by Holly May
“I’m okay. More disheartened than anything, to be honest. I’m not up to scratch for this.”
Movement in her peripheral vision drew attention to Warren’s arrival. Jared glanced over at him, equally surprised.
“Hey, everything okay?” Warren asked after slowing to a stop before them. “You were taking ages, thought I’d come check on you.”
“Rachel fell. Don’t worry, she’s fine, but we’ll need some help getting back.”
Looking at her horse, she didn’t have the heart to get back on Caramel, not with it still racing a million miles an hour. Thankfully, Jared understood and wasn’t pushing for her to continue riding right now.
“What do you need me to do?” Warren asked, his concerned gaze passing between them.
“Rope Caramel and lead him back. We’ll discuss this at the ranch.”
After fixing the rope to Caramel, Warren set off without another word.
“Thanks,” she finally managed to say to Jared.
He nodded and mounted Honor. After adjusting his Stetson, he gestured for her to climb up. “Come on. I’ll take care of you.”
Rachel relented and climbed onto the horse, easing into the saddle with her back to Jared. She swallowed, feeling the heat of his body, the unrestrained strength of him so close. At least this way she wasn’t facing him and couldn’t read the look in his eyes.
The crystalline blue sky lay above them blemished by clouds, the cold mountain air easing the heat caressing her skin.
They rode for several miles in silence, giving her time to contemplate their argument. Something occurred to her. “Earlier, you said this is your ranch.”
He hesitated so long, she wondered if he’d heard her. “Technically, it is during the renovations. I arranged them and will be overseeing the work.”
She smiled. Getting overprotective of his land and job? He was passionate about Mountainbrook and it warmed her to see that, although he lived in denial about how much it meant to him. If anything, she wanted to show him otherwise. Once he cooled down.
The clipped tone to his voice had eased, and she glanced back at him, the wind pummeling her hat, causing her to grasp it. “I’m not feeling the greatest about my part in this, like I’m letting you down. If I’m causing too much trouble for you, I can leave today.”
“Are you serious?”
She’d grown to care for him, and his lack of protest felt like a blow to her stomach. It took a moment to pull herself together. “Yeah. If it’s what you want, I won’t question it. You’re being nice about it, but I don’t want to be a hindrance when you’ve got important renovations to do.”
They reached the stables and Jared guided Honor inside. Away from the sun and sheltered from the biting wind, she allowed herself to relax, not that it was easy feeling Jared against her. She’d sat rigid in the saddle trying to avoid touching him and the tension felt so brittle as if it would snap with a single caress.
Rachel swung off and hit the ground, absentmindedly brushing dirt from her jeans. Well, at least she looked like a cowgirl now, complete with the riding experience and dirt as an accessory. But after talking with Jared, she felt more like an inconvenience, especially since he had to take time off to attend to her.
Jared dismounted smoothly and stepped in close, adjusting the brim of his black Stetson to look into her eyes. He paused. “I won’t argue with your decision. You’ll be moving soon, and if it’s easier on you to leave early, it’s okay. I’ll renege on the contract.”
“My ranching style isn’t helping you, is it?”
He flinched. “I don’t mean to be harsh, I really am sorry. As I’ve said, I don’t mind going out of my way for you. And I haven’t always been this reserved. Or single minded.”
She saw it. A glimpse of diffidence, but where it came from, she didn’t understand. She wondered what he’d been like before Tania - compassionate, warm with the occasional flirtation she’d seen. There were so many sides to him she longed to uncover.
She needed to divert her thoughts. Quickly. “Warren mentioned you’ve changed after my arrival.”
He scoffed. “Because you get me so distracted I can’t focus. This is hard to deal with, every day when we’re together, when you look at me and I want you.”
His breath brushed her skin, and her own caught in her throat. His admission left her speechless. She had no idea he’d been that captivated by her and tormented over their attraction. It explained his mood and the mixed signals, at least.
She bit her lip. “I feel the same, Jared.”
His lips gently, yet firmly, pressed onto hers. She melted against him, delving into the kiss without hesitation, her arms wrapping around his neck to hold him close. His hands slid down her back, leaving tingling sensations of pleasure that made her weaken.
And then his tongue prompted her to succumb deeper, sweeping against her. She parted her lips, letting him in, and he took her eagerly. She tightened her arms around him, not wanting to break free.
It was Jared who finally tore away, his breathing ragged.
She looked up into his eyes, liking the warmth in them. The heat of his hands were still on her, holding her close, providing a sense of undeniable seclusion. Neither of them made a move to separate.
He kissed her again. Every touch of his lips to hers felt soft and blissful, melding against her as if they’d kissed many times. She poured every ounce of repressed passion into her response, hoping he could feel this turmoil of desire. That this actually meant something.
Stopping, she blinked up at him. “That was…everything I thought it’d be.”
“Good to know you’ve been thinking about it.” He laughed softly. The rough, liberating sound of it sent a warm thrill through her. “So have I. It’s something I want to do with you more often.”
She nodded in agreement, content that he was happy. “In that case, I’ll consider sticking around.”
His hand found the side of her face, brushing back a strand of hair. His attentiveness held her still, anticipating his next move. This was the side of him she wanted to see and now that he’d bared it to her, she was helpless to turn away.
“Okay, I think you’ve been right about me and Mountainbrook,” he revealed. “It’s why I stayed this long after my father’s fall. I wanted to. Not because I felt obligated to.”
“You’re very dedicated.”
“I don’t mind when the day isn’t going how I expect, like it has, so please don’t think that you’re getting in my way.” He smiled, crinkles forming alongside his brilliantly blue eyes. “And besides, you’re a skilled photographer. There are some good opportunities here, and I genuinely want the best for you.”
He’d finally opened up and she melted a little to think of the rugged cowboy confiding in her. Trusting her. He also thought highly of her photos, and since his opinion meant a lot, she took that in with admiration.
She ran her hands down his expansive back, firm and toned from years of work.
“You’ve done so much for me, I’m beginning to think this is too good to be true,” she teased.
“You came here unexpectedly and pulled me out of the routine I’ve trapped myself in for years. At first, I kept my distance because I didn’t know how to deal with your arrival, but there’s no hesitation now. And as for being your boss-”
Rachel smiled. “No hidden clauses about fraternizing?”
“Nope.”
She stared into his eyes. Now that it was all out in the open, something unforeseen made her falter. If she went too far with Jared, she’d lose more than her tenacity. She’d fall too deeply – and where would that lead?
The sound of heavy galloping drew her attention to Warren as he entered the stables and dismounted Savannah. Rachel stepped back, hurriedly putting distance between Jared.
Warren rushed over, glancing at her. “Rachel, you feeling any better?”
Of course. The accident. She’d been so lost in Jared she’d forgotten.
“I’m ok
ay. It was my mistake, the saddle was loose, I didn’t secure it properly.”
Warren waved it off. “I made far too many mistakes when I started. Don’t elaborate on that, Jared. But yeah, I thought I’d be fired because of my incompetence.”
“We saw potential. Didn’t give up on you.”
He nodded, his black hair disheveled. “Appreciated. So Rachel, if you’re thinking of taking off, keep at it. If it’s getting to be too much, just speak up. We’ll look out for you.”
“Thanks. I think I’ll stay for the week. Will take a lot more than a little fall to get me to leave.”
At that, Warren laughed. “Hey, that’s great. If it’s any consolation, it happens to the best of us.”
His words eased the subtle frisson of distress, yet she couldn’t help but think over her option to leave. Jared seemed indifferent about her decision to abscond and hadn’t uttered a word of objection, but that was before the kiss which had undoubtedly changed things.
“Jared, I’ve got Caramel in his stall. He’s been restless.”
“Best to let him settle down. He’s probably more spooked than Rachel,” Jared said with a grin. “We should take a break for lunch. The others will be back in about an hour, once they’ve covered the southern side. Still got to take care of the last cattle.”
She excused herself and headed into the ranch for some water. After filling a glass, she let the cool liquid soothe her dry mouth. She wanted Jared, but getting entangled with him for another three days would only complicate matters – wasn’t it best to leave things as they were until her work was over?
She set the cup down, realizing her hands were shaking. Falling off Caramel had been the culmination of her fear and she was hesitant to ride this afternoon. How could she continue working as a rancher? The answer was simple: it was time to leave. That was logical.
But was it worth breaking a contract simply because of her misgivings? Could she shirk yet another responsibility just to protect herself?
Why wasn’t it as straightforward as it seemed? After his kiss, she’d been reduced to an emotional, bewildered mess. No matter what she wanted to believe, her heart was in it. And maybe his wasn’t. This was always her affliction – caring for the wrong men. Men who would inevitably hurt her.
She heard heavy footfalls behind her. Turning around, she stared at Jared, his brow furrowed with concern and those piercing eyes stirring heat within her.
“I get that you won’t be eager to ride. I’ll let you have the afternoon off, okay? I’ll take you back to your car.”
Rachel nodded gratefully, following him outside as she withdrew her keys. Jared looked as composed as ever and now that she knew what it felt like to have his firm lips molded to hers, she could barely think of anything else.
They stopped at her sedan and she removed her hat, holding it close. “I should let you know that work will be delayed for me tomorrow. I have an interview.”
“Hope it works out. I know what it’s like to finally get somewhere after a lot of effort and hard work. But even if it doesn’t go as planned, you’ve tried. That counts for something.” He smiled.
Rachel returned it, satisfied that the tension had alleviated between them but as much as part of her wanted to leave, escaping wouldn’t tame her attraction to him.
Sparing a glance at the camera, it occurred to her she’d taken no photos of the ranch during nightfall. Her portfolio wasn’t complete without Mountainbrook being bathed in moonlight, which would irrefutably look spectacular.
“I’m tempted to stay here tonight.”
It was not only an opportunity for photos, but for them to talk about what they’d done. One kiss wasn’t enough and surely he’d be willing to talk things over.
“I’d love for you to stay, if you feel up to it.” The hardened lines on his brow softened. “And you can ride with me tomorrow, no need to rush back into it.”
“As long as I’m not a burden to you,” she pointed out. His unrelenting dedication to ranching overshadowed everything.
A smile curved his lips. “I’m blessed to have you.”
He stared at her for a moment, and she let herself bask in the look of concern on his face, a selflessness that hadn’t been so obvious before now that she understood the source of his exasperation. He was willing to abandon his workaholic tendencies for her, and she knew that was a huge step.
A step in the right direction.
Something about that made her heart race. Take a step back.
“Actually, I’ll head home,” she decided. “It’s been a long day.”
“Of course, go ahead.”
Abruptly, she realized she’d just passed on the chance to capture the ranch during nightfall. The exclusive photos she’d risked trespassing for no longer held the same prominence as they once did. Jared had been on the forefront of her mind instead.
She looked at her camera. “For the interview tomorrow, I won’t use any photos of Mountainbrook. You have my word. They’re for you, and your father. It doesn’t feel right given the circumstances…using them for my own benefit.”
“Really?” He pursed his lips. “It’s why you came here initially.”
“Yes. It was.” She couldn’t elaborate.
“See you tomorrow, Rachel.” He tipped his hat in acknowledgment. “Get checked up before you leave. And sleep well.”
She wouldn’t disagree with that idea. Visiting the doctor onsite was quick and a general look-over showed that she had severe bruises, no internal bleeding or fractures, yet he advised her to rest, which she was only too happy to do so.
Leaving before her contract was up wasn’t an option now. At least, in some way, Jared had prevented her departure and it mattered that he didn’t want her gone. He feels blessed to have me.
And now her indecisiveness and the reason for it was blatantly clear - she had fallen in love with Jared Weston.
Chapter Eight
Jared maneuvered his SUV down the interstate, bypassing the familiar view of the river. He drove over the bridge into Sandpoint, a route he didn’t normally take, but today was an exception.
Usually he relied on Owen to bring grocery supplies in from town, but this morning, he’d offered to grab a few things from the local market for his dad. It proved to be a distraction. Jared barely left Mountainbrook, and the ranch had become more of a confliction rather than a sanctuary lately. Mostly because of Rachel, who was prompting him to change his perspective.
Regaining his position in New York was his intention, no questions about that, yet for the first time, he had doubts. Slim ones, but they were there.
Am I doing the right thing by leaving?
Well, not that he’d dwell on it. He had work to do.
He pulled swiftly into a parking space across from the park. Due to the amount of foot traffic, it looked like it was a busy morning. From memory, there were close to thirty vendors there, and he was familiar with only a few.
Mainly one.
He simply needed to make his way there, grab a few items and head back before being caught out by anyone he knew. Not that he was concerned about what a few locals had to say, it was more that he didn’t want the inconvenience.
Jared adjusted his Stetson and made a beeline for Parson’s Produce. Catching sight of the middle aged woman with curly brown hair, he offered a friendly smile.
“Monique.”
“Jared, haven’t seen you here in ages! How are things going in Mountainbrook?”
“They’re changing up, to be honest. There’ll be a big opening in October.”
Monique beamed. “So I’ve heard from Owen. How exciting! I’ll be happy to tell anyone who comes by, just to help a bit with putting the word out for you guys.”
“That’s much appreciated.” He fished out the handwritten list from his dad and slid it over.
“The usual, I see,” Monique said with a smile as she began bagging fruit and vegetables. “And a few differences from the usual. A change of diet there?”
<
br /> He had to grin at that. “It’s all thanks to Rachel. She’s been hinting at my dad to cook peach cobbler. Salads. Things we’d usually turn our noses up at.”
Monique gave a hearty laugh. “Now that’s impressive! Who is this woman? A girlfriend of yours?”
Jared hesitated, aware he had to tread carefully. What he said now set the foundation for what Monique would base her gossip on, not that he thought she was the type to do so, but he’d been burned by people in Sandpoint before. Couldn’t be too careful. Sometimes people chose to speak of personal things even if they believed they were being helpful, yet it usually proved detrimental. Although that was the case whether he was in a small town or a city, such as New York.
People talked. He just chose not to listen or participate unless need be.
As for Rachel being his girlfriend? The thought provoked a flood of emotions. He swallowed. “She’s just a worker at the ranch until Saturday.”
“I take it you don’t get many women working there? I never see any job advertisements.”
“We’re selective. Private. She just happened to…stumble on the opportunity.”
“Lucky her to work for the Westons.” Monique mused. “Here’s everything you need.”
He took the paper bag on the table and offered a nod. “Perfect. Take care, all right.”
“You too. Enjoy that fruit cobbler!”
He took out his wallet and peeled off a few notes. “Keep the change. I’ll see you around.”
“A real gentleman. Thank you, Jared.”
He tipped his Stetson at her and turned toward his car, striding for the exit.
But not before a blonde haired woman stepped in front of him. Rachel. The momentary thought of her struck his gut. He couldn’t believe he’d kissed her in the stables, yet he sure didn’t regret it.
He straightened, but obviously it wasn’t her as the woman passed by. As Rachel said, she had her interview today and likely, she’d be preoccupied with that. He mentally wished her well.
Spotting his car, he headed for it.
“Jared! I’ve been meaning to talk to you. Fancy finding you here.”
