Fortune's Way Read Online Free Page B

horses to drink as well. “You’ve seen horses once or twice?” He glanced at her, amused.
    She smiled pleasantly. “I might have underestimated. Or maybe I’m a really quick learner.”
    Kyle frowned. “Or maybe you’re a really good liar.”
    “Maybe.” She waggled her eyebrows. “Come on, now. You really didn’t expect Mr O’Connell to send me on a job I knew nothing about, did you? That wouldn’t make good business sense.”
    Dean chuckled. This was the ruthless consultant he’d been expecting. “So you have experience with horses.”
    “I was going to tell you, but you assumed I was ignorant, so I went with it, just to show you what assuming gets you.”
    “Yeah, right,” Dean muttered jovially. “I’ve been called an ass on more than one occasion.”
    She smiled. “Since we’re being honest now, I guess I can tell you. I was a member of the California Junior Rodeo Association for ten years.”
    “Rodeo?” Dean and Kyle exclaimed at the same time, glancing at each other. Dean added, “What events did you do?”
    “Barrel racing and pole bending, mostly. I won Best All-Around Champion for three years straight. But if it makes you feel any better, I was only Rodeo Queen for two years.”
    Dean nodded at her appreciatively. “Which just goes to show, the judges who chose the queens had very poor taste most years.”
    A look of surprise crossed her face. “Wow. Thanks.”
    He laughed. “Weren’t expecting a compliment?”
    Kyle guided his horse in the other direction. “After that stunt, I’m not sure she deserves one.”
    She laughed now. “That’s the reaction I was expecting.”
    Dean smiled again. “I haven’t quite figured out what you deserve, Miz McCabe. But I’m working on it. I promise you, I’m working on it.”

Chapter Three
     
     
     
    Kyle put away the last saddle and made sure all the horses had been tended to properly. Since they’d figured out that Miranda was an expert horsewoman, they’d put her to work, letting her get the true feel of a horse ranch. Not some dude ranch where people came to play cowboys. Double-F ranchers put in long days and were rewarded for their efforts by good meals and decent wages. She’d experienced all of that the past few days. She’d also become aware of the ranch’s mantra. Always treat the horses with the utmost respect. No one worked on the ranch if he or she didn’t share that attitude.
    “Hey.”
    The voice from behind caused him to jump. Kyle turned to see Dean smiling at him.
    “A little on edge, are we?”
    Kyle rolled his eyes. “I suppose I am. Since Miz Fancy Pants got here, you and I haven’t managed a minute alone together. I’m not used to doing without.”
    Dean glanced in either direction before cupping Kyle’s crotch. “Doing without what, my cock in your mouth, or your ass?”
    Kyle grinned. “Both. You here to make an offer?”
    “Of sorts.” Dean’s expression grew serious.
    “Aw, shit. I’m not going to like this, am I?”
    Dean chuckled. “I can’t say. But I suspect you knew it was coming.”
    Another eye roll. “At least something is coming. Or should I say, someone ? You’ve got your eye on Miz Fancy Pants, don’t you?”
    Dean tucked two fingers through Kyle’s belt loops. “You know I do. Something about her intrigues me, and that body! I know you’re not into women, but sheesh, man. Have you noticed her? She’s fuckin’ hot!”
    “I noticed you think that, sure. What I want to know is, what do you intend to do about it?”
    “I’ve been giving that serious consideration.” He glanced around again, and dragged Kyle into the small restroom, the only truly secluded place in the stable. He drew Kyle close for a kiss, allowing their tongues to bat against each other hungrily. When both of them were panting, he pulled back. “What I’d like would be to spend some time alone with her tonight after dinner. I’ll test the waters, and see if I get anywhere.” He nibbled Kyle’s