Free Spurs and Heels by Heather Rainier Page B

racks.”
    “With both your hands being injured, it scared me to see you up there so high. What if you’d slipped coming down?”
    “You saw how careful I was coming down. I take my time, and I’m careful while I’m up there. But I won’t be climbing anymore today. That was the last of it, which is a good thing because my shoulder is killing me.”
    “Is Leah still put out about the changes you’re trying to make?”
    “Oh, no. She came in this morning ready to learn. I think she talked to her dad. Leah’s teachable, and I like that about her. She doesn’t just want it done her way because it’s her Daddy’s store.
    She’s disappointed that she won’t have time for some of her projects, but I think she’s okay with the increase in responsibility. You’ll be happy to know I’ve scheduled myself for seven fewer hours next week, one per day.”
    “Wow, what’s got into you, girl?” Ash teased, settling in the chair in front of her desk.
    Juliana shrugged and grinned at him as she peeked in the Styrofoam box and rolled her eyes at the heavenly aroma. “Oh, there’s this guy…”
    “Bet he’ll be relieved to see you not working so hard, taking time for yourself.”
    “It’s not easy for me to release control like that when I’m so used to doing things a certain way. There’s more room for error.”

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    “But that’s how she’ll learn. They all will. You’re real big on taking responsibility, but they have to be responsible, too. Otherwise, it’s all on you. I’d like to see some of that burden come off of those pretty shoulders.”
    “Sweet talker. Now if I could just get Doug to back off from making the big change Leah’s proposing. I don’t want to think about the fallout from all that.”
    “All what?”
    “She wants to eliminate commission sales and have everyone go to straight hourly status, or regular salaries like I am.”
    “Shoot. Even I know that’s not going to be a popular change around here. Commissions are what motivates a lot of your workers.”
    “Exactly. But sometimes experience is the best teacher, and I’d rather do this with her during these months than during the Christmas holidays, you know? But things may get worse with my hours before it gets better.”
    “Stick to your convictions, darlin’.” She was still overworking herself, but Ash admired the fact that her foremost concern was for her employees.
    “I will, but, Ash, if it gets nuts for a while, please don’t think it’s because I don’t want it to get better. I worked myself into this mess, and I’ll need time to get through it.”
    “I know it. Well, I’m going to get out of your hair now.
    Everybody’s out at the ranch playing worker bee for Grace, getting the food done and the decorations for the wedding put up. I’m going to help out with directing traffic and parking. What time are you taking off?”
    “Three. I have an appointment to get my nails and hair done, so I won’t have to fiddle with it with my bum hands. My hair stylist is a good friend, and she’s going to help me get dressed at the salon.”
    “I’m available to come and help if you need me,” he said, sitting on the edge of her desk.

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    She smiled up at him and said, “I know you are, cowboy, but I want to get back some of the mystery. You seeing me naked before the wedding is kind of anticlimactic. I’d rather show up looking pretty and put together, and my friend doesn’t mind.”
    “On the contrary, darlin’, seeing you naked would be very
    ‘climactic.’”
    “Har-har. Nope, you’ll get to see me all dolled up, without also knowing how much effort it took to get me that way. I want to surprise you.”
    “Seeing you naked would be a great surprise.”
    “Yeah, with my big, clunky cast and stitches all over my back, very sexy.”
    “You’re beautiful no matter what, darlin’. You won’t go for it, so I’ll leave you to finish your lunch.”
    Juliana took a sip of her tea and stood up as he did.