She looked up and blinked several times. “What?”
He grinned. “Are you okay? Can I let you go?”
“Oh.” She stepped back. “Yes, I’m fine. I’m sorry. I didn’t—”
“It’s all right. Happens to most folks the first time out here.” He pointed toward the side door. “Go on in. I’ll bring your suitcases.”
She nodded and headed for the door.
Ryan stood and watched her until she was inside, then he shook his head and pulled her suitcases out of the backseat, wondering what kind of fool he was for taking on this latest project of Paul’s.
* * *
Kaylie looked at the large,white, two-story house as they approached. The trim and the shutters were dark green. The front had a double entry door, and a chimney was on the right end of the house, but Ryan drove around to the left side and let her out.
After nearly falling out of the truck and into Ryan’s arms, she walked through the door and into the kitchen. It was beautiful and open, with a large oak table that seated sixteen. The counters were all black granite and on the island in the middle of the kitchen was a triple sink with the center one being a work area with a garbage disposal.
There was an electric glass cooktop with a microwave over it and dual ovens on the wall next to the cooktop. The French door refrigerator stood next to a door that she was sure was a pantry, and on the other side of the fridge was more counter space with cupboards above and below. All the appliances were brushed stainless steel and beautiful. They’d never show one fingerprint. She grinned.
It was her dream kitchen and she couldn’t help but smile.
“I take it the kitchen pleases you?” the deep voice sounded behind her.
After a sharp intake of breath, she turned toward her new employer. The man was entirely too good looking, with brown hair, just a little below his collar and the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. His square jaw was covered with about three days’ growth of stubble, like so many men wore today. The whole package was way toomalefor her comfort. “Sheesh, you startled me. I was too busy drooling over your kitchen. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer place to work.” She grinned.
His mouth ticked up on one side. “I’m glad you like it. Your room is right off the kitchen, this way.” He went out of the room toward the interior of the house and opened the first door on the right.
She followed him and entered the bedroom coming to an immediate halt.
The bedroom was beautiful and quite large with a king-sized bed in an oak frame with head and foot boards that were carved with woodland scenes. The six-drawer dresser with a mirror on the back had the same type of scenes carved in the drawer fronts as did the five-drawer chest on another wall along with the door to a walk-in closet.
The bedspread and throw pillows matched the curtains which had red roses and green vines on a pinky-beige background and covered the only window. An overstuffed chair, end table and floor lamp were situated below the window. During the day, the light through the window would be perfect for reading. She wondered if she’d get a chance to try it out.
All of this was so different than the little apartment she’d had in New York. Heck, her entire apartment was only about twice the size of this room. Things were so expensive in New York, even having an apartment alone with no roommates was an achievement.
Ryan brought in her suitcases and set them against the bed. “I’ll give you some time to unpack and then we can talk about your duties while you’re here.”
“Thank you. I’d appreciate that.”Especially since I have no idea what I’ll find in the suitcases.“It shouldn’t take too long and then I can start preparing dinner. Do you know what you want? Were you already planning something?”
“We usually have steak on Fridays. We’re a simple group of men. There are baking potatoes in the pantry, steaks and salad makings in the fridge.” He looked down at his watch. “The cowboys won’t be in for dinner for another couple of hours so you should have some time to yourself to get situated.”
“Do you have something planned for dessert?”
“No. None of my previous cooks were bakers.” He stepped closer and lifted a brow. “Are you a baker, Kaylie?”
Her heart pounded in her chest like she’d just run a marathon and she was sure he could hear it. “I’ve been known to bake a cake now and then. Would you like one, if I can find the ingredients in your pantry?”
“I’m sure the cowboys would enjoy it…if you have time.”
She smiled. “I probably do. I’ll unpack and then we’ll see. Do you grill the steaks outside?”
“Usually. A large gas grill is out on the back patio. Have you grilled before?”
“To be honest, no, but I can probably figure it out.”
“I’ll show you and do the steaks tonight. You can do the potatoes and the salad. Next week, you can grill the meat, too. Deal?” He held out his hand.
She looked down at his hand and then back at him. Smiling, she took his hand and shook it. “Deal. How long has your previous cook been gone?”