Chapter
Seven
Becca slid the zipper of her suitcase home and
sighed. She didn’t want to leave, but her dream job was waiting. Dragging her
case, she walked out of the cabin toward the main gate where her car waited.
Tyler had made love to her all morning. Then he
left her, kissing her softly before leaving the cabin.
What was a girl to do? With each footstep her
heart grew heavy. How could she leave the man she loved?
She stopped dead in her tracks. She was in love
with Tyler. She didn’t know when it had happened, but she loved him.
Pivoting, she headed for the main house and with
each step she gathered her courage, she entered. She had to talk to Tyler
before she left. She wouldn’t feel right if she didn’t.
The second she entered she heard the loud
voices—Vic the cook’s, and Jared’s. Setting her case by the door, she followed
the conversation into the kitchen.
“It’s impossible Jared, they won’t deliver until
Tuesday.”
“We need the food tonight.”
“What do you want me to do?” Vic asked.
“Problems?” she asked.
“Becca.” Jared’s eyes lit up. “I thought you’d
gone already.”
“Not yet. Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Not unless you have some pull with Wilson’s
Produce Company,” muttered Vic.
“I just might. Tell me what the issue is.”
“We need the produce this afternoon for the new
guest arriving tonight, but they’re insisting they can’t deliver until Tuesday.”
Jared said.
“That shouldn’t be a problem for them. Do you
mind?” She gestured toward the phone.
“Be my guest.”
Lifting the receiver, Becca dialed the number she
knew by heart. “Hey, Rich, Becca here, I’m at the Quick Silver Ranch and they
need their delivery of produce today.” She nodded her head while she listened
to Rich talk about how busy they were and how they didn’t have a truck. “Just a
second.”
She put her hand over the receiver and looked at
Jared who was lounging against the counter. “If you double the order, I’m sure
I can get it delivered today.”
“Double it, hell, triple it. I can use whatever
you can get me,” Vic commented.
Jared nodded.
“Rich, deliver today and double the order. That
will make it worth the special delivery.” A grin spread across her lips and she
laughed. “You bet. Thanks so much, Rich.” She placed the receiver back in its
place. “All done, it will be here in two hours.”
“What about the other companies?” asked Vic.
“Other?” She tilted her head to look up at Jared
and he was smiling down at her.
“Want to try your hand at a couple of other
places that are giving us static?”
“Sure.”
“Come to my office.”
Becca followed Jared out of the kitchen and to
his office. He guided her to his desk and placed the order sheets in front of
her, then took a seat across from her.
You’re fantastic,” Jared said leaning down and
kissing her on the cheek an hour later.
“Nothing hard about it.” She grinned at him. It
had been fun, negotiating with not only the produce company, but several others
to deliver the food stuff that was needed today, not next week.
“You’re a life saver. Vic was ready to quit.”
“You need to let Vic work in the kitchen and find
someone else to handle the ordering and delivery of the food.”
“I need a head of catering.” Jared stared at her.
“The job’s open if you want it.”
Excitement and apprehension coursed through her
at the possibility of staying and working at the ranch. Would Tyler want her to
stay? She hesitated, then decided it was worth the risk. “Shut the door and let’s
talk.”
****
Tyler brushed the horse down after riding him
long and hard. He’d said his good-bye to Becca this morning and rode out not
long after that. He couldn’t bear to see her leave.
Maybe he should have told her that he loved her.
But they’d agreed to the one week, she was coming off a bad relationship, and
her dream job was waiting for her.
Last night he was prepared to ask her to stay,
but when he thought about how excited she was when she told him about the new
job, he wouldn’t stop her. He wanted her to be happy and if a job in the city
made her happy, he wouldn’t stand in the way.
He survived before; he’d survive now. It was
almost time for the new guests to arrive, and he needed to be on hand.
Strolling to the house, he made his way up to his rooms.
While showering, his mind wandered. The ranch
seemed empty without Becca. What would happen if he went to San Francisco?
Would Becca want him? He’d have to find some sort of job, but he could do that.
Shutting the water off, he dried his body and
pulled on some clothes. He’d talk with Jared after dinner. He’d drive to the
city, talk to Becca and tell her how much he loved her and wanted to be with
her. Then come back to the ranch until this group was done.
He could interview someone to take over for his
work with the horses, and drive up when Jared needed him to teach a class. Yes,
he could do that. With that plan in mind, he descended the stairs. Already he
could hear the chatter of the new guests.
His heart stuttered. Becca was standing by the
table talking to a guest.
“Ah, here’s Tyler, my business partner.” Jared
turned to him.
“Becca?” He almost couldn’t believe his eyes.
“Hi Tyler.” Her sweet voice teased his ears.
“I was just introducing the newest member of our
team,” Jared said, dropping his hand on Becca’s shoulder.
Tyler’s mouth dropped open. “Newest member?”
“Yes, Jared hired me to be head of catering. We’re
both assuming it’s okay with you.” She shrugged Jared’s hand away.
Tyler crossed the room to Becca. Framing her face
with his palms, he kissed her.
“What about the dream job?” he asked.
“Who needs it, when I have found the man of my
dreams.” She paused looking up at him with those soft hazel eyes. “That is if
he wants me.”
“Want you?” Joy filled his veins. She was
staying.
“I hope you do because you see regardless of what
we said earlier I fell in love with you. I love you, Tyler.”
Her words took his breath away. “I love you, too.”
Then he swept Becca up into his arms. “Excuse us, but I want to propose to my
woman in private.” He strode from the room to sounds of applause.
“Your woman?” she asked, her hazel eyes twinkling.
“Mine. Now and forever.” He lowered his mouth to
hers.