Nothing Sweeter (Sweet on a Cowboy) Read Online Free

Jameson, was a prizefighter. Family legend has it that he left Boston one night after making a bundle throwing a fight. In any case, he had the cash to buy land when he arrived.” He took a sip of coffee and licked his lips. “He said the blooming sage reminded him of Scotland, so he named it High Heather. It seems he had a bit of a soft spot, in spite of his violent career.” He straightened and looked her in the eye. “Before I waste your time, you need to know that this job pays minimum wage. Room and board is included. You get one full day off a week, or two afternoons, if you’d rather.”
    “That’s fine.”
    He waited, but that was all she had to say on the subject. “All right, then. Before you make up your mind, let me take you on a tour of the place.” He stood. “It’ll be easier to show you than to explain.” She stood, and at her nod he led the way to the dooryard.
Hiring her would solve the groom problem.
He wished he could rub out the small kernel of homesickness in his chest.
And the quicker I get this place settled, the quicker I can get home to Boston.
The kernel opened to a pit of loneliness.
And to Juan.
    “We hope to open as a guest ranch.” He gestured to thecluster of buildings that made up the ranch headquarters: the rambling fieldstone and timber main house, barns, corrals, and several buildings adjacent to the dining hall. “You can see there is a lot of work to be done.”
    She scanned the yard. “If you don’t mind my saying so, your brother doesn’t seem as enthusiastic as you are about the project.”
    He snorted. “Max is not a fan of change. He expected to live his life as a cattleman, as our father did.” He looked past the buildings at the scrub-filled grassland that stretched for miles. “But the demographics of the area have changed. The ski slopes brought wealthy tourists, who bought vacation homes. They’ve driven up the price of land, which jacked up the property taxes. Add to that the falling price of beef. Many ranchers are selling out, making more land open for development. It’s a vicious circle.” He turned to face her. “If you want the job, it’s yours.”
    “But your brother—”
    “Is an idiot and he’s short a groom. Don’t let him scare you off.”
    Aubrey smiled and extended her hand. “I’ll take a chance on you, if you’ll do the same.”
    Max needs someone to shake him out of his cave. I know him—he wouldn’t have reacted so rudely if this woman hadn’t threatened to get under his skin. This could be interesting.
They shook on it. “You’re certainly not going to fit in at the bunkhouse. We’ll put you up in a bedroom at the main house. Follow me.” He started off.
    “I don’t think so.” Her voice was quiet and slow, but hard as frozen concrete.
    He stopped and turned. “Pardon?”
    When her face flamed, the ugly scar stood out in boldrelief. Her hands dove in her pockets, and she stuck out her chin. “I’ll just bunk in the barn.”
    He frowned at her, head cocked. “Where? In a sleeping bag in the hayloft?”
    “If you used to have a bigger crew, you’ve got to have an extra cot around here somewhere.”
    Her panicked demeanor reminded him of a cornered animal.
    “I can sleep in the office. I’ll clean it up, and with a stout lock, I’ll be fine.”
    Her pleading look twisted Wyatt’s gut. She wasn’t going to budge. “All right, if that’s what you want.” He stood a moment, thinking. “There’s a restroom in the dining hall, but you’ll have to use the house to shower. Tia Nita is almost always there. She’s our cook, housekeeper, and the boss most of the time. I’ll take you up to the house later and introduce you.”
    “Sounds like a plan. Is it okay if I go unpack now?”
    Wyatt nodded and watched her walk to the Jeep. He had more questions than answers, but at least he and Max wouldn’t have to flip for
that
job anymore.
    Her nose tickled. Aubrey grabbed a rag from her back pocket to cover an