Cooking For Cowboy (Stampede Sizzlers) Read Online Free PDF Page B

ever known, but Mom’s losing the battle…” Chad felt his emotions rise much too close to the surface. If he didn’t shut up he would be bawling like a kid.
    “How’s she handling it?”
    Chad took a deep breath. “It’s hard for her. She has cooked for the ranch hands and her family for almost forty years. Up at dawn and working until eight or nine at night right beside my father until he died two years ago. I’ve tried to get Mom to take it easy, but it’s been a losing battle.” Chad wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. Just talking about his mother’s situation made him sweat. And then the proverbial light bulb snapped on over his head. “You’d be perfect.”
    Sierra gaped at him. “I’m almost afraid to ask. I’d be perfect for what?”
    “I need a cook for the ranch. You’re exactly what I need. And you’re unemployed at the moment.” Chad slid forward on his chair, a hopeful expression on his face.
    “Are you crazy? A ranch cook? I’m a cordon bleu chef. We don’t do beans and biscuits. Sorry, but I don’t think so,” scoffed Sierra, heading over to the counter and depositing her mug in the sink. She turned and glared at him.
    Chad grinned. “Have you been reading historical western novels? Ranch people don’t eat beans and biscuits anymore. Cook whatever you want, even fancy dishes with French names. Doesn’t matter if we can’t pronounce it, we’ll eat it. I promise.”
    Sierra laughed. “Your ranch hands won’t know the difference between bisque and brioche. They’ll detest everything I prepare and refuse to eat any of it.”
    Chad shook his head. “No. They will be thrilled that they don’t have to cook anything themselves. And Mom won’t be allowed in the kitchen to interfere with your creative processes.”
    “There’s no way…” She shook her head and headed toward the door.
    “I’m desperate. The Stampede starts next Friday, and we need a cook. Mom’s in the hospital, and she pissed off the last cook just hours before she was admitted. He quit and stormed off the ranch. I think one of the ranch hands is helping with the cooking or else they’re taking turns. My luck they’ll burn the place down.” Chad reached for her hand. “Please, just take the job until I’m able to find someone else. You’d be a life saver.”
    Sierra turned back, stood hands on hips.
    “Did I mention your assistant is named Celia? She has worked at the ranch for years, and although she’s slowing down with age, Celia’s totally reliable.”
    “I don’t think it would work out. I’d have an early morning commute, and I’ve got Barney to consider…”
    “Bring Barney with you. Room and board are included. Get your resume out there while you’re working for me. You can take time off and borrow the ranch minivan for job interviews, whatever you need. As soon as I find someone suitable, you can quit. Or if you prefer, stay on until you find a position with a restaurant or hotel. We can make this work, Sierra. Besides, the reason I was at the restaurant was to talk with my buddy Martin. I’d hoped he could point me in the direction of a cook.”
    “And now you think our vehicles collided for some cosmic reason? That it was meant to be?” suggested Sierra.
    “No. It was just dumb luck.”
    Sierra chewed on one fingernail while she paced the kitchen floor. Chad held his breath and hoped he wouldn’t pass out before she answered. What would he do if she said no? She can’t say no. If she did, he’d probably never see her again. That outcome concerned him more than the thought of losing a potential cook. And the fact that his mind even considered it so soon after meeting her surprised him.
    “I suppose I could move to the ranch and cook for a week or so until you find someone. With your mom in the hospital, you don’t need the extra stress and I hate to see anyone in a fix. I can send out a ton of resumes until I land another position.” She turned and met his eyes.