Do you mean the talk about me being on my best behavior?” She made a noise and ducked when Ben ruffled her hair. It was longer on top but really short at the sides. And Jamie saw an outgrown pattern on the right side of her head. It reminded him of something, but he couldn’t place the m
emory.
“Exactly.” Ben beamed. “Let’s go.” He ushered Charlie out and looked at Jamie over his shoulder, mouthing I’m sorry.
Jamie shrugged and pushed his feet into the sneakers. Despite the awkward questions, he thought their first meeting had gone rather well. He’d expected her to throw a tantrum and outright reject him. Jamie followed Ben and Charlie to the pickup. His face heated when Ben once again helped him climb into the seat.
Before Ben closed the door, he looked at Jamie’s feet. “Did you bring winter boots?”
“Oh...” Jamie fidgeted, not able to meet Ben’s gaze. “Well...”
Ben leaned in and lowered his voice. “Your dad didn’t let you take them?” When Jamie nodded, Ben lightly touched his arm. “We’ll get you something appropriate for the farm.”
“And rubber boots!” Charlie’s head appeared between the front seats. “You’ll need them when you help me muck Delilah’s stall.”
Oh, joy.
The diner was exactly as Jamie had imagined it. Booths everywhere with red bench seats. Laminated menus. A long counter with bar stools. A perky waitress with a tight blouse that groaned under the size of the boobs it had to contain. Jamie wasn’t jealous, because he liked his male body the way it was. But how she filled out her bra without the help of foam was... astounding. And if he didn’t stop staring, Ben would think Jamie had the hots for their waitress.
Jamie had a window seat, while Ben sat beside him. Charlie perched opposite Jamie, probably so she could continue grilling him. He liked Charlie. She was unapologetically direct and open. On the ride to the diner she’d talked about her cow and tractors and shit Jamie didn’t know a thing about. When they’d sat down, Charlie had ignored the looks of a couple of girls sitting in another booth with their parents. She’d rubbed her fingers through her short hair and grinned proudly instead.
Frankly, she was everything Jamie wished he was. Courageous. Loud. Standing up for herself. And suddenly Jamie remembered who her hair style reminded him of.