Read Online Billionaire Boss by Meagan McKinney - Free Book Online

wants for nothing. Nothing.”
    â€œIt wasn’t the land he wanted. Hell, he could have gotten a ranch anywhere. And I didn’t have to sell to him. You know that. I’ve sent bigger wolves than him back to the city with their tails between their legs after they ask to buy me out.”
    â€œThen why?” Kirsten asked, nothing making sense now.
    Hazel met her gaze. With a wisdom that was beyond even her seventy-plus years, she said, “Sometimes a person can go a-wanting most when he has everything. Sometimes city folk arethe loneliest people on earth, but it’s not from having no company—too much company there, if you ask me. That’s why I’ll never leave Mystery.”
    Kirsten wondered if she understood. “Are you telling me it’s something bigger than the land Seth wanted?”
    â€œMaybe. What do you think?”
    She wasn’t sure.
    Her hesitation and uncertainty must have shown on her face, because Hazel said, “He’s only your boss, cowgirl. You don’t have to answer the question, just work for him. In fact, I’m wondering—just a little, mind you—why you want to know all these things?”
    A sly smile tipped the corner of the cattle baroness’s pretty mouth. “Unless, of course, you want to figure him out—but then there go all your guarantees, right out the barn door with the pony.”
    â€œHazel, you’re wicked, you know that? Just plain wicked.” Kirsten nudged her. “But then, you haven’t gone up against Seth Morgan either, and I don’t see your schemes working there.”
    â€œNever underestimate age and treachery, my dear.” The famous blue eyes winked at her. “I make eight seconds every time.”
    Kirsten laughed at the woman’s bull-riding metaphor.
    The only thing she could think to say next was, “Gee, I’m way overdue for a drink.”
    Grabbing a cold beer, she left Hazel to her machinations and surveyed the crowd once more to see if anyone needed anything. The band was on break, but the crowd seemed to have enough ribs and cold drinks not to notice.
    â€œKirsten.”
    She turned around, surprised to find James standing there. He was staring at her, a hungry look in his brown eyes she knew all too well.
    â€œBand on a break?” she asked, hiding her surprise beneath a pleasant tone of voice. “You guys really sound good, by the way.”
    â€œI didn’t look you up, girl, to get your opinion of the band. I want to know how the hell you are.” He crossed his arms over his chest.
    She smiled, another ploy to cover her nervousness around him. “Fine. Just fine. And how are you?”
    â€œWondering why we aren’t married by now,” he answered sourly.
    Inwardly she groaned. When she’d hired the band to play for the barbecue she’d hoped they wouldn’t have to go there. “I thought we’d settled this—”
    â€œYou aren’t dating anyone else here in Mystery. So why not me?”
    â€œHow do you know I’m not—”
    He interrupted her again. “I know. I’m from this town, remember? My friends keep me informed.”
    Exasperated, she said, “Well, your friends might be wrong. Thought of that?”
    He grabbed her hand and tried to pull her to him. “C’mon, little lady. You just think you’re better than everyone else here ’cause you went to fancy schools and all, but deep down you know I’m good enough. Maybe even too good.”
    She closed her eyes, desperate to keep her temper. “James, we discussed this. We’re just not right for each other—”
    â€œIs this not right?” He bent to kiss her.
    She pulled away.
    He tried again.
    â€œNo. I said no,” she protested, trying to wrench her arm free.
    Suddenly he was pulled from her and thrust aside like so much trash.
    â€œThe lady said no,” Seth growled, his sea-colored eyes