Chapter 11 Nash
“So, what’s on the agenda for today?” Jovie asked me the next morning as I tossed two large water jugs and a couple of essential tools into the back of the gator we’d be using for the day.
“Fencing and infrastructure,” I replied.
She wrinkled her nose, creating the cutest dimples as her lips formed a pout. I appreciated the fact that she wasn’t like the other women in their 20s and 30s I'd known in Houston, their faces frozen by Botox and unable to show any emotion. Jovie’s feelings were practically written on her face when she talked, which was how I knew though she was sometimes annoyed with me, she certainly thought I was attractive, too.
This morning, she wore a long-sleeved button-up with a low-cut, V-neck bra top and jeans, embracing ranch wear even at 5 in the morning. The sun was already making its presence felt, promising another scorching day.
My thoughts went back to Brooke, remembering the time she visited Lonestar Junction with me for Thanksgiving. Despite my suggestion to wear jeans during our property tour, she insisted on a dress, claiming it was too hot for jeans and she didn't like wearing them. I rolled my eyes and didn’t press the matter, but when she nearly got stung by a scorpion, she freaked out and vowed never to return.
And she kept that promise. Though that was partially my fault.
“Fencing and infrastructure is about as boring as it sounds, but it’s a crucial part of maintaining the ranch. Mitchell is our ranch hand who is responsible for it across our properties.”
“He works for both of our ranches?” she asked.
I nodded, “Yep, Clarence hired him first and then referred him to Rig. He’s a good guy, early 40s, lost his wife to cancer three years ago.”
“Shit... that’s hard. So, if he handles maintenance, why do we inspect the infrastructure as well?”
“Because some things are better to address preventatively, and sometimes, four eyes are better than two. Getting a good understanding of the equipment helps catch issues early before they become breakdowns. It’s a team effort on the ranch.”
She nodded as we drove on, starting our day with the primary fence that kept in our cattle. The sun began to peek above the horizon, casting golden rays over her tan skin. I tried to focus on inspecting for holes or potential issues in the wire, but my eyes continued to drift toward Jovie.
Catching me looking, she smiled. “You think you’re being discreet, but you aren’t,” she said.
I grinned. “I don’t mind you knowing I'm checking you out.”
She blushed as her eyes cast down and then back ahead again. “So, tell me, Nash, did you always want to work on your father’s ranch?”
“No, not always. I attended the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering, had plans to work as a civil engineer for the city.”
“That’s fascinating. Why did you decide not to?”
I could see in her eyes she was impressed. She’d likely assumed that I’d been born and raised on the Cameron ranch and never left. Not that there was anything wrong with doing that, but women like her were attracted to titles, money, prestige, and professional successes. That was something I no longer cared about even if at one time I’d had it.
I swallowed and recalled my senior year of college. “I did, for a few years... My mom passed away during my senior year of college. I considered moving back to help, but other priorities kept me in Houston. When I graduated, I took a job with the city as an engineer. Priorities changed, and I made the decision three years later to move back to Lonestar Junction and work on the Cameron ranch.”
Jovie nodded, though I knew my answer was vague and left many holes, thankfully, she didn’t push forward.
“What did you do before uprooting your life and moving to take over your grandfather’s ranch?” I asked.
“I was the CFO for a tech startup in Houston.”
“Damn, so you’re beautiful and smart,” I said with a grin, making her tan skin pink up even more. I wondered if she turned that pink when she orgasmed too as my eyes dropped to the skin on her neck that she was now revealed as she turned her side to look out of the gator.
“I worked hard to get there. I loved my job.”
“Shit, well, I’m surprised you gave it up to move here then.”
She shrugged. “It felt like my grandfather really wanted me to, and I always loved and respected him. I don’t plan on staying for longer than twelve months, though. I’ll stick it out, sell the place to Rig and move back to Houston next year.”
I nodded, understanding another city girl seeking a cash-out, though I supposed her selling would benefit me eventually.
“So, do you have a crazy girlfriend like Wylie that I should know about?”
I chuckled; thoughts of my ex-girlfriend Brooke resurfaced. “I sure as hell don’t.”
The rest of the day with Jovie went according to plan. We covered another part of the property, fixed a fence, did maintenance on the chicken coops, and ended the evening with an introduction to Mitchell, who was a bit friendlier than I preferred.
“Hi Jovie, it’s nice to meet you,” Mitchell greeted, flashing a big smile as he took her hand in his.
Earlier, she had accidentally smudged some grease under her eye while handing me a tool, making her even more attractive to me. I hadn’t mentioned it because I liked how it looked. It roughed up her usually polished appearance, making her feel a little more attainable. Unfortunately, Mitchell noticed.
“Here,” he said, wiping the grease from her cheek with his thumb gently, “you had a little grease on your cheek.” He smiled at her, and she beamed back, her cheeks turning pink again. This time though, it wasn’t for me, and I couldn’t help but feel a flurry of jealousy inside of me.
Clearing my throat, I said, “Alright, we’re heading back to the house. Gloria said she’s making a roast, and I wouldn’t want Jovie to miss out on her delicious meal.”
Mitchell nodded but continued to stare straight at Jovie, who had already turned and headed back to the gator for our ride.
“Is she single?” he asked when she was out of earshot.
“I have no idea,” I responded.
He nodded again, letting out a low whistle. “They don’t make girls like that down here, Nash. Keep her away from Wylie before he ruins her.”
I chuckled, knowing Wylie wouldn’t be interested in anything more than giving her a hard time. Normal, smart, and beautiful wasn’t his type.
“Will do, Mitchell.”