Trusting Her Rancher Boss (Mountainbrook Ranch Book 1) Read online

  Trusting Her Rancher Boss

  Mountainbrook Ranch, Book One

  Holly May

  Heartlight Press

  Copyright © 2021 Holly Palmer

  All rights reserved

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  Cover design by: Lesia

  Edited by: Jonathan Maynard

  For my Johnny - thanks for the daily inspiration

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Blurb

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Epilogue

  Author’s Note

  Blurb

  When desperation drives amateur photographer Rachel Mills to trespass on a private ranch for photos, she’s embarrassed by her reckless behavior.

  It’s a blessing in disguise when solitary rancher Jared Weston gives her the opportunity to repent by working for him. His loyalty to his father is keeping him in Idaho until he returns to New York – but Rachel’s company is making him reconsider his decision to leave.

  Can Rachel give her temporary boss more than just her trust? Will Jared risk his broken heart for a chance at real love with her?

  Chapter One

  Taking one shot had almost killed her.

  Maybe that was being melodramatic, but Rachel Mills hadn’t expected this. Sprawled on her back, she tried moving her left leg again, wincing from the pain centered at her ankle right where it was caught between a rock and a tree root.

  She groaned. What a mess, and she’d even left her phone in the car, too preoccupied with her thoughts. Luckily, her camera wasn’t damaged, and she clung to it, not willing to let it go in case it slid down the bank and into the river, as she’d almost done.

  She blinked back strands of her loose blonde hair. These were the risks that came with being an aspiring photographer but with newfound hindsight, she had become overconfident and reckless enough to misjudge her step on the ridge. Two years of hard work was now potentially undone by one decision.

  What have I done?

  The sun beamed into her eyes, and she strained her neck to see her surroundings. She’d fallen at least three feet down the bank with a two foot drop into the river. The lingering cold air had barely warmed beneath the morning sun, and each time a breeze came through the trees, it sent shivers across her skin. This time of year the mornings were cool in Sandpoint, Idaho, foreshadowing the winter to come.

  Rachel tried her leg again. The pain made her bite back a groan. She’d barely walked a few miles from the road and the freeway had its share of locals and tourists coming through. Surely someone would notice her car. Sandpoint had a few ranches surrounding the town, nestled amongst a backdrop of the mountain ranges. During fall, most of them relegated to working ranches, preparing for the tourist season during winter.

  There was a chance of someone hearing her and right now, she needed any help she could get.

  “Hello? Anyone there?”

  If no one came by, she had no choice but to pull free and risk losing her camera. It was a gift from her mom who was enduring financial difficulties after the setback of her business, so it had sentimental value.

  Hearing a galloping sound in the distance, she pivoted toward it. Apart from the occasional chirping birds, there was only silence - until now. The galloping drew closer until it stopped abruptly.

  Rachel turned toward the riverbank’s slope. To the left, silhouetted against the sun, was a man with an unmistakable Stetson lining his head, sitting atop a horse. Thanks to the sun’s glare, she could scarcely make out his features, but a rush of relief went through her.

  Followed by the sting of humiliation.

  The rider dismounted and patted his horse, advancing toward her. The brim of his hat blocked out the sun, allowing her to see him clearly once he stood above her. He was tall and undoubtedly strong, with muscles temptingly filling out his broad shirt.

  He stopped and observed her. “Now this is an unwelcome surprise, miss.”

  “Sorry. I took a wrong step.”

  Her attempt at lightening the mood didn’t bring a hint of a smile to his strikingly handsome face. He knelt down to survey her leg. As his gaze roamed across her body, she shuddered but not from the cold. He was attractive, his broad face dusted with sparse dark stubble, and when his eyes locked onto hers, they were a sharp, intense blue reminiscent to looking into the sky.

  “Hmm.” His rough voice drew her attention. “I’ll help you, but only if you come to the ranch with me to talk things over, okay?”

  That was agreeable since she didn’t prefer dangling helplessly above the river much longer. She managed a nod, still flustered by the situation.

  “This might hurt a little,” he warned. “Brace yourself.”

  “Do it.”

  He wrenched the stray root free, releasing her leg which twisted back into position, making her gasp. The rancher ran to her before she started sliding down the bank, his arm closing around her back to hold her steady. She involuntarily leaned into his chest for support.

  “I got you.” His voice was reassuring.

  Rachel stared up at him, trying to catch her breath, but the combination of his touch and heady gaze made her throat tighten. The hard pectoral muscles in his chest were prominent.

  He helped her to her feet and she hesitated to put weight on her injured leg.

  “Thank you,” she managed to say.

  “Don’t thank me, ma’am. Why are you here?”

  “To make a long and embarrassing story short, I’m a photographer.”

  He glanced at the camera. “You usually trespass for photos?”

  She flinched. Her criminal record was nonexistent, but she doubted he’d believe that. “I followed an osprey. They’re a rare sight away from Lake Pend Orielle, and the lighting’s perfect out here. Stupid of me, I know.”

  His gaze ran over her. “This is private land. Not open to anyone, especially a woman with a…convenient story.”

  Rachel jutted her chin. She preferred not to justify herself to a stranger who’d caught her at the lowest point of her life, but if he truly owned the ranch, her future was in jeopardy if he decided to press charges.

  “I apologize. And I’m not lying. Look, I have proof.”

  She held out her camera and clicked through the photos she’d taken. The rancher stepped in close, concealing any glare from the sun. The close proximity between them sent a coil of heat through her, his arm less than an inch away from touching her. He smelled like hay and leather, a redolent scent born from long hours of riding.

  “Your job doesn’t give you the right to come here without permission,” he pointed out.

  “I know. This was all just a really bad mistake on my part. My car’s back there...”

  “You won’t make it to the freeway with your leg.”

  “I can try. Unless you’ve got a better idea?”

  A flicker of a smile passed his lips, and she was instantly drawn to th
em. “I do. Ride with me.”

  That made her recoil. With the awful memory of a horse bucking her off still prominent in her mind, she was more than apprehensive.

  “Thanks for offering, and I don’t mean to sound rude, but it’s not an option for me.”

  Rachel turned away, taking a step forward. A spasm shot up her leg, making her walking attempt unsteady and thrusting her hands out for balance, she struck the rancher’s broad chest.

  “Hey, I don’t want you hurting yourself. Why do you avoid riding? I won’t harm you.”

  She locked gazes with him. All she’d read from him was animosity. Admittedly, a reaction she deserved. “Your horse might.”

  He quirked an eyebrow. “Honor? She’s a friendly mare, completely relaxed around people. But if you’d prefer me to carry you to the car, well, I have no objections.”

  Faced with the proposition of being swept into his arms, her insistence wavered. If he sympathized, then perhaps he’d agree to her way of traveling to the ranch even if it meant exposing her vulnerability.

  “Riding used to be my favorite hobby. Until one day when the horse spooked, I fell and broke my leg. I’m fond of horses, but they’re unpredictable, and the thought of riding again makes me uncomfortable.”

  His expression softened. “You’ll be safe with me. I guarantee it.”

  She tilted her head. Looking at the rest of him, he was in peak physical condition, all taut muscles constrained beneath a dark green shirt with rolled up sleeves. Light blue stonewashed jeans clung to nicely built legs. He was attractive, sure, but that didn’t mean she could lower her guard.

  “You can’t call anyone back at the ranch to collect us?” she asked.

  “Weak signal out here. This is your only option, ma’am.”

  If she hadn’t left her cell back in the car, she would’ve tested his statement. “Sorry, I prefer to drive.”

  He ran a hand across his jaw line. “And I prefer not to leave Honor behind. Anyway, my name’s Jared. My father owns Mountainbrook Ranch and he’ll want to see you. We also have a doctor onsite who can check your leg.”

  How would his father react to her intrusion? Few had heard of Mountainbrook, and it’d become notorious for being the only ranch closed to the public in this small town. Any photos would be rare, exclusive. Everything she needed. She’d taken the risk already, so why not delve further by riding with Jared?

  The horse whinnied, drawing her attention. Yeah. That was the main reason why she couldn’t.

  Jared gestured. “I’ll take the reins. You can sit back, we’ll ride double.”

  Taking one long glance at the horse, she hesitated and grasped the opportunity for a diversion. “Has Mountainbrook always been family owned?”

  “Yeah.” He paused for a moment, and as if realizing she needed more assurance, he continued, “My father was thrown off his horse three years ago and damaged his back. He can’t ride anymore. He prefers the ranch to stay within the family, so responsibility fell to me.”

  His loyalty eroded her stoic impression. “Sounds like you have a close bond.”

  “Indeed.” A distant look clouded his eyes for a moment. “Let’s get back on topic. You need to come with me, and this is the easiest way for both of us. I don’t like it any more than you do.”

  Just her luck, but she couldn’t risk provoking him. Against her intentions, he’d already stolen her interest. Heat rose to her face.

  “Okay,” she decided. “Let’s get this over with.”

  He nodded. “Come on, lean against me.”

  She slung her camera around her neck. Putting weight on her safe leg, she leaned into Jared. He embraced her and guided her forward, his arm at the small of her back. She straightened as they walked up the bank and onto flat, stable ground.

  “Rain will be here in a few hours,” Jared remarked. “The riverbank’s still fragile from last week’s downpour. Should’ve been more careful where you stepped.”

  She swallowed, remembering the moment the land gave way beneath her feet. “I’ve learned my lesson, believe me.”

  “As a photographer, I thought you’d be aware of your environment.”

  Her cheeks heated. Jared didn’t need to know the full story. “I was caught up in the moment and forgot where I was.”

  “Passion’s no excuse for carelessness.”

  She glanced away, bothered by his condescending attitude even though she knew she deserved it. Growing up in Sandpoint, it was natural to come across a few cowboys in town with their proverbial Stetsons but she couldn’t recall seeing Jared before. He wasn’t the type to forget easily. Already she could see he was dedicated, hardworking and genuine, which were admirable traits.

  She focused on the view. Rugged, wild meadow stretched into the distance, the creek winding its way to a mass of alpine trees tinged with gold. The mountain ranges were in full display, hardly touched by snow and dwarfing everything else as the darkening sky covered the peaks with wisps of cloud. Nature surrounded them in all its glory and she longed to get her camera out but repressed the urge.

  Jared’s story had touched a chord. She couldn’t help glance at him. His Stetson had lowered over his face, shrouding his eyes from the bright glare of the sun. He was a family man, and she was close to her own. If it weren’t for her sister Megan, she wouldn’t be leaving Sandpoint to live near her.

  Honor snorted, drawing her attention. Rachel swayed on her leg, her chest tight as she recalled the moment she’d climbed aboard a horse, feeling it rear up before taking off and sending her painfully onto the ground, bruising her body and pride. It was a harsh reminder of her juvenile impulsiveness.

  Jared slipped his arm away. “Honor’s been with me for three years. She won’t spook because of you. You’ve got nothing to worry about, alright?”

  The tenderness in his voice allayed a sliver of hesitation. Honor pawed at the ground and Rachel stifled the urge to retreat. Looking at Jared, she noticed he’d been watching her, studying every minute expression. She had to keep a cool composure for the sake of restitution.

  “Sorry, I’ve forgotten my manners in all this mess. I’m Rachel Mills.”

  A ghost of a smile crossed his lips. “If these were any other circumstances, I’d be pleased to meet you. Not often do I find a beautiful woman lying on her back, needing me.”

  She smirked. “I didn’t need you. I would’ve gotten free myself.”

  He flashed a wide smile. “Then why didn’t you?”

  “I couldn’t risk damaging my camera.”

  “And here I thought you were willing to take a gamble with your risky behavior.”

  Ignoring him, she raised a hand to stroke Honor’s side. The fact that she wouldn’t need to take control of the horse was comforting. It was obvious Jared knew what he was doing and while she didn’t entirely trust him, she trusted his riding ability.

  “It’s been, uh, years since I’ve gone near a horse,” she admitted.

  “Then you’ve overcome that obstacle. What’s one more?”

  He gestured for her to slide her foot into the stirrup. She did so, aware that her breathing was rising, coming in sharp heaves, a rush of air clamping her chest. Jared steadied her as he helped lift her up. With his strong grasp around her waist, his touch left a memorable imprint after he withdrew.

  She swung her sore leg over the horse until she finally settled atop Honor with both feet secure. Jared mounted the horse with little effort, positioning himself behind her. His arms surrounded her as he leaned forward to take the reins in one hand.

  “You ready?” he asked.

  Rachel nodded.

  Jared pulled on the reins and Honor moved, causing her to jolt and fall back against his chest. She tried to relax, looking out at the field of green around them, wild untamed bush rising from the gentle slopes of grass only to be overcome by the alpine forest. The jagged mountains were a looming presence in the distance covered by streaks of clouds.

  The wind whipped at her face. Honor
had broken from a gentle trot into a gallop, taking them some distance away from the river. Every movement jolted her but the pain in her leg had subsided.

  She just had to hope that this ride wouldn’t conclude with a jail sentence.

  Jared let out a breath that mingled with the cool morning air. Well, this was something new.

  He’d taken Honor out for a routine morning patrol of the land’s borders when he heard a woman’s voice. And while his initial reaction had been shock to see her trespassing, it subsided to perplexity at her defiance toward his proposition.

  Her injury was minor; mild bruises with no swelling. He’d seen enough wounds and scrapes on the ranch to come to that conclusion. Mentioning the ranch’s doctor had been out of compunction for his initial severity, seeing as she’d been upfront about her reasons for trespassing.

  Honesty is hard to find.

  He had to admit they weren’t open for the public or welcome to visitors, which only intensified the chance of people intruding for the thrill of it. Sandpoint was a small town; some had to get their kicks.

  And he couldn’t deny the full-blown attraction that slammed into him from the sight of Rachel. Her ruffled blue blouse and dark jeans were tarnished with dirt. He liked a woman who wasn’t high maintenance; he’d had enough of those types before. She seemed oblivious to the dirt smearing her cheek. Her eyes were wide, a gentle sapphire blue that ignited an immediate need to appreciate her.

  Ridiculous. One unpredictable moment and an equally unpredictable woman and he’d been blindsided.

  Rachel tilted her head toward him and he caught a glimpse of those eyes. “Wow, this is a beautiful view.”

  He spared a look toward the vista before them - lush grass, a forest stretching as far as he could see, and the towering mountains almost swallowed by clouds. God’s canvas.

  It’d been his father’s wish for Jared to work at the ranch, but it meant leaving behind his old life and the passions he once harbored. Regret hardened his jaw. Sometimes sacrifices had to be made for those he cared for, and family and his dedication to the Lord came first.