Riding Her Rancher Boss Page 10

But now he saw through his foolishness. He drew back, anger creasing his face. “I shouldn’t have done this. Not here. I’m an ass to take you near the horses…”

  Cassie touched his cheek. Her smooth caress felt gentle, assuring. “I don’t mind. For a moment, I forgot where we were and hesitated. That’s all.”

  “I needed you so badly, I wasn’t thinking.”

  “I wasn’t either. Not that I’m complaining.”

  She raised her hips to redress herself and he swallowed back his disappointment.

  “Jared, when you gave me the choice of riding or facing charges, I really didn’t like you. Just to put that out there. But I’ve overcome what I was most afraid of and despite what I said, it’s not a mistake.”

  No, the only mistake was his behavior. For Cassie to forgive his arrogance and see it as a blessing, he felt a rush of admiration for her. She was open to him about her feelings, encouraging him to do the same, but he knew she had to be wary of the barn, the horses. He’d overstepped.

  “I was being unfair.” Thinking of how she wanted to leave, something that bothered him more than he’d liked, he pointed out, “Anyway, you were insistent on accepting the charges yesterday.”

  “Because you were frustrating me! You may not accept this, but trespassing’s my only criminal offense.”

  “I believe that.”

  He couldn’t associate her with the initial image of a wanton, careless woman with a criminal record and bad intentions. How irrational he’d been to assume she resembled Heidi. He wouldn’t be winning any awards for restraint, but like hell he’d keep resisting Cassie because piece by piece, she had broken down the wall he’d erected, and when he looked into her eyes, he felt a foreign rush of emotion sear from deep within.

  “Really?” She frowned. “My sister’s fiancé dabbled in white collar crimes across the country. She ended up in court accused of aiding him but wasn’t found guilty. She forgave him and they’re still together now, but the amount of times her name featured in the news, the few court appearances…it hurt my parents badly. I don’t want to let them down that way.”

  Jared brushed a thumb across her soft lips. She obviously loved her family wholeheartedly, something he couldn’t relate to. And now he’d tell her what could potentially turn her away. She’d refused to leave before, but he couldn’t predict her response.

  “I’ll never take you to court. You have my word.”

  Tears threatened to come forth as Cassie thought of the attentiveness and consideration he’d displayed. He was protective, strong and dedicated. He’d be the ideal man to spend a lifetime with. Just not hers.

  He lowered his head, his breath intermingling with hers as his lips traced the seam of her own. Looking into his eyes with newfound confidence, she murmured, “Thank you. Now it’s my turn to pleasure you.”

  Jared was breathing heavily, his arms on either side of her, the broadness of his body surrounding her. She bit her lip, his silence agonizing.

  The heat in his eyes cooled.

  Jared maneuvered away, letting out a low groan. “I can’t do this, honey.”

  Disheartened, she sat up, wondering why he’d withdrawn. “It’s what we both want.”

  He turned around, his eyes sweeping over her. Then he tucked his shirt back into place. “I’m sorry, Cassie. But I want you in my room. Tonight. Not around the horses. Can’t expect you to be fully comfortable around them so soon.”

  She straightened and shifted off the blanket. The prospect of being intimate with Jared had been deferred, but none of it culled her feelings for him. She was helplessly his. Even though she knew it wouldn’t end the way she longed it to.

  She shuffled past him and made her way down the ladder. It creaked beneath her feet and she hit the ground, Jared joining her soon after.

  “I understand,” she managed to say. Her legs were still weak. “You’re looking out for me. It’s sweet, actually.”

  He lowered his head to nibble below her earlobe, leaving wet heat. Then he leaned over to her ear, his breath a whisper against her skin. “I’ll make this up to you. We’ve only just begun, my cowgirl.”

  Her heart fluttered. “You know, foreplay in the hay loft is a memorable start.”

  He leaned back and grinned. “You’ll love what’ll happen later.”

  Jared adjusted his Stetson, gesturing for her to follow him out. They wandered the grounds in silence for a few minutes, watching the rising sun coloring the sky.

  He cleared his throat. “I’ve worked for three years running this ranch, taking on all the responsibilities that weren’t intended to be mine. I haven’t delayed them for a woman in a long time.”

  She got the feeling he was confiding in her as a way to apologize for his inhibition. She swallowed, noticing pain crease his face. Pain that echoed within her from knowing they’d found each other at the wrong time.

  “Jared...”

  He raised his chin. “First thing my father said to me when I came here was that if I didn’t pull my weight and make this ranch worthy, he wouldn’t consider me worthy of the Weston name.”

  Shock overcame her. “But you’re his son!”

  His lips thinned, a sudden vulnerability on full display. “I was adopted when I was seven. My biological parents fell out of love and into drugs, so I have no intentions of getting in touch with them. Their mistreatment led to me being dumped in foster care. I didn’t have to wait long to be taken in, but those months of being an orphan, my future in turmoil, left a mark. My foster mother was infertile; she couldn’t have children even though she wanted to. In some ways, my father didn’t feel much for me because I wasn’t truly his. He doesn’t love me. Only the ranch.”

  Hence the arguments he’d mentioned and the tension between the two of them. It all made sense. She stepped in front of him, placing her hands on his chest, needing to feel him. “Oh, Jared. It must’ve been hard for you. I can’t imagine any father mistreating his son, adopted or not.”

  His jaw clenched. “I’ve worked tirelessly to gain his approval, for him to acknowledge what I’ve sacrificed but it seems only by taking ownership of the ranch will he be appeased. He wants me to stay, but I’ve arranged to return to New York.”

  The animosity in his voice surprised her. “Why? You regret being here?”

  “No, but time hasn’t lessened my desire to return to New York. When I was in the orphanage, I had a dream of making it big as a financial investor. It was all that drove me during that time. I’m not going to abandon it.”

  She couldn’t doubt how much he loved ranch work, but his bitterness towards his father tainted it. An outlook she now knew stemmed from his forlorn past. “But your father loves you, I’ve seen it. And you’ve done so much for Mountainbrook. What if you’re making a mistake?”

  “You seem so intent on getting me to stay. Why?” His blue eyes were gentle.

  “I’ve followed my passions my whole life. I don’t like seeing you deny yours. I think you’re more passionate about the ranch than you let yourself believe.”

  Jared smirked. “Well, sometimes sacrifices have to be made. You live with your heart on your sleeve. I’ve lived with restraints, expectations and disappointment and I learned to lock my heart away long ago.” He let out a breath. “Cassie, it won’t end the way you hope. I’m leaving. All my father wants is for me to give up my life for this place.”

  Stubborn man. “He wants you to be happy. Don’t torture yourself over the past. It’s there to make you better, not bitter.”

  “Spoken from experience?”

  She smiled tightly, feeling his chest rise and fall beneath her hands, overcome by sympathy. “It’s what my mom used to say. It was her way to move on from her first three marriages before she met my dad.”

  “Guess there’s some wisdom to it.” He removed his Stetson and ran a hand through his hair. “I’ve been against the renovations, the conversion to a dude ranch, because I worry about him. He’s a changed man after the accident. He’s not as
bad as he used to be but I worry how he’ll cope. He’s still my father, if not by blood.”

  Cassie nodded. She knew not to ask him to stay. He’d obviously made his decision, yet her heart ached for them. Jared was tormented over the need to impress his foster father while being blind to how Derek cared for him. He sought a love that he also closed himself off from.

  She knew love. She’d lived with her idyllic parents and their happy marriage and it was there between the Westons, but it was fragile, threatening to be broken. And she was painfully aware it wouldn’t happen with her and Jared. The more he revealed about himself, the more she felt pieces of her heart being devoted to him. It was no longer about her naïve curiosity, but driven by a selfless desire to see Jared happy.

  She forced a smile, unwilling to let her pain show. “Your father will be okay. Whatever you decide, I know he’ll be happy for you.”

  Chapter Eight

  Cassie felt Jared’s leg brush against hers while they sat next to each other at the dining table, and each time the solid heat of him teased her, she lost track of what they were discussing. Ranch duties, possibly.

  Jared removed his Stetson, exposing untamed dark brown hair. The hint of stubble across his broad face heightened his attractiveness and he absentmindedly ran a hand across his jaw, looking effortlessly sensual. Seated next to Warren, Jared was the one who looked like a model. A drop-your-panties cowboy.

  The vibration of her phone captured her attention. Spooning the last of the sugared peaches into her mouth, she excused herself and stepped into the hall. It was Leah, her potential employer. She answered without hesitation.

  “Hi, Cassie. Listen, we’ve made a few changes. The position won’t be open until late January. Our current photographer’s circumstances have changed and she won’t be leaving until then.”

  She chewed her lip nervously. “That’s fine. I can wait.”

  “Great. I’ve already looked over your blog and I’m eager to see your official portfolio, but the interview will have to be put on hold. I’ll call you closer to the time. So sorry to disappoint you.”

  Yet she hadn’t completely lost the opportunity. Her heart raced. This was it. She was so close to attaining her dream career.

  “Thank you, and no need to apologize.”

  “Everything’s just been a mess over here lately as we renovate the office. I hope this isn’t too much of an inconvenience. Olivia mentioned you were working at Mountainbrook.”

  She hesitated, hoping it wouldn’t taint her impression. “Yes, until the end of the week.”

  “I hear it’ll be open to guests early December.” She broke off, and the sound of a clicking keyboard filled the silence. “We plan on doing a write-up of Mountainbrook and photos of the ranch would be perfect. Seeing as you’re the only photographer they’ve given access to, we’ll hire you on the spot if that can be arranged.”

  Her eyes widened. Mountainbrook hadn’t just opened a door for her, it’d smashed it down. “I can get it done, no problem.”

  “Excellent! I’m sure you’ll love it here in Spokane. I can’t wait to meet you.”

  “I look forward to it.”

  “All the best, Cassie.”

  With the call over, she held the phone against her chest, overcome with contentment. The job wasn’t hers until later than expected, but now that she was guaranteed the position, she could accept further work at Mountainbrook. Not only would she be providing photos to the Westons, but this would give them a major marketing boost. She had no doubt Mountainbrook would be popular and all of Jared’s hard work would pay off.

  She had what she wanted, what she’d worked and risked trespassing for. It was a breakthrough moment. Yet her happiness didn’t feel enduring.

  Returning to the living room, she pocketed her phone. The other ranchers sidled to the stables and Jared lagged behind, sending his intense gaze her way.

  “Important call? I can tell it was good news.”

  She smiled. “The interview’s been delayed, but the outcome’s promising.”

  “Good. You deserve to achieve your dreams.”

  Noticing the wistfulness in his voice, she hesitated. “You really believe that?”

  “People should follow what they love. I know I need to. You stay here, take more photos of the ranch for the day.”

  Rejection permeated her. “I can accompany you.”

  “No. I want you to stay, enjoy your afternoon.”

  He tipped his hat before leaving, the door closing on his back. She stared after him, wondering if his behavior had been because of their liaison in the stables. Had getting intimate with Jared been a mistake, perhaps drawn the scrutiny of the other ranchers? She frowned. It’d gone too far already, but she took comfort in knowing she had a job in Spokane, somewhere to turn to once work at Mountainbrook was over.

  “If she were anyone else not working the pastures, you’d have them let go and replaced real quick,” Randall observed.

  Jared frowned, casting his eyes across the open, rolling slopes where two units of cattle roamed. Getting close to Cassie had been a moment of blind temptation, a desire he couldn’t deny. His restraint made the wait more torturous. Why hold back?

  Because he knew she was different. When it came to Cassie, he could barely think straight. He didn’t need this now before the official opening. Before returning to New York. His feelings for her were getting deeper than he planned.

  “She just needs a break after her fall.”

  Randall chuckled. “Don’t need to defend yourself, we’ve all seen it. She could be the one for you. It’s been personal soon as you hired her.”

  He couldn’t tell him how he’d coerced Cassie to work for him, but after what she’d said in the stables and her admission of forgiveness for his severity, he felt an agitation he couldn’t dwell on. “No. There’s nothing more than that. Not after Heidi.”

  The anguish of opening the door to the guest room in an attempt to surprise Heidi with a proposal only to see her in bed with one of his ranch hands lingered. He’d been betrayed by both of them in one heavy blow. And worse, it’d gone on for weeks. It likely would’ve continued for who knows how long - during the length of their short engagement? Would he have been blind enough not to see it during their marriage?

  Randall shook his head. “Sure she could’ve been your fiancée, but she’s moved on with Thomas and it’s time you did, too.”

  His grip on the reins tightened. “It’s not that simple.”

  “Nothing is.”

  “Can you check the southern fence line? I’ve got a calf to look over. See you in a bit.”

  He cantered off before Randall could get another word in. Feeling his eyes on his back, a slash of guilt cut through him. The old man meant no harm, and he’d been an advisor to both him and his father since the beginning. Jared saw him as a friend more than a neighbor and while conversations had gotten personal between them before, he’d never felt the need to avoid it.

  As for Cassie, she was a blatant reminder of a future he once longed for, the tangible prospect of a steady relationship. Most women saw him as a short term fling, and he’d gotten accustomed to it. Yet he’d laid out what he wanted from her and she was due to move to Spokane. A done deal.

  Once the cattle were tended to, he headed back to the ranch with Randall in tow, perusing his land. My land. There he was thinking he owned it, no thanks to Cassie pointing out his earlier slipup. In the years of hard, endless work, in some ways it did feel like the place was his. But as much as he cared for it and traversed every acre with Honor, he had no intentions of settling down.

  After dismounting, Randall approached him, his heavy boots kicking up hay. “Your father’s interested in hiring my stable hands. Just want to pass it by you, see what you think.”

  Jared focused on Honor’s saddle, tightening the girth a little. While it was tempting to give his agreement, he knew the responsibility wasn’t his. “It’s his ranch, his choice. I have no say.”


  “All right, then.”

  Culpability claimed him. “Sorry about earlier. Thinking about Cassie…”

  “Gets you riled up. I know how it goes. I’ve been with my wife for thirty years and she still gets to me like that. In the best way possible. When a woman presses all your buttons, she’s a keeper.”

  Randall’s admission surprised him. He’d never mentioned his marriage, although the silver band on his finger exhibited it.

  “Love like that seems rare,” Jared mused. He had no examples of it within his family or his own experience.

  “Which makes you appreciate it once you find it.”

  Randall gave him a rare wide toothed smile before leaving the stables. The silence was broken by Honor’s whinnying and Jared patted her flank comfortingly. The ranch wouldn’t be his, and he had no intentions of continuing the work. It was in his father’s hands. He knew the staff was reluctant for him to leave, but Jared couldn’t lament his decision.

  And his feelings for Cassie were another matter, yet Randall’s words were comforting. Perhaps he’d looked at love the wrong way, as something agonizing, meaningless, since people could cut you free from their lives in seconds with heartless efficiency. He’d endured dismissal all these years from those he dared bare his heart to and he wanted to defy the weight of his past, the dejection of those he loved, but how could he ignore it when it’s all his life had become? Nothing but disillusionment aside from his work.

  He didn’t know if he had the strength to overcome it, and that painful acknowledgment reached deep inside him, somewhere like hell he’d remain. It was safer to hide away, live out a routine whether it was to be in Mountainbrook or New York.

  After tidying up and sweeping the stables clear, he headed inside. Most of the men had left with only Luke choosing to stay the night; the rancher retreated to his room shortly after greeting Jared.

  Catching sight of Cassie alone on the couch, Jared’s heart rate picked up, his pulse thundering in his ears as soon as she locked her gorgeous sapphire blue eyes on him.

  She’d been waiting for him. That warmed him more than he expected.