by Holly May
He sounded despondent with her arrival. Or because of what happened in the barn?
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 a bottle of what looked like homemade juice at her. He wore faded gray jeans with a loose blue shirt, offsetting his delicate green eyes and dark blond hair. Each man, she noticed, wore varied styles of the flannel shirt rancher look. 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 Owen Harding.”
“We normally don’t take a break till the day’s over,” another said, his face visibly creased with age, the eldest of them all. “Figured we’d give you a proper welcome. Come join us, ma’am. We have plenty of the McKenzie’s locally famous apple juice to go around.”
“That’s sweet, thanks.”
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 Edward, and the rancher dressed in a red and grey plaid shirt enhancing his arresting cobalt eyes was Warren Jackson.
“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.
Rachel smiled, liking the camaraderie. “I can feature all of you, but I’ll only publish with your permission.”
“We’re on board. Looked up your blog a few minutes ago,” Owen 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 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 drink.
“If you get injured out there, my dad can fix you right up,” Edward said. “He’s to the right, down the hall. Not saying there’s a chance you will, but it happens.”
Warren shook his head. “He’s not trying to scare you off. After heavy rain, the land is unstable, mostly on the southern end. Gotta be careful.”
Rachel swallowed, thinking of her earlier accident. She glanced at Jared. “That’s handy to know. Not that I don’t want to avoid meeting him, but hopefully I won’t need his services during the week.”
“You’ll see him around,” Edward said. “We’ve had no workplace injuries for a while, so be assured about that.”
“The land here’s rarely traversed, a far cry from my ranch. Grass gets torn up. Never a moment’s peace,” Randall said, his voice hoarse. “Can’t say we have a doctor though.”
“Uh, the doctor’s here for my dad. Regular checkups, nothing to worry about,” Jared cut in, his eyes falling on her.
She nodded, aware that the others had no clue of her trespassing incident. Wringing her hands together, she needed to shift the conversation. “So, Randall, you and the Westons get along? No neighborly rivalry?”
The old man chuckled. “That’s a long story I’d be happy to share. But not yet, I’ll tire myself out before work.”
“Randall’s been around longer than me,” Edward said. “Decades, in fact. Always comes by to drop off that apple juice. Best way to fuel up.”
“There’s no rivalry here,” Jared said softly.
“Good to know,” she offered. Thinking of how things seemed between him and his father, she shared a smile with him. Jared gave a hint of a nod, his eyes downcast.
“We share our values and workloads. A bit of community spirit,” said Randall.
“You should come along to the Sunday service. It’s the little church near the market just over Sand Creek. My mom’s a pastor there,” Edward said. “We’d all like to get to know you a little better.”
As comforting as that sounded, she hesitated. She knew of that church; it was one her family used to attend regularly. Since the fire that claimed her mom’s store, she’d stopped going and that was one of her many reasons for her wavering faith.
“I’ll keep it in mind.” She cleared her throat, and added, “My faith isn’t as strong as I’d like it to be.”
Warren smiled. “We have no judgment. Do what you feel is best. Not going to church doesn’t make you any less of a Christian. I don’t go either.”
“Down to business, or we’ll be here all day,” Jared began, setting his empty bottle aside. “We’ve 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 Rachel. 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. She strode ahead of Jared, trying to keep pace with the others. 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.
“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.
“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 hiring her or pressing those charges. She’d prided herself on her civilized behavior, a discrepancy to Megan’s turbulent past with a major financial crime. Her sister had committed wholeheartedly to God and had a happily married life before her, but the cost of her previous actions still lingered. It was a small town, some people thrived on gossip, and many wondered if Rachel would follow suit and slip up.
Rachel 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, don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
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. This 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.”
Rachel 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?”
“Like clockwork. Gets dry and dust
y during summer, but it has to be done every morning to distribute the oils on the coat. Helps secure the saddle.”
The gentleness in his voice warmed her deeply. It tempted her to provoke that appealing quality instead of the closed off exterior he projected. It was a side she wanted to see more of.
By the time she’d finished, the others had moved onto saddling their horses. She overheard Owen mention flights, and shared a look with Jared.
“He’s a pilot,” Jared explained. “Runs charter flights across the lake. Harding’s Tours, heard of them?”
She swallowed. “I have now.”
“Great views on the flight. Owen can get you a discount if you’d like to go for it.”
Her smile wavered. “Thanks, but flying isn’t for me.”
“A few days ago, you didn’t ride. Mind me asking why?”
She hesitated, the gleam in his eyes compelling her to speak freely as he had about his father. “Dad used to be a pilot, and he absolutely loved it. He took my mom on private flights over the lake many times but on their anniversary, he attempted a landing. He misjudged the black ice and they crashed. The plane was a wreck. My dad was in a coma for two weeks. Just one small oversight almost killed them.”
Compassion showed on his face. “I’m glad they’re okay. It’s easy to be complacent with something you’ve done often.”
She nodded. “Yeah. My sister and I freaked out, we were so worried. Visited Dad every day and prayed for him. None of us wanted to fly again, it just reminded us of almost losing him.”
Jared moved his arm as if he wanted to touch her, but stopped. “I get that.”
“I can still recall the look on his face, his constant regret. It was a simple mistake but it haunts him.” Her eyes burned and she blinked back tears. “It shook our faith, too. Two bad incidents in one year. The other involved my sister, but…that’s a story for another day.”
“Thanks for sharing that with me.”
She bit her lip. Showing emotion right when she needed to start working wasn’t ideal. Thankfully, he wasn’t judgmental, and he hadn’t touched her arm like he almost did, which would’ve set off another emotion entirely.
“You must have quite the sheltered life here. An easygoing ranch lifestyle,” she mused. “Isn’t there anything you’re afraid of?”
“Yeah, just one thing. Here at Mountainbrook, I don’t need to worry about it.” He stepped back. “Uh, I’ll get the saddle. 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 their deal.
Rachel knelt down to brush Caramel’s legs. She knew she was pushing her luck trying to converse with him, to get closer.
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. “Sorry if I’m slowing you down.”
“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 and precision was impressive.
“Nice job. Do I need to do this?”
“Nah. 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. She needed to be more cautious, restrained.
And not impulsive. Like when I climbed the fence.
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.
Rachel 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 to look back on, mostly.”
She frowned. “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. I’ll give you some input, show you the lay of the land. We can work together.”
Was this his way of admitting he didn’t mind having her around? She smiled at that. “Sounds great. And I’ll need photos of you. Mountainbrook’s not just home to horses and cattle.”
“Not up for discussion.” He didn’t hesitate.
“Why not? Maybe I like what I see.”
Jared searched her face, his eyes gleaming. “Interesting. I’ll…think it over.”
She drank in the sight of his broad chest, muscles hard with visible strength beneath the cobalt colored shirt clinging to his body.
He stepped in close and lowered his head, his intention clear. With the rich scent of hay permeating them, they were alone, and her chest was taut with each slow breath.
Jared reached up and slowly ran his fingers across the brim of her hat. “I have to admit, you suit the look of a cowgirl.”
She swallowed. “Am I becoming a distraction for you?”
“At times, yeah.”
To know that he wanted her, to have him think of her as desirable…Well, 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 decipher his expression.
Had he seen them?
“Breakfast supplies are getting low. Best get in there or you’ll miss out,” Warren said with what looked to be a genuine smile.
Jared nodded. “Will do.” He faced her. “I’ll need the energy.”
Energy? She’d need that and plenty of resolve to keep her thoughts straight around him.
Relieved that there was a reason to leave and no longer be alone with Jared, Rachel entered the ranch. Most of the cowboys had eaten their fill, spending their time chatting while waiting to get started. Their gazes passed over her, but whether they were wary about her presence or simply acknowledging her, she couldn’t tell. Still, her face burned to think of how close she’d gotten to Jared in the stables.
He was her boss. How could she let herself be sidetracked and think of him as anything else?
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 Megan’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.
Since it was just her and Jared waiting to eat, she let him go first and pile up his plate. He had a healthy appetite, no doubt from all the strenuous work ahead. She loaded her plate with bacon and eggs garnished with herbs. Riding will burn off the calories.
Jared nodded at the food. “Freshly made every morning. My father prepares it all. He might make himself head chef.”
“That’s impressive,” she replied. “He certainly knows how to cook.”
A smile lit up his face. “It’ll keep him busy once we’re open, too. Take a seat and enjoy.”
Surveying her options, she chose to sit next to Owen instead of Jared. Jared seemed to take offense, glancing over
multiple times while she started eating. Not that she minded, but his attention was drawing that of the other ranchers.
That could be a problem.
She attempted to finish her meal quickly. The bacon was perfectly crispy and balanced with the lightly cooked egg, it was a meal no doubt prepared by a chef whether Derek was officially one or not.
“This is delicious,” she found herself saying.
“Yep,” Warren agreed. “Derek should open a restaurant instead of a dude ranch, huh.”
“Don’t give him any ideas.” Jared grinned.
“Rachel, you plan on taking many photos?” Owen piped up.
She hesitated, aware that it wasn’t her primary job, as nice as it sounded. “Not until closer to the opening day. Anything I take during the week, I’ll pass by Jared first.”
Owen flashed a smile. “Good thinking. He’s second to Derek when it comes to ownership of Mountainbrook. Might take some persuading though, he’s still reluctant to promote the place.”
Jared laughed. “Thanks for that, Owen. I was reluctant but –” He turned his gaze to Rachel. “I’m coming around to the idea. The more photos, the better.”
Her eyes widened and she quickly lowered her gaze to cover her reaction.
“Good to hear, man!” Owen enthused. “Glad someone could convince you. It’s a nice change having a good woman around.”
She hastily glanced at Jared and his brow furrowed deeply. At that, she couldn’t help but flinch. Of course his first impression of her wasn’t interchangeable and his reaction was logical. It wasn’t going to be easy to change the way he perceived her, but hopefully over time she could amend this and if the other ranchers learned of her trespassing, she doubted they’d think the same of her.
I am a good woman. I just made one mistake.
Aware that some of them were eyeing her, she swallowed. “Jared’s a decent guy, I’m happy he changed his mind.”
Owen’s green eyes shone. “I can understand why. You’ve got a nice collection online. Did you take them locally?”
She smiled, happy that someone had taken an interest. In some way, talking about photography could be one way to show Jared she’d never had any bad intentions about Mountainbrook. Whether that would ease his reservations or not, she was willing to try.
