Riding Her Rancher Boss Read online

  Riding Her Rancher Boss

  Holly Brookes

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  About the Author

  This is a work of fiction. The events and characters described herein are imaginary and are not intended to refer to specific places or living persons.

  Riding Her Rancher Boss

  All rights reserved

  Copyright © 2018 Holly Brookes

  Cover by Lesia

  This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  Blurb

  Determined to secure her photography career, Cassie Mills trespasses on the private Mountainbrook Ranch to score exclusive photos. But when caught, she concedes to ranch work to escape charges - despite her inconvenient attraction to her boss, Jared Weston.

  Former CEO turned temporary rancher Jared has no trouble maintaining professionalism. Or so he thinks. But when he starts roping passion more than cattle, his past comes back to threaten the future he wants with Cassie.

  A huge thank you to my amazing betas Asko Kafedzic, Kerryn du Plessis and Ramla Zareen.

  Chapter One

  Taking one shot had almost killed her.

  Maybe Cassie Mills was being melodramatic, but she hadn’t expected this. Sprawled on her back, she tried moving her left leg again, wincing from the pain centered at her ankle right where it was caught between a rock and a tree root.

  She groaned. What a mess, and she’d even left her phone in the car, too caught up in her passion for taking a photo. Luckily, her camera wasn’t damaged, and she clung to it, not willing to let it go in case it slid down the bank and into the river, as she’d almost done. Maybe it was some sort of blessing to have ended up like this instead of getting drenched in ice cold water.

  Karma. Definitely karma for climbing over the fence and trespassing onto private land.

  She blinked back strands of her loose blonde hair. These were the risks that came with being an aspiring photographer but with newfound hindsight, she had become overconfident and reckless enough to misjudge her step on the ridge. Two years of hard work was now potentially undone by one decision.

  The sun beamed into her eyes, and she strained her neck to see her surroundings. She’d fallen at least three feet down the bank with a two foot drop into the river. The lingering cold air had barely warmed beneath the morning sun, and each time a breeze came through the trees, it sent shivers across her skin. This time of year the mornings were cool in Idaho, foreshadowing the winter to come.

  Cassie tried her leg again. The pain made her bite back a groan. It looked like she had to bear through it, wrench free, and stop the momentum of falling towards the river. Her leg didn’t seem broken, but it damn well hurt. Her heart raced, another spear of discomfort rendering her weak.

  She repressed a torrent of doubt. She’d barely walked a few miles from the road and the freeway had its share of locals and tourists coming through. Someone would notice her car. Sandpoint had a few ranches surrounding the town, nestled amongst a backdrop of the mountain ranges. During fall, most of them relegated to working ranches, preparing for the tourist season during winter. There was a chance of someone hearing her.

  She started shouting. “Hello? Needing some help here!”

  Her voice echoed and she kept trying until her throat went hoarse. If there was no one nearby, she had no choice but to pull free and deal with the consequences. She just couldn’t lose the camera. It was a gift from her mom who was enduring financial difficulties after the setback of her business, so it had sentimental value.

  Hearing a galloping sound in the distance, she pivoted toward it. Apart from the occasional chirping birds, there was only silence. Until now. The galloping drew closer until it stopped abruptly.

  Cassie turned toward the riverbank’s slope. To the left, silhouetted against the sun, was a man with an unmistakable Stetson lining his head, sitting atop a horse. Thanks to the sun’s glare, she could scarcely make out his features, but a rush of relief went through her.

  Followed by the sting of humiliation.

  The rider dismounted and patted his horse, advancing toward her. The brim of his hat blocked out the sun, allowing her to see him clearly once he stood above her. He was tall and undoubtedly strong, with muscles temptingly filling out his broad shirt.

  “Now this is an unwelcome surprise,” he said.

  His voice was deliciously rough. She propped herself up with her elbows. “Sorry, I just took a wrong step.”

  Her wry sarcasm didn’t bring a hint of a smile to his strikingly handsome face. He knelt down to survey her leg. As his gaze roamed across her body, she shuddered but not from the cold. He was attractive, his broad face dusted with sparse dark stubble, and when his eyes locked onto hers, they were a sharp, intense blue reminiscent to looking into the sky.

  My God. He was breathtaking. Hot.

  His brow furrowed. “I’ll help you on the condition you come with me back to the ranch. No excuses.”

  Right. That was agreeable since she didn’t prefer dangling helplessly above the river much longer. She managed a nod, still surprised by the sight of him. And the unexpected tightness between her thighs.

  “I can move this root, but from the angle you’re at, it’s gonna hurt,” he warned. “Brace yourself.”

  “Do it.”

  He wrenched the stray root free in one swift move, releasing her leg. It twisted back into position, the pain shooting through her, making her gasp. The rancher ran to her before she started sliding down the bank, his arm closing around her back to hold her steady. She involuntarily leaned into his chest for support.

  “I got you.”

  Cassie stared up at him, trying to catch her breath, but the combination of his touch and heady gaze made her throat tighten. He felt good. The hard pectoral muscles in his chest were prominent. She was struck by the need to have him run his hands down her body. Her breaths came slow, deep. She wanted to look into his eyes, to discern if he felt this strong desire.

  But it was an overreaction due to the situation, that’s all.

  He helped her to her feet and she hesitated to put weight on her injured leg.

  “Thank you.”

  “Don’t thank me, ma’am. Why are you here?”

  Judging from his abrupt tone, it was his land, and he’d caught her on it. She had to choose her responses carefully.

  “To make a long and embarrassing story short, I’m a photographer.”

  He glanced at the camera. “And you usually trespass for photos?”

  She flinched. Her criminal record was nonexistent, but she doubted he’d believe that. “I followed an osprey. They’re a rare sight away from Lake Pend Orielle. Stupid of me, I know, but I tend to be impulsive.”

  It was a flimsy excuse, but curiosity drove her to explore the secluded ranch. A rush of adrenaline had pumped through her the further she’d walked, a multitude of photo opportunities there for the taking and now she’d slammed into reality, finally confronting the consequences to her irresponsible behavior.

  He seemed unimpressed. “This is private land. Not open to anyone, especially a woman with a convenient story.”

  Cassie jutted her chin. She preferred not to justify herself to a stranger who’d
caught her at the lowest point of her life, but if he truly owned the ranch, her future was in jeopardy if he decided to press charges. Determination settled in her gut.

  “I’m not lying. I have proof.”

  She held out her camera and clicked through the photos she’d taken. The sexy rancher stepped in close, concealing any glare from the sun. The close proximity between them sent a shiver of heat through her, his arm less than an inch away from touching her. He smelled like hay and leather, a redolent scent born from long hours of riding…a scent she wanted to breathe in while he parted her legs and drove deep inside her.

  Her hands shook as she scrolled through photos. Now satisfied she’d proven her story was true, she glanced at him, noticing his stern expression.

  “Taking photos doesn’t give you the right to come here without permission.”

  Her heart plummeted at the concept of what she faced. Maybe she could convince him to yield and let her off. At this point, she was reaching desperation mingled with twinges of pain from her leg. “I’m aware of that. My car’s not far from here. You can escort me to the ranch.”

  “On the freeway? You won’t be going far in your condition.”

  “I can handle it. Not that I mean to sound ungrateful for your…assistance.”

  A flicker of a smile passed his lips, and she was instantly drawn to them. “Not so fast. I’ve got another way to take you back.”

  She swallowed. Maybe he had no intention of pressing charges, although she didn’t know what reception to expect. What choice was there? She couldn’t resist him. He’d caught her red handed.

  And she couldn’t help but wonder what punishment he had in mind….

  Don’t go there.

  She wet her lips. “What would that be?”

  “Ride with me.”

  Trepidation made her flinch. With the awful memory of the horse bucking her off still fresh in her mind, she was more than apprehensive. She glanced at the horse behind them at a safe distance.

  “Not an option. Sorry.”

  Cassie turned away, taking a step forward. A spasm shot up her leg, making her walking attempt unsteady. Thrusting her hands out for balance, she struck the rancher’s broad chest, involuntarily flinching from feeling him again. He wouldn’t leave her side and his presence was frustrating. No man had sparked this heated craving within her.

  “I said no excuses, remember? Don’t want you injuring yourself further.”

  “Concerned?” All she’d read from him was animosity. Admittedly, a reaction she deserved.

  “Hardly. I’m intrigued to know why you’re avoiding riding. I won’t harm you.”

  “No, but your horse might.”

  He quirked an eyebrow. “Her name’s Honor. She’s a friendly mare and completely relaxed around people. But if you’d prefer me to carry you, well, I have no objections.”

  Faced with the proposition of being swept into his arms, her insistence wavered. If he empathized, then perhaps he’d agree to her way of traveling to the ranch. Even if it meant exposing her vulnerability. I’ve got nothing to lose.

  She cleared her throat. “Riding used to be a hobby of mine during weekends with a bunch of friends back in seventh grade. Until one day when the horse spooked, I fell and broke my leg. I’m not eager for a repeat of that experience. Horses are unpredictable.”

  His expression softened and for a moment, he looked disconcerted. “You’ll be safe with me. I guarantee it.”

  She tilted her head, locking gazes with him, his a startling ice blue. Looking at the rest of him, he was in peak physical condition, all taut muscles constrained beneath a dark green shirt with rolled up sleeves. Light blue stonewashed jeans clung to nicely built legs.

  And now his gaze fell to her chest, the flicker of his smile a sign that he liked what he saw. She crossed her arms, not wanting to encourage more of this insanity. “You can’t call anyone back at the ranch to collect us?”

  “Weak signal out here, unfortunately. This is your only option, ma’am.”

  If she hadn’t left her cell back in the car, she would’ve tested his statement. “I prefer to drive.”

  He ran a hand across his jaw line, visibly exasperated. “My name’s Jared Weston. My father owns Mountainbrook Ranch. He’ll want to talk to you and it’s best I take you there as soon as possible. We’ll get there quicker on Honor. There’s also a doctor onsite who can check over your leg.”

  His father. She wondered how he’d react to her intrusion. Few had heard of Mountainbrook, and it’d become notorious for being the only ranch in Sandpoint not open to the public. Any photos would be rare, exclusive. Everything she needed. She’d taken the risk already, why not delve further by riding with Jared?

  Beneath that heated gaze of his, her panties were getting damp. Well, she was definitely attracted to him. The ranch would harbor some beautiful landscapes...

  The horse whinnied, drawing her attention. Yeah. That was the main reason why she couldn’t.

  He gestured. “Come up close to her. I’ll take the reins. You can just sit back, we’ll ride double.”

  Now he’d backed her into a corner, and taking one long glance at the horse, she hesitated. And grasped the opportunity for a diversion. “Has Mountainbrook always been family owned?”

  “Yeah.” When silence lingered, he continued as if compelled to fill it. “My father was thrown off his horse three years ago and damaged his back. He can’t ride anymore. He prefers the ranch to stay within the family, so responsibility fell to me.”

  His loyalty eroded her stoic impression. “Sounds like you have a close bond.”

  “Indeed.” A distant look clouded his eyes for a moment. “Let’s get back on topic. You need to come with me, and there’s only one option available. I don’t like it any more than you do.”

  Just her luck. So she had the choice of suffering through riding, stumbling her way back to the car or have Jared carry her. And the latter was definitely not worth contemplating.

  Against her intentions, he’d already stolen her interest. She searched his face, aware that an implication of something heavy thickened the air. An undercurrent of the notion that this could get very personal. She couldn’t help but appreciate his body again, glancing over his exposed forearms flushed with a golden tan. Heat rose to her face. His impressive physique was a diversion; one she didn’t need.

  “If that horse tenses up around me, I’m walking.”

  “Right. Lean against me.”

  She slung her camera around her neck. Putting weight on her safe leg, she leaned into Jared. His arm embraced her as she pressed into his firm chest and the sensation of his touch made her breath catch. She heard his heartbeat pounding softly, the warmth of his body surrounding her. He guided her forward, his arm at the small of her back. She straightened as they walked up the bank and onto flat, stable ground.

  “Rain will be coming in a few hours,” Jared remarked. “The riverbank’s still fragile from last week’s downpour. Should’ve been more careful where you stepped.”

  She cringed, remembering the moment the land gave way beneath her feet. “I’ve learned my lesson.”

  “As a photographer, I thought you’d be aware of your environment.”

  Her cheeks heated. Jared didn’t need to know the full story. He already knew one personal weakness too many.

  “I was caught up in the moment and forgot where I was positioned,” she retorted.

  The heat from his body brought to mind positions they could be doing together and she immediately clamped down on that. As much as she’d fantasized about a rugged cowboy taking her, Jared was off limits.

  “Passion’s no excuse for imprudence.”

  She glanced away, bothered by his condescending attitude even though she deserved it. Just the way he’d mentioned being passionate...it fired up all those fantasies again. Growing up in Sandpoint, it was natural to come across a few cowboys in town with their proverbial Stetsons but she couldn’t recall seeing Jared before. He wa
sn’t the type of man to forget.

  She focused on the view. Rugged, wild meadow stretched into the distance, the creek winding its way to a mass of alpine trees tinged with gold. The mountain ranges were in full display, hardly touched by snow and dwarfing everything else as the darkening sky covered the peaks with wisps of cloud. Nature surrounded them in all its glory and she longed to get her camera out but repressed the urge. If anything, she was trying to distract herself from Jared’s touch.

  And his story had touched a chord. She couldn’t help glance at him. His Stetson had lowered over his face, shrouding his eyes from the bright glare of the sun. He was a family man, and she was close to her own. If it weren’t for her sister, she wouldn’t be leaving Sandpoint to be near her.

  Honor snorted, drawing her attention. She had to admit she was a beautiful animal, a deep brown color with a smear of white across her forehead. A chocolate brown eye watched as they approached.

  She swayed on her leg, her chest tight as she recalled the moment she’d climbed aboard the horse, feeling it rear up before taking off and sending her painfully onto the ground, bruising her body and pride. A single moment that reminded her of the perils of negligence and linked the threads of her past that were blatant reminders of her impulsiveness.

  Jared slipped his arm away. The absence of his firm hold made her shiver. “Honor’s been with me for three years. She won’t spook because of a stranger.”

  The tenderness in his voice allayed a sliver of hesitation. Honor pawed at the ground and Cassie stifled the urge to recoil. Looking at Jared, she noticed he’d been watching her, studying every minute expression. She had to keep a cool composure for the sake of restitution.

  “I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten my manners. I’m Cassie Mills.”

  A ghost of a smile crossed his lips. “If these were any other circumstances, I’d be pleased to meet you. Not often do I find a beautiful woman lying on her back, needing me.”

  She smirked. Hard to miss the sensual intimation…or the way heat flooded her pussy. “I didn’t need you. I would’ve gotten free myself.”