Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 29106 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 146(@200wpm)___ 116(@250wpm)___ 97(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29106 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 146(@200wpm)___ 116(@250wpm)___ 97(@300wpm)
“His pound cake too,” Colt adds while patting his stomach. “Another couple slices of that stuff and I’ll be sporting a paunch.”
I giggle at his jest because it’s obvious that neither man is even close to sporting a belly. Both are tall, tanned, and toned, with powerful chests, thick thighs from riding all day, and callused hands from field work. There’s no way they’d get a dad bod from a couple pieces of pound cake.
“Well, I do like to eat,” I say with a smile. “Will I be staying in the bunk with the other ranch hands? They share a kitchen at the bunk house, right?”
At that, the cowboys exchange a look.
“No,” Cason states definitively. “I’m not sure what Winston told you, but the bunk is all dudes. We wouldn’t throw you in the pen with that bunch of hooligans.”
“Hell, it’s likely grounds for a lawsuit,” Colt remarks. “No, we’re going to have our housekeeper set you up with a room in the Big House. It’s fine. There’s plenty of space, although it does mean that you’ll be taking your meals with me and this asshole,” he says, nodding at his brother.
I blush.
“Oh, there’s no need. I can find alternative housing. I could look for a room in town, or maybe a tent—”
“You’ll do no such thing,” Colt states in a firm tone. “The nearest town is a two-hour drive away, and you don’t have a car. Plus, it gets cold during the winter here. You’ll be eaten alive by frostbite. You’re staying in the Big House with us.”
His voice makes it clear that there will be no dissent, and a hot shiver runs through my insides. Goodness, I had no idea I’d be sharing a household with such handsome men! Then again, it’s not like I’m going to bump into Colt and Cason by accident. The Big House is humongous, and when Winston led me through it earlier, I got confused and turned around. I’ll probably need a map if I’m going to live here.
“Okay,” I murmur, nodding slightly. “I’ll see you at dinnertime then because during lunch, I’ll be out with the boys.”
That causes the twins to frown, although I have no idea why.
“Shit,” grunts Colt.
“The boys,” echoes Cason in a wry tone. “Damn, I didn’t think of it like that.”
I stare at them with confusion.
“Like what? Don’t you want me to be out with the other ranch hands? Or did I misunderstand the job? I thought we’d be working with the herd all day, out in the fields. Most days, we’d bring our lunches to eat outside, right? There’s simply no time to go back and forth constantly between the pastures and the barn.”
“Right,” Cason states again.
“Shit,” Colt growls. “Those fuckers.”
What is he talking about? Who is he calling fuckers? But I nod because this isn’t the time to ask. I just met my two bosses, and obviously, Colt and Cason sign my paycheck. I’m already in enough hot water as it is, so there’s no need for more stupid questions on my first day.
At that moment, a knock sounds on the door, and then it cracks open.
“Hey boss,” Winston says, poking his head in. “Got the supplement for the colt. I’m here to pick up Kiki.”
“Well then,” I say in a bright tone while rising to my feet. “I’ll be going. It was so nice to meet you, Mr. Madewell. And you too, Mr. Madewell,” I add, again almost painfully polite.
The handsome cowboys nod, their blue eyes twinkling.
“Nice to meet you, darlin’,” Colt drawls.
Cason looks a bit pensive, but then he speaks casually.
“By the way, Kiki, there’ll be a party next week. A fun little shindig, with homemade food, music, and even a pie-eating contest. Will you be coming?”
“Oh sure,” I say. “Is it at the ranch?”
“No, not at the Double C,” Cason responds in a smooth tone. “At another homestead nearby. It’s a holiday-type thing.”
I nod because it’s probably a community gathering, which isn’t unheard of around these parts. Cowboys from the area will gather with lots of vittles, some roping demonstrations, and maybe even a live band with some good tunes.
“Oh sure,” I say, assuming everyone at the Double C has been invited. “I’d love to go.”
“Perfect,” Cason smiles, his blue eyes gleaming. “We’ll let you know more details as the date approaches. But great meeting you,” he finishes as Winston guides me out the door.
“Take care of her,” Colt growls as the door shuts behind us. Once we get outdoors, the grizzled foreman turns to me. His expression is smooth, but his eyes sharp.
“Everything go okay in there?” he asks, his tone a bit too casual. “The bosses can be hard to get a read on sometimes.”
Wow, that’s something that’s definitely true. But I merely smile and nod politely as we make our way down the hall.