Page 28 of Her Bachelor Cowboy Billionaire

CHAPTER7

It surprised Jessica to see a dark blue Chevy Yukon waiting at the airport. Its driver was a tall, lanky cowboy dressed in jeans, a plaid shirt, and a black cowboy hat that had definitely seen better days. It was probably perfect for the work he did. Hats worn every day needed to be comfortable, and his obviously was.

“Good to see you, Seth. I expected your dad. Is Mannie tied up with the cows?”

“Yeah, several of the cows decided to have trouble giving birth, so he’s been out with a few of the boys, pulling calves. Didn’t figure you’d mind being picked up by me.”

“No, that’s just fine.” Roark turned to Jessica. “This is my friend, Jessica Kirby. She’ll be here with me this week.”

Seth tipped his hat. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Kirby.”

She held out her hand. “Pleased to meet you, too, Seth.”

He accepted her hand and shook it.

The captain and first mate came over to them with their bags.

Captain Ralston set the bags down next to the SUV. “Mr. Sullivan, are you still planning on going home next Friday?”

“That is the plan. Please get the plane ready for that date.”

“Yes, sir. Have a pleasant week.”

“We intend to. Thank you, Captain Ralston.” He placed his hand on the back of Jessica’s waist and guided her to the Yukon.

He opened the back passenger door of the SUV.

Jessica entered, sat, and buckled up.

Roark closed the door and walked around to the other side where he got in and buckled up, too.

After loading the luggage, Seth closed the rear hatch and got behind the wheel. “Everyone buckled? The road gets rough in places, Miss Kirby, and you’ll be glad you’ve got your seatbelt on.”

“Thank you for your concern, Seth.”

“Yes, miss.” Seth pulled the vehicle out of the airport and onto the highway.

They’d been driving for around twenty minutes when Seth turned off onto a two-lane road.

The landscape along the highway was mostly empty grassland. There were a few cows in one fenced pasture and horses in another. After they turned onto a two-lane road, the land on either side became more what she considered as ranch land. Pastures with lots of cattle and horses. She even saw one with sheep. She’d set a couple of books in Montana, but never with shepherds.

Roark pointed and made a complete circle with his arm. “You’ve been on my land for about the last fifteen minutes. Another five will put us in the driveway to the house.”

“That’s incredible. Will we be able to ride today?

He took her hand and squeezed it. “We’ll be able to ride to your heart’s content.

She grinned. Her body felt like it had released all her adrenalin, and she was more excited the closer they got to the ranch. “I can hardly wait.”

“Sure. I know just the horse for you. She’s a pretty little black mare with a soft mouth and easy manner. You’ll like her. We call her Sunny, for her disposition.”

“She sounds perfect.” Her stomach leaped at the thought of being in the saddle again. “Does she still have some spirit? Will she be able to keep up with you?”

“Oh, yes. I’ll ride her son. He’s also a black like Sunny. He’s her first colt and is about four-years-old now. She’s about eight, but still thinks she’s a filly.” He chuckled. “I guarantee you’ll like her, but if you don’t, we have plenty of others you can choose from.”

“She sounds wonderful. I’d like to get settled in my room and get my boots on before we go riding.”

“That’s fine. I want you to meet my cook and head housekeeper, Athena Mack. Her husband Jubal is my head wrangler. Both of them have been with me since the beginning, over fifteen years now.” He rubbed his fingers over his chin like he was stroking a goatee. “I can’t believe it’s been that long. Athena and Jubal have practically run this spread by themselves for years. I just pay the bills. They’ve done the hiring, along with my foreman, Mannie Frederick. Seth is his son.”