Page 2 of Cowboy Jeopardy

Dylan frowned at Dani’s pale face. She took a deep shuddering breath and shoved her phone into the pocket of her jeans. “Everything all right?”

“Yes.” She gave a shaky smile. “Wrong number.”

His frown deepened. The flitter of fear across her features and the way she avoided eye contact let him know she had lied. He exhaled heavily and led the way to the barn. Had he made a mistake in hiring her? He hoped not. “Do you ride, Dani?”

She shook her head and stepped back as Lightning, his dapple-gray stallion, stuck his head over the stall door in greeting. “Never had the need.”

“This is my pride and joy. He’s used for stud and doesn’t let anyone but me ride him.” Dylan rubbed the horse’s muzzle. “He won’t bite you. It’s important you learn to ride. My sons love to and ride every chance they get. You’ll need to accompany them on occasion. I’ve just the horse for you to learn on.”

“Lord have mercy,” she whispered.

He chuckled. “Seriously, you’ll be fine. Meet Daisy.” He led her to a roan mare with a white blaze. “She’s as gentle as a kitten.”

“Kittens have claws and sharp teeth.” She reached out a timid hand.

“Where’s the brave woman who faced down a murderous loan shark?” Still grinning, he raised a brow.

A laugh escaped her. “Guess a horse is nothing in comparison. Thank you for your help in…keeping the town safe during all that.”

“Hey, that’s what cowboys do.” He patted her shoulder. “We’ll start your riding lesson this afternoon. Let’s meet the rest of the crew, then you can help Mrs. White prepare lunch.”

One cowboy led a horse in a circle around a paddock, another forked hay, and multiple others swarmed the yard. Poor Dani. She looked like a deer caught in the headlights as he rattled off their names.

“I’ll never remember them all.”

“Sure, you will. In time. You won’t have much to do with them outside of mealtimes, but they’re a good, if not quiet group. They won’t give you any trouble.” Heads would roll if they did. Dylan prided himself on being a fair boss, but he was also a stickler for the rules. Respect was the number-one rule. “That’s the bunkhouse. It’s off limits to the boys, so it’s off limits to you.”

“Not a problem. I’m here to do my job, nothing more.” A determined look settled over her face. “I appreciate the opportunity you’ve given me for a new start and won’t mess that up.”

He certainly hoped not. There weren’t many folks in Misty Hollow willing to take on his two boys. The fact Dani was a twin herself had worked in her favor. Hopefully, she had the strength to deal with rowdy boys with a mischievous streak ten miles long. The last nanny had run off without collecting her paycheck.

He eyed the petite woman at his side and stifled a sigh. The boys would trample her unless he put the fear of God in them. Something he planned on doing the moment they returned home from school.

When they entered the kitchen through the back door, Mrs. White turned with a smile. “I wondered when I’d get to meet the only other woman in this house.”

“This is Dani Cooper. Dani, Mrs. White. You’ll help her when she needs it, if—” He smiled at the older woman, “you aren’t busy with the boys.”

“Pshaw. I’ll put those two rascals to work, too. It’s good to meet you, Dani.”

“Likewise. Is there anything I can help you with to prepare for lunch?” Dani reached for an apron on the wall.

Good. Dylan smiled and left the room. He liked the fact that she’d jump right in where needed. As for him, he had bookkeeping to tend to while the house was relatively quiet.

After his father had died two years ago, Dylan sold the ranch in Texas and rebuilt it on Misty Mountain, preferring hills and hollows to flat land with no trees. It hadn’t been easy, or cheap, but the renovated house had been worth it. If only Lauren had been alive to see the fruition of her dream. His wife had been an Arkansas born-and-bred girl. Coming here was his tribute to her and the legacy he promised to leave her sons.

What would she have thought of his giving people like his ranch hands and Dani a second chance? She would have agreed. His wife’s heart had been filled with the desire to help others.

He flipped open the ledger on his desk, confirming he was about tapped out of funds. If he didn’t get some foals to sell soon, he’d be up the proverbial creek without a paddle. Letting any of his hands go wasn’t an option. Nor was letting the new nanny go. Hopefully, without having to focus on the boys, at least for now, he could come up with some ideas to make money fast.

He tapped a pencil on his desk blotter. Maybe tours for the elementary school? Guided campouts during the summer? Dylan had the options if he could find the time. He had several tame horses children could ride, and he could buy more if he needed to. It might benefit his boys to help out with these things.

Nodding, he glanced up as the cowbell rang for lunch. He glanced out the window to see Dani ringing it. Scratching the back of his neck, he pushed to his feet. The woman was one more expense. Dylan prayed she’d be worth the money.

Chapter Two

Dani pulled intothe pickup line at the school. Dylan had told her the boys would recognize the truck and knew their new nanny would be coming for them. Hopefully, she’d get no trouble from them. If they were anything close to as ornery as she and Delly had been, she was in for a world of hurt.

The two boys emerged from the school and tussled with some other boys before stopping and glancing up and down the pickup line. One of them said something to the other, then they made their way at a snail’s pace to the truck. Dani hoped she’d learn to tell them apart quickly.

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