Midnight Ride by Cat Johnson Read Free Book Online Page A

the sole owner of a large tract of land, some damn good horses, and a few head of cattle. Things weren’t ideal, but she was hanging on. Those accomplishments were nothing to sneeze at in this economy, especially after last year’s drought, which had been bad enough to put some farms in dire straits.
    Searching for a safe topic of discussion, she asked, “So how’s Rohn doing? I don’t get to see him much.”
    “He’s real good,” Tyler answered before taking a sip from his mug.
    Colton frowned. “You think so? It seems to me he’s lonely. When we’re busy working he seems okay, but when things slow down at the end of the day, he looks kinda sad. I think he’s still not over losing his wife.”
    Janie nodded. “That I can understand better than most.”
    “I guess you can.” Colton’s eyes settled on her. “I’d meant to say it before, ma’am. I’m real sorry about Mr. Smithwick’s passing. I’d met him a few times. He was a good man.”
    “Thank you. He was.” She’d reached the point where she could smile at the good memories and accept the kindness of those who’d known her husband without tearing up. Maybe things were improving after all.
    “If you need any help, like with the fence, just give Rohn a call and Tyler and I will be right over. Our other hand, Justin, too. As soon as he’s back to work.”
    “Thanks.” When Janie glanced at Tyler, she noticed his odd expression as he watched the conversation between her and Colton, maybe because she hadn’t included him in her gratitude. She could rectify that easily enough. “Thank you both. I appreciate the help more than I can say.”
    She directed that last to Tyler. For once, there was no amusement in his expression when he focused his piercing blue gaze on her. “It was my pleasure.”
    Uncomfortable beneath his scrutiny, she raised her mug. “I guess you’d better finish up so you two can go back to work before Rohn gets mad.”
    “He’ll get over it.” Tyler’s gaze remained on her.
    “Still, I didn’t mean to steal his two best hands for the entire morning.”
    “No stealing involved. I came very willingly. Believe me.”
    Her cheeks heated at the implication in Tyler’s words. Watching her face, he smiled, a smile that reached all the way to his eyes.
    Janie had a feeling she’d be seeing that smile and those eyes again real soon. Most likely the moment her head hit the pillow and she closed her weary lids, and she feared there wasn’t a damn thing she could do about it.

Chapter Seven
    Rohn’s sigh was audible even from where he stood across the yard.
    Obviously, the man thought his employees were pulling into the drive so late because they’d indulged in too much booze or womanizing last night. He was wrong. Yeah, a woman was involved, but not like he thought.
    Tyler slammed the truck door and ambled toward his boss. Colton did the same on the passenger side. When they’d moved close enough, Rohn crossed his arms and shook his head. “Do you see how high that sun is in the sky?”
    Looking up at the sun, Tyler said, “Yup.”
    “I fed the horses myself. With Justin hurt and home recuperating, there’s too much work to do in a day even when you two manage to get here on time.”
    “There sure is a lot of work to do around here. You’re right about that. I guess we’ll have to work late tonight. Right, Colton?” Tyler glanced over at Colton, who only rolled his eyes at him.
    “If you’re not too hungover to work, that is.” Rohn let out another huff of breath and looked agitated.
    Since Tyler had gone to sleep early and sober last night, that comment was extra insulting. Sure, he was torturing his boss, purposely by not telling him where they’d really been and what they’d been doing, but that was what the man got for making assumptions.
    “Rohn, we’re late because we were over at the Smithwick place fixing a broken fence for Tom’s widow.” Colton, the Boy Scout, ended the game that Tyler had been