with relief.
“It’s almost nine o’clock.” Janice went back to her dough. “When did you get here?”
“About five.” Chase answered for her. “Y’all were gone to evening Bible study by the time we finished with William.”
Landry stifled a yawn. “Chase has been showing me around, getting me familiar with operations.”
“You must be exhausted.” Janice frowned. “Get her settled in, son.”
“But shouldn’t we go over the kitchen schedule?” Chase settled on a stool at the breakfast bar, his long legs still reaching the floor.
“We’ll talk about it in the morning.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Chase stood.
“Sleep in tomorrow.” Elliot gave her a wink.
“Don’t mind Chase.” Janice turned the dough. “He never runs out of steam.”
“Have a good night.” At least his parents were on her side.
Chase ushered Landry out, handed her a key. “I had Ron put your things in Granny’s room. You know where it is.” He headed for the front door, exited.
Leaving her standing there, uncertain, clearly unwanted. Did he treat all guests like this? Probably just her. Because she didn’t belong.
Becca and Ron descended the stairs, laughing together. The Fletchers hadn’t changed. Becca with her long brown hair, painfully thin frame and kind blue eyes. Ron was still thick and stocky—the same height as his wife, ruddy complexion and thunderous voice.
“Landry!” he boomed.
“Oh, I’m so glad you’re back.” Becca clasped both her hands.
“Thanks.”
“We were just leaving. But since you’re here—”
“Y’all go. I was headed to my quarters myself. We’ll catch up tomorrow.”
“See you then.” Becca gave her a quick hug, then linked fingers with her husband and exited.
Two more allies. With Chase’s chill toward her and quiet wariness from the rest of the employees—food preps, waitstaff, cleaning personnel, ranch hands—she felt like a definite outsider. They probably saw her as an intruder just like Chase did. Possibly worried about their jobs with so much change.
Landry crossed the foyer, cut through the great room and unlocked the door to Granny’s private quarters.
The entire dude ranch was constructed with exposed massive beams, rock work and wood everywhere. Log furnishings, nail heads, leather, cowhide and deer antler chandeliers. But Granny’s quarters had drywall and were filled with Victorian rose fabrics, lace and white wicker. A sanctuary.
Landry perched on the end of the bed and closed her eyes. After all the guests were settled, she and Eden used to spend hours in this room. Still in college, they’d shared their hopes and dreams with Granny, giggled over guys, tried on new makeup and hair tips. Had it really been seven years ago? Seemed like yesterday. It was here that Landry’s dream was born. To own a dude ranch someday.
Last fall when she’d visited, Granny had been gone. Eden had lived in these quarters then and had tried to put Landry back together after Kyle had dumped her. All in the midst of getting ready for her own wedding.
Landry had never imagined it would be the last time she’d see her best friend. Never imagined she’d end up as part owner here. Without Granny. Without Eden. But with Chase.
A chorus of crickets, owls and frogs echoed outside. It was too quiet in this huge house. Even with Janice and Elliot, a few of the staff and several guests, Landry felt alone.
But tomorrow they’d be hopping, according to the schedule. Staying busy would keep her mind off missing Eden. Missing Granny. Missing what her life was supposed to be.
She strolled to the window. The light from Chase’s cabin glowed in the distance. Such a peaceful night. But she’d never sleep.
Maybe fresh air would clear her mind. Stop it from spinning. She crossed the great room and the foyer, then stepped out.
Into a solid wall. “Oomph.”
“Whoa.” Chase’s strong hands on her shoulders steadied her. “Watch where you’re going.”
A nervous giggle tangled in her throat. “I would if I could. But I can’t see a thing.”
“Ever heard of a flashlight?”
“I thought you left for your cabin. What are you doing lurking on the front porch?”
“I own this front porch. Half of it, anyway.” The challenge echoed in his tone. “I was just trying to relax in the swing, heard somebody moving about, thought it was Mom and Dad.”
“Oh.” She hugged herself. “I just needed some air.”
“I’ll leave you to it, then.” The porch creaked with his heavy footfalls as he strode away from her. She heard the crunch of gravel and after that...silence.
Slowly her eyes adjusted to the darkness, and she made her way to the porch swing, settling in the already warm middle part of the cushion. So he’d told the truth. He hadn’t been lurking. Yet she got the distinct impression Chase Donovan didn’t trust her.
But he needed her. And tomorrow, she’d just have to show him how indispensable she truly was.
* * *
Chase stopped on the porch and steeled himself, then opened the door to the ranch house.
Landry greeted him from the check-in counter with a bright smile, framed by the huge metal Lone Star on the wall behind her.
He’d half expected her to sleep in her first morning here. But here she was. She’d fastened her hair up into a high ponytail with the sides swooped low, covering her ears.
“Morning.” He tipped his hat.
“Good morning. What’s on the agenda today? I mean—other than three families arriving with numerous kids in tow.”
So she’d studied the reservations for the day. “There’s a drip under the sink in the Rest a Spell Room—and the toilet flushes slow in the Trail Boss Room. Don’t guess you know anything about plumbing.”
“I know a coupling from an elbow.”
“Really?” His voice and eyebrows kicked up a notch. “Want to be my plumber’s helper?”
“Sure.” She scurried out from behind the counter as if this was the highlight of her day. Wearing jeans, a casual purple blouse, tennis shoes. At least she was dressed more appropriately for work on a ranch than she had been yesterday.
Was she trying to impress him? Win him over? Don’t hold your breath, sweetheart.
He
