AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He nodded hastily.
“Good. Let’s go see about that pipe.”
After dinner at the hotel, Farley, Buck, and Matt rode back to the ranch, leaving Kent, Eddy, and Luz Salinas to talk about the housekeeping job. Portia hadn’t joined them for the meal. Kent’s initial disappointment was overridden by concern when Eddy explained that Portia had a slight headache from being in the sun all day. Eddy assured him that after a good night’s sleep, her niece would be right as rain, but he knew he’d continue to worry until he saw her for himself.
“What will my duties be, specifically?” Luz asked breaking into his thoughts.
“Meals three time a day and the upkeep on the house. Your Saturdays and Sundays can be your own if you want.”
She assessed him silently. To Kent she appeared to be about Eddy’s age and was just as beautiful. There was a bit of gray in the long jet-black hair.
“We’re going to fix up the bedroom off the kitchen for you, but until it and the washroom are ready, you can use Blanchard’s room.”
“Salary?” she asked Eddy.
Because the Fontaines would be paying her, Kent let Eddy ride point and simply listened. When the discussion ended, Luz said, “The salary sounds fine, but these are my conditions. My bedroom door has a lock. I will take Sundays off. If I need a Saturday instead I will give you plenty of notice.”
He nodded.
“You will have no women in the house overnight and there’ll be no walking around in your drawers.”
He suppressed his smile.
“I want to plant a garden and get some hens for that old coop on the property. I will do your wash—”
“I’m accustomed to doing my own, so not necessary.”
She looked surprised.
“He cooks, too, Luz, so you can decide whether you want him in your kitchen or not,” Eddy cracked.
“He any good?” she asked, showing a small smile for the first time.
“He is.”
“Good or not, they’re paying me to cook, Mr.Randolph, so I expect you to let me do my job. If I ever need your help, I’ll let you know.”
“Understood.”
“Also I don’t like drunks.”
He thought about Matt. “Neither do I.”
She seemed satisfied by his answers. “When do you want me to start?”
“Tomorrow, or as soon as possible.”
“How’s tomorrow at noon sound? That will give me a chance to make arrangements with the landlord where I’m living now.”
“That sounds good.”
Riding back to the ranch under the light of the moon, Kent was glad to have settled things with Mrs.Salinas but his thoughts were still on Portia. He felt guilty about having her out in the sun to the point where she’d had to pass on coming for dinner. He thought maybe he should apologize next time they crossed paths, but he wouldn’t apologize for their passionate interlude. He’d enjoyed it and she had, too.
