Free Suited to be a Cowboy by Lorraine Nelson Page B

deposit book. We need to go to the
bank anyway so I can add you as signing authority on the account.”
    “There’s no need for that.”
    She leaned back in her chair, crossed her legs, and
smiled. “Yes, there is a need. You will be handling the accounts for the ranch.
That means purchases, payroll, and deposits.”
    “Then set it up for two signatures on each check.”
    “Why? Are you trying to tell me you’re not trustworthy?”
    “No, it’s just in your own best interests to keep control
of the funds.”
    “What if I’m away and you need to buy something?”
    Jimmy stared at her long and hard. She fidgeted, crossing
one beautiful leg over the other, picking lint off her blouse, wiggling around
on the chair, anything to avoid looking at him, or so it seemed.
    “If you’re away, I’ll pay for any purchases and you can
reimburse me. But you need to learn how to read accounting reports. Deal?” He
held out his hand.
    “Deal.”
    She took his proffered hand, and the warmth of her touch went
straight to his heart. He had to get away from her for a few minutes. Regain
some control. His emotions had never been in such a quandary. “Okay. I’m off to
speak with Brian.”
    “What if the lawyer calls back? What do I say? You’re the
one who has all the answers for any questions he might ask.”
    “You’re an intelligent woman and you know enough to give
him the gist of it. Don’t underestimate yourself.” He wrote something on a slip
of paper and passed it to her. “Here’s my cell number. If you need me, holler,
but I suspect you’ll do just fine.”
    Even after the way she’d messed up, he still believed she
was a smart woman. It hadn’t taken much of a nudge to get her moving on his
suspicions. He could be wrong, but the entire scenario stunk. Her marriage had
ended, her grandfather died, and they’d moved. Three major upheavals within six
months. Her main concern during that time would’ve been her son, so Jimmy could
understand her steering clear of the racetrack and any contact with her ex.
    When Jimmy went outside, Sherry was in the home corral. He
headed in that direction and let loose a shrill whistle. The horse’s head
jerked up. She whinnied and reared, showing off, then ran like the wind to meet
him at the fence.
    He caressed her velvety nose. “Hey, girl. Lovely morning.
Are you enjoying the new digs as much as I am?” She whinnied again, her upper
lip curling as if she was laughing. “Yeah, I know. Lots better for you than
being cooped up all day.”
    “I do that too,” said a man’s voice from directly behind
him.
    Jimmy whirled in surprise to see Brian, the ranch foreman.
“It’s been just my horse and me for a long time. Got to be a habit.” He grinned
at the older man. “Thanks for taking care of Sherry and letting her out for a
run. She’s already in heat and we need to keep her close to the home paddock,
away from the stallions.”
    “Not a problem.”
    “Good. Now for ranch business. I was just about to go
looking for you.”
    Brian nodded, giving him a thoughtful look. “Is that so?
What can I help you with?”
    Jimmy passed him the stack of papers. “Can you tell me
what these purchases were for?”
    Brian glanced at the first page. “Tractor repairs.”
    He passed it back and Jimmy made a quick note on it. They
continued in this vein until they reached the final page. “You have a good
memory. Some of these go back to the first of the year.”
    “Been doing this a long time, sonny. You get to know parts
and supplies after a while.”
    “Yes, I imagine you do. I must get back to the office and
start entering this stuff. Thanks for your help and for seeing to my horse.”
    “No problem. She’s a beauty. I’ll look after her for you.
Seems like you’ll have your work cut out for you playing catch-up. Melissa’s
not one for bookwork and except for figuring the men’s wages, I’m not either.”
    “Speaking of which, warn the men that I need to catch up
on