It felt like she owed everyone, including the bank. Dana shook the worrisome thought from her head. Not tonight. Nighttime was for Evan. She walked into the living room and found Jared sitting in her father’s chair with her son next to him as he read a story.
Dana’s chest tightened. The picture of the two seemed so perfect. Father and son. But in an imperfect world, Dana knew she couldn’t give Evan what he wanted the most. A father.
Jared raised his head and smiled at her.
Her son looked happy, too. “Jared was reading me a story, Mom. He’s good, and he don’t even have kids.”
Jared shrugged, looking a little uncomfortable.
“I guess it’s just a talent,” Dana said. The man probably had many other talents. “I think it’s time for you to go to bed, Evan.”
Evan started to argue but looked at Jared, who nodded. To her surprise her son said, “’Kay, Mom.” Then he climbed out of the big chair and came to her, giving her a hug and kiss.
Dana called to her son as he climbed the stairs. “I’ll be up in a few minutes to say good-night.” She then turned her attention back to Jared.
“I appreciate you spending time with Evan. He really misses his grandfather and…his father isn’t in the picture.” Why did she tell him all that? “About the job, if you’re serious about working for me, you need to know I can’t afford to pay you much.” She quoted him the wages. “But I’ll cook all your meals and you can stay in the bunkhouse.”
“Are you saying you want to hire me? I’m not an experienced ranch hand. I’m a carpenter by trade, but I can ride pretty well and I’ve spent time on a ranch.”
Dana hesitated, not needing any complications in her life…or her heart. But she had no choice. She did need a man. “That’s what I’m saying.”
He stood. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me just yet. Around here our day starts at five-thirty. Breakfast is at six-thirty and you’ll be in the saddle by seven. And the day doesn’t end until everything gets done. Think you can handle that, Mr. Trager?”
He reached out his hand and took hers. “The name is Jared. And yes, I can handle it.”
Dana placed her hand into his callused one. Immediately she felt heat shoot up her arm, warming her entire body. Maybe he could handle the work but suddenly she had doubts about her ability to handle Jared Trager.
Chapter Two
He had to be crazy.
Jared tossed his duffel bag on the first bed in the bunkhouse. He’d had the perfect opening to tell her who he was, and he blew it. He puffed out a tired breath. Now what? He’d hang around a few days, help her out a little, make a few repairs. Maybe spend some time with the boy, then hand over the trust fund information and leave for Las Vegas.
“Damn.” Pulling his cell phone from his pocket, he punched in Stan Burke’s number. With the time difference, it was still early enough to catch him at the office.
The familiar voice came over the line. “Burke Construction.”
“Stan, it’s Jared.”
“Hey, Jared. Where the hell are you?”
“I’m afraid I’m not in Nevada. And I won’t be there for a while.”
“What’s the problem?”
“A couple of things,” Jared began. “I need to do some things for my brother and it’s going to take a little longer than I expected. Especially since my new truck met up with a tree.”
“Are you okay?” The sound of concern in Stan’s voice touched Jared.
“Just a headache and a little air-bag rash. I’ll be fine.”
There was a long pause. “How long will you be there? We have a tight deadline on the Black Knight Casino.”
“A few weeks. I’ll call a friend of mine—Nate Peterson. We’ve worked together before. He’s a good guy and a top-notch carpenter. He can be there late tomorrow and help out until I get out of there.”
“Sounds good.”
“Thanks, Stan. I’ll make it up to you when I get back.”
“All I want is my best carpenter back.”
Jared laughed. He’d been working for Burke Construction for the past three years. He liked Stan a lot. His friend was getting older and wanted to retire soon. Stan had offered to sell him the business. And Jared wanted to buy the profitable company. He’d have the money, but not until he’d receive his inheritance from his mother when he turned thirty-five or married. He doubted he’d ever marry, so that meant two more years of waiting.
“It’s nice to know I’m missed.”
“Always,” Stan said. “Besides, you’re going to help me reach those golden years of retirement.” There was laughter, then a long pause. “Is everything okay with you, Jared?”
No, everything wasn’t okay, but Jared had never been one to share his problems. “Yeah, just some family business. I need to be in Texas for a while.”
“Well, take the all time you need. Family is important.”
Too bad Jared didn’t know who his family was. He gave Stan the phone number of the ranch. Next, Jared dialed Nate. Luckily the carpenter was in between jobs, and was excited about spending time in Vegas.
After a quick goodbye, Jared hung up and turned to find Dana standing in the doorway. She had on the same print skirt and white top as earlier. Her hair was down, curls brushed against her shoulders. She looked wholesome and sexy at the same time.
“Sorry to disturb you. I just came out to make up your bed.” She walked inside, set sheets and blankets on the chair next to the single bunk, then began to make up the bed.
“You don’t have to do that,” he said. “I’m capable of making my bed.”
When she didn’t stop the task, Jared joined in. Accidentally their hands collided and Dana jerked back. Jared, too, felt the jolt, but continued to fit the pristine-white sheets and blanket over the lumpy mattress.
When finished, Dana glanced around the long room with five other empty bunks. “I think that’s everything. I put towels in the bathroom down the hall.” Her gaze shifted to his. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help but overhear. Did you just turn down a job? I thought you came here for a job.”
Jared froze. He could end this now if he told her the truth. Tell her the truth, then you can leave. “I couldn’t make it to Nevada in time. Had a family emergency.” He shrugged. “So I decided to stay in Texas for a few weeks. It’s okay. I can catch another job when I get there. There’s plenty of work in Las Vegas, especially in the construction business.”
Dana seemed relieved. “It’s not like
