and a number of the other cowboys that still worked on the ranch. Jake knew that some of them would love to get their hands on the books now in his possession. He put the journals in a lock box he took with him wherever he lived. After he locked the lid, he slid the box under his bed, out of view. He’d read more tomorrow night, but he wanted to guarantee their safety until then.
He’d noticed the reaction of some of the men when he’d mentioned the existence of the journals. He hadn’t taken a liking to one or two of the men right away. He might be wrong, but he’d thought those men might deserve a little extra attention.
There had been several comments in the book about some of them, but each time, Gerald assured the man he was wrong. Penny had been right—it seemed her father had trusted him implicitly.
Jake decided to tell Penny that her dad had been cleverly lied to by his manager, but that his instincts had been true. Maybe that would take away some of that pain he’d seen earlier in her blue eyes. He’d noticed how beautiful she was, but she was also young, and not to mention, his boss. He didn’t intend to give in to any urges.
Jake thought back to Dexter Williams’s wife. He hadn’t had any urges for her, even though a lot of people had thought her beautiful. But her beauty had been paid for by her husband. After the death of his first wife, Dexter had fell headlong into marriage with a woman thirty years his junior. He had never realized that he couldn’t trust her.
As far as Jake was concerned, he hoped Dexter’s marriage worked out. Dexter obviously still believed that his wife was to be trusted and although Jake hadn’t done anything to change that belief, Mrs. Williams had certainly tried.
Jake believed in honor, in a man or a woman. That was an attribute he looked for in everyone he met. It wasn’t often easy to see, but time would always tell.
It was way too early to tell about Penny. Her beauty was evident, but he still couldn’t be sure about her true character. What little he’d seen of her today had impressed him though and she was definitely from a good honest family. He was already forming a good opinion of her father’s character, and he had never had the opportunity to meet the man. He looked forward to reading more tomorrow night.
Now he turned out the light and climbed into his bed. He settled down under the covers and closed his eyes.
Again the next morning, Penny was waiting for him when he reached the corral.
He hadn’t slept well last night and was in a tetchy mood this morning. He looked at her, afraid his tiredness might be reflected on his face. “Are you wanting to start earlier than seven, ma’am?”
Penny stared at him, blinking her big blue eyes. “No, I just didn’t want to be late.”
“I can stand to wait a minute or two. Quit worrying about it.”
“Okay. Are you okay, Mr. Larson?”
“I’m fine.” Jake answered, angry at himself for losing his cool with her. She was his boss, even though she was only a young woman.
“Then let me know when you’re ready.”
“Did you bring your lunch with you today?”
“Yes. Did you want something?” Penny stared at him with her big blue eyes, determined not to be intimidated by him.
“I wouldn’t turn down an apple if you’ve got an extra one.”
“I’ll ride up to the house and get an extra one.”
He opened his mouth to protest, but she was already on her way. Maybe that was best. He’d get his horse saddled without her staring at him.
She was on her way back when he rode out of the corral to meet her. She handed over a big, red apple to him. “I’ll let you carry it in your own saddlebag.”
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