Cooking For Cowboy (Stampede Sizzlers) by Brenda Sinclair Read Free Book Online

novels. Were ranchers’ wives expected to help out in the barns these days? She cringed at the thought.
    Even if living on this beautiful ranch was part of the deal, she just couldn’t see it happening. Heck, she’d never ridden a horse in her life! And she’d never marry someone unless he was the love of her life. Somehow, this city girl couldn’t see Chad Parker being her Mr. Right. Too bad, though. The cowboy was one fine specimen, but she couldn’t imagine herself married to a rancher!
    The truck bumped down the rutted gravel driveway and ground to a halt in front of a white picket fence beside a three-car garage, shaded by a huge ancient-looking tree. “There’s a grader coming in a couple of days to level out that road. Our four-wheels created all those ruts by driving over the winter snow and through the spring rains, but the road will be fixed soon.”
    Chad climbed out of the truck, rubbed his lower back.
    Sierra reached for Barney’s leash, climbed out of the truck, and slammed the passenger door closed after the dog leapt out behind her. “Is your body stiff from sleeping on my sofa last night?” she inquired.
    “A little bit,” he answered, his response lacking earnestness.
    As he rounded the truck, she glanced down and noticed the obvious bulge in his jeans. His back wasn’t the only stiff part of him. Was he still thinking about procreation and her remark about making a Parker heir?
    “My ribcage is still a little sore,” she explained, suppressing the urge to smile. For some reason, knowing she turned him on sent a little thrill through her body.
    Barney stood at her side while Sierra gazed at the ranch house, a picture with white siding, emerald-green trim, and rust-colored brickwork in front.
    Chad grabbed one of her bags. “We’ll go around back.” With his other hand at the small of her back, he guided her along the side of the house, following a curved yard stone path.
    The backyard was as well landscaped as the front had been. Groupings of tall, deciduous and evergreen trees and flowering bushes of every variety imaginable were scattered across the yard. The various flowerbeds arranged against the house and around the backyard displayed a stunning array of colors and emitted an intoxicating scent that carried on the mild breeze.
    “Watch yourself,” warned Chad as he guided Sierra and Barney up four wide, wooden steps leading to an enormous deck. They passed alongside a six-man hot tub, and Chad opened a set of double French doors. “Celia, are you here?” he called as they entered the house.
    “In the laundry room, Chad. Welcome home,” replied an aged female voice.
    “Come out here, please. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.” Chad set Sierra’s bag on the floor and then met her eyes. “Give me a minute to introduce you guys to our housekeeper, and then I’ll go grab the rest of your suitcases.”
    “I’ll go with you to introduce Barney to the ranch. I want to set parameters. I don’t want him running off.” Sierra bent down and ruffled her dog’s ears.
    “There’s an old collie around here named Sandy. He’s probably down at one of the barns, recognized my truck so he didn’t bother barking or coming up to the house to investigate. He loves other dogs, so Sandy and Barney should get along well together.”
    Chad’s face lit up when a gray-haired matronly woman standing five foot nothing stepped into the room. Sierra was relieved to see the evidence of his interest in her had disappeared since he’d be introducing them.
    “Celia, come meet Sierra Griffin. And this is Barney,” he added, pointing to the dog obediently sitting at his owner’s feet. “Sierra, this is Celia Wilson. She’s been with our family for over thirty-five years, hired shortly after I was born.”
    “Well, now, I’m pleased to meet you, Miss Griffin. And isn’t that a handsome dog you have there. Hello, Barney,” she spoke with affection in her voice, suggesting she loved