Page 35 of Shades of Mercy
He ignored her sarcasm. “You’ll have access to do whatever you’d like on the property. I just wanted the opportunity to show you around. There are a lot of areas on the ranch that can be dangerous.”
“It’s a pain in the behind when Mateo treats me like a suffocating brother. I don’t need a suffocating cousin, too.”
“Mercy, I get it. I do. I’m just doing my best.”
She nodded. “May I have my lunch now?” “Fine, but make it quick.” His patience was becoming frayed.
“Yes, sir.” She scooped up the vegetables and placed them into two bowls, sprinkling seasoning over each, then poured in Italian dressing and handed him one. “I can overlook your mood and offer you food.”
He looked down at the contents. “I’m not a rabbit.”
“Fine, suit yourself.” She shrugged, took her bowl to the table, and sat down.
He reconsidered his options as his stomach growled. What harm could it do? His body and mind might resist the idea of no meat, but he needed something on his stomach.
Jag sat down at the table and he dug in. It wasn’t too bad. “Thanks for lunch.”
She looked at him through her lashes. “It’s okay to try new things, Jag.”
“Gotcha. I spoke to Puma. He said Bryar will come over and show you the ropes. At some point. I’m guessing sometime later, because she goes stir-crazy,” he said around a bite.
“I’m looking forward to meeting her.”
“From what Puma said, she thinks this ranch needs a woman’s touch. Like this cottage. I like what you did.”
She seemed almost surprised at the compliment. “I didn’t think you’d notice.”
“I’m not blind.” He’d noticed the T-shirt she’d tied at the waist and cut-off jean shorts that she was wearing too. “Nice outfit.”
“I wasn’t allowed to pack a bag before coming here. Mateo stopped along the way and bought me the basics. By allowing him to pick out my clothes, I see that he still thinks of me as a kid. He grabbed bulky T-shirts and jeans. I did find a pair of scissors and made shorts. There’s nothing I can do to save the value pack of granny panties. They might be comfortable if they were the right size.” She squirmed in the seat. “Please tell me this town has a place for me to grab some things.”
“Hell if I know. I haven’t paid any attention.”
“Fine. Then can I use your phone, or a computer, to buy some things online?”
He contemplated her request and realized she’d only brought a small bag with her. Although he didn't know much about women, one thing he did understand was that there wasn't a woman who traveled lightly.
“Are you seriously considering this?” she huffed.
He fished his phone out of his pocket and slid it across the table to her. “Have at it.”
She swiped it up. “Passcode?”
Ah, shit.“Pride & Prejudice.” He watched several expressions float across her face.
“Really?” She moistened her bottom lip.
“Yeah, that day at the lake when I met you sticks in my mind.”
“I’m not sure how to respond.”
“Don’t flatter yourself too much. It’s just a reminder for me never to approach another woman while she’s reading.”
She sighed. “I know I was a bit of a grouch when we first met.”
“No, don’t be so hard on yourself,” he said sarcastically.
Her mouth twisted. “I had my reasons, though. I just broke up with someone, and I’d decided I wasn’t going to date until I stopped finding emotionally unavailable men. I tend to attract that type. Color me surprised on that aspect.” She looked him up and down accusingly.
