Free Expecting the Cowboy's Baby by Charlene Sands Page A

chair behind a no-nonsense mahogany desk. Dark panels made up three of the walls with inlaid shelves housing a mass of books. Deepburgundy-velour drapes partially covered two bay windows that looked out upon the ranch.
    Cassie would say it was definitely a man’s room.
    â€œCome in and have a seat. Feeling better?”
    â€œYes, much better. I think it was car sickness or something.” She took a seat in a smaller leather chair facing him.
    â€œGood. Marie is setting up a light supper on the veranda. And after we eat, I’ll show you to the guest house. We just need to go over some things in your contract and have you sign on the dotted line. Lottie assures me you’re agreeable to the conditions?”
    â€œYes, it’s all been worked out.”
    He nodded. “Take a look at this.” He turned the contract on his desk her way and gave it a little shove. “Read it over and let me know if you have any questions.”
    Cassie took a moment to read what was expected of her. The salary was more than generous, considering she’d be living rent-free in the guest house, and everything else seemed to be in order. “No, no questions. This is what we agreed upon.” Anxious to start her new job, Cassie picked up a pen and signed the document.
    â€œGreat,” Mr. Anderson said, standing. “You must be hungry. Let’s go get us some grub.”
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    Cassie stood in the center of the “guest house” living room, shaking her head. The place wasn’t exactly what she’d expected. She’d had visions of a small, cozy, cabin-like home where there would be no mistaking typical ranch-style living. But this house was decorated in modern rustic, with adobe-colored walls and the furniture barely hinting at its Western heritage. There was an open, airy feel to the place that sent endorphins swimming through her body. The minute she’d walked in, she knew she’d love living here. And the place was actually larger than most L.A condos.Highlighting the living room was a red-stone fireplace and two matching sofas set in soft hues of beige and peach. The house had two good-size bedrooms, a master with its own bath, a full kitchen with a nook overlooking the mountains to the east and a full dining area. There was a small built-in bar halfway between the living and dining areas. The other bedroom Mr. Anderson had designated as her office complete with a computer, fax machine and two phone lines.
    He’d explained that Lottie had done her work in an office in the main house, but both had figured Cassie would like her privacy. He’d also explained there were no set hours to the job. When she was through with her work, she was free for the rest of the day. He didn’t expect her to work on the weekends, unless there was something pressing that couldn’t wait until Monday.
    Cassie let out a long, contented sigh, feeling more at peace now that the initial meeting was over. Her stomach was much better and the anxiety over her job was all but gone.
    Her car was parked inside a small garage attached to the house. She’d brought in only one suitcase, far too tired to think about unpacking tonight. She’d worry about the rest of her stuff tomorrow. Cassie planned to take a quick shower, change into her nightclothes and go straight to bed. Glancing out the window, she chuckled softly. “The sun’s barely setting and you’re going to bed.”
    This was what she’d wanted—to live easier, simpler and with less stress. Yet, she couldn’t help feeling a bit lonely. “Tomorrow, Cassie Munroe, you are going to start your life.”
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    Jake Griffin turned the key in the lock and entered the dark solitude of his home. Exhausted from the long, grueling drive back from Colorado, all he wanted to do was to stripout of his clothes and get some sleep. He littered clothes from the front room, tossing his boots and shirt aside, his pants