Page 15 of The Rancher

She wrapped her arms around his neck. The feeling was as if they belonged there, and she didn’t disagree.

The kiss was just like the first one, but better, because they both knew what they were doing. Although Lyris wanted to go to bed with him, she knew she couldn’t. He was her employer. She might not be a direct employee, but he was still her boss. When she couldn’t breathe anymore, she pulled back.

He raised his left hand and ran gentle fingers down her cheek. “Have I told you how beautiful you are?”

She smiled. “You might have mentioned it, but it does my ego good to hear the compliment again.”

Smiling, he lowered his head again and kissed her softly. “If I kiss you again, I’ll want to come in, and neither of us is ready for that.”

“You’re right. I need to say goodnight and get some sleep. I have to finish my physicals and vaccinations tomorrow and morning comes early around here.”

“I want to talk about us, too. I can’t really get involved with you because you’re my employee.”

“I know. That would be true if I was actually your employee, but I’m an independent contractor, remember?”But he’s still paying you money for your expertise. He’s still your employer. Remember? Should I do this? I’ve never had this kind of feeling before. This connection. What can I do?

His eyes brightened. “That’s right you are.” Then he smiled so his whole face was affected. “I guess we can date after all, and I definitely want to. How about you?”

She tightened her arms and pressed closer. “How about another kiss and then we say goodnight? Something for both of us to dream about tonight, hmmm?”For now, I’ll enjoy his kisses and tonight I’ll dream of him. I’ll decide later what I should do.

He didn’t answer but took her lips with a fiery passion.

She loved how he kissed her. The feeling really was as if she’d never been kissed before, not even by her fiancé.

When they broke apart, Ray stepped back.

“Well, goodnight. I’ll see you at breakfast tomorrow. Amy always does something special on Sundays.”

She held his hand, needing to touch him. “I thought that was just because I was here, last Sunday. Sort of like a welcome.”

“Well, it kind of was, but she always makes Sundays special. You’ll see.”

“Until tomorrow then.” She turned to unlock the door and go into the house.

Ray waited until she was inside.

Lyris waved goodnight and closed the door, leaning back against it. She’d never had such a great date, and it was casual, which made her like it even more. Oh, they’d been dressed fancy, but the places and the atmosphere were casual. Now she wondered when they would go out again and where they wouldgo. Would he go for fancy or keep it relaxed? Should she even go out with him? She got her heart broken badly the last time she’d dated. He was her employer’s son. She thought they had something special, but money won out and he’d dumped her. By text, no less. Would that happen again?

CHAPTER 5

The next day, Lyris awoke before the sun, which was unusual for her. She dressed and braided her long curly hair to keep it out of the way while she conducted the physicals. She only had two mares and two colts to treat today, so the work shouldn’t take too long. Her biggest problem was Ted. She didn’t enjoy working with him and the feeling was mutual.

She entered the kitchen at five-thirty-five and found Ray, Maddy, and Ted already seated at the dining table.

“Sorry, I’m late. Time got away from me this morning.”

“Not a problem,” said Ray. “We’re just having juice and coffee. Help yourself.”

She didn’t need to be told twice. The juice was in the fridge and a pot of coffee in the Cuisinart Coffee Maker. She poured a cup and got a glass of tomato juice before returning to the table and claiming the open seat to Ray’s left. “So, what are everyone’s plans for this glorious Sunday?”

“I’m riding White Lightning. I want to get him into his best shape for the race on Saturday.” Maddy sipped her orange juice.

“I’m working with you…on a Sunday.” Ted groused before he looked over at Ray. “You do realize that most people have Sunday off, don’t you?”

Ray narrowed his eyes at the man, then took a sip of his coffee. “This is a ranch. No one gets weekends off here without requesting them. You didn’t make a request. Is there some reason you want today off?”

Ted shrugged. “Nothing in particular, but I could have slept in, if I had the day off.”

“When you want the day off, put in a request like every one of the other ten men on the ranch. You’re not special here, Ted. If you want to go somewhere that you get weekends off, don’t let me stop you. Otherwise, suck it up.” Ray turned his gaze toward the kitchen, where Amy was coming from, carrying a casserole dish.