Riding Her Rancher Boss Read online

  “Feel like something to eat or drink? Wouldn’t be decent of me to refuse you.”

  The grin he shot her way hinted at something else entirely. Was he flirting? She doubted it. Most likely, he was alluding to her momentary lack of civility. She hesitated, knowing she had to get back to her car and onwards to Spokane to meet with her sister. “I can’t stay long.”

  “Because you don’t want to or you have somewhere to be?”

  They’d already been personal more than she’d liked and if he was digging for her motives, he’d learn nothing. She shook her head. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m fine.”

  He shrugged it off. “Alright.”

  That decadent voice sent a pleasurable, and unwanted, tingle through her. He fried the eggs with plentiful butter and served them up with thick slices of bacon.

  Jared led her to the dining room lined with red carpet and a hefty pine dining table. She couldn’t help but feel like he was softening her up before the meeting with his father and it felt oddly intimate to be sitting down with the man who’d caught her trespassing.

  Cassie disregarded the implication and took a seat. After Jared retrieved flatware, he sliced up some bread and gestured to a pot of jam, both positioned in the middle of the table.

  “Homemade from our plum trees at the back. My father bakes a loaf every few days, keeps him busy. We like to keep things simple round here.”

  As delicious as the food looked and smelled, her appetite had faded. She noticed how he made no mention of his mom. “It’s just the two of you?”

  “For the past few years. After my dad had his fall, the responsibility of caring for him and taking up ranch duties was too much for my mom. They’d separated years before and were trying to make it work. After the amicable divorce, she moved back home to Washington.”

  His eyes hinted at a deeper pain and she felt a stab of sympathy. Mountainbrook wasn’t the reclusive paradise she’d assumed it was, but a haven for a hard working family narrowly holding it together. The strain and tension was visible on his face and she got the impression he was being conversational due to lack of company.

  She leaned forward. “It must get lonely out here. I haven’t seen you around town before. Have you always lived in Sandpoint?”

  Shoveling bread into his mouth, he chewed, his gaze passing over her as if weighing up his options. “I leave the ranch when I have to, but not often. Born and raised in Idaho, but I’ve traveled.”

  Jared finally took off his hat, revealing a gentle mass of dusty brown hair. A few strands fell against his tanned skin, emphasizing his eyes. She didn’t realize she was staring until he looked up at her.

  He held her gaze. He’d made a few meaningful glances at her, but she assumed it was due to the messy state she was in. Yet this was a moment where the prospect of his attraction toward her became tangible. The way his eyes raked over her, gleaming intensely, made her swallow.

  Does he want me?

  Footsteps echoed in the hallway and she whirled around in time to see Jared’s father emerge. His face was tanned and weathered from age with thinning salt-and-pepper hair. Dressed in blue jeans and a loose gray shirt, he walked with a slight limp. Apprehension immediately thickened the room.

  “Wasn’t expecting a guest.”

  Jared straightened. “She’s no guest. This is Cassie Mills. I found her near the eastern creek. She fell while taking a photo.”

  His father’s brown eyed gaze moved to her and narrowed. “You a tourist?”

  Of course her inattentive behavior made her look like one. “No, I’ve...lived here all my life.”

  He caught sight of her camera. “And you trespassed to take a photo?”

  The two men shared a look and she wasn’t oblivious to their disapproval. Maybe she could joke about it later, but disgrace flooded her face.

  “I’m sorry. It was my mistake, and I’m willing to talk over the consequences with you.”

  The next few seconds fell prey to uncertainty, and she watched him, eyes wide, having no idea what his father was capable of. Would he let the police handle her? God, she couldn’t believe she’d been so careless.

  Finally, he spoke, “The name’s Derek. I must say, we haven’t had someone this eager to take photos of the place. Jared, do you mind leaving for a moment while I deal with this matter?”

  Across the table from her, he bristled. “I intend to stay. She’s equally my responsibility.”

  They eyed each other for a moment before Derek relented. “Fine. But you have no input in my decision, and I’ve concluded that I won’t be laying charges. Cassie, you’re free to go. No harm done.”

  Relief flooded through her.

  Jared stood, the chair scraping harshly across the floor. “We’ve never let someone off the hook like this!”

  Derek raised a hand. “I’ve made my mind up. If the way I run this ranch bothers you, you know what needs to be done.”

  Cassie waited with bated breath. Jared seemed eager to have her punished, but for some reason his father didn’t. What did she expect? Trespassing didn’t portray a virtuous impression, yet she’d been let off.

  She accepted his decision with gratitude. It felt like a weight had been lifted and without the prospect of criminal charges, her photography career remained unsullied. But not her principles.

  “If there’s anything I can do to make up for my behavior…”

  Derek turned away from Jared. “No need, Ms. Mills. Has Jared told you of the ranch’s opening within a few weeks?”

  “He mentioned it.”

  “I don’t wish to press charges because it’ll soon be open to the public. But there is one thing I’d like to ask of you. Can I see your photos?”

  An odd request, yet with Jared’s gaze burning holes in his father, she had a feeling there was another connotation.

  Cassie detached her camera and displayed several photos. Derek smiled. “I have to say, I’m impressed enough to consider you for a position as our photographer.”

  Her eyes widened. A job opportunity? It was almost too good to be true.

  Jared stepped closer. “The position’s taken. I’ve arranged for Diane to fly in that week.”

  Someone he obviously cared for. She tried to ignore the flicker of jealousy.

  “I’d prefer a local, not one of your former colleagues. And fate’s handed me the ideal opportunity.” Derek faced her. “We intend on securing promotional photos during the opening. Would you be available then?”

  She tried to quell her enthusiasm. “I haven’t done professional work before, but I’ve been building my portfolio.”

  He raised a hand. “We all start somewhere.”

  Jared cleared his throat. “Dad -”

  “No more interruptions, son. It’s done.”

  Jared resigned to a shake of his head. “If it’s what you think is best.”

  His father returned his attention to her. “We don’t need you right away, but it’d be after Thanksgiving once the renovations are finished, just for a day.”

  His assurance in her was humbling especially after her actions, but the allotted job opportunity was weeks away. Pain lanced through her. It was a chance to prove her capabilities, but it meant being patient when financially she couldn’t afford to persevere, not when she had opportunities in Spokane and would leave Sandpoint behind.

  “I don’t think I’ll be available,” she admitted reluctantly.

  “Let us know beforehand.” Derek left the room and returned with a card illustrating the contact details for Mountainbrook Ranch. “It’d be a shame not to have you.”

  She nodded, in awe of her luck. “I’ll try my best.”

  Cassie spared a glance toward Jared. His eyes had been on her, a frown creasing his face. Was he disappointed she wasn’t accepting? No, it looked like relief. His preference for Diane was clear and she couldn’t blame him.

  She headed for the doorway.

  “Let me take you back,” Jared offered. He stood and set the Ste
tson on his head. “Not on a horse, though.”

  “I appreciate it.”

  He preceded her and after exchanging goodbyes with his father, Cassie followed Jared and was immersed in the bright sunlight. He walked in long strides as if impatient for her to leave. Shielding her eyes with a hand, she watched him move to a small garage past the gated cattle. An asphalted driveway sloped away from it to disappear behind the trees and link back to the main road.

  She didn’t know if she’d see Mountainbrook again. Now that her careless trespassing had been forgotten, she felt pleased to leave it behind.

  “You aren’t taking the job?” Jared asked. “I know it’s unexpected. Threw me for a loop.”

  It’d taken her by complete surprise, but as much as she wanted to, she couldn’t accept. She brushed back her hair. “It’s a long time to wait. Things will change for me by then, and I’m aware you have someone in mind.”

  “I do. Diane’s a professional photographer from New York.”

  He’d spoken as if Cassie were far from who he’d choose. She buried her hurt, annoyed that his aversion undercut her resolve. “I’m sure she’ll do Mountainbrook justice.”

  “Well, the offer’s there for you, thanks to my father.”

  There was a hint of bitterness, an underlay of emotion that proved this was about the Westons playing hardball and not due to her talents. She felt the irrepressible need to prove them wrong, but held back. She couldn’t get drawn into it. Her time here was over.

  Jared strode over to a grey SUV and opened the door for her. Despite her annoyance, she felt a twinge of empathy for him and the battle of wills between father and son.

  “Thank you. Really. But I won’t be coming back.”

  Their eyes met and she climbed into the car, wanting to leave the heat of his gaze. Clasping her hands together from the cold, she waited as Jared started the engine and drove. As if noticing her discomfort, he cranked up the heating. His thoughtful consideration was endearing.

  The drive took ten long minutes and she directed him to where her car was parked. After pulling over, he glanced at her. “We’re starting work on Wednesday, hiring a few people out on the ranch. It’ll be hard work.”

  It didn’t take long to connect the dots. “And you want me?”

  “I want you here.”

  A flutter went through her, heat rising to her cheeks. Beneath his gaze, she couldn’t help but speculate if his interest was sexual. Confined in the car, away from any horses without fear clouding her perceptions, the chemistry between them was palpable. Intense.

  “You know, you could always ask me on a date instead.”

  She couldn’t stop those words coming from her mouth and internally cringed. Why did she have to be too forward with a guy who showed interest? It’s what led to her falling for the wrong men. Still, the small amount of bad dates she had didn’t suppress her hope that she’d find someone decent. And she’d seen a sweet side to Jared Weston.

  If she hadn’t just blown her chance.

  His face was inches from hers, his voice low and rough. “I don’t date.”

  At least that made his relationship status clear. A pang of dissatisfaction hit her, but she knew it was inane to assume he had a romantic interest, especially after her brash display.

  Yet he didn’t back away, his eyes searching her face, his lips moving closer. As if he wanted to kiss her. Cassie swallowed, captured by the heat in his eyes and how they narrowed as he focused on her lips. Her breaths came slow, heavy with need, her legs clasping together…

  Jared seemed to catch himself and leaned back. “What I meant was I want you to work here for a week. Consider it payment for trespassing since my father preferred to let you off. You can start on Tuesday.”

  What on earth…? Now that he’d put distance between them, the spell was broken. And his proposal lingered. The circumstances had changed so abruptly that she took a moment to gather her voice.

  “I have the right to refuse!”

  “Will you?”

  “You know my answer. I can’t ride.”

  “I can teach you.”

  She laughed. “You’re that eager to have me back?”

  “No. But I feel obligated to have you serve some form of penalty for your actions, no matter what my father thinks. If you’re as innocent as you proclaim, you don’t want your conscience to be tainted by refusing. Am I right? You can either work for me or I take you to court.”

  Articulate and insistent. Damn him. The look he gave her felt as if it seared through to the depth of her reservations. As if he could read her easily. She couldn’t leave knowing that she’d escaped the charges she rightly deserved. There’d be no consequence and she believed in karma.

  But she couldn’t allow it. Not when she’d been released and Jared was the only one coercing her. “I won’t be any help to you.”

  “I’ll assist you with riding, hence why you start early.”

  The notion of being atop a horse and having it solely beneath her control made her shiver. “I can’t believe this.”

  Jared had the modesty to look repentant. “The majority of ranching involves riding and being amongst horses. You need to get accustomed to them. It’ll be memorable, at least.”

  Memorable for all the wrong reasons. “Excuse me for being blunt, but you can’t punish me. Your father has the responsibility, as you said so yourself, and he chose not to. I’ll clean the barn. Anything but riding.”

  His voice softened. “Cassie, are you going to put up with this fear for the rest of your life? I’m giving you the chance to overcome it.”

  “Sorry, but I’d rather accept the charges.”

  Her false audacity struck deeply. Was returning to court the right decision? No, but damn it, Jared was forcing her to confront the fear that overruled her life. A downright embarrassing one.

  He briefly lowered his gaze. “Trespassing’s a misdemeanor criminal offense in Idaho, which means you’ll have to appear in court before a magistrate judge.”

  She swallowed, disliking the confined space, the sense of entrapment with him. “Sounds like you know your legal speak.”

  “We’ve dealt with trespassers before.”

  “By blackmailing them to work for you?”

  He bristled. “This is a first. I’m giving you an alternative.”

  Out of sympathy? Or this interplay between them? Either way, she didn’t want to dwell on it.

  She inclined her chin. Her parents would be greatly disappointed in her; they knew all too well what is was like to have a daughter on the wrong side of the law. Cassie couldn’t disappoint them. Could she rip apart her beloved family’s belief in her for the sake of defending herself?

  But Jared could be bluffing. She wet her lips, aware she was on the precipice of losing more than intended. “What do the charges involve?”

  “A fine of up to a thousand dollars and a six month stay in jail. Would that be familiar to you, if you’ve done this kinda thing before?”

  She ignored his taunt. Let him believe his misconceptions. But her inner confliction left her torn. He wanted his way, and she couldn’t fight the urge to refuse him.

  She didn’t want to be tied to him for a week, to put up with that scorching gaze. Sexual frustration had been completely eliminated from her life until now, and she didn’t need the distraction.

  Jared met her gaze. “Which concerns you more: facing jail time, or riding a horse? Best tell me your decision now.”

  Putting it that way, it sounded ludicrous. Just like her fear. Cassie winced. It was high time she got over it and she couldn’t bear to think of her parents’ faces from the revelation that she’d resorted to criminal behavior out of despondency.

  “Then I’ve made my choice,” she bit out. “I’ll see you on Tuesday.”

  She stepped out. By the time she made it to her car, her breathing returned to normal but not her racing heart. Her predicament had gotten worse than she’d expected. How was she going to endure a wee
k with Jared Weston knowing her career, and her future, was at stake?

  Jared dumped a fresh pile of hay into the stall, wiping at his forehead. While his muscles burned at him to relax, he’d been distracting himself by working harder than usual for a Saturday. Damn it all, Cassie had really gotten to him.

  Initially, he didn’t want to see her again because of the attraction he felt for her. It had ignited a long forgotten desire, but he couldn’t let her go so easily. He couldn’t let a carefree woman like her escape punishment. Like Heidi.

  And he wouldn’t deny his sense of obligation to the ranch. His father’s photography offer had been a low blow made out of abhorrence for Jared’s refusal for ownership of Mountainbrook. Jared knew he wasn’t fond of Diane, but with Cassie’s rejection…

  She was hesitant about accepting and he couldn’t understand her motives. She’d been pursuing her passion for photography, as she’d said, and the opportunity was right for her.

  No, there was something she wasn’t admitting. Not that it mattered. They were basically strangers and yet he couldn’t shake her from his mind. Her fear of riding had awoken a need to relate. It was yet another intriguing difference about her.

  Now he’d messed up by revealing his interest. He hadn’t been with a woman in many months and he couldn’t ignore the sexy curve of Cassie’s lips, that slim body, the mounds of her breasts. Every part of her he wanted to touch, caress and taste.

  While it’d been alluring to take up her offer for a date due to his need to fuck her, a reminder of Heidi shut down those feelings entirely. Pathetic that she still affected him even now, but it was a method of self preservation.

  Cassie had accepted his job proposal, presumably due to guilt but mostly his compulsion. He hoped she knew what she’d be getting into.

  He sure as hell didn’t.

  Hearing the rustle of hay under boots, he turned to see his father enter. Resting the pitchfork against the wall, he approached him, disheartened to see his bowed left knee. An ever-present reminder of the past. “You shouldn’t push yourself. You need to rest.”

  “I know my limits, son. Just as I know yours. You’ve taken a liking to that photographer.”