Billionaire Boss by Meagan McKinney Read Free Book Online

that he made fun of himself even more than others—an unusual trait, she figured, in the mega-ego world of stockbrokers.
    â€œI should have warned you about him. To him, his whole life is one big party.” Seth pulled Noir up alongside Kirsten’s horse.
    â€œHe’s fine. Not a problem.” She stole a glance at him.
    Seth looked like one of the cowboys who worked on Hazel’s range. He hadn’t shaved, and dust from the trail coated his hat and jaw. From beneath the brim, he met her gaze with a shadowed stare.
    She wished she could say that he didn’t wear the dirt and grime well, but deep down she had to admit he looked even sexier than when she’d first seen him in his immaculately tailored business suit.
    â€œAfter dinner we’ll be going into town for a drink,” Seth said. “I figure you might like a night off before the barbecue.”
    She nodded. She’d seen her mother and sister only once since she’d returned to Mystery from New York. “Thank you.”
    He looked as if he wanted to say something more, but then thought better of it.
    Then suddenly, as if angry at himself, he jerked Noir around and loped toward Nikki.
    Kirsten didn’t look back. Instead, she began a monotone travelogue of historical tidbits about the valley for the benefit of Bob and Skya, who looked as if they couldn’t care less. But she cared, and she continued motoring her mouth uselessly.
    Anything to keep her mind off the boss.
    Â 
    Carrie, Kirsten’s sister, sat next to her on the couch, curled up in her arms. The eleven-year-old recounted the latest inexplicable fashion fad.
    â€œAnd then you clip your hair up with these glittery ponytail holders and that’s it.”
    â€œI’m exhausted—and you plan on doing this to your hair every day?” Kirsten asked with a smile.
    â€œBut it’d be really cute on you,” Carrie offered.
    â€œNot as cute as on you.”
    â€œDinner’s ready.”
    Kirsten looked up. Her mother stood by the living-room door, dressed in a denim shift and sandals. For the first time in ages, Kirsten thought, her mother didn’t look tired.
    â€œRetirement agrees with you, Mom,” she said, hugging her. “I can’t remember the last time I didn’t see circles under your eyes.”
    â€œNonsense. I’m going back to work just as soon as my hair’s a little longer.” Jenn Meadows smoothed the baby-fine hair coming in around her face.
    â€œViola keeps her hair real short. A few whimsical pairs of earrings and you’ll look great.”
    â€œWho’s Viola?” Carrie asked.
    â€œShe’s Seth’s housekeeper,” Kirsten answered.
    Her mother looked at her quizzically. “Seth?” she asked.
    â€œMr. Morgan,” Kirsten added hastily.
    In a move of self-preservation, she changed the subject. “Now that I’ve got the income, I just wanted you to know that I called about buying this place, Mom. I think I’d be so much smarter to just own this old cottage and quit throwing the money away on rent.”
    â€œBut you don’t even live here, honey,” Jenn protested,
    Kirsten winked at Carrie. “Yes, but you and Carrie live here—and who knows, Mr. Morgan may go out of town for months at a time. I might be back here more than you think.”
    â€œI don’t know about that. As soon as I’ve had a rest, I’m looking for another job.”
    Kirsten sat at the table, grateful to be home if only for the evening. “When you feel up to it, Mom, you can get another job, but doesn’t it feel great to know you can go out there and do something you’d enjoy rather than just something that’s going to pay the rent?”
    Jenn seemed overtaken with emotion. She was quiet for a long moment, then she took Kirsten’s hand and squeezed it. “That would feel wonderful, darling, but you have to promise me you feel that