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

  Now that would be interesting to see.

  Glancing at the familiar church overlooking Sand Creek, she hesitated. Already people were filing through the small front doors, and she recognized a few faces. Faye was a known gossip who intensely disliked the Mills and she avoided making eye contact with her.

  Coming here had been a spur of the moment decision, as well as a chance to solidify her faith. After all that had happened, her doubts had faded and returning to church felt like the right thing to do. People like Faye may take advantage of her arrival to start gossiping about her, but for once, it no longer mattered.

  “Rachel, good to see you here!”

  She smiled as Edward approached. “You too. Haven’t seen much of you at the ranch.”

  “Been busy with my father. Other than ranching, I’m working part time at the local clinic.”

  “You’re a doctor, too?”

  “I’m still learning. Got a fair way to go. But hey, I’m glad you made it.”

  “Me, too.”

  He did that familiar slow smile. “You won’t see any of the others here, they’re busy at Mountainbrook. Been hectic. But we did it.”

  “I’m really happy for all of you! I’ll be coming by after church for photos.”

  Edward ran a hand through his loose dark hair. “Nice. Catch up with you then.”

  She nodded and followed him into church. After the hymns and prayers lifted her spirits, she listened to the Bible verse that was read out by Edward’s mom, the pastor. It didn’t resonate with her this time, not that it mattered. She had no reservations about church anymore, or her faith, and she left feeling more assured about her choice.

  “You’ve been to church, you’ve started riding again…What’s gotten into you?” Linda teased.

  Rachel shifted against the computer chair, pausing at the screen while she sifted through the collection of photos she’d amassed during her week’s work. Before she returned to Mountainbrook, she figured it was best to attempt a little promotion.

  “I have no idea. Maybe I’m changing, for the better.”

  “As long as you don’t trespass again, I’m all for it.” Linda hesitated. “You’re pretty blasé about your photography, too.”

  She’d noticed that as well. For once, she wasn’t compelled to take photos whenever the moment arose and telling Jared about her passion for photography had shifted something within her. Whatever it was, she wasn’t sure yet.

  This ideal was becoming more about promotion for Mountainbrook than her initial desire to endorse her photography. Her intentions were changing. Everything she’d done to get to this point had been motivated by her own needs, yet now it was becoming something bigger, and it didn’t concern her whether her photography achieved the success she’d pushed for all this time.

  If it helped Jared, and Mountainbrook, then it was enough to make her happy.

  Rachel bit her lip. “I’ve had a lot on my mind.”

  “Would that happen to be a certain rancher?”

  Rachel clicked through the photos and stopped at one of Jared overlooking the hills atop Honor, wearing his token Stetson and facing away from the camera. “Hmm. Maybe.”

  “Is that him?”

  “Yeah. I think it’s the perfect shot to promote the ranch. It encompasses the dedication of the ranchers, and showcases the beautiful scenery.”

  “Uh huh.” Linda stood next to her and folded her arms. “Normally you’d be all over this. You’ve got the job offer in Spokane-”

  “I have until January to accept it,” she clarified.

  “Right. And you’re only posting one photo on your blog?”

  Rachel bit her lip. “Yep. Jared was reluctant for me to do this at first, so I think only one photo will do. A lot of locals view my page and I’ll be taking more photos later to upload.”

  Not only that, but she hoped the less people saw of Mountainbrook, the better, and it would provoke more curiosity. Photos didn’t do the place justice – and for some reason, she had the niggling feeling that she couldn’t promote it as well as she intended. Maybe Jared had high expectations, but either way, she realized she valued his opinion the most. In comparison to a professional New York photographer, maybe she didn’t measure up.

  But Jared chose me. I shouldn’t doubt that.

  Linda let out a sigh. “Okay. Are you really going back to Mountainbrook for photos…or for him? Not that I blame you for the latter.”

  That made her breath catch. For the past week, she’d been going over that herself. Going there for Jared would finally resolve what this was between them, whether it would work out. Attending church and seeking an answer to her prayers hadn’t given her the resolution she sought, but maybe it’d helped with her confidence to face Jared and tell him how she felt.

  “Sorry, wasn’t meant to stump you,” Linda said. “Whatever goes on, I hope you make the right choice.”

  “Yeah, me too.”

  After parking up outside the ranch, taking the only parking space left, she paused to look over how much busier it was. The memory of it was vivid in her mind, and she’d had the photos to relive it. Now she could take in how much it had changed after the renovations.

  She started walking. The ranch’s porch had been extended out several feet and included a dining table and chairs with a grill in the far right corner. She stared around the vast land stretching before her, illuminated by the early morning sun. The grass contrasted with the crisp white mountains and cobalt sky.

  During her time away from the ranch, she’d called Jared often. They’d shared memories of her time as a florist and the many memorable wedding stories, and his of business dealings in New York. He’d told her to arrive the day before the official opening, and she agreed without hesitation. Tomorrow, the ranch would hopefully be flooded with people. Her blog had had a boost in visitors eager to see the ranch. She’d become an unofficial part of the new Mountainbrook, but she was pleased to help the Westons.

  She strode up the familiar path. The absence of cattle left a residual silence broken by the horses in the stables. Anticipation seemed to fill the air. The sun warmed her back as she stopped at the door and taking a breath, she entered.

  A new reception area greeted her, a large pine desk with a glittering chandelier above adding a touch of glamour. She passed by to see all the familiar faces waiting in the living room, and two new ones. Young, lanky men without Stetsons.

  Jared’s father approached her with a warmhearted smile and started introductions.

  “These are the new stable hands, Ricky and Leo, fresh from Randall’s ranch. Been a great help these past few days.”

  She smiled. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise,” Ricky said, his blond hair unruly. “We’ve heard a lot about the photographer cowgirl.”

  She laughed, thinking of how well that had worked out. “Hopefully not all the details.”

  “We appreciate all you’ve done and contributed, no matter how small,” Derek said, giving her a meaningful smile. She returned it.

  “Will see you around,” Leo chimed in.

  Letting them be, she roamed the living room, taking in the sumptuously large amount of furniture and extended kitchen. It looked like a luxury ranch and she couldn’t wait to get started on photos. But it all served as a distraction, and gazing around the room, she saw no sign of Jared. Her chest felt hollow.

  Owen came to her side. He looked completely at peace from when she’d last seen him and the sight made her smile.

  “What do you think of the place?” he asked.

  “It’s very impressive. Great job.”

  He nodded. “Mountainbrook means a lot to me. The Westons deserve all the publicity they can get, and you have my personal gratitude for that. Without your photos, this might not work out.”

  Heat flushed her cheeks. “You’re giving me too much credit.”

  “Not at all,” he said with a smile that alluded to something other than Mountainbrook, and added, “Jare
d’s working the pastures, he’ll be back soon. He’s eager to see you, but won’t admit it.”

  “Thanks.” Rachel smiled and went to sample some of the delicacies at the buffet table.

  During the final two days that she’d worked at Mountainbrook, her and Jared could barely spend time apart, although something prevented them from getting time alone, whether it was preparations for renovations or photo suggestions from the ranchers. It reminded her they’d come together at an inconvenient period but now that she’d returned, she planned to make time. Besides, Jared was no longer her boss - there’d be no distractions or pangs of guilt.

  Two weeks had been long enough. While Mountainbrook had changed considerably, she hoped her attraction to him hadn’t waned. Nor his.

  Jared’s father circled back to her, flashing a broad grin. “We’re all looking forward to tomorrow. Would you like an official tour?”

  She suppressed her growing insecurity about her photography ability. “I’d love that!”

  Derek led her through the hallway featuring four lodge rooms, and to the renovated massage parlor. Rachel pulled out her camera to take a few shots, listening as he went over the renovation process and how all the men chipped in to help.

  “Got it done a week earlier than scheduled, before the worst snowfall hit. Couldn’t have completed it without the help of Randall’s boys. They’ll be joining the ranch next week.”

  “I’m glad everything’s going well for you.”

  “Sweet of you to say so, but I ain’t getting my hopes up yet. As long as we earn out the expenditure, Mountainbrook can continue.”

  She lowered her camera. “With Jared’s help?”

  A broad smile crossed his face before a knowing gleam appearing in his brown eyes. “Maybe you can talk to him, help him see sense. He’s worked more than any of us combined and still intends on leaving. I’m sure you see this ranch is where he wants to be. I’ve tried to show him that.”

  Now aware of the turbulent past between them, she bit her lip. “Are things...okay between you?”

  A pained look overcame him. “Been better during the renovations. Anyhow, I’m cooking lunch, would like to know what you think of the new menu.”

  Rachel ate until her stomach protested, then after catching up with the other ranchers, she headed out to the stables. Taking photos was her excuse, not because she was seeking Jared out, but she doubted any of the men believed it.

  Pulling her camera free, she turned toward the ranch well-lit by the clear afternoon sun, and snapped several photos. The shutter clicked loudly, the intermittent sounds broken by footsteps coming from behind. She hesitated.

  “Knew it wouldn’t be long before you reached for your camera.”

  Jared’s rich voice caressed her and she swallowed. Hard. Clasping the camera in an attempt to control her wave of emotions, she faced him. A caramel colored Stetson shrouded his eyes in shadow. Stubble covered his hard jaw line, giving him that attractive rugged look she remembered so intimately.

  “I had a tour,” she managed to say, her heart racing from the sight of him. “The ranch looks stunning.”

  He closed the distance between them. “It does. And so do you.”

  She attached the camera to her side. “Thanks. Am I the one making you hide away out here?”

  “Someone has to work.”

  “And that someone has to relax.”

  A smirk pulled at his lips. “All this time away from you, and I thought...”

  “What?”

  He kissed her. “That I’d be able to hold back a little while longer.”

  “We should hold off. For now. I’ve got work to do.”

  “And I’ve got to tend to unit five. The last of the cattle will be shipped to the McKenzies before the opening. Unless you feel like helping?”

  She recalled her brief ranching days and it made her smile. “I’m strictly taking photos today. Besides, isn’t that what Ricky and Leo are for?”

  “They clean up the barn and stables, feed the horses. They don’t ride. Actually, no one rides like you.” His gaze trailed down her face. “Are you staying?”

  “Yes. I can’t miss the grand opening.”

  “Good. Without you, I don’t know—”

  She raised a hand. “No, give yourself the credit. I hear you’ve been doing a lot of hard work and your financial investment has created a breathtaking ranch. Your father’s really enthused about Mountainbrook’s future.”

  A frown creased his brow and he stepped back. “I’ve done what I can for him.”

  She knew she was transgressing again by imploring him to reconsider, but she thought of all he could lose. All he’d leave behind. “He truly believes you’re the one to take up Mountainbrook.”

  “And you both well know that I don’t like the changeover. Rachel, it doesn’t feel like my place to claim.” He sharply adjusted his hat. “See you tonight, honey.”

  Jared kissed her again. He pulled back, desire and restraint creasing his face, a brief insight into his feelings - his troubles.

  Rachel stared after him as he retreated to the stables. Something bothered him, and even though she was compelled to delve further, he made it clear they had to wait. Still, she couldn’t ignore the ache in her chest.

  The question that lingered in the back of her mind, one she feared to acknowledge: why did his future concern her when they had none together?

  Jared didn’t mean to brush her off like that.

  In all the time they’d been apart, he figured his attraction wouldn’t be so crazily strong – a testament that this did mean something. She was due to leave tomorrow and he’d been intent on leaving as agreed to return to New York. It all seemed clear months ago. Before her.

  Grasping the pitchfork tightly, he brushed the hay away from the entrance. This was a job for the new stable hands, he knew, just as much as he knew he shouldn’t keep distracting himself. Being distant over Tania had served to instill his workaholic behavior, as Rachel had put it. She was right.

  He set the pitchfork back in place, took off his Stetson, and headed for the ranch. The sun had been consumed by clouds, shadows lining the grass, and the air held a tinge of warmth, a welcome change from the bitterly harsh fall this year. It’d been a mess trying to get renovations done in time thanks to his father’s eagerness, and they’d managed but not without a hefty amount of sleepless nights.

  He’d been stressed out, tense, and kissing Rachel had been a moment of relaxation. One he craved again. He couldn’t wait to take her mouth to his again and hold her close.

  The sounds of hearty laughter greeted him as he stepped inside. The ranch glistened, the polished wood reflecting the soft white lighting from the glittering chandelier in the reception area, and he had to admit, it was a welcome upgrade. He hadn’t expected the place to look this good and he was accustomed to luxury.

  The men were crowded around the living area and Edward waved him over. As much as he tried to keep Rachel off his mind, her absence bothered him. Taking a seat amongst them, he grabbed a bottle of familiar apple juice, their go-to.

  “Finally, you’ve stopped working. A sight to behold,” Owen remarked.

  “Save it. It’s a short break.”

  Edward chuckled. “Man, you don’t need to keep avoiding a certain photographer.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think it’s about her?”

  Owen pointed his bottle at him. “Even your father notices. When are you going to make it official?”

  “It won’t happen. She’s leaving tomorrow and, well, I’ll be going back to New York.”

  Warren flinched, sharing a brief look with the others. A familiar look that clearly showed they all believed he was making a mistake. “We knew this was coming, but didn’t want to accept it. Mountainbrook won’t be the same without you.”

  “To Jared. The hardest working cowboy in Idaho,” said Owen. “And a good friend.”

  “Hear, hear,” said Randall.

  The m
oment of silence afterwards was broken by Randall’s compliment of the ranch’s patio, but Jared let their conversation drift into the distance. Leaving the ranch had been a decision he couldn’t back out from. His father knew that well.

  Still, he couldn’t relax. Rachel infiltrated his thoughts often and he needed to see her. Time to seize that moment before it slipped by. The uncomfortable stab to his chest only confirmed that he couldn’t deny what he felt - he couldn’t keep hiding away.

  “Thanks, guys. I think there’s someone I need to go see.”

  “Go for it,” Edward said with a grin.

  Jared rose from the table and headed for the hallway, knowing the others were watching him depart. Need drove him down the hallway right in front of Rachel’s door. What was she doing? Taking a shower?

  And since when did he get nervous?

  But, being a gentleman, he knocked. She answered within seconds, her eyes widening in surprise. A yellow sundress clung to her figure.

  “Hey Rachel.”

  He closed the distance between them, not knowing what to say, only that he needed to show her what he wanted. He cupped her chin, noticing how she didn’t flinch or reject him. No, she trusted and accepted him, that was clear.

  Just as he conceded he trusted her.

  Had fallen for her.

  “I was just about to enjoy the hot tub,” she said.

  “Then let’s use it together.”

  Her eyes glittered and she offered her hand. He took it, guiding her to the door before telling her to stay inside while he got the hot tub started. As soon as the water was roiling with bubbles and giving off steam, he glanced up to see Rachel had changed into a swimsuit and was easing into the water, immersing herself until water lapped against her shoulders. She let out a sigh of contentment.

  Jared stripped down to what was suitable for a swimsuit and joined her, allowing the water to ease the tension in his muscles. This kind of relaxation was long overdue.

  “I figured you needed space from me for a little bit,” Rachel remarked.

  “Didn’t mean to come across that way. Getting too close...it reminded me of someone in my past.”

  “Tania?”

  He nodded, expecting the familiar stab of pain - but there was only stillness. And the woman before him stared at him as if he were the only man she’d ever want. Tania was nothing but a ghost, a catalyst for all the torment he’d repressed over the years in relation to feeling unloved. But here, with Rachel, he found everything he’d longed for. The magnitude of that realization left him momentarily stunned.