Texas Bossa Nova (Texas Montgomery Mavericks Book 5) by Cynthia D’Alba Read Free Book Online

back and forth between the Landry ranch and Travis’s ranch talking to the guys that Olivia told me it would make more sense for me to stay out there than drive back into town every day to stay with KC. So that’s what I did. Magda worked for Mitch and Olivia then, so I got to know her.” He produced what he hoped looked like a careless shrug. “End of story. But I do know that she did a fabulous job for them, and we’re lucky as hell to have her, so don’t screw it up.”
    He stood and collected his plate and utensils. “And bring your dishes to the sink and wash them.”
    “Why? We have Magda now.”
    Reno gave his brother a withering look. “Don’t be a pig.”
    The main house on the D&R was much bigger than she’d thought it would be. Nicer too. She’d had visions of putting one of the guys out of his room when she moved in, but the place was large enough to accommodate all of them comfortably.
    She glanced back at the small two-story ranch house. The house and the flower beds around it could definitely use some work, but the fences and fields looked well cared for.
    A couple of horses in the corral next to the barn noticed she was walking toward them. They headed for the railing, nickering and tossing their manes around. She realized they thought she was bringing them a treat.
    “Sorry, guys.” She held up her empty hands. “Next time, I promise.”
    The buck-colored horse seemed to accept her apologies and put its head over the railing to be petted. As she stroked down its neck, she felt the tension easing out of her muscles.
    She’d been nervous to the point of nausea at seeing Reno again. At first, she’d feared he might outright reject his mother’s gift of hiring them a housekeeper. Then, when he didn’t, she’d worried that he’d be a total ass to her when she showed up at his house. But that hadn’t happened either. He’d been nice and supportive, and that made her even more nervous. Even she realized what an ass she’d been leaving town without giving him any type of explanation or even telling him goodbye.
    “She’s a sweetheart.”
    She turned toward the voice. Reno stepped up to run his hand down the horse’s nose.
    “What’s her name?”
    “Layla. And she’ll do anything for a carrot.”
    Magda smiled. “So that’s why I found plenty of carrots in the house but few other vegetables.”
    Reno chuckled. “Maybe. You can ride her, you know. Anytime you want.”
    “Thanks, but this isn’t a vacation for me. I won’t be going out on trail rides.”
    He lifted an eyebrow. “Just saying. She’s usually here and an easy ride, so if you have some free time and want to see the ranch, feel free to throw a saddle on her.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind. Listen, my working here isn’t going to be a problem, is it? I realize my leaving was sudden but…” She shrugged, her blood throbbing in her ears. “I’m sorry I left without saying anything to you.”
    “Why did you leave?”
    She looked toward the horses. “I just needed some breathing room.” Turning toward him, she asked, “We’re going to be okay, right?”
    He smiled and everything inside her melted. It was so unfair that a simple act like him smiling could rattle her so badly.
    “We’re fine,” he said. “Darren and I are both glad to have you here.”
    They were quiet for a minute, then Reno said, “How’s Zeb?”
    She breathed a sigh of relief at the change of subject. “I haven’t called him yet. I got into enjoying the view and lost track of time.”
    “Well, I’ll let you make your call then.” He turned to leave.
    “Reno.”
    He whirled back around. “Yes?”
    “This isn’t going to be too weird, is it? I mean, we can make this work, right? Put this past summer behind us?”
    “Sure, Mags. Whatever. It’s water under the bridge.”
    She studied his face to see if he was telling the truth, but it was totally blank.
    “Thanks.” She pulled out her phone. “Better check on Dad.”
    Reno nodded