Rocky Mountain Hero. Audra Harders

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СКАЧАТЬ heart slowed and she regained a small measure of composure. This was none of her business. What did she know about working ranches? Nothing. And she planned to keep it that way without offending her rescuer any further.

      She offered a weak smile. “Good luck with that.”

      His brow raised, and in the back of her mind Melanie didn’t think he’d formed a complimentary opinion of her.

      “Wow.” Jason scooted around the side panel, his mouth open and eyes wide. “Are all your cows like that?”

      “That would be a bull, Bud. He’d get mighty ornery if he hears you calling him a girl. Some of the rodeo stock my brother sends me have a bit of attitude.”

      Jason planted his foot on the bottom rail of the panel and stared at the empty pen with wonder. “That’s a real bucking bull?”

      “He was.” Gabe bent down and picked up his muddied, battered hat, slapped it against his leg and settled it on his head. He gripped the top rail and rattled the pen with force. Jason snapped around.

      “Don’t ever underestimate an animal, Bud. They’ll throw you for a loop quicker than you’ll know what hit you. Do me a favor? Don’t go near this bull or any of the livestock alone. Stick with Fletcher, okay?” He stuck out his boot and swatted dust and mud from his jeans. “If you want to see any of the animals, ask me or Hank to go with you.”

      “Sure, Mr. Davidson.”

      Gabe hunkered down to eye level. Melanie took a step closer, her senses on high alert. If this cowboy wanted to chew someone out for ignorance, he’d better deal with her.

      “Hey, Bud.” Gabe softened his tone. “Around livestock, things can happen pretty fast, and we don’t take much time with formality here. I know your mother has taught you right, but just think, if you’d seen that bull charging me, which would get my attention faster—‘Mis-ter Da-vid-son,’” he enunciated, “or ‘Gabe!’?”

      “Gabe?” Jason questioned in a small voice and turned to look at her.

      She caught Gabe’s earnest gaze and released her breath. She nodded at Jason. He turned back to the cowboy.

      Jason cleared his throat. “Gabe.”

      Gabe pretended to evaluate. “One more time with feeling.”

      Jason took a deep breath. “Gabe!”

      The cowboy grinned and patted Jason on the back. “That’ll get my attention every time. Gotta keep the name short and sweet.”

      “Like you call me Bud?”

      “That’s right.”

      Jason thought a moment, and then peered up at him again. “What will you call my mom?”

      Every drop of spit dried in her mouth. Melanie swallowed hard at the thought of anyone getting hurt, including the commanding cowboy. She dropped the edge of her blanket.

      “Bud, I call your Mom ‘Smart enough to stay away from danger.’”

      “Enough talking.” Grace approached, her arms crossed over her chest. “Let the girl get cleaned up. She’s beginning to look like a mummy.”

      Jason giggled.

      “I was just getting to that.” Gabe shook his head. “Can’t get everything done at once.”

      “Maybe not.” An older man dressed in jeans and green cotton work shirt came up to stand with them. “But we gotta do the important things first.” He held out his hand. “Martin Davidson. Nice to meet you.” He nodded at Gabe. “Gotta keep the young’uns in line.”

      Color rushed up Gabe’s neck at his dad’s assessment, and he didn’t look quite as menacing anymore. Melanie grinned. She liked Martin already. “I agree. The young’uns get in trouble all the time.”

      Gabe narrowed his eyes and then winked at her. “Dad, that young one by your side is Jason.”

      Her toes beneath the blanket curled tighter.

      Martin stuck his hand out to Jason. “What do you know, young man?”

      “Lots of stuff.”

      Grace laughed. “Oh yeah? Well how about you help Mr. Martin with that gate over there while your mom cleans up?”

      “Mom?” Jason glanced up at her. “Can I?”

      Her stomach churned again at the thought of Jason running around unattended. “Maybe you should stick with me, honey.”

      “If it makes you feel better, I’ll keep a close eye on him while we go check that pasture fence.” Martin nudged Jason. “You ever string wire?”

      Jason’s eye grew wide. “No, sir.”

      “Well, how can a young man leave Hawk Ridge without stringing wire?” Martin peeked over at her. “We’ll be real careful.”

      She’d make this a very quick shower. “Listen carefully to Mr. Martin, okay, Jason?”

      “Thanks, Mom.” Jason fell in line with Martin, and the two of them headed to a field away from the pens.

      “C’mon, darlin’. Let’s get you cleaned up before you catch a cold.” Grace tugged on Melanie’s blanket.

      Melanie looked at the sprawling log ranch house and fell in step. “I appreciate the offer, but my clothes are still in the truck.”

      Grace shook her head. “Not to worry. We always have extras.” She threw a glance over her shoulder. “Gabriel. A little soap and water might do you good, too.”

      Melanie snuck a peek at the well-built cowboy who’d just battled an angry bull. He stood and squinted into the sun as if wrestling with a decision. Apparently resigned, he tipped his hat back with one finger and headed down a path into the pines.

      Melanie grinned as she turned back to Grace. Not hard to tell who ran the show around the Circle D.

      Hair still wet from his shower, Gabe propped one leg along the top of his desk as he read the repair receipt Manny had handed him. Replacement parts for the old truck were pricier than he thought. The cost wasn’t the only problem they had on their hands.

      A noisy bark in the yard announced his time of grace ended. Father, give me words to comfort the blow of this painfully expensive situation. Gabe sensed Melanie carried a load of pride along with her penchant for responsibility.

      She swept into his office on a whirlwind of dog, laughter and sunshine. “I called and rescheduled the interview. Glad they’re flexible.”

      Oh, she has a beautiful smile. Not that he had time to daydream about Melanie Hunter, but he had noticed a couple things about her. Especially dressed in his old flannel shirt and jeans. Even back when he could fit into that size, they’d never looked that good on him.

      The familiar scent of soap and shampoo filled the air СКАЧАТЬ