Suited to be a Cowboy by Lorraine Nelson Read Free Book Online

must be proud of him.”
    “Yes, I am. This past year hasn’t been easy on either of
us.” Right away, she regretted opening her mouth. Jimmy was an employee. He
wasn’t interested in hearing her life story. She didn’t want his pity or
condolences. She didn’t want anything from him except a job well done. Her
glance strayed in his direction. God, but he was handsome!
    “Well, my being here should take some of the pressure off
so you can spend more time together. What kind of shape are the ranch accounts
in?”
    Thankful that he hadn’t asked any personal questions, she
answered immediately. “Not great. I can order feed and supplies and make sure
they’re paid for, but that’s about it. Brian does up the payroll and writes out
the checks for each employee. All I have to do is sign them.”
    James shook his head. “I hope he’s been making the right
deductions or the accounts could be in a mess.”
    “What deductions?” She nervously twined her fingers around
a loose thread on her shirt.
    He slanted her a look of disbelief. “Never mind. I’ll
handle it all from here on out.”
    “Those words are a blessing in disguise. Thank you.” She
let go of the thread and a button popped off, leaving much more cleavage
showing than she liked. “Would you like to have a couple more days to settle in
before you tackle the accounting?”
    “No thanks, but since I’m on salary, am I also on specific
hours?”
    “All I ask is that you keep a time sheet and put in your
forty hours a week.”
    When he glanced toward her, she knew the exact moment he
noticed the opening of her shirt. His eyes widened, darkened, and zeroed in on
her exposed cleavage before raising his gaze to lock with hers. She tried to
pull the edges of her shirt together, but without much success, and the heat of
a blush rose into her cheeks. Should she explain? “Uh, this isn’t for your
benefit. I’m not trying to entice you in any way. A button popped off.”
    “Pity.” His smile lit up his eyes, but he turned his
attention back to the trail ahead, saving her further embarrassment.
    Melissa had been jumping in and out of the cab to open and
close gates as they drove across country. “If you turn right up ahead, we’ll be
on the ranch road…no more gates.” She got out to attend to the last one.
    “You have some gorgeous acreage here, but I haven’t seen
any horses except those nearest the ranch yard.”
    “My horses are in the summer pasture, but keep your eyes
peeled. There’s a section of land along here that borders mine and it’s owned
by the BLM. Plenty of wild Mustangs
for the taking.”
    “BLM? Free
horses?” His face registered interest and intent as he watched for the Mustangs,
his eyes narrowed against the brilliance of the sun.
    “Bureau of Land Management. And yes, if you can catch
them, they’re yours.”
    “If I catch them while I’m working for you, are they mine
or yours?”
    She chuckled. “Good question, but as long as you catch
them on your own time, they’re yours.”
    “Hot damn! Er , sorry.” He caste a
quick glance to the back seat.
    “He’s still sleeping, but thanks for considering his young
age.”
    “Truth is,” he scratched behind his ears with his free
hand, “I hate profanity, but I’m not used to being around kids, at least, not
in the last ten years or so. I’m half afraid I might end up saying or doing
something you may disapprove of.”
    “Not to worry. I’m sure he’s heard worse from the
wranglers, not that I approve, but I can’t go around lecturing everybody. I’d
soon lose my staff.”
    “Well, I’m used to not talking rough, especially around
the ladies, so it should work out all right. If I step out of line, give me a
look or something to make sure I’m aware of it.” His brows drew together as he
frowned at her in demonstration.
    Melissa giggled at the expression he’d conjured up. “Okay,
so if I give you that look, you’ll
know.” She wondered what he’d do if