What a Man Needs by Patricia Thayer Read Free Book Online

muscles while riding.
    Forest walked by. “How are you doing?” he asked as he paused to talk with her.
    She smiled at the friendly foreman with the warm hazel eyes. “Not too bad. Daisy and I are getting to know each other.”
    The horse continued to eat her oats from the feeding trough.
    Forest ran a hand over the animal’s rump and gave it a friendly pat. “Daisy’s a good old girl. The kids love her.”
    Cynthia was confused. Was he talking about Patrick’s sisters? “What kids?”
    Before Forest could answer, she heard Patrick’s voice. They both turned to see him, completely covered in mud from his face to his boots. “It’s nice that all the chores are done so you can stand around and visit,” he said.
    â€œWhat the hell happened to you?” Forest asked, fighting laughter.
    â€œLet’s just say I tangled with a not-so-agreeable steer,” Patrick grumbled. “I could have used your help out in the pen.”
    â€œHey, you didn’t ask.”
    Patrick glared at Cynthia, making her feel as though she was the problem. “Did you want me to help?” she asked.
    â€œSure. Think you can hold down a yearling calf so I can inoculate him?”
    â€œI can try,” she offered. She found she was curious about the workings of the ranch.
    â€œThat’s all I need, for you to get kicked or worse. You better stay with Daisy.” Patrick turned back to Forest. “I’ll get the syringe and meet you out in the pen.” He stalked off.
    â€œGuess I’d better get back to work. Pat’s irritated enough. I don’t want to push him any further by talking with you.”
    â€œI didn’t know I was off-limits.”
    Forest shook his head. “The next week is going to be interesting. See you later.”
    Cynthia went back to brushing the horse’s camel-colored coat. “Oh, Daisy, will we ever understand why men act the way they do?” She brushed harder and the horse shifted sideways. “Sorry.”
    Once she’d learned that the man she’d spent the night with would be her riding instructor, she never should have agreed to stay here. Even though they’d said they would keep it business, she had already allowed Patrick to kiss her. And to tell the truth, she wanted to do a whole lot more than share a few kisses. That was her problem. Her desire for the man had her thinking X-rated thoughts. Her skin suddenly turned warm. Oh, yes, she was hot for the man. She continued to brush, hoping to distract the direction of her thoughts.
    Around noon, a filthy dirty Cynthia walked to the house. She had groomed and fed her horse, and even worse, cleaned out the stall. She didn’t care where Patrick had gone; all she knew was she needed a break.
    In the bathroom she stripped off her clothes and took a quick shower, then came downstairs to start lunch. There were plenty of leftovers and she made herself a roast beef sandwich. Not forgetting about Patrick, she made him up a couple, and added two more to the stack for Forest. If they didn’t show up, she could take them down to the barn.
    Just then the two men walked through the back door. She noticed that Patrick had removed his soiled shirt, leaving his white T-shirt stretchedacross his broad chest. He stopped on seeing that she had fixed them lunch.
    She set the table, then poured them all glasses of milk. She found a bag of chips and set it out.
    â€œHey, this is great,” Forest said. “Thanks, Cyndi.”
    â€œYou don’t have to do this,” Patrick finally spoke.
    She shrugged. “It’s not a big deal to make a few sandwiches.” Both men went to the kitchen sink to wash up, while she pulled out a chair and sat down.
    â€œHey, I appreciate your effort,” Forest said. “Peanut butter and jelly gets old.”
    â€œWell, you’ll have to thank Nora. She’s the one who made the roast last