Grinning, she turned to refill her bucket. When she reached onto the shelf for the grain scoop, a yowl rent the air, gray fur flashing past her face. She stumbled backwards as Titus, the ever-grumpy barn cat, sailed by, smacking her with his tail. The bucket slipped from her fingers and landed with a clang, as she staggered against Cord’s rock-hard chest, his strong grasp steadying her, his chuckle rumbling against her back.
Her hot face was probably redder than Cord’s.
“Kind of jumpy today, aren’t you?” His voice was tinged with humor.
She shook herself free from his tempting arms. “Anyone with common sense gets out of the way when Titus is coming through. That cat is a menace.”
“Yes, I met him my first day.” Cord tipped the brim of his hat back, squinting at her head. “Hold still. Titus knocked something into your hair.”
She held her breath as his hand stretched toward her forehead. Gentle fingers touched her hair, and chill bumps rifled down her neck and spine. His hand withdrew, grasping an inch-long piece of string.
“Thanks.” She struggled to swallow.
His eyes, brilliant pieces of sky, trapped hers in a paralyzing gaze.
“I feel sorry for Titus,” he said, still holding her captive with his soul-piercing blue orbs as his fingers held the tattered string that looked about as strong as her willpower.
“You do?” she breathed.
His lids closed halfway. “He’s just cranky because he’s lonely. He’s been isolated way too long.”
She jerked her gaze away from his hypnotic trance. “It’s his own fault he’s alone. Have you ever tried to pet Titus?”
“I made that mistake the first time we crossed paths. I admit, he drew blood. But I’m determined to make friends with him. By the end of the summer, he’ll be eating out of my hand.”
“More like he’ll be eating you
r hand.”
“We’ll see.”
A delectable dimple winked into view, which made him look even more attractive, a fact that irritated her like a burr under a saddle. She couldn’t let herself fall for Cord, especially when his only interest was in spying on her brother’s behalf.
Though she was closest in age to Nick and confided in him more than her other two brothers, he tended to be as meddling as Nanna. In his younger years, Nick had often teased that the family found her in a basket on the side of the road, his explanation for her appearance, markedly different from her brothers. All three of them were over six feet tall, with the same sandy brown hair, while she was shorter, at five four, her hair dark brown.
This was one of those times she wished she had a sister to confide in. Cord was so tempting, but her failed relationship with Parker had shaken her more than she admitted to her grandmother. It was as if he’d stripped her self-confidence away. She was determined not to let that happen again. No dating until graduation. On the other hand, she would make it her goal to keep Cord and Nick fretting about her love life all summer.
That’s what they get for interfering.
4
Cord stole another glance at the stairwell as he swallowed the last of his coffee. His third cup. If Jess didn’t hurry down, he was going to float away. Over the past two weeks, the morning stops at the Buchanans’ kitchen had become his favorite part of the day. Not simply because Sharon was an excellent cook, but because it was almost his only chance to see Jessica. Her daily schedule was as hectic as his, especially now, since one of their most competent volunteer staffers had sprained his ankle. That left Cord filling in on the canoe and kayak trips.
The morning encounters in the company of her grandmother, and sometimes her grandfather, as well, were as close as he came to a private encounter with Jess, and he loved every minute. From her easy laugh to her quick temper and feisty comebacks, she proved even more intriguing than his initial impressions. Extremely careful to hide his feelings, he was sure no one suspected his increasing interest.
Since he took his noon meal in the restaurant with the guests, his only other chance to spend time with Jess was during dinner, surrounded by all the other employees. After the evening meal, he left for his family’s ranch, leaving Jessica alone with the flirtatious ranch hands and male guest staffers. Not that he would’ve tried to intervene. He had no doubt she’d rake him over the coals if he did. After a careful analysis, he determined his only chance with Jessica was to somehow make himself more appealing than his competition.
He eyed his empty coffee cup. Should he ask for a fourth?
“If you’re looking for Jess, she’s already gone out for the morning,” said Sharon, with a knowing smile. “Something about needing to adjust one of the bridles before the trail ride.”
“Oh, I wasn’t waiting for her or anything.” He cleared his throat, buying time while coming up with an excuse. “You know… I have those latest forecast figures. They’re based on auction rates from the last six months. Bucky might want to see them.”
“Yeah, right.” Sharon’s raised eyebrows told him his interest in Jess wasn’t as secret as he’d thought. She pushed up from the table, elbowing Bucky, whose face was hidden behind the newspaper.
“What?” He lowered the paper, lifting his chin to peer at his wife through his bifocals.
“Let Cord show you those numbers so he can get out of here.” She rinsed her dishes in the sink.