Heart's Desire by T. J. Kline

black, but I need to find out from you which expenses are nonnegotiable. Like this stable mix—what is it and why does it cost so much?”
    She chewed at the inside of her lower lip and took a deep breath, looking suddenly unsure and, for the first time since his arrival, slightly vulnerable. “Fine. But only on one condition.”
    He crossed his arms over his chest, not wanting to appear too acquiescent. “That depends.”
    â€œBefore you go making any recommendations, I want you to see the horses coming in today and watch the evaluation. Then we can talk about the future of the ranch.”
    â€œWhy?”
    She took another sip from the mug. “You’ll see, but it’s the only way I’ll agree to do this.”
    He wasn’t about to waste the rare opportunity to gain this stubborn woman’s cooperation. It didn’t to come easily or often. “Fine, tell me what I need to do.”
    She twisted her mouth to the side, trying to hide a smirk as her eyes slid over him. “The first thing you need to do is change into something suitable for working outside.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong with what I have on?” He looked down at his polo shirt.
    Jessie shook her head. “I can’t believe those are the clothes you brought. Don’t you remember anything?” She finished her coffee and chuckled as she put the cup into the dishwasher. “I’ll have Bailey grab you some of Justin’s clothes and swing them by your cabin before she heads to the clinic. You’ll thank me later.”
    â€œJustin’s clothes will be too big and you know it. I’ll be swimming in them.”
    Jessie didn’t even bother to hide her grin as she raised her hands in mock apology. Nathan stood and leaned over the table, straightening the documents. It was the first bit of humor he’d seen from her, the first genuine smile she’d even directed his way, and he found himself enjoying the glimpse far more than he should.
    â€œI get the feeling you’re going to make me regret this.” When he looked up, the moment of good-natured teasing had passed. She stopped with her hand on the kitchen door.
    â€œYou probably will regret it, but it won’t be my fault.” A frown marred Jessie’s brow, and her eyes looked sad again. “I’ll meet you at the pasture by the barn in an hour.”
    N ATHAN SHIFTED AGAIN from his position on the porch. How in the world did Justin wear these jeans all day long? They were too big in the waist, so he’d cinched them with a belt, but they were still falling off. He adjusted the weather-beaten baseball cap on his head and sent up a prayer of thanks that no paparazzi had found him here. He’d never live down a picture of him looking like the most uncomfortable redneck alive in an oversized, ratty T-shirt, beat-up cowboy boots, and a camouflage John Deere cap.
    He watched Jessie as she stood in the smallest pasture, waiting for the truck and stock trailer creeping down the driveway. She glanced back at him nervously and then leaned over to say something to her brother. Justin was standing beside her wearing the same redneck attire as Nathan, although his hat was on backward. Nathan made his way down the steps to where the pair waited and saw Jessie tense, her shoulders rising and her hands clenching into fists at her side. He wondered how many times he was going to have to apologize before she stopped getting defensive whenever he approached.
    â€œWhy don’t you stand over there, Nathan?” Justin pointed near the fence. “We don’t know how these horses are going to act, and it’s better to be safe.”
    Nathan took a step backward. “What do you mean ‘safe’?”
    â€œBe as quiet as possible,” Jessie ordered. “Stay out of the way and don’t come in here, no matter what happens.”
    Her instructions weren’t putting him any more at ease. With