Free Count This Cowboy In by Misty Malone

spanking well.  Real well.  And you're not arguing with me now about sitting your saddle."  He looked over at her. "I think we're going to get along just fine." 
    He loved seeing the big smile on her face. 
    He kept a slow pace going back, making it easier for them to keep up a casual conversation.  He also knew that although it extended the time she spent in her saddle, it would be much less painful than a faster pace with more bouncing.
    When they got back to the barn , Grant was standing outside waiting for them.  "Everything okay, boss?  I was about to get a search party together."
    With an easy chuckle Trevor assured his foreman . "Everything's fine.  I was just showing Sam around the ranch a bit."  He smiled at her and said, "And I took a little time to see how she handles a horse, as well.  She's no rookie.  She's quite accomplished."
    Sam beamed at him.  "Thank you.  But it's because I've been riding since I was little.  I love riding."
    " It shows." 
    They smiled at each other , while Grant smiled to himself.  He wondered how much of the time they'd actually spent in their saddles.  His boss didn't often look at a lady that way and in his opinion it was about time he did.
     
     
    The next day Sam got to the ranch a bit earlier.  She was anxious to get started on the books.  She wanted to get them brought up to date from the point where his mom was still doing them.  Something was bothering her and she hadn 't figured out yet what it was.
    She had worked a couple hours before she even thought about washing curtains and bedspreads.  She went to the kitchen, headed for the back door and the guesthouse.  Consuela was in the kitchen and asked, "Ready for a break, Miss Sam?"
    " I was so anxious to get started on the books that I forgot all about washing the bedspread and sheets.  I wanted to get started on that early today.  I can't believe I forgot it." 
    She was headed for the door when Consuela said, "I'll go help and we can get the curtains down.  I have the sheets in the dryer and some towels in the washer.  The bedspread is hanging up on the line.  I need some help for the curtains, though, to get them down."
    Sam stopped walking and turned to look at Consuela, who almost ran into her.  "You already washed all that stuff up?"
    " Of course.  I'm anxious to have Miss Sam move in, so I started early."
    " But I was going to do it.  You shouldn't have had to do it."
    " I didn't have to do it.  Trevor didn't tell me to do it.  He just asked if I had time and would mind helping you.  I knew you would be busy because the books have been neglected for a long time, so I thought I will do the wash, you do the books.  Then they will both get done."
    " Well, thank you very much, I really appreciate it."
    " You're very welcome.  It will be so good to have another woman around this ranch."
    They walked out to the guesthouse together, talking about how men just don't understand some things like another woman does.
    Sam was happy to see the windows were open so the house would be aired out nicely.  She heard some pounding coming from inside and asked, "Is someone hammering in there?  What are they doing?"
    She opened the door to walk in and was surprised when Trevor said, "We're making a few repairs for you.  While we were cleaning it up we found a few things that needed fixed."
    " Trevor.  I'm surprised to see you here."
    He looked up at her, grinning.  "Why?  I live here."
    " Oh, you know what I mean.  I figured you'd have other things you'd have to do."
    The ranch hand that was working with Trevor quickly picked up on the teasing banter between his boss and Sam and caught the way they looked at each other and the way Consuela was watching the two of them and smiling.  He winked at Consuela and told Sam, "He wanted to be sure this was cleaned real good and in good shape for you to move in.  I guess he cared enough to oversee it himself."
    Trevor looked at his helper and growled, "You