The Reluctant Cowgirl by Christine Lynxwiler Read Free Book Online Page B

you live and work right here, you’re the most logical one to help out. But there are almost a thousand cows here. What if one of them got into trouble on the back forty?”
    “That’s why we hire people. I’d call one of the guys. They have cell phones, all except for Slim.” Determination outlined her face, and it was impossible not to admire her courage in the face of her absolute terror of cows.
    Crystal slumped. She knew they were all waiting for her to offer. Apparently they didn’t know she was more afraid of coming home than Elyse was of cows. She bit her tongue.
    “Sure you could do that,” Aaron allowed. “But honestly, Elyse, with calving season coming up, you wouldn’t have time to put in the hours needed, even if you weren’t afraid of cows.”
    He scanned the group, but it seemed to Crystal like his gaze rested on her the longest. “Any more ideas?”
    “I can’t do it.” She bit out the words.
    “Oh no. Of course you can’t,” Elyse exclaimed softly. “You’ve got the play.”
    Aaron raised a brow as if wondering when she was going to tell everyone what he already knew.
    Crystal squirmed. “ Making a Splash actually closed last night.” She shot Aaron a glare. “But I am about to start auditions.”
    “Oh, Crys. I’m sorry about the play.” Compassion flooded Kaleigh’s green eyes. “Are you okay?”
    “I’m fine. There’ll be another one soon. Who knows? Maybe Broadway this time.”
    “Well, you definitely can’t come home to stay then, even for a while,” Elyse said firmly. “We’ll figure something else out.”
    Crystal waited for relief to untie the knot in her stomach. But it just seemed to get tighter.
    A knock on the barn door made her jump.
    “Come in,” Aaron called, seemingly unsurprised.
    This morning’s handsome cowboy sauntered in like he owned the place.
    Crystal stared at Jeremy Buchanan, suddenly flustered. Was that an almost imperceptible shake of his head?
    He nodded to everyone. “Did I just wander onto the set of The Waltons reunion movie?”
    “Just don’t be calling me Jim Bob,” Luke joked.
    “You prefer Mary Ellen?” the cowboy quipped back as he closed the door behind him.
    “Crystal, you remember Jeremy from the wedding, don’t you?” Aaron said.
    Could she just say yes or should she ’fess up to stopping by the river for a good cry before she arrived? “Actually...”
    “It’s great to see you again,” Jeremy said with a big grin. “Home for a surprise visit?”
    Oh boy. He’d encouraged her to bill her homecoming as a happy surprise instead of a heartbroken sister act, and now he was going to tease her about it?
    “Yes, as a matter of fact I am.” She returned his grin.
    Aaron cleared his throat, his brows drawn together. Probably wondering what all the grinning was about. “I asked Jeremy to come by. He volunteered to handle things around here for the next few weeks.” Aaron shot his friend an exasperated look. “But he refuses to take any pay.”
    Matthew shook his head. “Man, you can’t do that. You’ve got your own things to manage.”
    Jeremy shrugged. “Since I don’t have any livestock yet, except for a couple of horses, my ranch almost takes care of itself. Y’all help me whenever I need it. I’d like to repay the favor.”
    Crystal hadn’t thought she could feel any smaller. How would their parents react when they found out she’d allowed a neighbor to step in when she was currently unemployed and homeless? Without allowing herself time to think, she shot to her feet. “Jeremy, thank you for offering, but it won’t be necessary.”
    Everyone turned to look at her. “I’ll do it,” she said firmly.
    “You?” Jeremy said, his dark eyebrows rising. “You’re going to run the ranch?” His mouth twitched, and she had the uncomfortable feeling he was trying not to make a smart comment.
    She saw her brothers exchange similar looks.
    “Uh-oh,” Luke muttered, but his dimples flashed.
    Hands on her hips,