Heart of a Rancher Read online

  His smile grew, dimples popping into place, and he stood. “So Ryan Brooks doubted the success of an Alabama dude ranch? After six banks all thought it was a terrific idea and couldn’t wait to loan me money? In fact, I’ve still got all their letters of praise telling me why it’s a fabulous idea, if he’d like to see them.” At her soft laughter, John added, “Seriously, I do appreciate your taking a chance on this, especially when no one else would.”

  “I’m making an investment based on my instinct more than on marketing history, of course, but Daddy told me to follow what feels right.” She pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “And this feels right.”

  “Investing in an Alabama dude ranch?”

  She wanted to make sure he understood and put a lot of thought into her words. “The dude ranch is what’s on the surface, but that’s not what I’m investing in.”

  He’d taken a step toward leaving, but he stopped and turned, leaned against the porch post. “You aren’t investing in the dude ranch?”

  The moonlight behind him created a beautifully sculpted cowboy silhouette, but even in the shadow, she could see the question in his eyes, the slight tilt in his face saying he wondered if she’d changed her mind. That couldn’t be further from the truth. On the contrary, after learning even more about this intriguing man tonight and seeing how deeply he cared for others and how strongly he felt about this beautiful ranch, she’d reaffirmed her decision.

  “My father always said that when you invest, you aren’t investing in things, you’re investing in the heart behind the product, in the soul that makes it work. I’m not investing in an Alabama dude ranch. I’m investing in you.”

  He took another step then turned, and even though his face was in shadow, Dana knew he smiled at her now. “I plan to show you that’s a wise investment,” he said.

  She returned his smile. “I’m counting on it.”

  Chapter Four

  “Yay! I knew Uncle John would come watch me ride!” Abi waved wildly, toppled a little in the saddle and had to regain her balance on the brown mare. “Whoa!”

  Dana’s cell phone buzzed in her pocket, but she ignored the interruption and watched Abi find her seat in the saddle again. Ryan had been texting ever since she woke up this morning, and she’d had enough business distractions. Today was Saturday, a day normal people relaxed and enjoyed life. Normal people, like the Cutter family. And she wanted to enjoy it, too, especially now that she saw John’s old blue pickup coming up the drive.

  “Abi, you need to pay attention.” Georgiana stood next to Dana against the round pen railing. “I’m guessing she nearly fell off the horse trying to wave to John.”

  “You’d guess right, but she’s back on track now.” Dana continued to be amazed with everything Georgiana could do and sense without sight. She’d even hiked the trail between the Cutter farm and Georgiana’s mother’s farm without assistance or complaint. But even though Dana answered Georgiana, her eyes hadn’t left the blue pickup nearing the barn. John didn’t wear his Stetson today, his brown waves ruffling in the breeze from the open truck window. “I thought you said he would sleep this morning since he worked all night.” Dana pulled her cell from her pocket, deleted Ryan’s text instructing her to call him and glanced at the time. “It’s only ten o’clock. Didn’t he work until seven?”

  “Yes, he did.” Georgiana shook her head as though she didn’t know what to do with her brother-in-law. “And he probably didn’t rest before making sure all the guests at the camp were set for fishing before he came over. Landon checked them all in before he left, but John would’ve wanted to meet everyone, too, and verify that they all found a good fishing spot.”

  “They’re both very hands-on with the business, aren’t they?” Dana thought it’d be nice if Ryan would take a lesson from John and Landon. They checked on their business this morning, but then they went about enjoying the day. She could almost see her brother, rising at the crack of dawn and moving to the office in his apartment with a cup of coffee and a bagel, then proceeding to work the entire day. Tomorrow he’d do it all again.

  “Since we’re the only ones running the camp, and since that business is what we’re banking on to save the farm, they have to be hands-on,” Georgiana said with a laugh. “But they both enjoy working, especially when they can see the fruits of their labor. They’ll work hard on the dude ranch, too.”

  “I know they will.” Dana had sensed that ambition, that drive, in the very first conversation she’d had with John. And the little bit she’d seen and learned since arriving in Alabama only solidified that initial impression.

  John climbed out of the truck and walked toward the round pen. He wore a green Western shirt and blue jeans, strong legs flexing against the worn denim with every step. Dana caught herself doing a flirty finger wave that probably made her look like she was still in high school. Shocked at her girly reaction to the gorgeous cowboy, she dropped her hand to the rail and gripped the wood.

  What was it about John Cutter? She’d hardly slept last night after their intense conversation, and she wondered if he felt the same way she did about sharing so much so soon, as if a bandage had been ripped off and he could see her every wound. Then again, she’d heard that sometimes a wound needed air to heal. She did feel better about life in general this morning...and about spending the next month with the good-looking cowboy who intrigued her not only with his looks, but also with his heart.

  “And I said that John should sleep, not that he would. I also told my daughter not to call and ask him to come, because he refuses to tell the child no.” She raised her voice. “Abi, did you call Uncle John?”

  “No, ma’am. You told me not to.” She trotted a little farther away. “I texted him.”

  “You texted him?”

  “Abi has a phone?” Dana knew lots of kids had phones nowadays, but it didn’t seem like a necessity for a seven-year-old country girl.

  “No, she doesn’t, though she asks for one at every opportunity.” Georgiana took a step up on the railing. “Mom, did you let Abi use your cell?”

  Eden Sanders, Georgiana’s mother, gave riding lessons to Abi and a few other kids her age. At Georgiana’s question, she looked undeniably guilty. “Abi asked to borrow it when y’all got here. I thought she was playing a game or something. Should’ve known she’d try to get John to come since Landon couldn’t make it. She likes showing off for the guys.” Eden laughed. “Guess she’s a lot like her mama that way.”

  “Hey, I never showed off.”

  “Sure you did, but we all thought it was cute.” John’s boots thudded solidly against the ground as he made his way from the barn. “Especially my older brother.”

  “Uncle John, did you see that? Grandma is letting me gallop on Brownie now! Look at me go!”

  He applauded the adorable redhead as he walked. “I did see, and you’re doing a great job.”

  “She knew her daddy had to run to the feed store this morning and couldn’t come, and she also knew her uncle John needed to sleep.” Georgiana raised her voice. “Isn’t that right, Abi?”

  Abi acted as if she didn’t hear her mother, but her little smirk said she did.

  “Ah, sleep is overrated.” John stepped up to the railing next to Dana, his warmth sending a tremor of awareness along her side, as did his height. Most guys either matched her five-nine or stood slightly taller, so that she usually saw eye to eye with them when she was wearing heels. But John Cutter stood an easy six-two, six-four with his boots. “How about you? Did you sleep okay at the farm?” His words, low and rich, were delivered close to her left ear. Close enough that his warm breath teased her neck.

  She felt her cheeks flush. “Yes, I slept fine.” That was a lie, but it slipped out before she could think of an appropriate way to explain that she’d barely slept at all for thinking of him—not only the way his heartfelt
story had touched her last night but also the way he made her feel, period. She’d gone to her room after he left the porch, but she’d only moved to the open window to get another view of John, riding Red across the field in the moonlight. When she finally drifted off to sleep, she’d seen herself on the back of the saddle, her arms around his waist and her worries about marketing strategies, business planning and future acquisitions left behind as they rode off into the distance.

  “Dana, you okay? Did you hear me?”

  She realized he must have asked her something else, but she was so caught up in her daydreams—of him—that she hadn’t heard the question. “I’m sorry, what?”

  He grinned as though he knew what she’d been thinking. Thank goodness he didn’t.

  “I asked if you took out any more livestock on your way over to Ms. Sanders’s farm.”

  “No, of course not.” She playfully punched his arm, and then swallowed thickly when her knuckles collided with firm biceps.

  “We hiked, silly,” Georgiana said. “And stop teasing her. Gypsy was ready to go, anyway. Dana put her out of her misery by helping it happen quickly.”

  He tapped Dana’s shoulder. “See, I told you.”

  Abi passed by them again. She wore a pink riding helmet, a blue T-shirt, jeans and pink cowboy boots. The bubblegum shade of her helmet made her red curls appear even more vivid. “I’m doing good, huh?”

  John, noticing the question was directed solely to him, answered, “Yes, you are.”

  Georgiana stepped down from the rail. “She wants to practice every day now. Ever since someone told her that she would be demonstrating riding for kids visiting the dude ranch, she thinks she has to practice nonstop. I can hardly get her to do anything else, and that includes cleaning her room and doing her homework.”

  John managed to turn his laugh into something that sounded like he’d cleared his throat. “I wonder who told her that.”

  “Yeah, I wonder.” Georgiana attempted to sound mad, but failed and ended up smiling. “I do love hearing how excited she is about helping out with the dude ranch. I mean, she likes visiting the pond when the fish camp guests are there, but I know she’ll like the dude ranch even better, since she’ll have such an active role. That was sweet of you to include her like that.”

  “I’m looking forward to having her help.” John gave Abi a thumbs-up as she circled the outer edge of the pen. “One of the families who checked in at the fish camp this morning has two little girls about Abi’s age. I told them I was sure my niece would come see them when she got back from her riding lessons.”

  “No doubt. Hey, maybe that will give her a reason to leave. I have a ton of work to do at the house.” Georgiana leaned over the rail again. “Abi, are you ready to go? Uncle John said there are some girls your age at the fish camp. You could go visit them.”

  “Not yet.” She trotted past them once more. “I’m still practicing.”

  Georgiana sighed. “Okay, I’m going in Grandma’s house until you finish.” She turned toward John and Dana. “Y’all want to come inside or are you staying out here?”

  “Actually, I thought I might take Dana to go see the land for the dude ranch, show her the plans for the campsites, trail rides and all today. Or at least get started.” He looked at Dana. “That okay with you?”

  “Yes, that’s fine.” She knew she should tell him that they could see everything another day so he could sleep today, since he’d had no more than three hours—tops. But the prospect of spending time with him caused her to keep that idea to herself.

  “Okay. Abi and I will see you later at the farm. And, John,” Georgiana said, “I know you’re a grown man, but I still feel the need to remind you that you need to sleep sometime.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  She lifted a shoulder. “Someone needs to watch after you. Landon and I try...”

  Winking at Dana, John cut her off midsentence. “And I appreciate it.”

  Dana swallowed, thought how she wouldn’t mind being the one to watch after the dashing cowboy. Then she shook the thought away. Her home was in Chicago. Her work and her only remaining family member were there, too, and she’d be going back in a month. She’d be wise to keep those facts at the front of her mind at all times.

  John leaned over the rail, his side brushing against Dana’s in the process, and all thoughts of Chicago vanished. Why should she worry about going back in a month, anyway? She should enjoy being in Alabama, right here, right now, with John.

  “Abi, Miss Dana and I are going back to the farm so I can show her some of the dude ranch stuff. We’ll see you in a little bit, okay?”

  His adorable niece trotted closer. “Okay, but don’t forget when y’all test the camping out, I get to come, too, right? You promised. And I have spring break the week after next, so we have to go either before I leave or after I get back from seeing Daddy in Florida.”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll make sure you’re here for camping. Now you keep practicing and don’t let Brownie buck you off.”

  Abi laughed, sending copper freckles spilling across her cheeks with her smile. “She doesn’t even know how to buck, do you, Brownie?” She stroked the horse’s mane, and Brownie nickered happily. “See? She said no.”

  “Abi, it’s your turn, honey.” Her grandmother motioned for her to join the other kids on horses at the opposite end of the round pen.

  “Gotta go.” She turned Brownie and headed back toward the others.

  “Did you already go shopping, or are those some of the clothes you brought from Chicago?” He indicated her outfit as they walked toward the truck.

  Dana glanced down at the red gingham shirt, jeans and boots. “I brought the jeans from home, but Georgiana let me borrow the shirt and the boots. I was lucky that we wear the same size shoes.”

  He gave her an appraising glance. “Yeah, those boots look right at home on you. In fact, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were a true-blue country girl.”

  Dana had received a lot of compliments from men over the years, but “true blue country girl” had never made it to the list before. Oddly, it flattered her more than any she could remember. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.” He walked to the passenger side and opened her door. Dana caught a hint of an undeniably masculine scent that caused her to inhale deeper. She was used to the strong, spicy scents some of the men she’d dated wore. But those came across as manufactured and fake. John’s scent was real. In fact, she wondered if he wore any cologne at all, or if that was simply the way Alabama cowboys smelled.

  He rounded the front of the truck and climbed in. Then he glanced at her and lifted a brow.

  “What?” she asked.

  “You going to tell me what you’re thinking, or am I supposed to ignore those looks?”

  Her hand moved to her mouth, as though she could push the look back in. What had she done, anyway, when she daydreamed about them riding horses in the moonlight earlier or just now, when she’d practically lost herself in his amazing scent? Had she smiled? What if she’d made that flirty sound of appreciation that her sorority sisters had often made at Georgetown when they saw a frat boy who got their attention? Dana had promised herself she’d never make a sound like that. She’d always been the cool one, the one to remain aloof regardless of impressive muscles or alluring smiles.

  She moved her hand to her throat and prayed it hadn’t betrayed her with any flirtatious noises directed at John.

  He laughed. “Don’t panic. You just looked a little surprised, that’s all.” He fished the keys from his jeans pocket. “All city girls as jittery as you?”

  Jittery? Dana Ellen Brooks? Never. Or never...until she’d arrived at the Cutter farm. “I wasn’t panicked. And I was surprised because—” she racked her brain for a way to complete the sentence “—because I’m not used to guys
opening the door for me.”

  And that was the honest truth. The guys she dated typically didn’t open the car door, because they relied on the valet to do it. Plus, she’d never been all that close to any one guy, because none of them were interested in her; they were all interested in Brooks International. But John opened her door out of pure respect, and it had nothing to do with her last name. In fact, she’d wager he opened the door for all females.

  “Obviously those guys up north need a lesson in manners.” He tossed up a hand and waved goodbye to Abi, then cranked the engine.

  “Obviously.” She smiled, relieved to get out of that awkward conversation. Ryan and her father had always praised her ability to maintain her composure in the most heated business meetings. You would think she could keep it together around John.

  He reached across the seat, pulled at the strap beside her right arm. “We might only be going to the next farm, but you should still buckle up.”

  She nodded, unable to speak with his face so close to hers.

  Yes, you would think she could keep it together. Probably a good thing she didn’t plan on moving down here for good. Too much Southern rancher couldn’t be good for her heart. Her pulse raced almost as much as when she ran the Chicago marathon.

  He moved back to his side then pushed the gearshift that sprouted from the floor. His hands were as masculine as the rest of him, nothing at all like the hands of the businessmen she typically dealt with up north. No doubt the inside of his palms bore calluses from hard work. Dana thought of what it’d be like to hold his hand, to feel the evidence of his daily labor against the softness of her palm.

  “We may not be able to ride all the trails today, but we can at least take in a couple.”

  She eased her eyes from his hand to his face. “We’ve got plenty of time.” But inside she knew that wasn’t true, and she wished she’d persuaded Ryan to agree to her spending more than a month in Alabama. She didn’t know why she felt so loopy around John Cutter, but she wanted enough time to figure it out.