“That’s great,” Shay murmured. “I don’t know what we’d do without you, Harper.”
Reese saw the medic blush and he said nothing, paying attention to his quickly disappearing food. One thing for sure, these men ate hearty and there was plenty for everyone. Reese caught the medic’s gaze. “Maybe tomorrow, Harper, you can show me the ropes? I can swing a hammer pretty well if you’ll tell me what to do.” Reese knew the vets were aware he’d been an officer. And it wouldn’t go well if he tried to push his weight around because they were all enlisted men. That would be a disaster. Instead, he was asking for help, direction, and he saw Harper’s deeply tanned face grow relaxed.
“Sure. I usually start at 0800.” And then he looked over at Garret. “Our chief cook and bottle washer over there don’t like any of us to miss one of his spectacular meals. Breakfast is served at 0700 sharp.”
“That’s because my cooking is five star,” Garret said proudly. “And none of you have died from it. All you’ve done is gained weight, which we all needed.”
Chuckling, Noah said, “Haven’t had food poisoning yet from you.”
More laughter floated around the table.
“Tomorrow afternoon, Harper,” Shay said, “I want to steal Reese from you for a while. He’s got an accounting background and I want him to look over the ranch books.”
Shrugging, Harper said to Reese, “Better you than me. Numbers aren’t my gig.”
Reese nodded. “You okay with me leaving at that time?”
“Sure. Some help is better than none.”
“Great,” Shay said, giving Reese a glance. “Garret wants everyone here at noon for the meal. Afterward, you can come down to the office with me and take a look at our accounting books.”
“Be happy to,” Reese said, using his sixth roll to mop up what was left of the tasty marinara sauce still on his emptied plate. His stomach was full for the first time in a year. He slipped Max a tidbit of the roll, which he slurped down in one gulp his gold-brown eyes shining with thanks.
*
The next afternoon after lunch, Reese saw Shay was nervous as they walked into the office. It was a small place compared to the massive bedrooms on the first floor. The top of the rectangular maple desk was overflowing with files. It looked like a disorganized mess to him, but he knew Shay was doing the best she could. There was a large stained-glass lamp on one corner, shedding bright light around the cozy room. Above the desk was a glass chandelier with six hurricane lamps attached, giving the pine room a glowing, golden ambience. There were two windows in the room because it sat in one corner of the log home. The lavender curtains were feminine and frilly; he was sure Shay had chosen the color and style.
Shay gestured for him to sit down. When he did, the chair squeaked mightily.
“I think it needs to be oiled,” she offered apologetically. “I just haven’t had time.” She pulled one of six huge black ledger books from the bookshelf above the front of the desk. Handing it over to him, she said, “This is the daily accounting log. You should probably start there.” Their hands met and touched. Shay felt warmth tingle up through her fingers. It was such an unbidden pleasure to connect physically with Reese.
Today, he wore a blue chambray shirt and a red kerchief around his thick neck. She saw dark hair peeking out from beneath the opening of his shirt and swallowed convulsively. Reese was like a sensual, dark, primal animal to her. She’d spent half the night awake, tossing and turning, her mind going to secret places about him as a man. She hoped he couldn’t read her mind, because right now she was shaky, nervous, and bothered all at once due to his proximity. Never had a man made her feel more feminine or more aware that she hadn’t had sex in a long, long time.
“Thanks,” he murmured, taking the heavy book from her hands. “It’s the right place to start. If I find anything, I’ll note it as I go along. Then, maybe tonight after dinner we can talk about what I’ve found.”
Rolling her eyes, she said gratefully, “Yes, out of earshot of the guys. They know I’m not good at this, and bless their hearts, they’ve all tried to help me with it, but I know it’s screwed up something terrible, Reese.”