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Bennett reflexively rubbed his hand across his smooth cheeks. She did?
Knock it off. You’re not here to get manscaping ideas.
“Thanks, Ms. Newman. It feels like the cowboy way of life for sure.”
The older cowboy walked past Bennett and tipped his hat. His face was familiar, but not enough to rouse a name from Bennett’s head.
“Looks like you’ve got a full crew, huh?”
Maggie smiled when her gaze met his. Bennett’s heart responded by beating a little faster.
“Well, hey there, stranger. I was wondering if I’d see you today.”
“Sorry. I’ve been helping my mom while she works on the catering gig. Bill’s wedding’s in three weeks.”
It was partly true, anyway. The other part, where he’d avoided coming by till he could make heads or tails of his feelings for her? Yeah, he’d keep that to himself.
“I’m just getting the guys situated. What can I do for you?”
“It’s actually what I can do for you. I had some ideas about herd movement for the summer I wanted to run by you.”
Her cheeks—always a barometer for her emotions—turned a light pink, and her gaze meandered to the bunkhouse just as Johnny Matthews came strutting out. His hat was tipped low over his eyes, but Bennett could feel the arrogance wafting off him.
“Well, if it isn’t Benny Marshall. You’re a little too far east, aren’t ya?”
“Johnny.” Bennett extended a hand that was ignored. “I was intrigued to hear you took a job here. Doesn’t your own property need you up north?”
“Nah. My crew’s got it covered.”
“You knew I hired John and his father?” Maggie asked.
Bennett nodded, his jaw set and tense. “Jax let me know. We go back a ways, don’t we, Johnny?”
The smarmy grin Johnny shot him made his lunch sit uncomfortably in his stomach. “We do.”
“How’d you come across Maggie’s offer if you’re living up by Abilene?” Bennett asked.
“My pops lives in Tornado Alley and I’m helping him find work. Figured I could lend a hand as well. I’m just volunteering for the time being. Offering my know-how to Ms. Newman here free of charge.”
Ha. Free for now, maybe.
“Well, aren’t you the Good Samaritan?”
“Boys,” Maggie intervened, her arms crossed over her chest. “I’m not paying either of you, which means I can tell both of you to get lost and it won’t cost me a thing. Play nice or get out. Got it?”
Bennett nodded but didn’t take his eyes off Johnny. Rats always bit when they thought they weren’t being watched.
“Yes, ma’am,” they said in unison.
“Okay. Good. Now, Bennett, you said something about wanting to talk to me about my plans for the cattle?”
“I do. I was thinking you should move them east and south into the canyon. You have some small fields for grazing, and there’ll be plenty of water and shade.”
Johnny made a noise like an agitated bull.
“John said the south fields are the best for the cattle right now. That it’ll start raining soon and cool things off during the middle of the day.”
“That’s right, Ms. Newman. It’s more conservative and leaves more room for error. You can always move the herd later in summer if things shift.”
