Never Let You Go. Judy Christenberry

them a home together when Social Services had intended to separate them into three foster homes. She was their uncle’s widow, no blood kin, but she’d taken them anyway.

      “We’ll see what you’re made of tomorrow morning,” he warned, as if he didn’t believe her words.

      But Beth wasn’t about to show any fear. “You bet you will, cowboy.”

      Chapter Two

      In spite of her brave words, Beth didn’t sleep well that night.

      After a meal where her stomach rolled every time Jed spoke, which, fortunately, wasn’t often, she’d maintained her ground until the man had left the house. Then she’d hidden in her room, poring over the books she’d found on barrel racing. And any information she could find about Jedadiah Davis.

      There was little written on Jed’s early years. He’d made his mark on the rodeo circuit as a roper. Twice he’d won the national championship. Three other times he’d been in the top five. Then he’d hurt his arm in an auto accident and had turned to training.

      And never looked back.

      For the past four years, he’d been the man in demand. All the reports said he was a stern taskmaster. But he got results.

      If he believed in his pupil.

      One moment she was holding her breath, hoping he’d believe in her. The next moment she’d find herself pleading he’d move on down the road, leaving her to find another trainer.

      He made her nervous.

      When she reached the breakfast table, Abby offered her the entire morning off from ranch work, so she could have plenty of time to give to her training. But Beth couldn’t be so selfish. She knew Abby was already shorthanded with Melissa working in the house all day.

      “I haven’t set up a specific time with Jed, yet. I thought I’d put in three or four hours, then head back to the house. After lunch, I can ride out with you again.”

      “That won’t be enough time for you to get much done,” Abby protested.

      “Until you find another hand, Abby, I’m going to help.”

      Abby sighed. “I admit it would make things easier. Even though we finished the roundup, we had to neglect the fences, and we’ve got to bale the hay, and I’d like to move the larger herd to the south pasture.”

      “All in one day?” Melissa teased from the stove.

      “If it’s possible,” Abby agreed with a grin.

      “Seriously, I can ride out if it’ll help,” Melissa offered.

      Abby and Beth exchanged grins. Though the two of them had taken to the saddle, Melissa, while able to ride, preferred to spend her time in the kitchen.

      “We won’t ask for that much sacrifice,” Abby assured her sister. “Someone will come along looking for a job any day now. You just keep feeding us.”

      “Yeah, last night’s dinner was terrific,” Beth added.

      “How would you know?” Melissa returned. “You scarcely ate anything.” Before Beth could come up with excuses, Melissa said, “Ring the bell for the guys.”

      Beth stepped to the back porch and banged on the triangle that hung from one rafter. Before the ringing had even stopped, three men emerged from the bunkhouse.

      She didn’t have any difficulty picking out Jed Davis. His broad-shouldered, narrow-hipped figure topped the other two men by three or four inches. Drawing a deep breath, she waited for them to reach her.

      As she’d expected, Jed let the other two go first. Before he could move past her with a nod, she touched his arm. He came to an abrupt halt, his gaze settling on her hand.

      She jerked it back.

      “Yeah?” he asked warily.

      Her prepared speech flew out of her head. “Is it all right if we start about ten?”

      “Ten? Is that your idea of an early start?”

      The scorn in his voice flailed her—and made her so mad she wouldn’t have explained if he’d begged her. Taking on a drawl she’d heard other women affect, she replied, “That’s right, sugar. I need to get my nails done before I can get on a horse.”

      Then she sashayed in front of him into the house.

      She figured he’d be packed and gone before noon. And good riddance to him. When she didn’t hear footsteps behind her right away, she wondered if he’d even come in for breakfast.

      “Where’s—” Abby began, but the sound of the back door opening again stopped her question. “There you are, Jed. I thought maybe you’d gotten lost.”

      “No, ma’am.”

      Melissa set a platter of scrambled eggs on the table where sausage and bacon already awaited eager hands. Then she pulled two pans of biscuits out of the oven.

      Beth picked up the coffeepot and began filling cups, while Abby poured glasses of orange juice. As she carried the glasses to the table, Abby addressed Jed.

      “I’m sure Beth explained about the late start this morning. I’m hoping we’ll find more men right away, but Beth is still willing to help out before she starts training.”

      “Help out with what?” he asked, ignoring the plate of eggs Barney was offering him.

      Everyone in the kitchen, except Beth, seemed surprised by his question. Abby, after shooting a look at Beth, said, “Whatever needs to be done. We work with Dirk and Barney, like anyone on a ranch.”

      “All three of you?”

      Melissa’s cheeks flushed. “Not me. I used to help some days, but I prefer the cooking and housework.”

      Beth added, “We always felt meals like Melissa turns out are fair trade.”

      Both hands, seated at the table, stuffing their faces, made grunts of approval.

      “I can see why. Your cooking is the best, Miss Melissa.” Jed sent Melissa a smile that had Beth’s insides quivering with jealousy.

      He turned to Abby. “I understand that there’s work that has to be done. How can I help?”

      “Oh, no!” Abby protested. “Your time’s too valuable for—I mean, Beth didn’t hire you to do ranch work. We’ll manage.”

      “I’ll help,” he said decisively, as if it was his decision. “Then maybe I’ll get an extra hour with my pupil, if she can work it in.”

      There was a little sarcasm in those last words, Beth realized. Maybe she deserved it, since she’d given him a smart answer earlier. But he’d made her mad.

      His blue gaze settled on her face, as if he expected her to comment.

      She took a bite of eggs and chewed as though her life depended on it.

      Abby, after looking at her, too, said, “I’m sure we can work that out.”

      Okay, so he’d jumped to an erroneous conclusion. That didn’t mean the lady had to gull him with her response about a manicure. Jed studied her hands from under his lashes as he ate the fine breakfast Melissa Kennedy had prepared.

      Beth’s nails were short, clean and unpolished. Working hands, as he’d earlier noted. And sexier than any of the red claws he’d seen on women who thought they were all dolled up. But that smart mouth of hers was going to cause trouble.

      When he got up from the breakfast table, he carried his dishes to the sink. The other two men stared at him, then hurriedly did the same thing. Melissa rewarded them all with a grateful smile.

      “Where do you want me, Miss Abby?” he asked, awaiting instructions