Riding Her Rancher Boss Page 6

  She faced Olivia. “We aren’t in freshman year anymore.”

  Their friendship had endured since then. And it seemed there was no point in disregarding the past. Hearing of Brent reminded her instantly of Aaron, the only man she’d given her heart to and after the demise of that relationship, she’d overcompensated for her insecurity by being upfront with men. She didn’t need Olivia’s hints to come to that conclusion.

  Meeting Jared felt like a sign, as her mom would say. A chance to end her fears and overcome her desperation in terms of men and the pursuit of her career. She wouldn’t acquiesce to failure.

  Olivia shrugged. “Just keep in mind how things will change if you two get all sexy, Candid Cassie.”

  And she had to bring up that old nickname. “That won’t happen. See you later.”

  Cassie left their apartment, crossing the small parking lot to her car. The air was cool with no breeze, and bare trees stripped by late fall lined the quiet street, the sidewalk overflowing with fallen leaves. She drove out to the ranch, hands tight on the wheel, her thoughts drifting to what Jared expected of her. Yesterday could’ve been a fluke, a brief period of lucidity while riding. What if that fear came back, ending the job before it began?

  She turned onto the road to Mountainbrook Ranch. A sign had now been erected, barely visible from the main road, but it was a start. It would be fascinating to watch the ranch develop and become a key attraction, and she knew her photos would do it justice.

  Distant cattle roamed the sloping hills; the sky streaked a dark orange with wisps of yellow. She followed the road curving around the trees to the ranch where four vehicles were already parked. She gritted her teeth. So much for coming early, everyone else had the same initiative. Now she’d have to persist and keep inevitable mistakes to a minimum. My career relies on this.

  She parked up. She’d prepped herself by doing some early morning stretches, but on contemplation, doubted it would help her recovery much.

  Attaching her camera to her waist, she left the car and strode across to the ranch door. Taking a breath, she opened it, hearing loud voices echoing within. Following the red carpeted hallway into the living room, she caught sight of five men all wearing Stetsons crowded around the leather couches, sharing laughs and drinking beer.

  They fell silent as she approached. Cassie let her gaze travel over them, stopping as soon as she met Jared’s cool eyes, the intensity of his stare holding her still. And between her thighs, her body reacted with a flood of heat. She quickly broke eye contact.

  “Morning. Is this how you all start the day?” she asked, plastering on a wide smile.

  Jared tipped his hat at her. “Cassie Mills, everyone. Our newbie cowgirl and temporary photographer.”

  He sounded despondent with her arrival. She maintained her smile, not allowing his attitude to get to her. Even though he’d relented to a deal that involved her taking photos, it was evident he wasn’t pleased with it.

  One of the men smiled and raised his bottle at her. He wore faded gray jeans with a loose blue shirt, offsetting his delicate green eyes. Each man, she noticed, wore varied styles of the flannel shirt rancher look. And it was getting hot in here with them all watching her. It didn’t help that they were handsome and ruggedly tanned with genuinely friendly smiles.

  The man who’d raised his bottle spoke. “A real pleasure to meet you. Name’s Luke Harding.”

  “We normally don’t drink till the day’s over,” another said, his face visibly creased with age, the eldest of them all. “Figured it’d be more welcoming for you. Come join us, ma’am.”

  “I can’t turn down a drink. Might need the courage,” she joked.

  They laughed. She sat down and one of the men slid a bottle over. She took a few sips as Jared went over the introductions. The eldest man was Randall McKenzie, owner of the neighboring ranch. A man with dark, thick brows and a slow but charming smile was known as Burke, the doctor’s son, and the rancher dressed in a red and grey plaid shirt enhancing his arresting cobalt eyes was Warren Stewart.

  “Let me know when you’ll take a photo so I can strike my winning pose,” Warren said with a noticeable Texan drawl.

  “You’re a model, stop making us feel inferior,” Randall admonished.

  Cassie smiled, liking the camaraderie. “I’ll feature all of you, but I’ll only publish with your permission.”

  “We’re on board. Looked up your blog a few minutes ago,” Luke said, raising his phone. “You have talent. No wonder you have a lot of followers.”

  “Thank you.” She blushed from his praise. As for her followers, a few hundred locals weren’t impressive, but she was touched by his gesture. Catching Jared’s eyes, she wondered if he’d taken the time to look her up and distracted herself with another sip of beer.

  “Down to business,” Jared began, setting his aside. “We got forty-three cattle out there. Get them rounded up and ensure the calves are with their mothers. Rope any that look sick or injured. They all need to be trailed over to new pasture. Get that done before midday. Put out salt, fill the troughs and check the fence line. Wrap it all up by six. Any of that not clear?”

  His gaze fell on Cassie. She forced a tight smile. So far, it sounded uncomplicated enough but she knew better than to make assumptions.

  “Sack lunches and water are already prepared. Let’s saddle up.”

  They all headed for the stables. Jared fell in step with her, and his close proximity made her tense. She met his eyes, trying not to think of the moment his lips almost fell on hers, an unanswered desire that made her pussy tighten.

  “You stay by my side. No running off this time.”

  She grinned. “I’m all yours. I’ll behave.”

  His lips thinned. She couldn’t read the look on his face, but he strode in close, the brims of their hats almost touching.

  “You need to move at a gallop to cover the land. There’s hundreds of acres out there and it takes time to traverse. Think you can handle it? I can give you more practice if need be.”

  Galloping. That violent rocking speed where she could barely stay seated. She had to remind herself that she knew the basics and she’d ridden Caramel only yesterday. It’d be no different - apart from the fact they’d be out in open land. Caramel could spook from the click of her camera. None of it was predictable. The basis of her fear.

  “Hey.” Jared tenderly took hold of her arm, and they stopped walking. “You really okay with this?”

  She stared up at him, unease clear on his face. And guilt? She didn’t want him to reconsider pressing those charges. She’d prided herself on her civilized behavior, a discrepancy to Sharon’s turbulent past with financial crimes. Her sister had recently cleaned up her act and had a happily married life before her, but the cost of her previous actions still lingered.

  Cassie simply wanted to retain her best impression considering her career choice and future prospects. Who wanted a photographer who’d been caught trespassing?

  She nodded. “I’ll get it done.”

  Jared didn’t seem pleased with her answer, but released her, the absence of his heated touch noticeable. “Right then. I’ll show you how to groom and tack Caramel.”

  She followed him into the stables to see everyone grooming their horses with variable brushes. Now sheltered from the sun, the cool air sent goose bumps across her arms, and she folded them, taking in the view as she mentally went over the best positions for stable photos. But it was Jared who she wanted to observe more than anything, and she inwardly chided herself. Her attraction toward him couldn’t eclipse her professionalism.

  Jared led her into Caramel’s stall and fetched a large brush. He handed it over. “Down the sides here is where he gets dirty the most.”

  Cassie smoothed the brush over his coat, smiling as Caramel tossed his mane a little as if enjoying it. She brushed the areas Jared told her to and stopped to take a breath, the muscles in her arms protesting already.

  “And you do this every day?�
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  “Like clockwork. Gets dry and dusty during summer, but it has to be done every morning to distribute the oils on the coat which helps secure the saddle.”

  The gentleness in his voice warmed her deeply. It tempted her to bring out that appealing quality instead of the closed off exterior he projected.

  By the time she’d finished, the others had moved onto saddling their horses. She overheard Luke mention flights, and shared a look with Jared.

  “He’s a pilot,” Jared said. “Runs charter flights across the lake. Harding’s Tours, heard of them?”

  “I have now.”

  “Maybe he’ll give you a discount.”

  Her smile wavered. “I don’t fly.”

  “A few days ago, you didn’t ride.”

  She hesitated, the gleam in his eyes compelling her to speak freely as he had about his family. “It’s different. My father used to be a pilot, a career he absolutely loved. He took my mom on private flights over the lake many times but when landing on their anniversary, he misjudged the black ice and they crashed. My dad was in a coma for two weeks. Just one small oversight could’ve killed them.”

  Compassion showed on his face. “It’s easy to be careless with something you’ve done often. I’m glad they’re okay.”

  “After that, I’ve been hesitant about flying. I can still recall the look on my dad’s face, his constant regret. It was a simple mistake but it haunts him.” Wanting to tear attention away from that memory, she asked, “Don’t you have any fears?”

  He stepped back. “Yeah, just one. I’ll get the saddle. At thirty pounds, it’ll be too heavy for you.”

  Of course he wouldn’t divulge anything with her. She had to remember that. Any semblance of a connection with him was momentary, and not part of the deal. Cassie knelt down to brush Caramel’s legs. She knew she was pushing her luck trying to converse with him.

  When Jared returned and slung the saddle over Caramel, she stood. She had to know if her presence troubled him and caused as much frustration as it did for her. “Am I holding you back?”

  “The others are having breakfast, I’m helping you. It’s nothing to be concerned over. I’ll take as much time as needed so you feel completely safe.”

  His consideration warmed her. He attached the saddle, talking her through the process as he fastened the girdle and birch. With the reins hanging off the side, Caramel looked ready to ride. Jared’s speed was impressive.

  “Do I need to learn this?”

  “You just focus on riding and taking photos.”

  She held his gaze. Even if this was the type of cordial relationship they needed to maintain professionalism, she at least wanted them to be friends. She’d never had trouble getting to know people, only Jared. He had barriers she couldn’t be tempted not to break. She knew, of course, this was just her extreme affability coming forth. A trait she was beginning to realize compounded her life.

  Jared held the stall door open for her and she tentatively followed him out. Pulling the camera free, she snapped photos of the saddled horses, feeling his eyes on her.

  Cassie lowered the camera. “You don’t like me taking photos. Why agree to it?” Her voice came out like a whisper, her throat constricted with desire from his proximity.

  “It’ll be nice having photos of the ranch before it’s renovated. For my father.”

  “He didn’t mention anything of the sort.”

  He let out a breath, looking sheepish. “Okay, maybe it’s for my benefit. I agreed so you wouldn’t be clicking off photos unexpectedly. We’ll work together. I’ll give you some input, show you the lay of the land.”

  Was this his way of admitting he didn’t mind having her around? She smiled at that. “And I’ll need photos of you. Mountainbrook’s not just home to horses and cattle.”

  “Not up for discussion.”

  “Why not? Maybe I like what I see.”

  Jared searched her face, his eyes gleaming. She drank in the sight of his broad chest, muscles hard with visible strength beneath the cobalt colored shirt clinging to his body. He looked like he wanted to grab her, throw her on some hay, and take her hard.

  And that little fantasy was a major distraction. She wet her dry lips and his gaze fell to the motion of her tongue. No, she couldn’t start thinking about the blindingly hot sex they could have.

  Too late.

  Jared stepped in close and lowered his head, his intention clear. With the rich scent of hay permeating them, they were alone, and she was tight with need, her chest taut with each slow breath.

  His blue eyes fell to her breasts for only a second before he met her eyes again. A smile quirked his lips, a sexy dimple forming. How could a man look so ruggedly sexy, so intense? She almost wanted to plead for him to kiss her, to feel his strong hands claiming her, weaving down her body in a moment of surrender.

  Jared reached up and slowly ran his fingers across the brim of her hat, teasing her with the need to feel his touch. “I have to admit, you look awfully sexy as a cowgirl.”

  A lick of heat swirled below. How could she even respond? She’d wanted this from the moment they met, and hearing his cadent voice...

  She couldn’t stop herself. “Am I becoming a distraction for you?”

  “Hell yes.”

  He grasped her arms, pulling her into his chest. This time, their hats didn’t clash. Her breasts fell against him, the hardness of his body sending searing pleasure through her. The sensation of his hands on her made her ache for him to touch her everywhere. Her nipples hardened and she felt every movement, her skin alight with need.

  To know how much he wanted her, to have him think of her as desirable, had her body humming. Just a kiss, and she’d be undone.

  “Boss?”

  Warren’s voice broke the spell and Jared stepped away from her. Warren stood at the entrance, his Stetson removed, revealing neatly cropped coal black hair. He glanced between them, but she couldn’t read his expression. Had he seen them? The notion of being caught had her heart pounding, the thrill of taking what was forbidden heightening her arousal. But Warren, fortunately, seemed oblivious.

  “Breakfast supplies are getting low. Best get in there or you’ll miss out.”

  Jared nodded. “Will do.” He faced her, a smile curving his lips. “I’ll need the energy.”

  She cursed as he strode away. Energy? She’d need that and plenty of self resolve to keep her thoughts straight around him. So much for not giving in.

  Cassie entered the ranch. Most of the cowboys had eaten their fill, spending their time chatting while waiting to get started. Their eyes fell on her, but whether they were wary about her presence or simply acknowledging her, she couldn’t tell. Still, her face burned to think of what she and Jared had been close to doing in the stables.

  He was her boss. How could she let herself be overwhelmed, to encourage him to take her? It wouldn’t happen again. She’d avoid being alone with him if possible. No need to embarrass herself twice.

  The buffet breakfast of bacon and eggs, biscuits and gravy as well as homemade bread and jam looked delectable. The scent of crispy, well cooked pork drenched in fat evoked memories of home cooked meals with her family. She hadn’t seen them since Sharon’s birthday a month ago, and made a mental note to visit her parents. They’d been constantly supportive of her goal to be a photographer, even going so far as to call magazines and search available positions.

  After loading her plate with bacon and eggs garnished with herbs, convincing herself that riding would burn off the calories, she took a seat amongst the men.

  Jared nodded at the food. “My father prepares it all. He’s thinking of assigning himself to head chef.”

  “That’s great,” she replied after taking a bite. “He certainly knows how to make delicious food.”

  Luke steered conversation towards her photos. She explained most of them were taken in Sandpoint, some from Spokane in Washington when she’d visited for a girls’ night.

  Luke’
s eyes widened. “Jared mentioned you’re a local. You like the city life?”

  She couldn’t help look his way, but Jared didn’t meet her gaze. “I love it. I plan on moving there in a few weeks.”

  Jared stiffened, but she paid no mind to it. He couldn’t expect her to remain in Sandpoint, not that it was his concern and if she secured the magazine job, she doubted she’d return to Sandpoint. The thought suddenly elicited a pang of guilt. Of course she’d miss the town she’d grown up in, leaving behind the sights of nature for those of a crowded, energetic city. But it was time to move on.

  After returning her plate, Jared came to her. They were alone, the others filing out the door to the stables. Great. She started heading for the door.

  “I know I’m stepping out of line here, but he’s flirting with you,” he said.

  She raised her eyebrows and halted. For a moment she wondered if he’d admit to being jealous. The look in his eyes was enough to expose it.

  “He lost his wife a year ago and is still recovering. I don’t know your intentions, but I don’t want you getting involved with any of the workers here during the week. It’ll complicate matters.”

  He’s complicating them now. Cassie frowned, incensed that he’d even assumed she had an interest. How arrogant was he to think he had a claim on her? And, to her shame, she couldn’t help but get the impression he thought of her as someone who flirted with every man in sight. A repetition of her former behavior, going by Olivia’s claims. She had to impede it.

  “Luke is nice and I wish him all the best for what he’s going through, but I’m here to do the job.”

  She felt Jared’s eyes on her as she walked away. So he was envious, and it was both flattering and perplexing to have him watching over her.

  But he was her boss. It was all kinds of wrong. She wasn’t one to shun responsibility and trespassing had been her only mistake, one she would make up for. She wouldn’t let getting intimate with Jared be another, despite the temptation.