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

will serve me
well.”
    “Yes, it will. One of my wranglers, we know him as Tippy,
is real good with horses. He can help you break them in and train them.”
    “I wouldn’t want to take him away from ranch duties.
Tippy?”
    “Yeah.” She chuckled merrily. “He was a rodeo rider. Apparently
he earned the nickname by falling off one too many horses.”
    “Ouch!”
    “As to him helping you, he’d probably be willing to earn a
few extra bucks on his own time. He and his wife, Melinda, are expecting their
first child in a few months.”
    “Great! I’ll be sure to check with him.”
    “And don’t underestimate those wild Mustangs. They’ve been
free all their lives and won’t take too kindly to being penned in…or saddled.”
    “Good point. I’ll remember that when the time comes. Have
to catch them first.”
    She studied his earnest expression. “I have no doubt that
you’ll be building your herd as soon as you get a chance to ride out after them.”
    He smiled but said nothing more as he pulled to a stop
beside the house and cut the engine.
    As she thought over their conversation, she couldn’t help
wondering if he’d have any time to spare…for her.

 
 
 
    Chapter Four

 
    On returning to the ranch, Jimmy went to the office to
review the accounts. Melissa’s information had him worried they’d be a mess.
Nothing he couldn’t sort through and fix, but it would be time-consuming.
    She unlocked the door for him and continued down the hall.
He admired her shapely form until she was out of sight, then entered the office
and booted up the computer only to find that the programs and files were
password protected. Smiling, he knew could easily bypass them, but he didn’t
want to annoy Melissa first thing, so went searching for her. Since she’d mentioned
checking on dinner, he headed for the kitchen.
    At the stove, an older lady, short and a little on the
plump side, stirred something in a pot. Melissa had changed clothes and was bent
over, rooting through a bottom cupboard, her shorts riding high with the effort.
He loved the view, but averted his gaze before a telltale erection embarrassed
him in front of the women. “Good afternoon, ladies. It sure smells good in
here.”
    Melissa jerked up in surprise, banging her head in the
process. “Ouch! You startled me.”
    “Sorry. Are you okay?” he asked, noting the concern on the
cook’s face as she turned toward her employer.
    She rubbed the sore spot. “Nothing a bag of ice can’t
handle. Did you want something?”
    Oh, yeah, he wanted all right. Since seeing her shapely
rear stuck up in the air, he was all but drooling. “Passwords and keys. I
wanted to get a head start on the accounts.”
    “All the passwords are written down and locked in the top
drawer. I’ll find the other set of keys after dinner,” she said as she reached
into her pocket and withdrew a set of keys. “For now, use mine.”
    “Thanks,” he said, noticing some curious stares from the
cook. “Hi, I’m Jimmy.”
    “I figured as much. I’m Sheila, chief cook and bottle
washer around here. You sure are a handsome devil.” She winked and turned back
to the stove.
    Jimmy snorted a laugh. “Some say I’m a devil in disguise,
so thanks. Anyone who can cook is beautiful in my book. Is that chili I smell?”
    “Sure is, and homemade bread to boot.”
    “I’ve died and gone to Heaven.” He clutched a hand over
his heart.
    Sheila shook a spoon at him, but he caught a smile. “Devils
don’t go to the promised land. Better mend your ways, young man.”
    “True enough. I’ll be on my best behavior from now on.”
    Melissa rattled the key ring. “Did you still want these?”
    She sounded perturbed. Was he not supposed to be talking
to the cook? “Yeah, thanks.” He plucked the keys from her outstretched hand.
    “Dinner’s in half an hour. I’m not sure how much work
you’ll get done in that amount of time, if any.”
    Jimmy smiled. “Maybe a lot, maybe none,