Read Online Lipstick and Leather: Three Sexy Cowboys, Three Sexy Tales by Cheyenne McCray - Free Book Online

for pay.”
    There were mutters of agreement as Joe raised his hand in a movement that said “hold on.”
    “I’d like to talk with you in private, ma’am.” His voice was hard as he spoke to her.
    She raised her notebook. “I have more to discuss.” Joe started toward the barn then paused and looked over his shoulder, waiting for her to follow.

    Anger stirred within her as she followed him into the barn. She didn’t know why she did what he wanted her to. He was the one who should be listening to her. Another thing she was going to have to talk with him about.
    The moment she entered the shadowed building, smells assaulted her and she sneezed.
    Again memories came to her, this time of her daddy holding her on a horse in front of him in the saddle.
    When she faced Joe, she was once again struck by how handsome he was and completely sexy. His shirtsleeves were rolled up and his western shirt was dirty. He looked like he had been working hard before he had stopped work to attend the meeting.
    “I have a couple of things to talk with you about.” She straightened. “I had intended to do so later but now is as good a time as any.”
    Words stuck in her throat as he stood closer, towering over her by about a foot. She straightened her backbone. She would not be intimidated by this man.
    “With all due respect, ma’am, you don’t get it. You need to talk with me about things before just laying that out to the men. We won’t have a ranch hand left with your approach. We’re down to bare bones as it is.” His voice lowered. “Those men are already working below going wages and that’s because they respected Bill, and they respect me. The only reason why they haven't already walked off the job is because I asked them to hold on while you and I talk.” He continued before she could say anything. “I have offers from all across the county.” Anger simmered in his words. “Hell, the only reason why I’ve stayed on is because I promised your daddy that I would see this through.”
    “Fine. I’ll hire new ranch hands and a new foreman.” She raised her chin. “In this economy there should be plenty of men willing to work for what I believe to be fair wages.” His hard edges were showing and it made her feel hot beneath her skin. “If it wasn’t for your daddy, I’d be gone by now. But I don’t want to see the ranch go down.”
    “I don’t have a choice.” She clenched her notebook until her knuckles ached. “The ranch is going under.”
    Joe looked like he was trying to maintain his cool. “I know times are tough but things are changing.”
    “I’m not seeing changes.” She wasn’t finding it easy to keep calm at all. “All I’m finding are things sliding.”
    “Cattle futures have skyrocketed,” he said. “We can’t stop now. It changes everything. We also just started subdividing land we don’t need and selling it off. That money will help the operation of this ranch to see us through this temporary slowdown.”

    “I’ve told you what we are going to do.” She put her hands on her hips. “If you don’t like it you should look into one of those job offers. Your salary isn’t exactly low.”
    “With due respect, ma’am,” he said again. “I have been doing this for fifteen years. You are wrong. Wages right now are close to where they were before I started because the guys were loyal and were promised bonuses when the ranch turned around. Your daddy promised that and he always did whatever he said he would.”
    She clenched her fists at her sides. “I am not used to subordinates who don’t understand authority and argue. What I say goes. I have run a successful business for years.”
    “That didn’t turn out so well for you, did it?” The anger in his words was clear. “I heard that business failed. We are all seeing tough times.”
    “You’re fired.” Fury had her grinding her teeth. “Get off my property.”
    “It’s obvious your daddy didn’t spank you enough.” He