Page 40 of The Breakdown

“They’re just wanting to cause trouble or what?”

“I’d say so. They never did like Vaughn much because she expected them to work and she wasn’t shy about getting on their case when she caught them lollygagging. And they didn’t like that much.”

“I just can’t imagine what they must’ve been like. Benny and Greer are such good workers and they’re so good with the horses.”

“Benny and Greer is good boys and these days, around these parts, that’s hard to find. We were lucky enough to know their families. So we know they was raised right. Whereas we didn’t know nothing about them other boys.”

“You’ve been getting some interest from the job postings I listed,” Natalie said. She’d seen some of the emails June had received. She’d been excited, hoping that the website and the details in the job listings were helping.

“Yeah, now I just gotta find the time to interview them. Vaughn needs to be in on it and she don’t got much free time these days.”

“Well, I can fill in for her. You know, do her chores while she takes time to interview. If that helps.”

“We might take you up on that. If Vaughn will allow it. She don’t like to give up control.”

“I can’t say I blame her. This ranch, she feels so responsible.”

“She’s a good girl. But sometimes her head’s too big and too stubborn for her own good. She overthinks and she refuses to give in and that don’t leave room for much in the way of growth.” June waved her hand. “But I’ve gone and said too much again. She’s gonna tan my hide before it’s over with.”

“You just care about her and worry. I understand. And I promise I won’t say anything.”

June looked at her. “You seem to be a good girl, too, don’t ya? And I can tell you care about this ranch and Vaughn too.”

“I do.”

“I wish Vaughn could find someone like you. Settle down. Relax a little.”

Natalie blushed. She wasn’t sure what to say. Just the mere thought of being with Vaughn was nearly overwhelming. She knew she’d think about it the rest of the day and well into the night. She’d imagine her strong body lying down over hers, her able hands skimming over her aching skin, her beautiful mouth capturing her tight, budding—

“I didn’t mean to imply anything,” June said, interrupting her thoughts.

“You didn’t,” she said a little too quickly.

June pushed off from the bars. “I better go before I get myself into trouble.” She wagged her finger at her. “You be good, ya hear?” She grinned, teasing her.

Natalie smiled in return, though her face was still on fire and her heart was hammering in her chest. “I will,” she managed, but her mind went right back to Vaughn lying with her in her bed, late, late at night and Natalie knew she was being anything but good.

Chapter Sixteen

“I want you to look at this,” June said as she pointed at the computer screen.

Vaughn walked over to the desk with her wet, sun-streaked hair combed back from her face and a pair of cotton pajama pants on, along with a threadbare T-shirt. She smelled of a fresh, spicy soap as she knelt down next to June.

June pointed to the bottom of the website screen. “See that? That’s how many visitors we’ve had to the site.”

“Oh.”

“Oh? Is that all you have to say?”

“What do you want me to say?”

“Well, considering that Natalie says this is already double what we had for all of last year, I’d say you owe this a lot more than just ‘oh.’”

“Double?” She stood.

“Yes, double. And it’s only been close to two weeks since it went live.”

“Wow.”

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