Riding Her Rancher Boss Page 4

  He hoped that hadn’t been so easy to read. “What about her?”

  “It gets lonely out here, I understand that.” His father’s brow creased. “I know what Heidi did to you.”

  Hell. Heidi, the first woman he’d fallen for upon returning to the ranch. His father had more insight than he’d thought about that situation. He flinched, not wanting to be reminded of being wildly in love only to be burned severely enough to avoid any intimacy.

  “Cassie’s the last woman I want to get involved with. I told her to come work during the week. She can replace Antony as a form of punishment for her trespassing.”

  “You’re taking responsibility? Color me surprised. You’ve put your heart into this place. I’ve seen you out there, burying yourself in the job to the point where you don’t even live for yourself. Shutting yourself away because of one woman is detrimental.”

  His words cut deep but barely touched the surface of his turmoil. Recalling the way his father had overridden their decision for photographer, his anger returned, tightening his fists. “You want an amateur as our photographer, not Diane.”

  “I don’t approve of those people in New York.”

  Jared exhaled forcefully, refusing to relapse into an argument they often repeated. “That’s not why you want Cassie.”

  He smiled, eyes crinkling. “Having her around may prove beneficial to you.”

  There it was. His father intended to be matchmaker. He’d be disappointed with the outcome. “I’m her boss. I know how to maintain professionalism. What I don’t get is how you could shirk liability by not laying charges.”

  “I wanted you to take action and you didn’t disappoint. Son, this ranch is yours. I want you to reclaim it again someday. Everything I’ve done has been to prepare you for it.”

  He knew it all too well. The Weston legacy. Jared frowned deeply. He’d long ago come to a decision and what his father didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. A change of subject was needed. “Cassie’s not comfortable with horses.”

  A smile lit up his face. “Well now, that’ll be interesting. You’re in charge. With renovations coming up, we can’t allow for any setbacks.”

  Jared nodded. “She won’t be a problem.”

  Working with someone he was fiercely attracted to would be a challenge, and he hadn’t had one of those since the heavy downpour seven months ago.

  He let out a breath. Comparing the weather to a woman? Now he understood why he needed to leave the ranch more. But a deluge of rain and Cassie both had something in common: unpredictable, with the chance of bringing more trouble than he could handle.

  Chapter Three

  Cassie fixed herself some corn bread with hot butter, but recalling Jared’s insistence, her mood soured. Ranch work was a method of compensation for her trespassing. She should be appreciative he offered an alternative, as unbelievable as it was. Still, she wondered why Jared had persevered and not his father.

  But now it placed her future in jeopardy. If she failed during the week, Jared could lay charges without hesitation and everything she’d risked and worked for would be tarnished. She could only hope he’d cut her some slack due to her fear – unless he was disbelieving of that.

  Her best friend Olivia burst through the door, flashing a wide smile. She’d just finished her shift at the grocery store working as a manager. Her income was barely enough for the both of them to survive on, and Cassie disliked someone providing for her. She was twenty-three, finally establishing her dream career and self-identity, yet the outcome was out of her hands.

  “We were going to meet in Spokane? Sharon asked me where you were,” Olivia remarked, swishing her brown hair past her shoulders. “Something come up?”

  “I trespassed on Mountainbrook Ranch. I was taking a photo and caught my leg when I fell.”

  “Oh, God. I knew something like this would happen. You’re too impulsive, which I usually admire.”

  “I thought a photo from there would help my portfolio.”

  Olivia dashed to the counter to grab leftover bread, tearing a piece off. “You’re counting on it for the interview with Leah?”

  Leah had scheduled the interview Olivia called about before Cassie’s bout of trespassing. It was an opportunity to secure a stable job in Spokane as a photographer, a culmination of years of work. “She’s your friend, I don’t want any nepotism.”

  “She’ll be impartial and professional. If you get the job, it’s because she truly loves your work. Anyway, Sharon was worried when you didn’t show up for wedding plans.”

  Knowing her sister, she had everything planned to the last rose garland months ahead. “I took a raincheck. A cowboy came to my rescue.”

  Olivia’s green eyes lit up with excitement. Now she’d named her best friend’s ultimate fantasy, which had partially rubbed off on Cassie over the years. It didn’t help that there was a topless cowboy calendar in the hall.

  “Did he tell you off for being bad?”

  Cassie rolled her eyes and filled her in. Once she’d finished, all the corn bread was gone, her hunger was sated, and she was met with disbelieving silence.

  “You’re going to accept ranch work?”

  Cassie nodded. “I know it seems crazy...”

  “I’ll say. Going from photographer to cowgirl. What about your fear of riding?”

  She had no choice, but she couldn’t reveal that detail. If Olivia knew of her options, she would’ve insisted for her to take the charges instead of riding. Olivia had witnessed the moment Cassie was bucked off the horse and overheard the doctor’s statement that she’d been extremely lucky to have avoided a serious spinal injury.

  She set memories of the past aside. “It’ll be an opportunity to overcome it. Jared will be there to aid me.”

  Olivia was immediately, and predictably, distracted. “Does he have brothers?”

  “It’s just him and his father. Once it’s converted to a guest ranch, it’s going to get a lot busier for them.”

  “As fascinating as this sounds, what about the interview? Are you rescheduling it?”

  “Not at all. Mountainbrook’s temporary. It’ll earn me the exposure to attract steady clients so I have the option to go freelance if Spokane doesn’t work out.”

  Freelancing was a last resort. Call it single-mindedness or stubborn ambition, but she had her sights on professional work and wouldn’t settle for anything less. Her parents wanted the best for her, and she owed them that. Especially her mom. As for seeing Jared again? She’d keep her libido in check so the week would go smoothly. No complications.

  As if things had gone the way she’d planned before.

  Cassie pulled up outside the ranch. She’d messaged Jared using the details from the card and he’d told her to come bright and early at six. The clouds were tinged saffron and gold from the rising sun, a beautiful photo opportunity. Still, she stifled a yawn. Lack of sleep from nervousness didn’t help. She wanted to make a good impression to amend her inexcusable one.

  The ranch looked breathtaking with the first rays of morning light filtering onto the grass. The silence was punctuated by the occasional nickers from the horses. Living in a small town, she appreciated being amongst nature instead of sprawling cities but she was conflicted with the desire to experience a diverse environment from Sandpoint and Spokane fulfilled that need.

  That’s the only need that needs fulfilling, she reminded herself, thinking of Jared. The man who’d become her boss by blackmail.

  She placed a woven straw hat over her head and got out of the car. After locking up, she noticed Jared appear at the door to the ranch. He wore dark blue jeans that clung to muscular legs and a black shirt stretching across his broad chest, exposing impressive forearms and the ridges of his abdomen.

  Okay, that was enough man candy for the year.

  Cassie tore her gaze away from his body and approached him. He towered over her by a few inches, the Stetson framing his chiseled face. He’d shaved and it revealed a small scar on the s
ide of his jaw. She swallowed, trying not to focus on his inconsequential features.

  “Reporting for work,” she offered, hoping to sound cheerful.

  “Good to see you didn’t climb over the fence this time.”

  She laughed. “If you like, I can take landscape photos and publish them on my blog. I’m sure you’d welcome the endorsement before the opening.”

  He tipped his hat in acknowledgment and her heart skipped a little. “Right then, it’s a deal. My father’s out ordering more livestock so it’s just us for the morning.”

  He’d agreed? Well, she couldn’t dwell on his change of heart. Now she almost wished the other ranchers were around. At first she’d been grateful to have a chance to relearn the ropes without being watched and judged, but being alone with Jared was going to add to her anxiety.

  “You’re ordering in cattle?” she asked. “This is the first working ranch I’ve been to.”

  He nodded. “We have a few old units to be sent to slaughter and need to get replacements.”

  She adjusted the camera slung around her neck. “How often is that done?”

  “Every three months. We’re hoping to thin the herd, cut costs. Beef farming is the reason why my father’s changed his attitude about the ranch.” His gaze lowered. “He just looked them over one morning after branding and decided he didn’t have the heart for it anymore.”

  “That’s understandable. So your father decided to convert the ranch?”

  Jared’s gaze darkened. “It was unexpected. I think he knows he won’t be able to keep up the hard labor for much longer, but he’s too stubborn to retire from ranching. Converting the place will provide consistent income and give him the chance to step back.”

  “Sounds favorable for both of you.”

  “How so?”

  “Guest ranches are popular. Tourists love the cowboy experience. Sandpoint has beautiful alpine scenery and you don’t have much competition.”

  His brow furrowed. “I don’t see it that way. Too much of a change could be bad for him.”

  She recalled that the protective gleam in Derek’s eyes mirrored her own father’s loving look. She’d studied expressions and the nuances of faces for portraits and knew enough to conclude that his father was a resilient and proud man. “Perhaps you underestimate his strength.”

  His sharp blue eyes focused on the roaming cattle. “Strength comes from pain and I don’t want him going through that again.”

  The clipped tone in his voice served as a warning not to delve into his life and she knew it was best to yield, despite how much he intrigued her. “I’m ready to start.”

  She gestured to her outfit of pale blue jeans and an eggplant colored shirt with rolled up sleeves. Knee high brown boots completed the look. With her blonde hair pinned up beneath her hat, she felt more composed than last time, and counted on getting dirty more than once today.

  “You certainly look the part of a cowgirl.”

  Had his voice deepened from arousal? She ignored that trail of thought. “Hopefully I’ll be more like one once the day’s over.”

  Cassie held his gaze for a moment as his eyes roamed over her body. Sunlight warmed her but the only heat she felt was the need for Jared. His shirt clung to his chest, highlighting every curve of muscle, every inch of uninhibited strength. She remembered how hard his body felt against hers. He didn’t break their gaze, a hint of a smile on his lips.

  “Well then, follow me.”

  He turned away, allowing a view of his nicely firm ass in those jeans. She swallowed. Stay focused.

  Cassie followed him to the stables, eager to be distracted, and was greeted by the musty smell of hay and leather, the vast ceiling adding a well needed sense of expansion. She counted seven stalls, all occupied by an array of beautifully captivating horses. Honor was recognizable immediately and seemed to shake her head in greeting.

  Jared strode across the hay littered floor, exuding untamed sensuality. “Day usually starts at seven after feeding time. Horses get saddled up, then we head out. We check the perimeter, round up cattle, ensure water troughs are running, and rope any injured. You only need to be concerned with learning to ride. Due to contractual obligations, you’ll be paid for this as well.”

  That compounded her guilt. Glancing at the horses, Cassie reached for her camera and unclipped it, willing to keep the sudden rush of panic at bay. “Can I?”

  “Go ahead.”

  She snapped a photo of each horse as Jared told her their names. They were all Appaloosa breeds, vibrant colors with white streaks. Her gaze lingered on a caramel colored one dotted with white patches. Compared to the others, its docile behavior singled it out.

  “He’s perfect for you,” Jared said, stroking the horse’s head. It flared to life, tossing its mane. “Caramel, our newest acquisition with a smooth gait and the temperament of a beginner.”

  The affection in his voice made her smile. “Did you name them all?”

  “We purchased five of them from the neighboring ranch and kept their names. The others I sought out myself. I rescued Caramel. He had a broken leg, was mistreated by his last owner. The shelter was going to put him down.”

  A frisson of warmth filled her. Oh, she was a sucker for a man who cared for animals. “You saved him.”

  He nodded toward a reddish orange horse taller than the rest. “Ember there was my father’s favorite.”

  She snapped a photo of Ember feasting on some hay. They were gorgeous animals, but she couldn’t look at them without a twinge of alarm. How would they react to her? The moment she climbed on one, it was a matter of trust and relenting control to something fickle. If animals really sensed emotions, they’d pick up on hers and react.

  “What happened to him?” she asked softly, meeting his eyes. She’d opened up to him yesterday and hoped he’d return the vulnerability.

  Jared hesitated, the gleam in his eyes softening. “The day after a heavy downpour, my father took her out to scope the perimeter. Had to round up an injured calf. He was on a tight schedule and needed to trail them all by midday. He took a shortcut down a steep hill, not one we normally follow, but he was in a rush. Rainfall had weakened the land. Ember slipped enough to throw my father off the saddle.”

  She gasped. It sounded similar to her unfortunate accident, and had obviously stirred those memories up for him. “That’s awful. Were you at the ranch?”

  “I was in New York.” As if he’d divulged too much, he shook his head. “Let’s get started.”

  He unhooked a saddle and headed for Caramel. After opening the stall door, Cassie watched him loop it over the horse’s back and fasten all the buckles and straps. His biceps bulged as he did so, sending another flare of desire through her. She watched him work, fixing the saddle as if he’d done it hundreds of times. No doubt he had.

  “Don’t you hire any help?” she asked.

  “When we need to. Daily stable hands are yet another aspect to manage.”

  She bit her lip, wanting to know more, but gathered Jared had told her enough. She was here to do the job, not get close to him. But really, how could a sexy rancher not be distracting?

  His eyes flicked to her and she recognized a flash of pain. It was obvious her presence caused him discomfort. She couldn’t help but want to alleviate it. After all, it was her fault he had to do this. “I can work for free.”

  His nostrils flared. “I’d take offense at that, but know you mean well. I would’ve paid Antony anyway.”

  “Antony?”

  “The rancher you’re replacing for the week. I’ll get you to sign the contract at the end of the day, if that suits you.”

  “Sure.”

  No pressure. Watching Jared tend to the horses, she was compelled to take another photo.

  “A portrait of you will be perfect for promotion,” she insisted at his wary look. “You’ll be based around the ranch so guests will want to recognize your face.”

  A furrowed brow enhanced the troubled gleam in
his eyes. “Whatever works.”

  “I get the impression you won’t be loving the attention?”

  “I ain’t too happy about it.” He stepped back, wiping his brow. “Grooming and tacking doesn’t take much time with one horse. Will be a different story tomorrow.”

  “Okay. Good. I’ll take some exterior photos of the stables before we go any further.”

  “Don’t be too long.”

  Tension gripped her like a vise. The first time in over a decade that she’d be riding again. How discomforting to be afraid of something that happened during school, and she had all the reasons to accept the past and get over it.

  But nothing she thought of was enough to subdue her irrationality. She’d just have to bite the bullet and try. She stopped outside the stables, strands of hay no longer crunching beneath her boots. The stables looked beautiful in the morning light with orange tinged clouds providing a serene backdrop. She basked in the moment and raised her camera for a photo. Soon, this could be her future.

  Satisfied with the angles and contrast of her photos, Cassie returned to the stall. Jared emerged, closing the door, almost colliding with her. She stepped back, inhaling sharply.

  “Sorry,” he said. “I’m not used to having company. Force of habit.”

  She stared up at him, not wanting to admit that being close to him was far from appalling. Her heart pounded in her chest, her mouth suddenly going dry. Jared’s brilliant blue eyes pierced right through her. Heat coiled between her thighs, her skin alight with the need to be sated by his hands on her. And now she wanted to be anywhere but inches away from the sexiest cowboy she’d seen.

  “Let’s get this over with,” she said quickly.

  “That’s the spirit, cowgirl. You might want to put your camera over there, or risk damaging it.”

  She stiffly walked to a wooden bench, cleared it of hay, and set it down. Clasping her hands together, she returned to him, catching sight of Caramel in the stall. I used to enjoy riding once. I need to relearn that feeling again.

  “I know I shouldn’t be afraid...”

  “Fear’s illogical. Come on.”