Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
“Are you an only child?”
“No, I have a little sister.” A shadow passed over his face.
“What?”
He sighed. “She had a hard day yesterday. She was supposed to get a new kitten, but he was sick…” His voice trailed off, and he shrugged, unable to finish the sentence.
He reminded me of Reed, who always tried to be strong and not let his emotions out. I could see how much Tim loved his sister. I rubbed his arm in sympathy. “Oh no.”
He nodded. “I hate seeing her upset. She’s ten years younger than me—an oops baby. We all spoil her, but she’s a great kid. I can’t stand to watch her cry.”
“Why don’t you ask Luke if you can have one of the kittens in the stable? Bring her and let her choose one.”
“I never thought of that. Thanks, Sammy.” He hugged me, his eyes brighter. “I think you’re right. She would love it.”
I hugged him back. I would ask Luke myself—I was sure he would say yes.
The sound of an ATV bearing down on us startled me, and I stepped back. Luke pulled up, his face like thunder as he climbed out of the vehicle.
He stalked toward us, glaring. “Sorry to interrupt your moment. I thought we agreed on an ATV this morning, Samantha?”
I blinked at the use of my full name. So few people ever called me that.
Tim ran a hand over his neck. “Shit. You never mentioned it, boss. You said the full experience, so I saddled her horse.” He glanced at me. “You never said anything.”
“Because I was fine,” I lied. My ass was killing me again, but I wasn’t going to let Luke know it.
“Is that a fact?” Luke snapped.
I tossed my hair. “Yes.”
“She’s done great, boss. Even helped corral that last stubborn cow. Mended one fence all on her own.”
I met Luke’s glare. “I know how to handle a tool,” I said slowly. “I’ve had lots of practice, especially lately.”
His glare intensified, the frown lines in his forehead deepening.
“Well, if the two of you are finished canoodling, there are other tasks that need taking care of.” He looked at Tim. “Head back to the ranch. Take Dusty with you. Jeff needs some help. I’ll take her around and finish the last of the mends.”
Tim glanced between us. I smiled at him. “Oh, work with the boss. How fun,” I fibbed.
Tim looked uncertain but nodded. “Sure.”
He left, and Luke climbed into the ATV. “Are you coming or walking?”
Tossing my hair, I climbed into the ATV, unable to stop the wince as I sat down.
“Fine,” he snorted with derision. “Right.”
“I am. Did you not eat lunch?”
“Yes, I did. That’s when I found out you went by horse. Even though I specifically told you not to.”
“You’re acting awfully hangry for someone who ate. You’re not my boss, jackass. I don’t have to follow your orders.”
Suddenly, I was pressed against the seat, Luke leaning over me, caging me in.
“That’s where you’re wrong, Lady. Here, I am the boss of you. The expert. I know more about ranching and what to do than you will ever figure out. I tell you to do something, you do it. Without question. I issue orders for a reason. I’m not telling you for my own health, but for yours. You hear me?”
His gaze was intense, his voice low and angry. His chest pressed into mine, the heat of him soaking into my skin. His words bounced around in my head, one sentence echoing.
Here, I am the boss of you.
That should piss me off. But for some reason, it only made me breathless.
“Fine,” I managed to mutter.
He dropped back behind the wheel. “Good. That’s settled.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
LUKE
I could barely hold in my anger. I didn’t understand it. The woman sitting beside me could rile me up faster than the most obstinate of cows refusing to move. I had hated to see the bruises and her pain last night. It had taken everything in me not to stay with her and stroke her in another way entirely. Turn her moans of pain into pleasure and hold her as she slept.
Somehow seeing her interacting with Tim, however briefly, had set off a maelstrom in my head. I had stopped at the top of the hill, using the binoculars to scan for them. Furious she was riding again today, knowing she had to be sore. They were standing close, talking, laughing. She touched him, a small tap on his cheek, and an emotion I had never felt before exploded.
Jealousy.
I shook my head as we stopped outside the barn. She hopped out and went over to Tim, saying something, once again patting his arm. He leaned down, the brim of his hat blocking her face, speaking to her, and jealousy once again swamped me as she hugged him. Wound her arms around his waist and hugged him.