Claiming the Rancher's Heart by Cindy Kirk Read Free Book Online Page A

terrific offer?”
    “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you,” Stacie said. “But you just keep cutting me off.”
    Josh hid a smile. He’d only known Stacie a short time, but even he knew she was no pushover.
    Paul crossed his arms. “I’m listening now.”
    Though his body language didn’t indicate a willingness to consider any position other than his own, his tone was somewhat conciliatory. It must have been enough, because the tension left Stacie’s shoulders and a glimmer of hope filled her eyes.
    “I’ve never wanted to work in corporate America,” she said in a soft voice. “It’s just not me.”
    “You have a degree in business.” Paul’s entire attention was on his sister. “This position will allow you to not only use your education, but also be close to us.”
    Stacie opened her mouth but Paul continued without taking a breath.
    “You don’t even have to interview,” Paul said. “The CEO is a friend and he’s willing to hire you based on my recommendation.”
    “Paul—” Stacie raised a hand, but her brother was on a roll and seemed determined to finish.
    “Best of all—since you’re unemployed, you can start next week.” He patted he suit coat pocket. “I have two return tickets. You can be back home tomorrow.”
    Stacie…leaving? An icy chill gripped Josh’s heart.
    “I’m not moving back to Ann Arbor.” Stacie’s chin lifted in a stubborn tilt. “Not tomorrow. Not in a week, a month or a year.”
    To Josh’s surprise, Paul didn’t immediately reply. Instead, his gaze searched Stacie’s face for a long moment.
    “I don’t understand you,” he said, his voice heavy with disappointment. “You have friends back home who miss you. Family that misses you. And now a great job handed to you on a silver platter. Why won’t you at least consider coming back?”
    Despite his heavy-handed methods, the man came across as sincere and made some good points. But when Josh glanced at Stacie, she didn’t appear swayed.
    “How many times do I have to tell you? I don’t want to be stuck behind a desk.” Her eyes flashed and Josh swore he saw steam coming from her nose. She reminded Josh of a bull ready to charge. “I only majored in business because Daddy insisted.”
    “Dad wants you to have a good life. A secure future.” Paul’s tone made it clear he agreed. “He loves you, Stacie. We all do. And we’re worried about you.”
    Stacie raised a brow.
    “Okay, I’m the one who’s worried.” Paul’s voice broke. He took a moment to regain his composure before casting a sideways glance at Josh. “Send the cowboy back to the ranch. This is family business.”
    Though listening to their intimate conversation certainly wasn’t his idea of fun, Josh kept his feet planted. He’d leave, but only if Stacie asked.
    “He stays,” Stacie said firmly.
    Paul closed his eyes and blew out a hard breath.
    “Mom and Dad have always wanted what’s best for you,” Paul repeated, once again sounding surprisingly sincere. “We all want that.”
    Stacie took a step forward and rested a hand on Paul’s arm. “The problem is what you think is best for me is not what I want.”
    Anger flared in Paul’s eyes. “What is it you want to do, little sister? Spend your life walking other people’s dogs? Making lattes in a coffee shop? Or maybe you want to marry a cowboy and live in the middle of nowhere?”
    Stacie’s hand jerked back and her cheeks pinked as if she’d been slapped. But if her brother thought that harsh words and bullying tactics were the answer, all Paul had to do was look in her eyes to see that he’d lost any ground he might have gained.
    “I don’t care what you think of my choices, Paul.” Her voice was icy cold, a stark contrast to her brother’s heated passion. “Just because I have different goals, other things I want out of life…”
    Paul’s lips pressed together and he appeared to be fighting for control. “You and Amber Turlington, always