Page 5 of The Rancher

Her office was against the east wall.

He pointed at the room next to hers. “That is my office out here. I actually spend more time here than in the house during racing season, which is basically May through October with the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders Cup. I don’t enter any races after the Breeders.”

“That’s good to know.”

“Right now we have foals being born. You’ll probably be busy with them for the next couple of months.”

“That actually sounds like heaven. That is one reason I wanted to work for a breeder.”

“I’m glad you decided on Whispering Winds.”

“So am I.”

“Well, I’ll leave you to get settled. If you need anything make a list and we’ll tackle everything at once.”

“Okay, I will.” Lyris was touching everything. She was a very tactile person. She checked the shelves for the medicines she would use to treat the animals. She’d already ordered the vitamin and mineral supplements she wanted to use. Magnesium was something she would use stringently. It wascalled for in the cases of constipation and blockages. Other than that, she wouldn’t use it. It could affect the horse’s performance if used improperly.

A laptop sat in the middle of an oak desk that was beautiful, polished to a high gloss. She didn’t know how to keep it that way in a barn. She was glad to see the entire barn had wood flooring. It kept down the dust and everything remained much cleaner. If she kept the door to the office shut when she wasn’t there, it would help greatly in keeping the desk glossy.

After opening the laptop and setting the password, she started a list of things she wanted. The first things on the list were the chemicals needed to check for doping. She wanted to be prepared. Rumors in her profession were often grounded in facts, much to her dismay.

Ray came to collect her for dinner. The barn and racetrack were on the north side of the property.

As she walked beside Ray, she took in the massive house they approached. The main house was in the colonial style of a southern plantation. A wide porch extended across the front of the west-facing home and halfway around both sides. White columns held up the roof over the porch, which also had a balcony on the second floor. She knew the master bedroom was off the balcony. She could imagine having cocktails up there and watching the sunset over the mountains. Then going back in to enjoy sitting in front of the fireplace.

On one side of the double front oak doors was a round wrought-iron table with four matching chairs. The top was cut into small squares, making it look like it was woven, and on top of that sat smoked glass. It was beautiful.

On the other side of the door, a wooden swing hung from the roof. Sitting out there would be fun on a summer night, or maybe to just sit alone and think.

Ray held the right side of the front door for her to enter in front of him. Then he headed to the kitchen.

Wonderful aromas were wafting through the house. Whatever was for dinner, it had to be good.

Dinner was just the four of them. Amy had prepared lasagna with garlic bread and a green salad for dinner. Lyris was glad she didn’t have a date afterwards. Her breath was atrocious. Of course, she didn’t date. Hadn’t had one in three years. Not since the disastrous relationship she’d had with Kevin.No, I won’t think about that. I wonder what it would be like to go out with Ray. He’s very handsome and seems nice so far. No! No! No! Lyris. You will not get involved with your employer. Remember Kevin. Remember what he did to you. You will not go through that again.

Lyris tookthe following day to head to Denver. She’d visited three different stores, including a bridal boutique, and hadn’t found anything. This was her last stop. Rachel’s Boutique. A clerk at Gala Gowns had been very helpful and recommended it. Lyris didn’t know where else to go if they didn’t have a gown.

She entered the store and was immediately mesmerized. Every gown she saw was amazing. She walked around the store, touching the dresses. They were all made from materials that were comfortable on the body. She looked up at one of the gowns on display. It was midnight black and covered in sparkling crystals. The bodice was a very low-cut sweetheart neckline. Lyris wondered if it would cover her rather ample bosom.

“May I help you?” asked a deep female voice.

Lyris turned and saw a beautiful woman. She was as tall as Lyris and wore a cocktail length, sleeveless sheath the color ofrubies. It set off her pale skin, icy gray eyes, and black hair to perfection.

“Yes, I’m looking for a gown for a gala in a week.” She turned to face the black gown. “I really like this one.” She touched the black gown.

“My dear, with your coloring and that glorious red hair, you need something more.” She headed to another rack and pulled out a deep, forest-green gown. “I want your hair and eyes to pop. This gown will make that happen. I’ll bring you the black gown, too, and you’ll see what I mean.”

Smiling, Lyris agreed. First, she tried on the black one. It fit her like a glove, except for the bodice, which was a little small. Still, she liked the way she looked in the dress.

Next, she tried on the green one. The top of this dress was a deepVending under her breasts. The bodice had built in support which couldn’t be seen, unlike some of the corset-like tops of several dresses. Her bosom looked fabulous. The dress fell gracefully from the top, skimming over her waist and hips. The skirt had a slit up the right leg to mid-thigh and it opened when she walked, revealing a lot of leg. She loved it. But what was she doing thinking about how good it felt or what Ray would think of it? She knew better than to date the boss or even find him attractive. It only led to heartbreak…hers.

“This is beautiful. How did you know it would look so good?”

Rachel chuckled. “I’ve been in this business for a very long time. You get to know what works for people and what doesn’t. The black one was beautiful on you, there’s no saying it wasn’t, but this one looks spectacular.”

Lyris nodded. “You’re right it does. What kind of undergarments do I need?”

“Just a nice pair of panties, something that won’t show lines. Actually, it would be best if you didn’t wear anything under it. The back is low, so you can’t wear any kind of bra, and the gownfits closely enough, that finding a pair of underwear to go under it will be difficult.”