The Countess and the Cowboy Read online

  Letitia glared at him. "But you could go a little easier on me. This is all new to me. Before today, my idea of a cattle ranch was what I saw on reruns of 'Bonanza.' I freely admit I'm a novice at this. All I'm asking is for you to give me a chance to learn. Now, the first thing I'd like to learn is why this ranch isn't doing very well. In most companies, that kind of problem is usually related to management."

  Letitia firmly believed in body language telling her a great deal. Tyler was still perched on the arm of a chair as if not wanting to take the time to take a proper seat. His arms crossed in front of his chest told her loud and clear that he wasn't pleased with her.

  "What exactly did Giancarlo tell you about this place?" he asked quietly, fury etched in his features.

  She mulled over his question before replying. "Just the usual social chitchat one night how he'd bought the ranch about five years ago as a tax shelter."

  "Meaning he needed a tax loss and we were the perfect setup."

  She winced at his blunt observation. "I'm sure he wanted people to think that. The problem is, Giancarlo didn't have enough money to his name to require a tax shelter." Her lips tightened fractionally then relaxed as if she knew what her expression was giving away. "All he has to his name is his name, an impressive family tree, who have disowned him by the way, a great deal of charm, good looks and the ability to live off other people," she spoke candidly. "He's the worst kind of con artist because he'll never get caught."

  Tyler wasn't surprised to hear that piece of news.

  "He never bothered with the place. I'd write or call and tell him what needed to be done. He'd say he'd get back to me, but he never did. I'm not making excuses. I'm just stating the facts." Facts he didn't like bringing up.

  "Giancarlo could lie with the best of them," she explained. "That's why he's done so well in his endeavors."

  "Every crook gets caught sooner or later," Tyler pointed out. "It just takes longer for some to take a fall than others."

  "It doesn't happen if the victims refuse to prosecute," Letitia softly countered. "The rich hate to be bilked, even in a small way. And the rich who've had money for more years than the earth has been around hate to have it be known someone got past all their built-in defenses. Instead, they invite Giancarlo in for a private meeting and offer him a reasonable settlement to keep quiet about it and most of the time, to even leave town. He's been steadily working his way west using that method. He can't return to Italy because his family doesn't want him either. They pay him a tidy sum to stay away and he doesn't want to lose that steady income by defying their orders."

  "And what did he get out of you?"

  She should have known he'd figure it out. "He thought marrying me would give him a nice piece of Stephano's alimony since it would have continued even if I remarried. It was part of my settlement. Unfortunately for him, one of his less friendly victims happened to show up at a party and after a few glasses of champagne she told anyone who would listen what he was like. I was one of those who listened and believed what she said." She shrugged as if it was of little consequence. She wasn't going to tell him she'd literally held Giancarlo at gunpoint to obtain ownership of the ranch since he couldn't repay the money he'd stolen from her.

  "Is your poor-little-me tale supposed to make me feel sorry enough for you that I'll cut you some slack?"

  Letitia's eyes blazed a fire that should have turned Tyler into a crispy critter.

  "When you hire a new man, don't you give him a chance to show you what he can do?" she demanded.

  "When I hire a man the first thing I know is what he can do. If he wants a job here, he'll have the references and the know-how." He fixed her with a telling stare that said loud and clear she didn't have either. "We don't have the time around here to train anyone green. This is a working ranch, not a prep school. If they don't have the know-how, they can look elsewhere."

  Stung by his words, Letitia jumped to her feet and stalked around the desk until she stood in front of him. Her fingers tightened into tiny fists then straightened out. Tyler watched her with a cautious eye. He knew those dangerous-looking nails could prove lethal if she so chose. Painted nails that didn't have one chip in the polish or one broken tip. How does she do it? The woman did heavy-duty chores for a couple of hours, yet her hands looked as if they hadn't done more than serve afternoon tea.

  "Then I gather you feel the need to set those same standards for a new owner." Sarcasm laced her voice as she stared him down. "Why not hold interviews, check references, maybe hand out a few skill tests? How did Giancarlo do on your little interview?" she challenged, deliberately stepping into his space. His narrowed eyes told her just how much he disliked her doing that. Her blazing ones told him she was glad. And that she could push even more.

  Tyler's jaw tightened. "Lady, you're pushing it."

  "Mister, you ain't seen nothing yet."

  Her lazy drawl was just enough to push him over that razor's edge. Tyler stood up hoping the movement would force Letitia to step back. He should have known better. She hadn't backed down yet. Why should she start now?

  "So when do you want to start the interview?" she dared, sticking her chin out.

  "Right now."

  He was past thinking straight, thanks to her. Instead, he'd just show her. With his hands gripping her shoulders, he pulled her against him and lowered his head. The moment his mouth covered hers, he knew he was in trouble. The lady tasted like the sweetest of sins and headiest of delights. And she kissed him back with the kind of enthusiasm that made his jeans feel about six sizes too small.

  "Damn you, countess." He ground out the words against her slightly parted lips. The fact that her aqua eyes were already cloudy with desire didn't escape him. "The first minute I saw you I should have known you were trouble." Her fragrance surrounded him in a perfumed cage. "So go ahead, take your shot at knocking my head off. That's what you're looking to do, isn't it?"

  Letitia looked at him for a long moment. Tyler braced himself for the first blow. He knew there was no way she wasn't going to get even with him for that kiss. And he wanted to be prepared for the worst.

  Her arms flowed languidly up around his neck. She wrapped her soft hands around his nape and just as slowly pulled his face back down to hers.

  "Fasten your seat belt, cowboy," she murmured, latching on to his lower lip with her teeth and gently pulling it between her lips. "You're in for the kind of ride no wild bronco could give you."

  Chapter Four

  Steam was pouring out of his ears. Tyler just knew clouds were snaking their way up to the ceiling. Every nerve in his body felt ready to explode at any moment. And why shouldn't they be going off like rockets? He had a beautiful woman in his arms who knew just how to push all the right buttons. And she did it very well, too.

  Letitia alternately nibbled on his lower lip and grazed her teeth across the tender underside. Her sensual feasting was interspersed with throaty murmurs that sent his blood pressure skyrocketing, along with certain parts of his body.

  "I want you to think about this, cowboy. Right now, you have more woman in your arms than you'll ever have," she breathed, combing her fingers through the hair lying against his shirt collar. "I'm talking one hundred percent, grade “A” female. So you better enjoy what you've got because you probably won't get this lucky ever again." She dotted his chin with tiny kisses as she whispered, "Got that?"

  "Countess, believe me, I know not only what to do when I'm holding prime merchandise, but I'll make sure you enjoy it as much as I do." He widened his stance so that she was held fast against the cradle of his hips. He angled his head so he could better taste the shell-like spiral of her ear.

  Letitia murmured a sigh of delight as Tyler's tongue curved around her ear. "Oh, yes," she breathed, "you most definitely know how to enjoy."

  "Not only that, countess." His teeth bore down on her earlobe and nibbled around the blue topaz stud earrings she wore. "But I know a con job when I see one. I may be a country boy
, but I can tell when a big city woman is trying out her seduction skills on me. You're good, very good, but just remember this. In this kind of game there can only be one winner. That means someone has to lose. I never lose." He released her by dropping his arms and stepping back. Before a stunned Letitia could think of anything to say he'd tipped his hat to her and walked out of the room.

  She collapsed against the edge of the desk. "Well, that was certainly informative," she murmured, fanning her hot face with her hand. "If I'd known country boys were such good kissers, I would have exchanged Italy for the rural life long ago."

  THE CLOCK MUST BE WRONG. It had to be wrong! Letitia rolled over and slapped at the annoying buzz coming from the nightstand. She opened one eye, groaned and dragged the pillow over her head.

  "It's still dark outside. No one in their right mind gets up when it's dark outside. You can't see what you're doing."

  They do if you want coffee and you know very well you're not worth spit until you've had your morning ration of caffeine.

  A soft moan left her lips. "Terrific, now my mind is even talking like something out of a western."

  Letitia forced herself out of bed. She would have preferred taking a shower, but after a look at the clock she knew she would have to hurry. She doubted Myrna had been kidding about the mealtimes.

  As she pulled on a lightweight tunic sweater and brushed her hair up into a loose ponytail, she glanced out the window. Lights blazed from a two-story building that she took to be the bunkhouse. Men walked out of the open front door, most of them smothering yawns. Beyond that she could see the barn, also lit up inside. A tiny sound caught her attention.

  "Poor Le Chat," she cooed, picking up her cat and holding him close to her. "This is all new to you too, isn't it? As much as I'd like to stay here and cuddle you until you feel secure, I need my coffee more, so let's get you dressed, too." She opened a small leather case and rummaged through the contents. A silk collar in the same blue as her sweater was quickly fastened around the cat's neck. "So, my love, how do you think the foreman will greet me today?" She kept her cat in her arms as she headed toward the source of the enticing aroma of coffee. She sighed. "Something tells me he won't be in the same mood he was last night."

  The men fell into a charged silence when Letitia walked in with Le Chat hot on her heels. The cat stalked over to the stove and sat down looking expectantly at Myrna waiting to be served.

  "Good morning," she greeted them with a cheery smile.

  "I don't allow animals in my kitchen." Myrna eyed Le Chat suspiciously.

  "Oh, Le Chat isn't an animal," Letitia assured her.

  "Hell, no, Myrna, that cat's descended from royalty," Tyler drawled, walking inside. His smile for the cook was warm. It turned much cooler when it fell on Letitia. She refused to allow her own smile to waver. "We need to treat it real special."

  The cat narrowed his eyes, the same color as Letitia's, and hissed at Tyler. The cat then turned his back in cold dismissal, raised his tail to curl over his back and walked off with the manner of one dusting his hands of a nasty problem.

  "Pears the lady's cat isn't too fond of you, boy." J. T. chuckled, shuffling inside.

  "That cat isn't real," he muttered darkly, heading for the table. "Well, boss lady, any orders for the day?"

  Letitia welcomed his challenge for what it was. "I'm sure you all have figured out my knowledge of ranching could fit on the head of a pin with plenty of room to spare." She dared to invade Myrna's pantry hunting for a can of tuna. Once her cat was fed his breakfast, she sat in the chair she'd used the night before and poured herself a cup of coffee. "I'm hoping no one will mind if I just play the part of observer for a while."

  "Even on horseback?" Tyler spoke up.

  "Even on horseback," she answered his dare. "You boys don't need to worry about the little lady," J.T. rumbled. "I'll take care of her."

  If any of the other men were going to offer their services, their offers died the moment they saw the warning look on their boss's face. All ducked their heads and studiously applied themselves to their breakfast.

  "The lady is my responsibility," Tyler broke in, not sounding the least enthusiastic about the idea. J.T.'s eyes held mild amusement as he gazed at his boss. "That she is, but I know you had some major plans for this morning. How about I show her around the barns while you do that and you take over after?"

  Tyler's mouth thinned. "You have your own work to worry about."

  "Excuse me?" Letitia held up her hand and waved it to get his attention. "But don't I have any say in this?"

  "No." Tyler didn't bother looking at her.

  Her eyes turned a stormy blue-green at his curt reply. She opened her mouth, fully prepared to blast the man to smithereens. As if he sensed her coming retaliation, Tyler turned his head and settled a be-quiet-orsuffer-the-consequences gaze on her.

  Letitia settled back in her seat, telling herself the only reason she wasn't saying anything was that she didn't want to cause a scene in front of the men. She settled for nibbling her toast, pretending she was tearing into Tyler's tough hide.

  No man should look that good! Especially first thing in the morning when she'd barely had time to brush her teeth. Considering Myrna's pointed look at the wall clock when Letitia walked into the kitchen, she was glad she'd hurried through her shower instead of taking her time under the thin stream of lukewarm clear water that appeared five minutes after she turned it on. As it was, she would need to find a plumber to work on the antiquated plumbing.

  "We've got a full day ahead of us," Tyler stated to no one in particular. He stood up and moved toward the door without a backward glance.

  The men didn't waste any time in taking his less than subtle hint. Only J.T. remained behind. He lounged in his chair, nursing his cup of coffee as he traded jokes with Myrna while she cleared the table.

  "Do you need any help?" Letitia ventured.

  The older woman didn't look up as she loaded the dishwasher. "The kitchen is my domain. I've been doing this myself for the past twenty-three years. I intend to keep it that way."

  J.T. smiled at Letitia and winked. "Better listen. That's one where her bite's as bad as her bark," he whispered.

  Letitia's lips curved. "Then I'll just hope I've had all the necessary shots," she whispered back.

  J.T. finished his coffee and stood up. "Why don't you come out to the barn in about a half hour?" he suggested as he slowly rose to his feet.

  She grinned. "I'll be there."

  He grinned back. "Just make sure you wear shoes that won't mind getting a mite dirty."

  Bemused, Letitia watched him leave. "What a darling!"

  Myrna rolled her eyes. "He's a crusty old man." She looked down at Le Chat who sat on his haunches watching her with unblinking eyes. "That cat's fur really that color or did ya have it dyed to match your hair?"

  "It was easier to have mine changed." Letitia carried her mug over to the sink. "Besides, I had the shade of blond hair that could only be considered dishwater blond. I was very happy to change it."

  Myrna held a dishcloth under the running water and wrung it out. "You really intend to make a go of it here?"

  "I'd like the chance to try even if Tyler doesn't think I can," she replied. "I asked my brother to send some things out to me in hopes they'll help."

  The older woman looked at her tunic sweater and leggings. "You might want to change into jeans before you head out to the barn. Something you don't mind getting dirty, at least-ruined, at most,"

  Letitia wrinkled her nose. "I don't have any jeans. For the time being, I'll have to stick to my more casual outfits like this one. I'm not that worried about anything getting ruined."

  "You'd better get some jeans. Fancy clothes like that won't last long around here. All they'll do is get the hands watching you more than watching what they're supposed to be doing," Myrna said bluntly. "And Tyler don't hold with any slackers around here. There's too much work to be done and not enough hours in the day to
do it."

  Letitia looked down at her laced fingers. "Giancarlo really didn't do anything for the ranch, did he?" She knew she'd get a straight answer from her. She knew what she heard from Tyler and she kept reminding herself she wasn't trying to verify his answer. She just wanted to hear it from another party. "He didn't bother checking on it, seeing if any changes could be made, anything like that."

  "He didn't care what went on out here. That's when Tyler figured we were pretty much on our own and he did all he could to make the ranch at least pay for its own expenses. The only good thing Giancarlo did was promise Tyler he'd sell it to him when Tyler saved up enough money for a down payment and could swing a loan."

  Shock froze Letitia to her spot. "No wonder he resents seeing me here," she murmured to herself. "I'm the thief who stole his dream." She turned away, feeling a little sick to her stomach. She understood much more then. "I guess I better get changed."

  Myrna's stern features relaxed. It wasn't a true smile, but Letitia figured it was probably the closest the woman ever came to one. "Don't worry about Tyler. He's a fair man. He knows it isn't your fault he lost out on the ranch."

  She never felt less like smiling. "Knowing and believing are two different things."

  Letitia returned to her room with Le Chat scrambling at her heels. She quickly exchanged her pale blue leather ballet flats for a sturdier pair of loafers. They were of soft Italian glove leather and would not be the same after this morning. She didn't let it bother her though. By now, she was grimly determined to prove to Tyler she was worthy of running the ranch.

  "No, I don't think you should come out with me." She stooped down and gently pushed Le Chat away from the door before the cat could streak outside. "I don't have any idea where that dog might be and I don't want anything to happen to you. Or to him," she added.

  Letitia took her time as she walked along a well-trod path that led to the barn. She stopped several times, lifting her head to the early summer sun and sniffing the air. Her smile grew broader as she looked around the empty expanse that she assumed was the backyard, if ranches had such a thing. The smile disappeared as she sadly gazed at the plot of dirt that she easily imagined green with lush grass and bordered with colorful flowers. Would it be that difficult to put some life into it? She wondered, her mind already racing a mile a minute with possibilities.