The Bull Rider’s Keeper Read Online Free PDF Page A

make his life hell for the next two years. “So, you on the Jesse train?”
    Barb leaned back too, resigned to the idea. “I can’t say I like it. I don’t think a man can serve two masters. You know bull riding at your level isn’t just about the weekends. You’ll need a strong manager at the gallery to handle things when you’re not available. You got anyone you can trust?”
    “I’ve already thought of that. The current manager, Taylor. Her folks said she’d probably stay on, if I made it worth her time.”
    “I knew there was a girl in this somewhere,” James said.
    Jesse shook his head. “Believe me, she’s not interested in me. I don’t think she dates cowboys. More of a suit kind of gal.”
    Angie laughed. “Son, you don’t get it, do you.”
    Jesse focused in on his mother. “What?”
    “Every woman wants a cowboy. And now that you’ve bought the gallery, she knows you’re not some ranch hand.” Angie smiled and waved at the little boy on the computer screen, who giggled and waved even harder in response. She returned her gaze to Jesse. “You’re now irresistible.”
    Jesse thought about the look Taylor had given him when her folks told her that he was her new boss. Hate, loathing, pain. Many emotions had floated through that look, but admiration or lust weren’t even in the ballpark. “I think you’re wrong, Mom. The woman hates me.” Of course, he’d probably messed up any chance of a relationship—professional or otherwise—when he walked in on her getting ready to model for the class. Seeing a woman naked tended to stick with a guy.
    “Even more reason to get rid of her and put your own manager into the gallery.” Barb glanced at Angie. “Jesse’s going to be out of town the next three weekends. You want to play gallery owner for him?”
    Angie tapped her purple-starred nails on the table. She glanced at Jesse, then back at Barb. “You know, I’ve been thinking I need something to do with my time. I’d love to.”
    Jesse nodded. “I think it’s smart. I mean, I don’t want to get rid of Taylor unless I have to, but at least with Mom there, I’d have some sort of connection to the place while I’m out of town. Look, I know I’m asking for your support after the fact.”
    James muttered, “Typical Jesse.”
    His brother’s words brought heat to Jesse’s face. “I’m the family screw-up, I get that. But I’d really appreciate your support with this. We’ve always been there for each other. I’d like to think you back me on this decision.” He glanced at the clock. “I was supposed to meet the DeMarcos at the gallery today.”
    Barb shook her head. “We need to slow this down a little. Give you some time to think out your options. I’ll call and set something up for tomorrow. So the family is supporting this?” Barb glanced around the room, focusing on each person to get consent before she continued. James took the longest to meet her eyes but even he finally nodded. “Then it’s settled. I’ll go over, introduce Angie and myself, and get an accountant set up to go over the books. I’m assuming George will be handling the legal stuff?”
    Jesse nodded. George Baxter had been his and James’s lawyer for years. “Would you call him and have him contact the DeMarcos to start pulling together a contract?”
    “I’ll talk to him this afternoon. Angie? Can you meet me there tomorrow?” Barb glanced at Angie’s nails and added, “Unless you’re busy.”
    “Honey, nothing is more important than when my boy needs me.” Angie focused her attention on Lizzie and James. “Sorry, loves, I won’t be up there this weekend. Expect me bright and early next Monday though. Grandma Angie needs her grandkid fix.”
    Jesse heard JR, his nephew, laugh in the background.
    He made his goodbyes to his brother and sister-in-law and promised to come up to Shawnee to visit as soon as possible. Angie and Barb were discussing their plans for meeting up the next morning. He