Denim & Diamonds by Lori Robinett Read Free Book Online

crazy.
    "You ever been on a horse?" he asked.
    "No, but I'm sure I can handle it just fine," she lied. She used to pride herself on being a professional, being able to deal with any situation. Then Quinn screwed her over, destroying her confidence. She second guessed every decision she made now.

"Probably none of my business, but your daddy said you're engaged. How's your fiancé feel about you moving out here?"
    "It didn't work out." After Quinn, she had sworn off men and had turned her attention to her career. Yet she still dreamed of having a home of her own, a family of her own. Someday. "It was just as well. I don't have time for a relationship."
    "Then your daddy died and you got stuck out here, right?" He peered at her from under the brim of his cowboy hat.
    She stuck her chin out, "I'm not stuck here. I can leave anytime I want."
    He snorted and looked her up and down, "So, what if you are successful and you get this place. What then? You gonna stick around? Just leave your life in the city behind?"
    Her chest rose as she sucked in a deep breath. The thought of working with this man for the next year irritated her. "One step at a time. I've got to learn the ropes and run the ranch well. That's all I'm worried about right now."
    Beau nodded once, then turned his attention back to the job at hand. Questions swirled in Beth's head. She'd turned in her resignation the same day she'd walked in on her co-workers watching that video of Quinn and that girl. She couldn't go back. No way could she show her face there again. There was nothing to go back to. She had no choice. She had to win the ranch. As she mulled over the situation, he unhooked the horse from the tie, and led him into the stall, where he slipped the halter off. The animal rubbed his face vigorously against the cowboy, who responded with a laugh that was deep and pleasant.
    A voice from the hay loft above startled Beth.
    “Beau, you want me to toss some hay down to Star?”
    “That you, Katie? When did you get here?” Beau looked up.
    "'Course it's me, Beau! Got home from college yesterday. You were gone to town when I stopped by."
    "Glad you're back. And, yeah, I'd appreciate it if you could toss some hay down." Beau turned to Beth and pointed up, "This kid is a

natural when it comes to horses. A real tomboy that can ride and rope with the best of 'em."
    "Will do!" a girl's voice called from above.
    "Thanks, kiddo!" He slid the door closed, then moved down to the next stall and took the leather halter off the hook. “After you do that, would you come down here and help me get Dingo ready for the Boss?”
    “Be right there,” the voice called back.
    Beau brought a dark brown horse with black legs out of his stall. The clunk of boots on the ladder caught his attention and he turned towards the end of the aisle. Dark, dusty boots were followed by faded jeans that hugged the curves of a woman, not a kid. Her long blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail. She jumped to the ground and turned. Her eyes locked with Beau's and a big grin spread across her face, revealing perfect white teeth. Beth watched the two of them. Beau looked stunned, his eyes wide and his chin about to hit the ground. Katie jogged down the aisle and launched herself at Beau. He caught her in his arms and the young woman hugged him tight.
    He grabbed her by the forearms and held her back at arm's length. His eyes traveled up and down her body. "Holy cow, Katie, you've grown up!"
    The girl spun around and grinned, "Thanks for noticing!"
    Beau cleared his throat and blinked, then glanced at Beth. "Katie, this is Beth Jameson."
    Katie stepped forward and shook Beth's hand. Her grip was surprisingly strong. "Nice to meet you, Ms. Jameson. Charlotte told me you were okay with me working here again this summer."
    Beth smiled. "Glad to have you. And, please, call me Beth."
    Beau tugged his hat down over his eyes and broke in, "Okay, now that introductions are out of the way, let's get these