Page 2 of Winter Wrangler

So he did see that. Great. “Yes, okay?” I roll my eyes, but he's so high above me that I doubt he can see it. “I don’t need the I told you so.”

Not only does he constantly glare at me, but he also makes his offhanded comments. He always has something to say so clearly thinks I'm inept.

“I wasn't going to say that.”

“Sure,” I say dryly as we enter the kitchen. “You always…” I trail off. “Holy crap.” The kitchen is a baker's dream. It’s got multiple sinks and ovens with all the counter space in the world. The gas stove is commercial size with so many burners.

When I helped Sabrina with the holiday tour, I thought she and Booker Pine had an amazing kitchen. The one in front of me blows theirs out of the water.

It’s tradition in Mittenville to have the holiday tour the week after Thanksgiving. I’d gone over to their house to make sweets since Booker hired the diner to cater the event. That’s where I first met Devin. He and Booker are business partners and ranchers. I believe their primary focus is cattle, though I'm not entirely certain. They are a bit of a mystery to the people of Mittenville, so we don’t know much about anything they do. But since the first time I saw Devin, he’s always at their house when I turn up. He’s usually there to glare at me and make his little comments.

“I take it that this kitchen will work for you?” Devin smirks.

“You really want to hire me as a cook?” Baking is my specialty, but I can cook anything. Honestly, I thought he didn't like my food. At least that was the impression I’d gotten the day of the tour.

"I'd like to hire you for a lot more than that."

Chapter Two

DEVIN

I can’t believe Joy is here, in my home. I wasn’t sure it was possible, but now that she’s here, I’m not sure I’m going to be able to let her go.

“What do you mean?” Her eyes narrow like she can see my scheming thoughts.

“Look, this job pays a lot because I need someone I can rely on. I’m willing to shell out whatever it is you need to make it worth your while. But I need the person that’s going to take this job to be on site.”

“What do you mean by ‘on site’?”

“Just what it sounds like.” I lean against the counter and try to appear casual. If I push too hard too fast, I know I’m going to scare her off. She’s like a little snow bunny trying to make it through the winter without getting eaten by the big bad wolf. Now that I’ve already set the trap, all I have to do is wait for her to hop through it. “I need someone who can cook, but I’m a busy man. I suppose what I really need is an assistant.”

“I’m not sure I’m cut out for that.” Her eyes fill with disappointment as she nibbles on her bottom lip.

“You mean you can’t follow me around and write down what I need done?” I grin at her as I shake my head. “Come on, Joy. We both know you’re more than capable of handling what I can give you.”

I don’t mean for the words to come out sexual, but the way my eyes move up and down her curves is nothing but filthy. Every part of my body heats, but most of the blood in my brain is going to my dick. I can feel it throbbing in time with my heartbeat as I think of all the ways I could boss her around.

“I’m not sure I want to stay here full time.” She’s hesitant, and I see the way her fingers fidget with the hem of her sweater.

“Why not?” I raise my chin toward the front door. “That car of yours doesn’t look like it’s going to get you out of the driveway, much less back to town. And I know you’re sleeping over your cousin's garage.”

“How do you know about that? You never come into town.”

“How do you know I never come to town?” I grin again and lean forward. “Are you looking for me?”

“Get over yourself,” she huffs and crosses her arms over her chest.

I want to tell her I know where she lives because I know everything about her. I can’t get ahead of myself, so I focus on getting her to agree to this job.

“The way I hear it, your cousin is kicking you out so he can move his mistress in there. But my guess is that as soon as his baby mama finds out, she’s going to set the place on fire. If I were you, I wouldn’t want to be there when it happens.”

“How can someone have so much drama?” She sighs so hard her shoulders sag, and then she takes a seat at the bar. “Seriously, he’s like a real housewife or something.”

“How about this?” I say as I reach into the drawer of the island and take out a pen and a piece of paper. “You move in here and take care of what I need done.” I scribble a number on the paper and then fold it over before I slide it across the island to her. “I’ll pay to get your car fixed and give you this on top of it.”

When she takes the piece of paper, our fingers briefly touch, and it makes my knees weak. Jesus, what this woman does to me.

“Holy shit,” she whispers to herself as her eyes flash with shock.

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