stood. Most of his staff were gathered for breakfast. It wasn’t quite six in the morning, but the room was brightening. He wondered whether Meera would be up early; she must be jet-lagged. He hadn’t seen her since he’d shown her to the guest cottage last evening.
He would never forget the image of her standing in his barn. She wasn’t what he’d expected. He’d heard about what happened in town yesterday. The way everyone was talking, he figured she would show up at his door eventually. He hadn’t planned on letting her stay—he didn’t need any more gossip about him going around—but something made him change his mind.
What was Meera’s deal, anyway? Why would she want to come to his little town? From the clothes she was wearing, those ridiculous heels, not to mention the fancy luggage, she obviously didn’t need the money.
He felt a punch on his shoulder. “Earth to Jake! What’re the orders, boss?”
He shook his head to clear Meera from his brain, then quickly barked out the day’s assignments.
“Billy John, it’s your turn to make dinner. And please, none of that awful chili you made last time.”
Billy John began to defend himself to a chorus of insults, and Jake slapped him good-naturedly. Suddenly, his eye caught a flash of yellow in the doorway.
“Ah, this is our new renter, or ‘paying guest,’ as she would call herself.” He said the last part in a British accent.
She rolled her eyes. What’s wrong with me?
She peered into the kitchen, her movements tentative. She looked different in a simple yellow sundress; the color complemented her milk-chocolate skin. Her big brown eyes were awestruck, her already petite frame even tinier in the soaring doorway. The room went unusually quiet.
He glanced around his kitchen and realized what an overwhelming sight they all made. Nine burly men and three loud women would intimidate anyone.
“Hello, everyone, I’m Meera Malhotra.” Her voice was soft.
Silent stares greeted her. Jake started to say something when she gave them a disarming smile.
“If you couldn’t tell, I’m not from around here. I’m from London. I’m a doctor, here to do a one-month medical rotation with Dr. Harper.”
“Good luck with that.”
Jake smacked Billy John on the back of his head. Meera’s eyes widened.
Jake quickly interjected. “Now, listen up, I’ve asked Dr. Mal...” He frowned at Meera.
“Malhotra, but please call me Meera.”
“I’ve asked Dr. M. to give you all physicals—” there was a chorus of groans and protests “—which will be mandatory if you want to work here. So shut it. Last one to get their checkup will have to clean the entire house top to bottom.” More groans followed. “And I do mean the whole house.”
“Please don’t worry. I’ll make it as quick and painless as possible,” Meera said soothingly.
The protests and general grumbling continued as everyone rinsed their dishes and filed out. Meera stood in the corner watching the whole process, her brows creased, eyes dark.
“Don’t worry—they’ll come around.”
“I’m not worried about them.” She hesitated. “No more so than the rest of the town, anyway. I still don’t know what I did yesterday to make everyone so cross.”
Jake smiled. She’s in for a surprise. I bet she’ll be packing her bags this afternoon.
“Why come here all the way from London?”
She shrugged. “I was required to do a one-month rotation and thought it might be fun to do it in a small town.”
“But why here? Why not someplace closer to home?”
“I’ve never been anywhere outside the UK on my own. Or India—that’s where my parents and I are from originally. I’ve always wanted to visit America, and this seemed like a good opportunity. Besides, it will be good for me to learn how medicine is practiced in rural areas like this one.” She sounded rehearsed. There was definitely more to the story; it was written all over her face.
“That sounds like a mighty boring reason to be here all month.”
She began twisting the watch on her wrist. Jake sensed she wanted to say more, but she didn’t continue. What aren’t you telling me, Meera?
“Well, you might get more than you bargained for, but I’m sure you’ll make the best of it.” She bit her lip, and Jake found himself staring at the way her mouth moved.
“Won’t you give me a hint of what to expect when I go into town today?” she pleaded.
He laughed and shook his head. “There’s no way to explain it. You’ll have to experience it for yourself.”
“Any words of advice?”
He grinned. “Yeah, give ’em hell!”
She laughed. It was a pleasant, tinkling sound, and for some reason he wanted to make her do it again.
“Well, thank you for giving me a room—the cottage is just what I need for the month.” She got a faraway look in her eye. “Do you own this ranch?” she asked suddenly.
“My father does. It’s been in my family for a long time, passed down four generations now.”
“So you grew up here, then?”
He nodded. “I was born right upstairs and spent my whole life here.”
“Must be nice to have roots.” Her voice had a sad longing in it.
“It’s what makes this my home.” Jake was surprised to hear his own voice catch. Home...this ranch is so much more than home.
“Is your father still alive?”
Jake shifted on his feet; Meera was too nosy. He didn’t like answering questions about his family. “Yes.”
“Does he live here?”
“No, he’s suffering from Alzheimer’s. He’s in a nursing home.”
“What about your mother?”
He focused on the cattle grazing in the fields outside the window. His mother was a topic he didn’t discuss, not even with himself.
“She doesn’t live here,” he said sharply, then turned away from her.
Meera stepped back. “I’m sorry—I was just trying to get to know you.”
“You’re renting a room at my ranch. We don’t need to be friends.”
She muttered something under her breath.
“What’s that, now?”
“Nothing.
