Honey Kisses (Romance on the Ranch Series #2) by Verna Clay Read Free Book Online Page B

call Dixie's name. A pretty woman with bouncing sable hair tied back with a
scrunchie turned around and grinned at her. A few minutes later, carrying a cup
of coffee, Dixie followed Sarah to meet Ann. As soon as introductions were
made, Ann instantly knew Dixie was sweet and likeable, nothing like Pritzy.
    Dixie said, "I'm happy we're finally meeting.
Jacob and Julie come in often and speak wonderfully of you. And so does
Sarah."
    "Thank you. I've heard great things about
you, too." Ann's heart sank. She had a feeling Dixie would be perfect for
Jackson.
    "Looks like business is booming," said
Sarah.
    "Yes, it always picks up during summer with
tourists on their way to sightsee Anasazi ruins. So tell me the latest, Sarah.
We haven't talked in ages."
    Sarah munched on her bear claw and filled Dixie
in about Jacob and Julie trekking off to Alaska. She didn't mention anything
about Miles Brightman arriving, however. After that, she said, "Ann is
working at Triple T overseeing the main house."
    Dixie looked interested, "Jackson was in
earlier. He's always so nice." She leaned in, "And sexy as hell."
    Ann smiled but felt her heart kick. It looked
like Dixie was interested in him.
    On the drive back to Lazy M, Sarah asked,
"So, what do you think about Dixie? Should I invite her to dinner with
Jackson?"
    Ann gazed out the window at pastures of cows
whizzing past. "Definitely. She's a lovely person, inside and out."
    "Yeah, she's got that girl-next-door look
with her freckles and big brown eyes. My only question: How can she be around
all those pastries and not gain weight? Okay, I'll tell Sage you gave her a
thumbs-up."
    Ann forced a smile at her friend.
    * * *
    Ann nervously rubbed her hands together. The day
before had been her one month anniversary at Triple T and she hadn't seen
Jackson. Since today was Tuesday, she'd prepared dinner for him. She wondered
if he'd tell her she'd passed her trial period or ask her to find other
employment. He'd seemed happy with her work; although she'd learned years ago
with her husband that she couldn't count on anything. If Jackson didn't bring
the topic up, she was going to ask because the suspense was too much. She loved
working at the ranch and needed to know her fate. The buzzer on the oven distracted
her thoughts.
    She was setting out place mats on the patio
table and had her back to the open terrace doors when she heard, "Hello,
Annie." Jackson's voice startled her and she whirled around with her hand
over her heart.
    "Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."
He stretched. "The house smells wonderful. I'll take a quick shower."
    "Okay." She watched his retreating
back and bit her bottom lip. She was such a weenie sometimes. Her grandmother
Molly had often lovingly chastised her for being so timid. She'd say,
"What the hell, Ann, stand up for yourself." Ann smiled at fond
memories, and then laughed. She'd called Molly a few days earlier and had to
say a hasty goodbye when her grandmother had informed her Newt was on the other
line.
    Ann returned to the kitchen and set the food out
buffet style on the island so they could dish their plates and take them to the
terrace.
    "I'm so hungry my stomach is touching my backbone,"
Jackson said from the doorway.
    "Well, help yourself."
    "No, you first."
    Jackson was always gentlemanly. On the patio, he
set his plate down and then pulled her chair out. She sat and watched a flock
of cowbirds land in the pasture. "How was your day?" he asked.
    "Oh, quite lovely. I ordered a new light
fixture for the mud room and some extra shelving. I got a really good deal at
the Ace Hardware."
    "Annie, you're a fabulous shopper…and cook,"
Jackson said between bites.
    "Thank you. I enjoy finding sales and cooking.
In fact, I've baked cookies for you to take to the men tomorrow. I asked Jim
Bob if he'd mind and he said they'd love it."
    "The hands are still raving about that
chocolate cake."
    "Uh, Jackson?"
    He reached for his iced tea.
    "I…ah…was wondering."
    He