The Rancher's Lullaby (Glades County Cowboys) Read Online Free PDF

Doris’s awed voice whispered into the quiet that filled the room as the last notes faded. “Sounds like LJ drifted off. He never goes to sleep that easy.”
    “That was lovely, just lovely,” Sarah added from her perch on the arm of one of the couches. She glanced at the doorway, where Ty and Jimmy stood. A knowing look passed between the owners of the ranch before Sarah said, “I think she’ll be perfect for the roundup, don’t you?”
    Lisa tugged her braid over one shoulder and ran her fingers through the ends. “What roundup?” she asked.
And what does it have to do with me?
    Ty crossed the room to his wife’s side. “People from all over the country come to the Circle P’s annual fall roundup. Each evening, after supper, we usually provide some kind of entertainment. We thought you might like the job.”
    Garrett shot Ty a challenging glance. “What’s wrong with sitting around the campfire, swapping stories and singing songs like we’ve always done?”
    Across the room, Doris’s lips pursed. “Someone would have to lead the group. None of the ranch hands are particularly talented. Ty’s too busy. And you haven’t touched a guitar in—” her voice faltered “—in nearly a year.”
    In an admission of guilt, Garrett slumped in his chair. “Seems to me you could find someone local,” he muttered.
    “Lisa here is local,” Ty pointed out.
    Clearly unhappy with the owner’s choice, Garrett gave him a pointed look. “What about Dickey Gayner? He’s pretty good.”
    “That kid who plays at Cowboys?” Ty’s forehead wrinkled.
    “Yeah, him.”
    Doris broke in again. “Word around town yesterday was Dickey landed a gig that’ll keep him on the road till Christmas.”
    A tiny grin worked its way onto Sarah’s lips. “I bet hearts were breaking all over Okeechobee at that news.” She turned to Lisa and added, “Dickey’s been the cause of more than one dust-up at Cowboys on Saturday nights. Fancies himself a ladies’ man.”
    Ty squared around to face Lisa. “I know you have the shop to consider, but you could stay in town during the day and join us at night.”
    “That sounds like a pretty good deal, but I don’t think...” Lisa began.
    “We’re willing to pay a fair price,” the owner insisted. He tossed out a figure.
    Lisa blinked. The amount was more than she’d expected and would definitely help keep her store afloat until business improved. “I can bring my banjo and pick a little.” She tapped her finger against her lips, considering. “I’d still need someone else to back me up on guitar.”
    “What about Garrett?” Sarah suggested.
    “Oh, I don’t know.” Lisa swallowed. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
    “Sure,” Doris chimed in. “Garrett would be perfect for the job.”
    Lisa swung an appraising look at the cowboy who so clearly resented her presence. “You could do it...with some practice.”
    The man uttered something unintelligible as he rose from his seat. He strode across the room to the fireplace, where he hung the guitar back on its peg. Leaning one shoulder against the rock wall, he announced, “I don’t have time. Taking care of the Circle P is a full-time job. Add all the stuff I have to do to get ready for the roundup, and I don’t have a free minute.”
    Ty gave him a pensive stare. “That’s true, but you said yourself the ranch hands already know what to do. Besides,” he said, his voice deepening, “this is all part of the job you signed on for when you agreed to manage the ranch.”
    Though Garrett gave his boss a hard stare, the matter was settled. Minutes later, as they hashed out the final details over coconut cake, Lisa glanced across the table to find Garrett’s gaze focused on her. The dessert turned to dry crumbs in her mouth, and she swallowed, suddenly wondering if spending any time with the rancher was worth the cost, no matter how good it was for her business.

Chapter Two
    “Get on, now.” Garrett swung