Claiming Her Cowboy. Tina Radcliffe

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      Jack knit his brows together. “Dub says Grace is Leo’s horse.”

      “No, Leo was just in charge of cleaning the stalls. Leo is actually gone.”

      “What happened?”

      “He needed a raise that we were unable to provide, given our current, uh...economic situation. It’s unfortunate because Leo did the work of several employees.”

      This time Jack’s eyes popped wide. “Does that make me the new Leo?”

      “In a manner of speaking, yes, I guess so. However, whether you buddy with Dub or not is your decision.” She shrugged. “You will be assigned a buddy.”

      “What part of ‘I don’t want a buddy’ don’t you get?”

      Lucy grit her teeth and tamped back a surge of irritation. “What did you think you were going to do at the ranch? Ride a horse and play cowboy?”

      “I didn’t think at all. You insisted I see what the ranch was all about.”

      “Yes. That’s because you were about to pull the rug out from under us. We’re privately funded. Meredith believes in what we do here. I’m hoping you will, too. We need that funding.”

      “I’m not here to take care of kids.” His words were flat.

      Jack Harris had returned to his hard-hearted self. That was too bad, because she was starting to sort of almost like him.

      “Look, Jack, this ranch is the real thing. You are expected to fully participate.”

      “What does that mean?”

      “Not only will you have a buddy assignment, but starting tomorrow you’ll start your full chore list and participate in all required activities, including the trail ride and campout.”

      “But...”

      “Is there a problem? You certainly were quick to dismiss us to your aunt. Now that you actually have to get your hands dirty, you’re having second thoughts? I’m happy to call Meredith.”

      “No. There’s no need to bother my aunt.”

      Lucy glanced at her watch. “I have to start this meeting soon.”

      She reached down and grabbed a pup tent and sleeping bag from the boxes next to her and shoved them at Jack.

      He staggered backward in surprise.

      “If you lose them, you buy them.” When she moved toward the doors Lucy was surprised to discover Jack matching his steps to her own.

      “Tell me about the trail ride.”

      Lucy kept walking, stopping only to open the glass doors for him since his arms were full. “It’s exactly that. The junior high and high school kids participate each year for three days and two nights. This first session is the boys’ ranch.”

      Jack repositioned the tent pack and the sleeping bag in his arms. “Three days in the saddle?” he asked.

      “No, we only ride horses there and back. It’s a camping experience. We take the chuck wagon and live outside with no electronics.”

      “No cell phones?”

      “None. Not that it really matters. Cell reception is nil where we’re headed.”

      “You’re telling me that they actually like doing this?”

      “The staff and the children look forward to this particular event every year.”

      “Really?” His eyes narrowed as he considered her words.

      “You know people pay a small fortune for this kind of outdoor experience. We offer it to our kids free of charge.”

      Lucy looked at him. The man was privileged. Could he possibly understand? “You have no idea what an opportunity this is for kids who have been forgotten in foster care or suffered the emotional abyss of abusive situations.” She couldn’t help herself as the words began to tumble from her mouth unfiltered. “Please don’t discount this event until you’ve experienced the trail ride for yourself.”

      For once Jack Harris was silent.

      “Are you up for the challenge?” she asked.

      “Do I have a choice?”

      “Everyone has a choice. You and I need to put our differences aside for the summer because the children of Big Heart Ranch come first.”

      When he didn’t answer, she took a deep breath. “Can we work together for six weeks or not, Jack?”

      “I guess we’ll have to try, won’t we?”

      “It’s all up to you, Jack.” Lucy nodded toward the back of the chow hall, where Dub Lewis waved his stubby arms. “Your buddy has your seat saved.”

      Jack released a resigned sigh as his gaze followed hers. When he started across the room, a limp was still evident.

      “Oh, and Jack?”

      He turned, brows raised. “Yeah?”

      “Moleskin.”

      “Excuse me?”

      “Try moleskin and a little triple antibiotic ointment for those blisters.”

      His gaze shot to his shoes, and he immediately stopped limping. “I don’t have blisters. The only thing rubbing me the wrong way is this ranch.”

      Lucy clutched her clipboard to her chest as she inhaled slowly, counting to ten while willing herself not to respond. Keeping her mouth shut every time Jack Harris pushed her buttons might very well prove to be the most difficult challenge of the next six weeks.

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