Briar's Cowboys by Brynn Paulin Read Free Book Online

month.”
    And they were back to business. The swings in atmosphere were making her dizzy.
    She tucked her thumbs in her front pockets, taking a solid stance as they discussed the jobs. “I think it would be a good deal for me. You’re both experienced, and you’ve done great taking care of this place the past year. When I talked to Verity and Robert this afternoon while I was unpacking, both of them mentioned how impressive you’ve been so Ram’s recommendation wasn’t a surprise. You’re familiar with the ranch’s workings and its accounts, and that’s something I need. But what about pay? You mentioned I don’t have a lot to offer staff.”
    “True enough.” Jax nodded thoughtfully as she spoke, and he met her question with a half-smile. “It might not seem the smartest in the world, but I’d take room and board for now. So would Ram. We both have cash tucked away since we don’t have much need to spend while working for the Flying D. He’s got more laid up from his rodeo days, and I have a small income from attorney fees. The three of us could work as a team to get things moving, and who knows? Maybe you can find some guys like the Ivy-Leaguers out there who’d want to work the ranch just for experience.”
    “Maybe…” It seemed too good to be true.
    “What do you think?”
    “I think it sounds as if I’m getting the better end of the deal.”
    He raised an eyebrow and gave a half-shrug. “Perspective, I guess,” he offered. “I’d be getting what I want, regardless of monetary compensation. So…are we hired?”
    “Is it going to piss off my cousin that I’m stealing two of his men?”
    “He’ll get over it.” Jax laughed. “We haven’t been working his place for most of the year. He won’t miss us, and he knows a good opportunity when he sees one. He wouldn’t begrudge us this.”
    “Okay then. Welcome to the Last Chance. Yay! You and Ram are my first employees!”
    “Yay,” he echoed, his tone quiet.
    He studied her, and his jaw jutted as he locked it, seemingly fighting himself. Suddenly, a pulse started to throb just below the corner of his right eye. He shook his head, closing his eyes for a moment. Still shaking his head slightly, still seeming to argue with himself, he stepped closer and his hands landed on her hips.
    His dark gaze stared into hers.
    “To be clear,” he rasped. “I was hired before I did this.”
    With that, his head tipped, and his lips covered hers. She sucked in a gasp as his mouth opened, and his breath filled her, making her lightheaded. She groaned into him. Her fingers clenched in the front of his thermal shirt as she steadied herself and went on tiptoe to take all he gave. The day’s confusion fled leaving behind crystal-clear clarity and the lust she’d felt since the first time he’d visited her apartment. She wanted him, and he definitely wanted her.
    His hand slid from her hip to her lower back, and he pulled her closer to him. She melted into his hard body, feeling every firm, manly ridge. A tiny voice inside her whispered that maybe she should move away, stop this. It was too soon even if it was what she really wanted, but the miniscule protest was almost immediately lost in the cacophony of the reaction storming through her and taking over.
    Her thoughts raced, but nothing made sense. Instead, everything hit her as impressions. His warm, hard body. The demanding grip of his hands. The possessive way he held her. The manly scent of his skin and the spicy fragrance that had tormented her all afternoon. The cinnamon from the gum he’d had earlier. The warmth of his skin though he’d just come in from the cold.
    Corresponding heat coiled in her belly, and she wondered if her flesh might ignite from the fire burning through her veins and pulsing through her most sensitive spots. Her breasts ached to be free then captured by his hands. It was basic, feminine instinct far removed from intellect that pushed her deeper into the embrace of this