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  “Like it?”

  Gina gazed around, taking it all in, and then faced him with a grin “Have you ever landed a plane in here?” She laughed as she continued to take it all in. “I’ll be more than comfortable. I’ve never had a bedroom this nice or this big.”

  Mitch looked as if he’d say something then seemed to check himself. “Well, just make yourself at home while you’re here. Later, I’ll send one of the hands to bring your bags in and you can get settled.”

  “Can I see the kitchen now?”

  After a nod, Mitch led her to the back of the house and to the kitchen and dining areas where she would spend her time while employed here. Gina strolled around the massive space, noting a giant rustic dining table with room for ten that sat near the sparkling chef’s kitchen. Bronze granite lined every countertop and copper pans gleamed from hooks placed over a center preparation island.

  The space was perfection.

  “I’ve never worked in a kitchen this nice.”

  “Glad you like it. We had it remodeled a few years ago. Feeding a big crew is just part of running the ranch. If we need new equipment, we get it. That being said, if there’s anything you want to pick up in town that’ll make your work easier, say the word.”

  “I will, Mitch, but looks like this kitchen and I will get along just fine.”

  “Glad to hear it.” He nodded and pointed out another set of French doors. “These lead outside to the patio and backyard area. Explore at will.” He speared her with a glance and she wondered if a sexier man had ever been born. Gina didn’t think so but it was probably a good idea to get those thoughts out of her mind immediately. She was proof positive that some women never learned. This was a temporary job and getting involved with a hot cowboy should be the dead last thing on her mind.

  She dragged a heavy breath into her lungs. “All right. I’ll do that. Will you want to me start with dinner tonight?”

  “Do you need time to settle in?”

  “Not at all. I’m ready to get to work. I’ll rummage through the freezer and get an idea for tonight. Is there any particular time you’d like dinner?”

  “Hm. I guess seven will work fine. Nothing fancy, mind you. You don’t need to kill yourself impressing us. We’re simple men.”

  Gina highly doubted there was anything simple about either of the McBride men but she didn’t argue the point. Instead she nodded. “Okay, then. I’m ready to get my feet wet.”

  Just off the kitchen sat what Mitch had called a mud room. Looked to her like a big laundry room, considering the washer, dryer, and stacks of folded clothes in a plastic basket, but who was she to quibble? He walked into it then came back into the room gripping a big, black, Stetson. He set it firmly on his head then checked his watch again. “Guess I’d better get back to work before the hands revolt,” he said, giving her a solemn nod. “I’m glad you’re here, Gina. We can really use the help. I’ll see you tonight at dinner.” When Mitch walked out into the sunny afternoon, Gina moved to doorway and watched him go. His boots kicked up small puffs of dust as he made his way to a row of neatly painted outbuildings. The black plaid shirt he wore hugged him across broad shoulders and worn jeans lovingly hugged his backside. His legs were sturdy and strong and for the first time she truly understood the term horseman’s thighs. This man was the epitome of what she’d always imagined a real cowboy would be, tough, strong and maybe just a little rough around the edges, the kind of man who might feel things deeply but would never let a woman see.

  Gina licked suddenly dry lips and turned away from the sight before she did something completely stupid and start running fast and far from a good paying job. She’d left New York searching for some peace of mind and to escape the threats of her violent ex. As they said in the south, she had more trouble than you could ‘shake a stick at’ and she certainly didn’t need any more.

  Mitch McBride was off limits.

  Sad.

  If her circumstances were different, she’d be begging this sexy-as-sin cowboy to take her on the ride of her life. What was it they said about rodeo bull riders? Eight seconds? Gina had no doubt her time in the saddle would take longer…a whole hell of a lot longer.

  Hours and hours later, Gina lay in the strange bed in this new place finding it almost impossible to turn her mind off. The day had ended on a great note following her first dinner for the McBride brothers. Satisfaction swam through her system as she thought back to the evening meal. Her herb-crusted baked chicken, mashed potatoes and crunchy steamed vegetables had been devoured in a heartbeat, seconds served, and praises heaped on her head.

  A very good start to her employment.

  The ranch kitchen had everything needed for preparing food for a small army including double ovens, a huge built-in grill, and ample counter space. Cooking was one of her great loves and she’d always hoped that one day, when her parents retired, that she would take over the family business. Considering the way her marriage had ended, it was no longer possible as long as Anthony still lived in Brooklyn.

  She could never go back.

  Shoving memories of her ex to the back of her mind, Gina struggled to get comfortable in the big bed in the room she’d been given. Restless from the stress of finding employment, settling in, and becoming acquainted with the new environment, she wanted nothing more than to finally turn her brain off and get some rest. Plantation shutters covered a big bay window and the door leading outside. They were slightly cracked allowing shafts of moonlight to cast striped designs across the fluffy comforter on her bed. New places were always a bit disconcerting, but even she had to admit this was so much better than the steady stream of cheap motels she’d encountered on her travels. Now as she lay here thinking back on the day, Gina realized that she felt truly safe for the first time in weeks. She didn’t know the McBride brothers but it was hard not to believe they’d fight heaven and Earth to protect anyone under their big roof. Of course, neither had a clue she was running and she hoped like hell these guys would never find out.

  Too restless to sleep, Gina sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed before padding to the door leading to the patio. A breath of clean air might do her good. She opened the door and stepped into the night. She eyed the padded chairs but sitting didn’t appeal so she walked to the low stone wall, leaned against it, and folded her arms on the cool ledge. A huge, white moon hung heavy in the sky. It was surrounded by a million scattered stars and so beautiful she forgot, at least for a while, that she was a stranger in a strange land. A sense of homecoming washed over her, a feeling of belonging that she’d never felt before. Gina dragged a breath into her lungs but jumped at an unexpected sound. Gasping, she turned, and placing her hands over her thumping heart, stared at the sexy, half-dressed cowboy.

  “Mitch! You scared the hell out of me!”

  His laughter was low and raspy, a little rough-around-the-edges. “Sorry about that. What’s wrong? Can’t sleep?”

  If she’d had trouble sleeping before, it was a foregone conclusion that any hope of it disappeared the moment she got an eyeful of all that bare, bronzed skin painted by silvery moonlight. The mountain-sized man, obviously fresh from a shower, wore his jeans low on his hips and her gaze helplessly focused in on the lines of his washboard abs.

  Gina’s fingers twitched and her mouth went dry.

  She’d seen plenty of gorgeous men in her thirty years but never anyone remotely resembling this guy. He was hard and ripped like a linebacker and more man than she’d ever seen before. Drops of water clung to his dark hair and dotted his naked chest. Gina’s libido went on red hot alert. She licked her lips then mentally gave herself a shake when she saw him frown.

  “I’m sorry. I’ll just go in. Don’t want to bother you,” he said and Gina realized she’d, no doubt, made him uncomfortable with all that dumb staring.

  Hoping to make amends, Gina took a step forward and forced a smile. “No, no, don’t leave. You just startled me.” She shrugged. “I think I’m just a little
restless tonight.”

  Mitch nodded and the tension seemed to leave his shoulders as he leaned against the stone wall. He watched her quietly. “I can understand that. You’re in a new place with strange people. I get it. Actually, I’m the same. Never could get a fair night’s sleep in a hotel.”

  Gina rolled her eyes. “Believe me, this is so much nicer than the no-tell motels I’ve stayed in lately. This is like a little piece of heaven but it’ll take a little while to settle in here.” Needing something to distract her from the sight of Mitch McBride in all his half-naked glory, she turned to face the countryside. “It’s beautiful here.”

  “It is.” His voice was low, almost hypnotic and she felt him move closer, his body heat apparent despite the warmth of the night. He reached out and tucked a loose bit of her dark hair behind her ears and Gina looked at him. His green eyes took in the lines of her face and paused only briefly on her lips. A thick tension hovered between them but then he stepped back. “You fixed a nice dinner tonight. Why didn’t you eat with us?”

  “I’m an employee. It’s not proper.”

  “Fuck proper. We aren’t formal people and there’s no need for you to eat all by yourself. Dawson and I want to get to know you. Can’t speak for my brother, but hell, I don’t bite.” He grinned suddenly, his teeth flashing white against the darkness. “At least not too hard.”

  Laughter burst free, surprising and spontaneous . “You’re a bad man.”

  “I can be.” He moved another increment closer and a shiver of excitement raced over her flesh, down her bare arms and legs and straight to her belly. Impulsively, needing to put space between him and what could be a huge mistake, she stepped back.

  “Um.”

  Mitch back away and shook his head. “I’m sorry. Not a good thing to encroach on your personal space.”

  She paused. “It’s okay. Really. I’m just a little jumpy these days.”

  “Care to tell me why?”

  “I’d rather not, if you don’t mind.” She sucked a deep, cleansing breath into her lungs and looked straight into his eyes. “Let’s just say that I’m very happy to be here, I’ll enjoy my time, and then, I’ll move on down the road. I can’t even begin to think of this place as permanent with all the craziness in my life but I am relieved that I have a place to land for a while.”

  “It’s a shame you can’t stay, little yankee, and I’m man enough to admit you are damn sure the most interesting woman I’ve met in a long time.”

  “You must not get out much.” Gina smiled slightly. There was something so sexy about a big, tough cowboy who spouted endearments like he’d known her forever. The familiarity was unexpected but sweet. She moved her focus from his face to the fields beyond and sighed. “Flattery won’t make me change my mind, and believe me, it has been a long time since I’ve felt wanted anywhere. Right now this place feels like the most perfect spot on the planet but, if I’ve learned nothing else, it’s that things usually don’t stay perfect.”

  “That’s a grim way of looking at things.”

  Gina looked at him again. “I know it is but I only have personal experience to go by and so far nothing has changed my mind about that sad fact.” She backed up further then forced a smile. “I’d better go to bed. Tomorrow is a big day for me and I don’t want to mess it up.”

  “You won’t. Everything is going to be fine.”

  Gina wanted to believe that. She really did. “I hope so. Good night.”

  Chapter Two

  Hot coffee splashed into Mitch’s empty cup, the rich fragrance mingling with the scent of food hovering in the air. He glanced at the waitress and nodded. “Thanks, Patsy.”

  She glanced at Dawson, who sat across from him in a booth at the Dixie Pig, and held the pot aloft. “How about you, Dawson?”

  Dawson shook his head. “I’m good. Thanks.”

  The mid-afternoon crowd at the most popular dining spot in town was sparse today with a few old-timers occupying a back booth as they shot the shit and a group of teens, just out of school, sat sipping soft drinks and wolfing down plates of burgers and fries. In the distance, the clank of plates and silverware mingled with the muted sounds of a country song playing on the old fashioned jukebox. The McBride brothers didn’t often leave the ranch during daylight hours but sometimes a trip into Verde Hills was necessary. Today they’d met with their friendly banker and had a sit-down with a breeder from Dallas who was interested in borrowing Ben, their big seed bull for a few weeks. Their business finished, Dawson suggested they stop by the Dixie Pig for pie and coffee before heading back to Buck River.

  Mitch watched his brother poke at the half-eaten slice of lemon meringue on his plate. He knew the look of a man with much on his mind. He glanced around to ensure nobody could hear and lowered his voice. “Are you going to eat the damn pie or play with it?”

  Dawson pushed the remains of the dessert away with a scowl and stared out the window and onto the largely empty Main Street. He shrugged. “I’m just distracted. Sorry.”

  “No need to apologize but I’m thinking maybe you should head to Austin next weekend. Meet some people.”

  “I don’t need any help with my social life.”

  “I think you do.”

  “Butt out.”

  Mitch blew out a breath and, using a forefinger, shoved the brim of his Stetson back. “Stubborn ass. It’s been months since things ended with Scott and he left the ranch. You need to get on with things.”

  Dawson’s cheeks colored and a muscle worked in his jaw. Mitch knew any mention of his brother’s former lover would get him pissed off all over again but maybe that’s what it was going to take to shake Dawson out of this self-imposed isolation. It was tough being gay in a small town, especially if you were cowboy by profession. Only close friends and family knew of Dawson’s sexual preferences and maybe it was best. Little towns often harbored small minds and Verde Hills was no different than most. Sure there were plenty of great people living here but the town had its share of redneck assholes, too.

  Mitch couldn’t help feeling protective.

  When a scared, but brave, pre-teen Dawson had announced to the family that he was gay, his life had become of nightmare of beatings and verbal abuse, all doled out by the McBride patriarch, Leonard. In just a few short years, all that changed. Suddenly, the boys were a hell of a lot bigger and tougher than the old man. One night Leonard hit their mother, yet again, and it was finally too much. They’d collectively kicked his ass.

  The end of the abuse was made all the more permanent when the mean sonofabitch had passed from a heart attack.

  Mitch had his brother’s back and always would and he knew those sentiments were returned.

  The cowbell over the door of the Dixie Pig jangled and Mitch saw his brother’s mouth tilt into a smile as Juliette Potter hollered a greeting then slid into the booth next to Dawson. She looped an arm through his and snuggled in. “How are the best looking cowboys south of the Red River doing? I saw ya’ll scowling at each other through the window and figured I’d better come on in and break up whatever fight you’ve got going on.”

  “No fight. Just a difference of opinion,” Mitch said as he eyed Dawson’s best friend. They’d connected as young twenty-somethings and Jules was one of the few people in town who knew Dawson’s secret. That she adored Dawson made her aces in Mitch’s book. “I think he should get out more and he’s arguing with me about it.”

  “Oh, leave him alone, Mitch. He’s a grown-ass man and can figure things out all by himself. Naturally, I agree with you but he can make up his own mind. No sense bugging him about it.”

  Dawson pressed a quick kiss atop Juliette’s blonde head. “That’s my girl.”

  “Yes, I am.”

  It was a fact the McBride brothers had always loved the feisty shop owner. The Potter family had lived in Verde Hills as far back as anyone could remember and were solid as the earth. Dawson’s friend was sweet as sugar and loyal to the bone, a trait Mitch admired above
all else.

  Patsy came by with the coffee pot but Jules shook her head. “God, no. I’ve had enough caffeine to make my head explode. Bring me a Coke? A diet?”

  Dawson laughed outright. “Damn girl.”

  Mitch laughed too and once Jules took a sip of her drink and sighed, she speared him with a glance. “Coke doesn’t count as caffeine. Got it?” She paused for a breath then quirked an eyebrow. “Okay, spill the info about the new help. I’ve already had three or four reports that she’s a hot, little number from New York and cooks like a dream. Lord knows, she’d have to be patient to work for you two.”

  “Hell, she’s only been with us for a couple of weeks,” Mitch said. “Word travels fast.”

  Jules shrugged. “That’s Verde Hills, for you. Two hot cowboys living on a ranch with a beautiful Yankee causes tongues to wag. So spill it. What’s she like?”

  Dawson’s grin widened. “You might want to ask Mitch. He’s around her more than anyone else. I had to remind him to put his tongue back in his mouth just this morning.”

  “Hmm, so that’s how it is.” Jules tapped her bottom lip with the tip of a finger and her pony tail slid sideways a bit when she tilted her head. Her blue eyes sparkled with mischief. “Come on, Mitch, tell me all about her. It’s been a long time since your divorce and if she’s as pretty as I’ve heard then you’d be a damn fool not to explore the possibilities. You’re bugging Dawson about the lack of a love life but the same could be said for you.”

  Discomfort crawled along his spine. What she said was true. It had been far too long since he’d had a woman. It seemed only yesterday he’d been a married man but in reality the ink had dried on his divorce over three years ago. Dawn hadn’t liked small town life nor had she loved him enough to stay. He was man enough to admit he was lonely. He wanted what other men had, a home, a family, and a woman who loved him.