Rancher's Choice Page 2

  Kaly laughed. “I think you’ve been watching too many old Westerns on TV. But I promise,” she said, forestalling Susan’s argument, “if I meet somebody interesting, I’ll go out with him. Will that satisfy you?”

  But Susan was staring into space. “I wonder if you’ll get to meet any rodeo riders. I always thought there was something exciting about the way they risk their lives with those wild horses and bulls....”

  Kaly rolled her eyes heavenward. “Susan! Give it a rest! Make yourself useful and help me close this suitcase.” Susan obediently sat on top of the bag as Kaly locked it. “There,” she announced with satisfaction. “All done.” She looked up and caught Susan’s woebegone expression. “C’mon,” she cajoled. “It’s my last night in Tucson for months. Let’s go out and splurge on dinner tonight.”

  Susan perked up. “Pizza?” she asked coaxingly.

  Kaly agreed. The two grabbed their purses and headed for the door. “I swear,” Kaly teased, “your appetite for pizza is exceeded only by your appetite for the opposite sex.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far,” Susan disagreed. “Although the thought of Charles smothered in anchovies and mushrooms does have a certain kinky appeal.” The two women looked at each other and broke into gales of laughter.

  Chapter 2

  Jeff Roberts followed his brother into the ranch office and closed the door. He turned around to face Jackson, who was pacing the oak paneled room. Jeff spoke first. “We’ve been hit again.”

  The rage on Jackson’s countenance was formidable. “Sometime in the last few days,” he affirmed with barely controlled fury.

  “Well, I’ll be damned. We’ve never had problems with rustling around here before, but now we’ve been hit twice. Have you called the sheriff yet?”

  “Yeah, I called him as soon as I found out, and he said he’d be here later this evening. I don’t expect much help from him, though. He sure hasn’t come up with anything so far.” Jackson strode to the window to stare unseeingly out at the landscape, his boots leaving dusty marks on the highly polished wood floor.

  “How many head did they get?” Jeff asked.

  “I’m not certain yet. About a dozen, I think.” Jackson shook his head in frustration. “Nothing about this makes sense.” He turned away from the window and crossed to a large map of the ranch pinned to the wall. “Sheriff Dumont said that normally these guys hit and run. But this is the second time they’ve struck at our ranch. And instead of stealing cattle from the most remote pastures, where it would take longer for us to notice—” Jackson indicated a couple of areas on the map “—they’re hitting our closest pastures where we have the smallest number of head grazing.”

  Jeff frowned. “What does Dumont make of it?”

  “He hasn’t come up with much. He said that without a vehicle description, he doesn’t have a lot to go on.”

  “What are we going to do?” Jeff asked somberly.

  “We don’t have a choice. We’re going to have to keep some of the stock closer to the buildings. We can’t afford to lose our prized breeding bull, or the cows we’ve bred with it. We’ll have to keep them in one of the barns for the time being.” Jeff nodded in agreement. The ranch was primarily a beef operation, but they’d expanded into breeding in the past few years. The cost of the purebred bull had been astronomical, but the investment was imperative for the future of the ranch. “I’m also going to have the men double up on night shifts, patrolling the pastures that are reached most easily by truck.”

  “There’s no way we can patrol all the land,” Jeff protested.

  “Yeah, I know, Jackson conceded. “So we’re going to have to bring the cattle in closer, narrow down the number of places we have to watch.”

  The brothers looked at each other with unspoken concern. The danger in Jackson’s plan was overgrazing on the land that the enlarged herd was kept on. Unable to forecast the summer rainfall, ranchers went to great pains to take care of their pasture land. Running too many head on any pasture ruined it in a hurry for a season, sometimes longer.

  Jackson continued, “Dumont is checking with the neighbors to see if they’ve been hit this time. We’ll have to wait and see if we’re being singled out or if the rustlers are hitting several places in this area.” He dropped tiredly into his chair. “All in all—” his voice was muffled as he rubbed both hands over his face “—it’s been one hell of a day.”

  Jeff hesitated, sure that it was about to get worse. “You haven’t forgotten what day this is, have you?”

  Jackson raised his eyebrows inquiringly.

  “My research assistant, Kalinda Scott, arrives today.”

  “Damn!” The epithetics that followed were usually reserved for the barn or some particularly recalcitrant cows. Jackson glared at his brother, as if blaming him for the timing.

  “I told you last week when she was coming,” Jeff defended himself. “With all the trouble lately, you must have forgotten.”

  Jackson groused irascibly, “How am I supposed to concentrate on our problems in here with some nosy broad hovering in the corner?”

  Jeff took exception to his brother’s tone. “Getting this book published is important, too. I told you before that there wouldn’t be a problem with all of us working in here. You and I manage it all right.”

  “Yeah, but that’s because you’re not always sashaying your fanny around trying to get my attention,” Jackson retorted darkly.

  The visual image that his brother’s words brought to mind tickled Jeff’s well-developed sense of humor, but one look at his brother’s glowering expression made him swallow his laughter.

  “Kalinda will be here to work, not to attract you,” he said diplomatically. “She won’t be any bother at all. Professor Morehead said she has a very pleasant personality.”

  Jackson choked. “Pleasant! That’s a word usually used by aunts who want to set you up with their ugly nieces. I can just imagine what this spinster anthropologist looks like.”

  “What makes you think she’s ugly?”

  “You know what I mean. What kind of a woman would tie herself up in school for that many years, anyway?”

  Jeff was drawn into the inane conversation in spite of himself. “What do you care? First you were concerned that she was some kind of female piranha who was going to come on to you. Now you think she’s only in school because she can’t attract a man?”

  “There are only two kinds of women, Jeff,” Jackson lectured his brother grimly. “Those who use their physical appeal to trap a man into providing for them, and those who have no physical appeal at all.” He should know. He’d been damn close to the altar with a woman who had a beautiful face and a cash register for a heart. Her undying love for him had lasted only until she found someone with a fatter wallet and more time to dance attendance on her.

  Jeff shook his head. “You’re too young to be so cynical,” he said, only half joking. He knew Jackson had been badly burned in the past, but sometimes he was shocked anew at the effect his brother’s experience had had on him. His jaded attitude of the opposite sex wasn’t widely known outside the family. His personal life was the envy of every single man in the county, and a few of the married ones. Jackson never lacked a steady stream of women willing to take him up on the masculine promise in his intense blue gaze. But although he treated the many women he’d dated with unfailing politeness, none lasted more than a month or two. Jeff doubted any of them had the slightest idea how deep the scars in his brother ran. Or how determined he was to remain unattached.

  “I can just picture her,” Jackson continued, interrupting his brother’s thoughts. He was enjoying baiting Jeff. “Hair cut as short as a man’s, wearing jeans the size of Big Zeke, the livery man, and laced-up boots.”

  “Jackson!” At Carrie’s mortified gasp, both men’s heads swiveled around. Carrie was coming through the doorway accompanied by someone who could only be the research assistant. It was clear the women had heard part of the conversation.

  Ca
rrie appeared momentarily speechless, but Kaly was openly amused. “I have to plead guilty to a couple of your accusations,” she said as she strolled gracefully into the room. “I do often wear jeans, but as to Big Zeke’s size—” at this she looked questioningly at Carrie, who rolled her eyes “—I can’t attest. I’ve even been known to wear hiking boots. But I haven’t worn my hair short since my mother cut it in the second grade.”

  Jeff was the first to recover. Although visibly discomfited, he stepped forward to introduce himself. “Kalinda, welcome to the Circle R. I’m Jeff Roberts, and I’m sure Carrie introduced herself, didn’t you, honey?”

  His wife’s look encompassed both men and promised retribution later, although her voice was sweet. “Of course, dear. I greeted Kalinda and assured her of her welcome here.”

  “And this is my brother, Jackson Roberts,” Jeff said hurriedly as Jackson unfolded his long length from his chair and approached them. “Jackson, this is the research assistant Dr. Morehead recommended, Kalinda Scott.”

  Jackson’s eyes narrowed as he quickly sized up the woman before him. She was a beauty, but the realization brought him no pleasure. She looked like trouble, he thought sourly, the kind of trouble he had spent the past few years steering clear of. The kind he had just warned his brother about. “Miss Scott,” he said flatly, taking her proffered hand briefly.

  Kaly was shocked as a current of electric pleasure flared at the simple pressing of their palms, although the contact was so brief she was left wondering if she had imagined the flicker of sensation. Jackson was already turning and addressing the others. “I’ve got things to do. See you at dinner.” Nodding at Kaly, he placed his hat back on his head and left the room.

  She blinked at his retreating back, then Jeff reclaimed her attention. “I’m looking forward to your input, Kalinda,” he said earnestly. “I was very intrigued by what Dr. Morehead told me of your project last summer. I’m hoping you can clear up my confusion about—”

  Carrie interrupted laughingly. “Jeff! She’s spent hours on the road driving. You can certainly let her settle in before badgering her about work.”

  She took Kaly’s arm and led her from the room. “Let me show you to your room, Kalinda. I’m sure you’re anxious to freshen up and get unpacked.”

  “Call me Kaly, please. And yes, I can’t wait to wash the dust away.”

  The two women strolled through the airy hallway and up the open oak staircase. Kaly marveled over the intricate woodwork and high ceilings.

  “Yes, this old house is a real oddity in these parts,” Carrie agreed. “Family history has it that Great-Grandfather Roberts built this home for his young bride. It’s supposed to be an exact duplicate of Great-Grandmother Roberts’s family home in Boston.”

  Kaly was led down a huge hallway and ushered through the first of many doorways. “I hope you’re comfortable here,” Carrie said as they surveyed the bedroom. “I moved in some chairs, a table and a TV, in case you want to work or relax in private.”

  Kaly stepped in and absorbed the aura of the room. The bed was an old four-poster with a lace-draped canopy. A large oak wardrobe stood in one corner with a highboy next to it. A matching lowboy with a huge mirror was against the wall opposite the bed. The room was done in white and yellow, with airy curtains to match.

  “It’s absolutely charming,” she said sincerely, turning her gaze to the other woman.

  Carried looked pleased. “I’d hoped you’d like it. It’s always been one of my favorites.” She strode across the room and opened a door to show Kaly a large walk-in closet. “There should be plenty of room here for all your things. Peg, our housekeeper, will bring your suitcases up shortly. Let me show you to the bathroom. It’s just down the hall.”

  As the women walked through the hall, Carrie opened each of the remaining doors, showing Kaly the rest of the upstairs. Each room was furnished in a manner similar to the first, though none were as large. Carrie explained, “Jeff and I have moved into a room downstairs at the back of the house.” She grimaced. “He seems to think that walking up and down stairs is too difficult for his fat pregnant wife.”

  Kaly shot her a glance laced with sympathy. “How far along are you?” she inquired shyly.

  “Just over five months.” A shadow passed across her face. “I lost the last two babies I was carrying, but the doctor says this time everything looks normal. We’re taking extra precautions, though.” She shot a droll look at Kaly. “I have the world’s two largest watchdogs in Jeff and Jackson. They make sure I follow all instructions to the letter. They pamper me shamelessly.”

  Carrie indicated the closed door at the opposite side of the hall. “That’s Jackson’s room. He had some construction done a few years ago and combined three rooms into one suite so he could relax upstairs if he wanted.” She opened the door and showed Kaly, who remained motionless in the doorway.

  The room was huge, easily twice the size of Kaly’s, decorated in forest green and beige. It, too, was furnished with antiques. One part of the room was sectioned off from the rest with an overstuffed couch, a chair and an enormous roll-top desk. An entertainment center sat opposite the couch. Kaly’s eyes, however, were riveted to the bed with its large oak headboard.

  Carrie noticed the direction of her gaze and laughed. “That was built for Great-Grandfather Roberts. He was even taller than Jackson. Isn’t it a monster?”

  Kaly flushed as she involuntarily pictured the dark, brooding man she had met so briefly downstairs lying in that bed. She hurriedly pulled her eyes away and surveyed the rest of the interior. The frank masculinity of the owner was stamped indelibly on his private domain, and she felt uneasy, like a trespasser.

  Carrie chattered on, unaware of her guest’s discomfort. “Jack has a master bath off this room, so you won’t have to share yours. When he remodeled he spared no expense on the bathroom. It has a huge sunken tub, Jacuzzi and separate shower.” She looked mischievous. “I tell him that Jacuzzi is positively hedonistic. But truthfully, he needs something to loosen up those kinks after working with the cattle all day.” She moved toward the door.

  Kaly stepped thankfully out of the room and followed Carrie across the hall. “Here’s the bathroom. Sorry there isn’t one off your room,” Carrie said, “but in these old houses, bathrooms weren’t a high priority.”

  “Believe me, after growing up in a home where I shared the only bathroom with three brothers—all of them slobs— having any bathroom to myself is paradise,” Kaly said wryly.

  The bathroom was as quaint as the rest of the house. A large claw-footed tub dominated the small area. One look at the bathtub and Kaly began to long for a refreshing soak.

  Carrie noticed the wistfulness in her gaze and laughed. “I know, I know, you’d love nothing more than for me to stop blabbing so you can cool off in that tub. The towels are in here.” She indicated a small closet. “Supper is usually at six, so if you’d like to lie down after you unpack, you have plenty of time.” She eyed Kaly’s pink suit and added, “You look terrific, but if you’d like to dress a little more comfortably, we’re pretty casual here. Besides—” she had a large smile on her pixieish face as she patted the small bulge of her stomach “—I’d hate to have you look like a dream every day while I appear in my maternity wear from Tent-and-Awning.”

  The two women giggled companionably as they walked back to Kaly’s room. Her suitcases had been brought up and set in the middle of the floor.

  “I’ll leave you to unpack and rest,” Carrie announced. “If you’d like to give me your keys, I’ll have one of the men take your car around and park it in a garage. I’ll just tell him to leave the keys in it, if that’s okay.” She accepted the keys from Kaly and waggled goodbye with them as she moved toward the door. “See you at six.”

  Kaly turned into the room. She thought longingly of the big tub down the hall, then thrust the thought resolutely away. First the unpacking, she planned, then a long relaxing bath as a reward. She swiftly moved a bag to the be
d, where she popped open the top. She stopped, nonplussed, before drawing one unfamiliar garment after another from her suitcase.

  None of these were items she had packed, but comprehension came swiftly. Susan! Her roommate had obviously added a few garments she deemed necessary to Kaly’s wardrobe. She smiled in chagrin as she hung them up in the closet. Only Susan would imagine a silk shorts-and-top outfit was suitable ranch attire. She might just have to splurge on a phone call to her devious friend. Clothing wasn’t the only surprise she’d sent along. Susan had also put some small foil packages in Kaly’s purse. To her mortification she’d discovered them when she’d pulled out her billfold to pay a service station attendant for gas.

  Kaly felt the heat of embarrassment rise to scorch her cheeks anew. If those telltale packages had fallen from her purse as she searched for her money... She shuddered. Susan had carried her motto of Be Prepared too far this time. Kaly vowed to give some serious thought to a fitting revenge for her interfering friend.

  At last the suitcases were emptied. Kaly pushed them into the closet with a sigh of anticipation. She grabbed her robe and bath articles and headed for the long-awaited soak. Minutes later she was immersed to her chin in cool water and bubbles. She closed her eyes in pleasure and let her thoughts drift.

  She smiled as she thought of Carrie’s open friendliness. She already liked the little red-haired woman with the gamin charm. Jeff seemed nice, too, Kaly mused drowsily, from the little she had seen of him. He seemed to have an easygoing personality and a sense of fun. Jackson was much harder to read. It obviously hadn’t bothered him at all that she had heard his unflattering verbal portrayal of her. Although he’d been polite, his dark blue eyes had remained distant.