The Cowboy's Gamble: Destined For Love Series by Janelle Denison

approach, looking like a pack of vigilant brothers out to defend their sister’s honor, should the need arise.
    They all knew Seth O’Connor would be their new boss, and they didn’t seem to be taking the change graciously. First thing Monday morning she’d informed the men who worked for her about her upcoming nuptials, the circumstances surrounding the marriage, and reassured them it was nothing more than a business arrangement. She’d promised everyone that their jobs were secure, as long as they wanted to stay and work on the Golden M.
    She appreciated her men’s concern and loyalty, but judging by the scowl on Seth’s face, he didn’t care for her over-protective ranch hands, or the fact that they were treating him like an unwelcome guest.
    Seth reined his mare to a stop a few yards away from her, his gaze warm and territorial as it touched upon her—as if he was staking a personal claim for the benefit of her men. She cursed the involuntary fluttering in her stomach, the instant surge of heat that sped through her veins. Resolutely, she told herself it was nothing more than nerves for the discussion ahead, and had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that there was still a deep, underlying awareness between them.
    Josie thought she was prepared to confront him again and have the upper hand in the matter, but she hadn’t anticipated him looking so good. Without a deep scowl on his face, Seth was an incredibly handsome man. No matter that she didn’t like him, her faithless feminine senses noted and appreciated how virile and sexy he was—he so effortlessly epitomized what a real cowboy should look like. His body was well-built and honed, his latent strength evident in the easy way he handled his spirited mare and moved fluidly in the saddle. His lazy confidence came from years of working a ranch and being one with the animal beneath him.
    He hadn’t replaced the hat she now had in her possession, and his wind-blown hair gleamed in the early morning sun creeping over the horizon. Curiously, there was none of the disdain in his blue eyes that had burned so brightly on Sunday. Instead, his gaze was very male and intensely direct. She found his brazen, sensual regard far more threatening than his anger.
    She hated him, she chanted, keeping that reminder foremost in her mind.
    Ignoring their avid audience, Seth urged his horse closer and leaned forward in the saddle. His mouth tipped up in a beguiling smile just for her. “Hello, Josie.”
    “Seth.” Folding her arms across her chest, she inclined her head and allowed for a bland smile. “I’d say that it’s nice to see you again, but we both know that would be a bald-faced lie.”
    His soft, intimate laughter reached out and caressed her. “Josie, darlin’, you sure do know how to flatter a man.”
    Her mouth pursed in irritation. It hadn’t been her intent to flatter and seduce him, and the rogue knew it, too. He was deliberately twisting her words, intentionally being charming. The amicable act had to be for her men’s benefit.
    Mac sent his other men ahead and directed his gelding toward where Josie and Seth were by the barn.
    “Want me to stick around, Josie-girl?” Mac asked, his old, weathered face creased with concern beneath the brim of his equally old leather hat.
    “That won’t be necessary.” She didn’t want any spectators for the “marriage of convenience” spiel she planned to propose to Seth. “Though since you’re here I’d like you and Seth to be introduced formally.”
    While she made the introductions, both Seth and Mac moved their horses closer to the other’s until they were able to reach out and shake hands. Both of their grasps were firm, with none of the silent rivalry Josie had expected to flare between them. Amazingly, Seth’s expression reflected a high regard for the older man.
    “I’m looking forward to working with you,” Seth said pleasantly. “And I’d appreciate it if you and the other hands help me