Page 19 of Unforgettable Cowboy
“I lost track of time dealing with the pipe.I can still make it.”He took hold of Spot’s reins, which he’d looped around the horse’s neck.
“Would you like to take the quad?”
He eyed the ATV parked at the top of the draw, then shook his head.
“I thought you might want to clean up before you scare the woman?”
“Maybe it’s best that she sees what she’s up against.”
“Good point.”
“By the way,” Hayes led Spot across the shallow stream as he spoke, “would you consider staying for the interview?”Before Bailey could come up with a response to the surprise question, he added, “I might need a second opinion and frankly, I’ve never interviewed anyone before.”
“Neither have I.”
“But you’vebeeninterviewed, and you have a business degree.”
“Haven’t you?Been interviewed, I mean?”
He shook his head.“I’ve only had ranch jobs and pretty much they all fell into my lap.”
“Lucky you.”
“Will you stay?”
She hesitated, then said, “Sure.”Why not?If he needed to discuss his single candidate, which Bailey was certain he’d hire as long as she was upright, then she could give him some time.Besides that, it was another hour before quitting time.
She turned to head back up the hill to the quad, stumbled, and Hayes instantly righted her with a hand on her arm.He released her as soon as she got her balance and she continued to climb, not looking back.She could still feel the lingering impression of his hand on her arm and had to remind herself that while it was gratifying to find that someone had her back, it wasn’t something she would come to depend on.She didn’t need anyone to have her back.
That said, there were parts of her that she wouldn’t mind Hayes having, but that was a conversation for another day.
*
Estelle Mendoza wasa small woman in her fifties, neatly dressed in khaki slacks and a blue print blouse, and Bailey could see the resemblance to her quiet daughter.She also noted the flicker of concern on her face when she took in the cowboy with the sludgy jeans walking toward where she waited on the bench seat next to the front yard gate.
“Ms.Mendoza,” Hayes said.He looked down at his muddy self, then said, “Sorry I’m late.We had an accident on the hill.”
“Nothing serious I hope.”Estelle got to her feet, holding a portfolio against her chest like a student clutching a textbook.
“No.Just dirty.”
“I’m glad to hear that.I was afraid I got the wrong time.”She spoke softly and Bailey knew Hayes well enough to see that he was already having misgivings about the candidate’s ability to handle his uncle.
“Ranch time,” he said, gesturing toward Bailey, who smiled.“This is Bailey Hunt.”
“I recall.”Estelle’s smile was gentle and genuine.“You were a year ahead of Paige.”
“I was.How is Paige?”
“Doing well.”
“Shall we go inside?”Hayes opened the gate, ushering Estelle up the path while shooting Bailey a look that clearly said,“Are you coming?”
Bailey followed the two into the house, noting that the carburetor was gone from the table.A nice touch.
Hayes took a seat and Bailey sat after Estelle had placed her portfolio on the table.She felt out of place, but she’d said she’d stay, and she would.
Hayes outlined the job, caring for the house, doing the laundry and, until Wade was back on his feet, minor cooking responsibilities.
