A Cowboy Unmatched (17 page)
She nodded, though the stubborn tilt of her chin did nothing to reassure him that she comprehended the absolute necessity of obedience.
“I will leave strict instructions regarding where you may and may not venture on this property, and I expect those instructions to be followed to the letter. Should you fail to comply, you will forfeit your position.”
The young lady schooled her features into a properly sober demeanor. “I understand, sir, and will, of course, abide by your wishes.”
He swore he could hear the qualifierâ
As
long as I deem it appropriate
âwafting in the air about her. This was not a woman one contained with threats. No, she'd follow his commands only as long as it suited her purposes. Not that he sensed anything nefarious about her. On the contrary, she was quite the most genuine person he'd met in years. Yet there was something untamed about her. Something below the surface. Like a wild mare that had been broken to saddle even while her spirit stood ready to race the wind the moment the reins were loosened.
Darius turned his face away from her, pretending to peer at something outside his window. The woman was interfering with his focus, drawing him into her puzzle with her bright smile and hidden depths. He couldn't afford to be distracted from his work, from his purpose. Yet neither could he afford to continue on without a secretary, and she was his only applicant. A far more qualified one than he had hoped to find, even amongst the local male population. That outweighed his personal . . . discomfort.
He was master of his own mind, after all. He'd simply refuse to give her the power to distract him. She'd work in the study, and he in the workshop. They would rarely need to cross each other's path. Besides, once she'd been around a few days, he'd grow accustomed to her, much like one grew accustomed to a new piece of furniture in a room. She'd eventually stop standing out and would be absorbed into the surroundings, like everything else about the place.
Yes, he could handle her.
He spun around again to face her, though he focused slightly to the side to avoid full contact with her eyes. “Meals will be included, and a stipend will be delivered at the end of each month.”
“Week.”
His gaze arrowed back to hers. “Pardon?”
This time she was the first to look away. “If it wouldn't be too much trouble, I'd prefer to be paid at the end of each week. My father is ill, and I'm trying to do all I can to help him.” She looked directly at him again, and while he didn't detect any untruth in her, he did sense there was more to her story than she was letting on.
Curious.
“A compromise, then.” He watched her closely. “Payment twice a month. Would that be agreeable?”
A slight tightening about her lips was the only hint of her disappointment. She nodded. “Yes.”
“Good. Then I'll have Wellborn assist you in collecting your things from town.” Right after he had his man remind him of his new secretary's name.
We hope you've enjoyed this special sample ofÂ
Full Steam Ahead
by Karen Witemeyer.
For more information on this book, please visit
www.bethanyhouse.com
or your favorite bookstore.
Two-time RITA Award finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and the ACFW Carol Award, bestselling author
Karen Witemeyer
writes historical romance because she believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher and shower singer, and she bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at
www.
karenwitemeyer.com
.
A Tailor-Made Bride
Head in the Clouds
To Win Her Heart
Short-Straw Bride
Stealing the Preacher
Full Steam Ahead
A Match Made in Texas: A Novella Collection
