a way of life, not just a pony ride. These people are here because they want a taste of the West. That’s what you have to give them.”
As much as she hated to agree with him, Jessica had known all along they had to have more contact with their guests. She’d tried, in between the bookkeeping and clerical duties. “He’s right.” She left her seat at the table in the kitchen and walked out into the dining area.
The nearest table had five people at it. She asked if the sixth chair was taken. They told her no, and she sat down. “I’m Jessica, by the way. Some people, like my brothers, call me Jessie, but I prefer Jessica. Are you enjoying your visit?”
They asked polite questions about her life on the ranch, and what her duties were. One woman, the mother of a nine-year-old boy, said, “There’s something I wanted to ask. Robbie wanted to sign up for roping lessons, but he can’t ride that well yet. Is that okay? And can I come and watch…to be sure he doesn’t get hurt?”
“Yes, of course. I’m sorry we didn’t explain it better in the brochure. Roping lessons for the kids don’t involve riding at the same time. We have a fake calf on wheels and the kids practice on him after they learn the basics. Trust me, no one gets hurt!”
The kitchen door opened and two of the lunch servers came out with trays of food. Reluctantly following were her two brothers and grandfather. Cliff was the only one wearing a big smile. Jim came after them.
Apparently he’d given specific instructions to spread out among the tables and to smile at all times.
Jessica ignored him. Her brothers might need a lesson on how to be charming, but she didn’t.
“I want to know where we meet the cowboys,” a young woman named Penny Abraham asked. “The real cowboys.”
“Well, there are four in the room right now. One is a little too old for you,” Jessie said with a wink, “but the other three could qualify.” Pete was twenty-nine, Hank twenty-seven, and she guessed Jim was thirty. “As you go on rides, you’ll come into contact with the cowboys. But be sure to pay attention to what you’re doing. We don’t want any accidents.”
She watched as the woman noted the four new additions to the tables. After centering her attention on Jim Bradford, she said, “I want to meet him!”
“I’ll be glad to introduce you as soon as lunch is over.”
The woman stared at Jim throughout the meal.
Jessica decided she’d discovered a way to occupy Jim’s energies. Dealing with romantically inclined female guests should take up most of his time.
“I like the one scowling at the next table,” her friend Joyce Pedilla said softly.
Jessica looked over her shoulder to identify which brother the lady was talking about. “Oh, that’s my brother Pete. He’s in charge of the cattle operation on the ranch.”
“So he ropes and brands and everything?”
“Absolutely. And the other cowboy is my brother Hank. He’s a horseman. Any riding questions should be directed to him. He’ll be able to help you.”
“Oh, this is so exciting!”
Jessica could almost agree—but for a different reason. Because she could feel Jim watching her all through lunch. His gaze made her skin heat, her pulse pick up. After only a couple of hours, it amazed her that she was so in tune to him.
After dessert, she was about to escort her table out, when Jim touched her on her shoulder. Surprisingly she hadn’t been aware of him for the past few minutes.
“Jessica, could I have a minute of your time before you leave?” he asked softly.
“Of course, but first let me introduce you to Penny Abraham and Joyce Pedilla. They both wanted to meet you and Pete.”
He nodded to them. “Nice to meet you, ladies. I’ll be checking on activities this afternoon. I hope to see you having fun.”
“Oh, you definitely will,” Penny said, leaning toward him.
“Good. Jessica?” he said, nodding toward the kitchen.
She said her goodbyes to her table. “Let me know if you need anything.”
Then she got up and marched to the kitchen. Once there, she spun around and snapped, “What do you want?”
“I’m glad you didn’t talk to the guests that way,” Jim said, his tone mild.
“Is that what you wanted? To quiz me on how I handled my role? I know how to entertain guests, thank you!”
“Would you give me a chance before you bite my head off? No wonder you and your brothers are at one another’s throats.”
“I didn’t mean—I knew you were right about what you said, but…I knew if I spent more time with the guests, it would be like pushing a boulder up a steep hill. So I gave up.” Her shoulders slumped in shame.
“Jess, you don’t have to do it alone anymore,” he whispered.
“You don’t understand! This ranch is our baby! And we’re doing a good job! We’ve made mistakes, of course, but—”
“I’m not trying to take it away from you. Cliff just thought you needed some help.”
“Which makes me a failure!”
“Woman, would you give me a chance to talk? Look, all I wanted was for you to sit down with Leslie and explain your bookkeeping system. That’s all! So can we throw out the dramatics until later?”
She knew her expression was sullen, but it was difficult to smile and be happy when he’d just insulted her. And he had, by calling her concerns “dramatics.” They were very real!
With her nose in the air, she looked away from Jim and realized Leslie was sitting quietly by, listening to their conversation. Thank goodness she hadn’t said anything about the woman. Not that she had anything to say except that her grandfather had an interest in Leslie. How could he even think of remarrying now, at sixty-four?
“Hello, Leslie. I didn’t see you there. Jim says you want the job of bookkeeper and clerk with us?”
“Yes, Jessica, I would, if I can do the job. It would be…very helpful.”
“Oh, of course. I understood you were quite—I mean, I didn’t think you needed a job.”
“I’m afraid I do.”
Jessica looked at the woman, whose white hair had been cut in a very modern style. She was always nicely dressed.
“Well, come with me, and I’ll explain what I’ve been doing.”
Leslie got up and followed Jessica as she went back through the dining room, reminding herself to add another table so they’d all have a seat when the ranch was full to capacity.
It amazed Jessica how quickly Leslie caught on. She didn’t even seem fazed by the amount of filing
