The Rancher's Seduction

The Steeles seemed to have everything money could buy...and yet they’d suffered the worst blow a family could face, losing two loved ones. She understood that kind of pain wasn’t anything money could fix. Her father had killed himself out of guilt for his role in that plane crash, and his death haunted her still.

She shook off thoughts of the past that threatened her focus. She needed to familiarize herself with the place, to do the best job possible so as not to arouse suspicion.

Like her bedroom, the kitchen featured a grand window over the sink, allowing another breathtaking view of the wilderness. The stone facade of the octagon kitchen island repeated the use of natural elements in the house. More stone framed the pine cabinets where condiments, spices and mixing bowls were carefully arranged. Laying a hand on the sand-colored granite countertop, she surveyed the rustic space. Light bounced off the glass cabinet panes. Built-in appliances were sleek and functional.

Perhaps she’d mischaracterized this space. Not quite a forest. The arrangement of stones reminded her of a special she’d seen on Viking halls. Something decidedly masculine about this space had her cheeks heating even though Marshall hadn’t reappeared. She’d been given a list of her boss’s preferences, courtesy of his new stepmother. What she hadn’t known how to make, she’d studied up on prior to arriving.

The inside of his refrigerator was just as incredible as the rest of the house.

Stocked to the nines with fruits, meats and a variety of cheeses. The freezer was every bit as impressive. She hadn’t even made it to the pantry yet, but she felt sure preparing meals here—and eating the food—would be a dream.

Cooking for Christmas in this restaurant-quality space would be memorable. She itched to get to work on researching menu options.

And yes, she was distracting herself with business to keep her mind off her boss. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected. The Steele siblings were all renowned for being attractive and intelligent. She should have researched more about Marshall in particular, but she’d never come across this issue in her work in the past. She’d considered herself immune. She’d been wrong.

But more unsettling, it seemed to her, those rogue feelings were reciprocated.

There’d been a curiosity in his eyes that gave her pause. She didn’t want him searching too deeply. She needed to keep her professionalism in place, do her job and lay family ghosts to rest. All so she could move forward with a future that was secure financially and emotionally.

“Tallulah...”

His voice pulled her out of her reverie.

“Tally,” she reminded him without looking over her shoulder. She kept her head buried in the refrigerator to cool her cheeks, which were already heating with a blush.

“Tally...” His footsteps drew closer. “What are you doing?”

“I’m making you something to eat. Hopefully you’ll share, because I’m starved,” she said with a brisk efficiency she hoped would set the right tone going forward.

A tone that didn’t involve the two of them soaking wet, inches apart.

“Ah, the whole room-and-board deal.” He leaned a hip on the polished stone counter.

Tally did her best not to appreciate his rugged unkempt hair, which curled ever so slightly. Or the way his scruff highlighted his sharp, strong jawline.

“Exactly.” She pulled out a package of ground moose and fresh vegetables for burgers. Not fancy, but fast and filling with top-quality ingredients. “Where’s your dog?”

“Nugget’s drying off in my bathroom, staying warm on the heated floor.”

A heated floor for a pup. This was definitely a world away from her little apartment. Another reason the attraction to this man was dangerous. A romance between her and her wealthy boss was an unlikely match from the get-go.

“I took a guess at what you would like based on what was in your refrigerator and a list of favorites from your stepmother. Although some of what’s in the fridge looks like meals brought over by others, perhaps to help during your recovery? You’re lucky to have so many people who care for you.” She tried to keep the wistfulness from her tone. She’d understood too well how difficult life could be without family support when she found herself alone and pregnant. Did Marshall appreciate the blessing of his big family?

“You’ve done better than I could have one-handed. Thanks.” He gestured to an indoor grill with a chimney vent. “Although I can grill them.”

“You could. But I prefer to earn my keep.” She busied her hands placing the ground meat in a bowl to keep from surrendering to the temptation to pick a piece of lint from his shirt. To touch him.

“There’s not going to be a lot to keep you occupied around this place.” He passed her the fresh spices. “I’m fairly self-sufficient, even with the cast.”

“No offense meant, but the place is dusty.” In fact, she’d already made a list of tasks to accomplish before the fund-raiser and in preparation for Christmas. The holidays were going to be chaotic enough blending the Steele and Mikkelson traditions. Luckily, much of the Christmas prep would also double as party prep. She needed to stay focused on her work, her tasks and her goal of making peace with her family’s past. “I don’t know what you were paying the other cleaning lady to do during her visits.”

“Are you angling to take her place permanently?”

His question caught her off guard. If her father hadn’t been the mechanic for that fated aircraft... If she hadn’t found her boss so incredibly attractive...

Then yes, this would have been the perfect job for her to seek long-term.

But that wasn’t the case.

“I’m only pointing out facts. My work will speak for itself and hopefully garner a good reference for another job.” She placed the patties out for the burgers, arranging three on a dish. “Wait until you see what I can do with my special brand of homemade fabric softener.”

“Homemade, huh?”

“I use all-natural cleaning supplies. Better for the environment and my health.” She’d started off mixing her own to save money and go easy on the environment, then found she liked the products better. She felt better, too—less sinus and skin irritation from work.

“Am I going to start seeing tofu and alfalfa sprouts in my food?” He tapped the plate, eyeing the burgers suspiciously.

“Do you like sprouts and tofu?” she found herself asking contrarily, even though they were both low on her list of favorites.

“Haven’t tried them.” He turned on the indoor grill, the flames licking upward to heat the grate.

“So you prejudge.” She was playing with fire, bantering with him. Yet she couldn’t seem to stop.

“Do you always argue with your employers?” He turned toward her to take the plate, their fingers brushing.

The light touch sent electricity crackling through her, leaving her loath to pull her hand from his.

“Not arguing. Just making conversation.”

“Uh-huh.” He took the plate, backing away slowly, then turned.

He flipped the burgers on the grill, the sizzling meat sending spicy scents into the air. His low growl of approval stirred her. Deeply. Calling to mind other primal pleasures.

Six weeks suddenly sounded like a very long time.

Heat built inside him faster than any smoking from the stone grill. Marshall watched Tally turn toward the pantry, all sass and sex rolled into one.

He read loud and clear the boss/employee boundaries she was keeping in place, and he respected her for that. And still...he was tempted.

Nudging the burgers on the grates and judging them nearly done, he knew full well there was no tofu or sprouts blended in since he didn’t keep any in stock. Still, she’d made him laugh. Something he didn’t do often.

Through narrowed eyes, he watched her arrange lettuce, pickle wedges and tomato slices on a small platter. She had a smooth way of moving, each motion blending right into the next.

Had they met a month ago, he would have pursued her like gangbusters. But with his broken arm and the taste for alcohol simmering just below the surface, he was reminded how tenuous sobriety could be.

He couldn’t afford change, not now.

She set a lone place at the table.