Cowboy in the Kitchen Read Online Free PDF Page B

service if there was no other choice. But caring for her own guests under her own roof was her dream.
    She’d been short with Hunt just now about his ambitions, but the man had dragged his feet and let a golden opportunity pass him by. That was his issue. She had plenty of her own.
    Highest on the list was to meet her grand opening deadline to make the most of the holiday season. To do it, she’d personally have to watch every penny, and that meant keeping a close eye on Hunt. Everything he put on his inventory list had to be absolutely necessary and the best value possible. She’d drive a rental truck to Dallas and pick up the stainless-steel appliances herself if it would save a buck.
    “You’re the boss,” Hunt reminded Gillian, returning her attention to their discussion. “Far be it from me to argue if you want to cut corners.”
    “You can’t be serious.” His crooked smirk revealed that the man was intentionally goading her. “That’s a very generous budget. If you’re not able to handle the job, I’m sure I can find a capable chef, even if I have to take a risk on an unknown,” she bluffed.
    “Don’t get your knickers in a twist. We made a deal, and I intend to keep my end of the bargain.”
    Her cell buzzed again. Gillian slipped her hand inside the pocket of her shoulder bag, retrieved the phone and, no surprise, noted her father had called twice in the past fifteen minutes.
    “My knickers are none of your concern. But our contract certainly is, so speak now or be legally bound through the end of the year.”
    He held his palms outward. “I apologize, that comment was inappropriate. How can I make it up to you?”
    The phone sounded once more. She held up her index finger to indicate she needed a minute to take the call. With the phone to her ear, she turned away, briefly but firmly telling her father she would call him shortly. Then she faced Hunt again, the enormity of the undertaking hitting her. Maybe she could delegate.
    “Since you offered, would you meet with the kitchen designer for me? He’s on his way, and I still have a lot to cover with the contractor in the other room who’s probably charging me by the hour for this meeting. So I’ve got to go. Can I trust you to handle things with the designer and report to me as soon as your meeting is finished?”
    “Of course. How about if I give you a full rundown over dinner tonight?”
    “Dinner?” She wasn’t sure it was wise to spend an hour with Hunt away from the workplace. Tongues would wag in this small Texas town. “Where?”
    “My brother’s house, unless you’d rather go out.”
    “Actually, a home-cooked meal sounds wonderful.”
    It had only been a week, but Gillian was already tired of the small restaurant in the chain hotel where she was staying.
    “Any special requests?” Hunt asked.
    “I’m game for something local, whatever’s in season.”
    “Right now, squirrel is in season.” He clamped his lips together to suppress a grin.
    She slanted her eyes at some invisible point above him and considered how to respond.
    “Surprise me,” she finally challenged.
    “Consider it done. Now go take care of your remodeling man, and I’ll deal with the kitchen guy. What’s his name, by the way?”
    She checked her notes. “Steve Froehlich.”
    “Froehlich? I don’t know of any Froehlichs in these parts.”
    “He’s from Houston. Since he’s working another job in Tyler at the moment, he agreed to drive over.”
    “Did you invite anybody local to bid? I’m sure I could make a good recommendation if you’ll give me a day to ask around.” He snapped his fingers. “I played ball with a guy named Karl Gates who works with his dad. They’re the best carpenters in Rusk County. What do you say I give him a call?”
    She raised a palm against his offer. “Don’t start with that good-old-boy network business. I’m aware of how you guys operate.”
    “I haven’t done anything to deserve your suspicion.” Hunt