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

that look portrayed desire instead of
reprimand. Would he act on it? Pretend it hadn’t happened? Or run the other
way? I have to stay in control. He’s a
man in my employ. She licked her lips. And
what a man!
    “So, if I catch some of those horses, where would I keep
them? Could I board them here?”
    “Sure, we’ll work something out. Some of the outer
pastures are empty since I just sold off quite a few of my stock.”
    He nodded. “Where is the summer pasture?”
    “Due east of here. It has a creek running through it so we
don’t need to worry about watering them.” She pointed in the general direction.
“We’ll be driving past that section shortly.”
    He nodded and kept driving, but when the high chain-linked
fencing came into view, he slowed the truck to a crawl. “Is this the BLM section?”
    “Yes. This is where it starts.”
    “Can you see the Mustangs from the road?”
    “Sometimes. I think they like to flaunt their freedom.”
    Jimmy stopped the truck at a clearing and whistled in
merriment. “ Wooeee ! Just look at those beauties run!
There must be over a hundred head out there, and such a mix of colors. That
stallion is as pure a white as I’ve ever seen.”
    She delighted in his reaction as he concentrated on the
horses, his amazement clear to see. His smile, so full of joy, did strange
things to her insides. Her internal organs vied for space among the tangled
knot of nerves. His avid gaze locked with hers.
    “I know how you feel. They’re amazing horses. Are you
truly interested in capturing some for yourself?”
    “Yes, ma’am. I intend to have a ranch of my own one day.
If I can start a herd now, train some horses, I’ll be one step ahead when the
time comes.”
    “Oh!” She frowned. “What about your position here?”
    “Not to worry. I’ll watch for a place close by so I can
still honor my promise to you.”
    Melissa nodded, uncertain if she’d hired the right man for
the job after all. If he was thinking of moving already, where would that leave
her? “If I hear of anything, I’ll be sure to let you know.”
    “I’d appreciate that. Much obliged, ma’am.”
    She laughed. “You’re already beginning to sound like a
cowboy, but if you don’t cut the ma’am, you’re likely to feel the toe of my
boot.” She flexed her foot, raising it for him to see the pointy red tips.
    Jimmy chuckled, the sound low-pitched and sexy. “I’ll keep
that in mind. Where to now?” He gave the Mustangs one last, longing look as
they disappeared over a ridge.
    “Might as well head back to the ranch. I have several
mares ready to foal and I prefer to be on hand if needed.”
    Jimmy put the truck in gear and drove ahead. “Does this
road lead right back to the ranch yard?”
    “Yes, it does. It circles the south end of the property
and comes out by the barn just beyond where you parked your trailer.” She
quickly shut her mouth, but his swift glance told her that he was aware of what
she’d inadvertently let slip…she’d watched him.
    “Okay. Thanks. That gives me a better visual of the
layout.” They rode in silence for a while until they came upon another herd of
horses. “Are those yours?”
    “Yes. We have over two hundred horses grazing in the
summer pasture right now.”
    “Nice. They’re a gorgeous lot. How do you decide when to
sell and which ones?”
    “Good question. For the most part, Brian decides. He
worked for my grandfather and is better suited to making decisions like that.” The
horses ran across the pasture, heading for the creek. “Someday, maybe, I’ll be
able to take control of every aspect of ranching, but I’m not ready for that
yet. If it were up to me, I’d keep them all. I love horses.”
    Jimmy chuckled. “I hear ya , but
there wouldn’t be much profit in that.”
    “True enough. What kind of ranch do you intend to own?”
    “Cattle. I love beef, so it makes sense for me to grow my
own. Being able to get a start on owning and training horses