Riding Her Rancher Boss Read online

  He flashed a wide smile. “Then why didn’t you?”

  “I couldn’t risk damaging my camera.”

  “And here I thought you were willing to take a gamble.”

  Ignoring him, she raised a hand to stroke Honor’s side. Breathing came easier. The fact that she wouldn’t need to take control of the horse was comforting. It was obvious Jared knew what he was doing and while she didn’t entirely trust him, she trusted his riding ability.

  The heat of his arm pressed into her. Was he enjoying this? Luckily, she could pass off her arousal as being uncomfortable due to Honor. “It’s been years since I’ve gone near a horse.”

  “Then you’ve overcome that obstacle. What’s one more?”

  He gestured for her to slide her foot into the stirrup. She did so, aware that her breathing was rising, coming in sharp heaves, a rush of air clamping her chest. Jared steadied her, his hands never leaving her body as he helped lift her up. With his strong grasp around her waist, heat burned across her skin, his touch leaving a memorable imprint after he withdrew.

  She swung her sore leg over the horse until she finally settled atop Honor with both feet secure. Jared mounted the horse with little effort, positioning himself behind her. His arms surrounded her as he leaned forward to take the reins in one hand.

  “You ready?”

  Cassie nodded, very aware of how close and hard he was. His breath caressed her cheek. She hadn’t been this close to a man in years and Jared resembled a fantasy made flesh. She ached for him to touch her again.

  Jared pulled on the reins and Honor moved, causing her to jolt and fall back against his chest. A wall of solid muscle. Damn. She tried to relax, looking out at the field of green around them, wild untamed bush rising from the gentle slopes of grass only to be overcome by the alpine forest. The jagged mountains were a looming presence in the distance covered by streaks of clouds.

  The wind whipped at her face. Honor had broken from a gentle trot into a fast gallop, taking them some distance away from the river. Every movement jolted her but the pain in her leg had subsided. It didn’t help to be rocking back against Jared, her ass brushing against him, teasing both of them.

  She had to hope that this brief interruption wouldn’t conclude with a jail sentence.

  Jared let out a breath that mingled with the cool morning air. Well, this was something. He’d taken Honor out for a routine morning patrol of the land’s borders when he heard a woman’s voice. And while his initial reaction had been blind anger to see her trespassing, it subsided to perplexity at her defiance toward his proposition.

  Her injury was minor; mild bruises with no swelling. He’d seen enough wounds and scrapes on the ranch to come to that conclusion. Mentioning the ranch’s doctor had been out of compunction for his initial severity, seeing as she’d been truthful about her reasons for trespassing.

  The last woman I knew was far from honest.

  He had to admit they weren’t open for the public or welcome to visitors, which only intensified the chance of people intruding for the thrill of it. Sandpoint was a small town; some had to get their kicks.

  And he couldn’t deny the full-blown attraction that slammed into him from the sight of Cassie. He’d taken a good look at her slim body and supple breasts pinned within a ruffled blue blouse, and her nicely curved ass under dirt streaked black jeans. He liked a woman who wasn’t high maintenance; he’d had enough of those types before. She seemed oblivious or had chosen to ignore the dirt clinging to her face - and it was a sweet face at that. Her eyes were wide, a gentle sapphire blue that had ignited an immediate need to observe her further.

  Jared became painfully aware the saddle was built for one. Feeling her against him, her svelte body hard up against his chest, threatened to get him distracted. His cock strained against his jeans but he made sure to lean back enough so she wouldn’t feel it. Hell, it was just a brief ride back to the ranch but already he had the fantasy of stripping off her clothes. Kissing her.

  Ridiculous. One unpredictable moment and an equally unpredictable woman and he’d been blindsided.

  Cassie tilted her head toward him and he caught a glimpse of those eyes. “Wow, this is a beautiful view.”

  He spared a look toward the dramatic vista before them. Lush grass, a forest stretching as far as he could see and the towering mountains almost swallowed by clouds. Picturesque, but he’d seen it daily enough to no longer feel grateful. It’d been his father’s wish for Jared to work at the ranch but it meant leaving behind his old life and the passions he once harbored. Regret speared his desire, hardening his jaw. Sometimes sacrifices had to be made for those he cared for.

  “Ranch is just past these trees.”

  Cassie’s loose hair flew wildly around her as they rode, distracting him. Reflexively, he pulled a hand free from the reins but hesitated. It was tempting to brush back her hair, run his fingers through the strands and touch her skin. Frustration held him rigid. He had to remind himself she was here temporarily. Sure, he was attracted to her, but that didn’t mean he could act on it.

  The trees cleared to reveal an open twelve-acre field where most of the cattle roamed. Occasionally, they were let free to wander the rest of the land. That would be a job to start later. At least Cassie’s arrival had given an interesting change of pace. He spent so long at the ranch he sometimes forgot the world outside of it.

  Honor’s hooves pounded the ground. He guided her toward the stables, bypassing the two groups of cattle they’d rounded up last week. The ranch sat sheltered between the sparse trees dappled in sunlight. Five other horses moved restlessly in their stalls as he led Honor to hers. He dismounted and held out his arms to help Cassie. She tentatively moved her leg but he noticed no expressions of pain and after swinging her leg over, she wavered before slumping against him. This close, he could smell her, so clean with a hint of a floral aroma. She pulled her other foot from the stirrup and steadied herself. He moved his arms, one hand catching her wrist and stopped, feeling the gentle thud of her racing pulse, the heat of her silky skin beneath his. His touch had lingered on her long enough, and he released her as if it burned him.

  Wanting to cover the severity of his reaction, he said, “You didn’t seem to mind the ride.”

  It’d been captivating to know she was afraid of horses, an unknown fear within his world, although he suspected that was an exaggeration like her injury.

  Cassie’s throat worked as she swallowed. “It was bearable. Riding a horse myself though, that’s another matter.”

  He nodded brusquely. “How’s your leg?”

  “It’s...better now, thank you. You really have a doctor out here?”

  “Only on weekends for my father’s physiotherapy. His knee never recovered from being immobile for months. The doctor’s a family friend, does what he can and in return we let his son keep a position at the ranch when we open for work.”

  Information she’d likely glean upon entering the ranch. He couldn’t predict what his father would say to her, despite her trespassing tendencies. He felt a pang of regret at the enmity between them but knew not to linger.

  “I’m so sorry about your father.”

  The compassion in her voice pulled at something within him. He clenched his jaw, aware that he’d gotten too personal. “He’s alive. That’s what matters.”

  A moment of silence drifted between them, broken only by the gentle whinnies from the horses. The scent of hay filled the air and he let it distract him away from thoughts of kissing Cassie. This is what solitude does to a man.

  “If you don’t mind, I’d like to look around,” she suggested.

  He bristled. “To take photos of the ranch? I can’t let you do that.”

  Was that a hint of a blush staining her cheeks? He found it hard to avert his attention from her. Thankfully, she turned to observe the cattle. Denying her intentions for photos was a means of protection. Mountainbrook was private for a reason although he knew that wouldn’t last.

&n
bsp; His father intended on converting it to a dude ranch, catering to tourists who wanted a working experience amongst the alpine wilderness. It was a painfully abrupt change, but one that had to be done for his father’s stability. All ventures comprised ambiguity. He just hoped like hell it wouldn’t fail.

  Jared led Honor to her stall and shut her in, securing the metal gate. As she did every morning, she went right for the hay. He couldn’t help but smile. Having her by his side for years on end had lent an attachment he’d never expected to find. He knew her routine, just as she knew his. It was a comfort in itself.

  The click of a camera jarred him from his ruminations.

  He looked toward Cassie and saw the lens pointed straight at him, an intrusion for privacy he’d long taken for granted. She lowered the camera, eyes wide in shock. Feeling tension in his face, he realized he was scowling and immediately relaxed, not wanting to give the impression he hated having her there. Still, her brazen behavior was stimulating. She clearly wasn’t intimidated by him.

  And some obscured part of him enjoyed the disparity.

  She gave a brief smile. “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. It’s a touching shot of you both.”

  “I’d appreciate if you deleted it. I like my privacy.” He strode away from the stalls. Could he believe her story? Exclusive photos of Mountainbrook would draw a high price and he was well aware she could sell them herself. Even so, a photo of him and the horses could appear to be from anywhere. It was nothing to get concerned over.

  “Tell me about your photography. Why it spurred you to risk coming out here.”

  “You really want to know?”

  She seemed surprised. Did she not expect him to question her? Her nonchalance was disconcerting.

  “Indulge me.”

  Cassie followed him and they stood overlooking the forest before she exhaled softly. “After working as a florist for a while, I decided I had to make a change, attempt to see if photography could become the career I’d envisioned. I took classes, spent two years creating an online portfolio and sent some to agencies, but few showed an interest. Some photographers resort to selling their images online, but I run a blog to gather experience.”

  He raised an eyebrow, surprised to hear that she wasn’t professional. But then, she’d trespassed and he was blind to her capabilities. “It’s all you do for work?”

  Her resolute determination explained why she’d made a reckless decision. And he’d taken many risks to make his way to the top of the chain as a reputable CEO in New York. The similarities between them brought a sense of discomfort. He couldn’t allow himself to relate to her because he needed to maintain distance, but despite his reluctance, he felt pity for her. She looked genuinely embarrassed.

  “It is,” she said. “I’m willing to do anything to secure my dream and establish a career I’ll always be proud of.”

  The assurance in her voice was familiar. He’d achieved his own dream, far beyond what he’d imagined yet it all came crashing down when he returned to the ranch and let a modicum of vulnerability claim him. Now he was left with a residual pain that not even consistent hours working the pastures could ease.

  All because of one woman.

  “Even trespassing?” he noted, eager to steer back on course.

  Cassie flinched. “I didn’t count on getting caught.”

  “Trespassers don’t.”

  “Well, my portfolio never got attention from magazines. Most people can snap a professional looking photo, especially with DSLR cameras, and so the new demand is rarity. Blogging was the only option I had left and I had to elevate myself from the crowd. If that meant scoring exclusive photos, then I was willing to try.”

  Cassie faced him. The right side of her face was caked in a little dirt, her blonde hair windswept. Hell, she was sexy. Yet he knew innocuous looks could prove deceptive.

  “Coming here was a mistake bordering on hopelessness. I want to make a living doing what I love. Like you,” she admitted.

  For once, he was at a loss of how to respond. He was proud of his work and how much the ranch had developed, but he wouldn’t call it love. That emotion had died the moment his heart shattered to pieces even when he didn’t think he had anything left within him to be broken. Still, he had to give Cassie credit for speaking her mind. Heidi had concealed her lies with forced smiles and honey coated words. It was all too easy to assume Cassie would do the same.

  They stopped before the ranch. A wraparound wooden porch stretched for several feet, the ranch itself a dark glossy brown and the dark red roof a flare of color amongst the shadowed forest. Expansive windows offered a glimpse into the interior where the lighting cast a diamond white glow from within.

  “The ranch seems small,” Cassie remarked.

  “It’s bigger than it looks.”

  Her lips parted and he wondered if she’d noticed the double entendre. It disturbed him that she brought forth the sensual flirtation he once thrived on.

  “The land’s about four thousand acres,” he added, tilting his Stetson to keep the sun off his eyes. “We keep it tight, less than fifty cattle. Converting to a dude ranch means we’ll have to sell off the stock.”

  “A dude ranch? No women allowed?”

  He smiled, catching her hint of sarcasm. “Just a term for a guest ranch. The change won’t happen until late October, until then it’s a working ranch. We hire a handful of locals to help out for a short period. Lessens the load.”

  “I don’t recall seeing any job openings.”

  “We hire the same folk every year. Another reason why my father supports conversion. It’ll open the ranch up to the public.”

  “And you don’t support it?”

  He hesitated, recalling the long, frustrating arguments with his father. It was all they disagreed on, but it was enough to drive a wedge between them. “I don’t like change.”

  There were many things he didn’t like - including the way he felt for Cassie. While he hadn’t shut himself off from conversing with women entirely, the few he’d met never inspired his dormant arousal to flare to life with such intensity.

  She tentatively pressed down on her leg. “There’s no need to take me to your doctor, I’m okay. I have a low pain tolerance. Even vaccinations freak me out.”

  He smiled tightly. If this was her attempt to avoid confrontation with his father by eliciting compassion, it wouldn’t work. He had a duty to fulfill and dealing with trespassers was part of it. Not that they had many. Cassie was the first he’d personally allowed onto the ranch and her presence both troubled and aroused him.

  Hell, he wanted to grab her and pull her close, bring her lips to his with a searing kiss that would ease this tension. The motion of her tongue dabbing her parted lips threatened to break his resolve. He’d heard her little gasp before and wondered what sounds she’d make as he pleasured her.

  Jared cleared his throat. “My father will be occupied right now. You should come inside, get freshened up.”

  She glanced down at herself, another invitation to look at her sexy body, and lightly brushed dirt from her jeans. “Good idea.”

  No, allowing himself to extend this temptation around her was definitely a bad idea.

  Chapter Two

  Cassie splashed her face with water before dabbing herself clean with a blue Egyptian cotton towel. Luxurious, as the rest of the bathroom was with a wide cream colored vanity and marbled floor.

  Sparing a look at her reflection, she remembered she’d gone sans makeup. If she’d known she would be meeting a hot cowboy, well, she would’ve made an effort. She looked slightly less unkempt now, although her jeans were still streaked with dirt.

  But why did it matter what Jared thought of her?

  Cassie left the small bathroom and entered the hallway. Jared had shown her through the large living room where two hallways branched off, one leading to four large rooms where his father was resting, and the other to all the amenities.

  She passed by a room that was b
eing converted to a massage retreat, finding herself drawn to the cozy, well-appointed lodge. Mountainbrook Ranch was beautiful but without meeting the doctor, the amount of time she could stay drew closer to an end.

  And closer to the outcome of her momentary recklessness.

  Cassie stepped into the living room where Jared awaited her. He’d been pacing as if he couldn’t take the time to relax on one of the wide cream couches. The decor was modern with a hint of rustic, the white furnishings and delicate red rugs contrasting with the dark caramel colored wood. The few personal touches were photos adorning the walls displaying Jared and what looked to be his father. She didn’t want to linger on them, knowing all this would be temporary.

  Jared looked down at her, his face partially concealed by that Stetson and she was consumed by the urge to slide it from his head and run her hands through his hair.

  He closed the distance between them, obviously not afflicted by the same wayward thoughts. “If you don’t mind the wait while my father’s preoccupied with therapy, I’ll make breakfast.”

  “Being this late, it’s close to brunch.”

  “Don’t need much energy for taking Honor around the land’s borders. We have some cattle out there. Have to watch out for them during rotations.”

  The admiration for his job was visible in his voice, yet something about him made her feel perturbed. Jared had a quiet intensity that implied something deeper. She had a feeling this wasn’t going to be as straightforward as meeting his father and persuading him to drop the charges.

  He broke eye contact and headed for the kitchen. The ranch’s inviting interior relieved her apprehension. After following him into the kitchen, she leaned against the counter, observing. Motion sensor lights illuminated the room and added to the lavish home-style theme. The living room opened out to an impressively sized kitchen with several feet of granite countertops, a gas oven and a massive steel fridge where Jared withdrew a carton of eggs.