Page 123 of Her Boss, Her Rancher: Sunrise On The Ranch

His phone rang and Jared lowered himself slowly into a chair to take the call. “Hey, Coop.”

“Hey. How’s it going? What are you doing?”

“It’s going okay. Actually, I just said goodbye to Johnna. She stopped by for a visit, brought me a dish of food.”

“Nice of her. Did you tell her you have a new chef cooking in your kitchen?”

“Actually, I didn’t have to. She met Bella and Sienna outside.”

“How did she take it?”

“Take what?”

“Nothing, bro. Just that she’s had her eyes on you for a while.”

“She’s just being neighborly.”

“Neighborly? Is that what they’re calling it these days?”

“Okay, I hear you. But I’m not interested.”

“You haven’t seriously dated anyone in two years. Maybe it’s time to jump back into the pool.”

“Or maybe I’ll never swim again.”

“No, but you could try putting your foot in the water to see how it feels.”

“If I did that, a gator would come along and chomp my toes off.”

Cooper laughed. “Okay, okay. I get it. Listen, the reason I’m calling, aside from going over some budgeting issues with you, is that Lauren would really like to see you and your new personnel. How’s it working out with her so far?”

“Bella is very talented and having them here hasn’t been a problem. I hardly see them, except in the kitchen during mealtime.”

“That’s good news. Marie seems to be lighter on her feet these days, too. She really needed the break. It’s a win-win.”

“Yep, took me almost dying to figure that conundrum out.”

“Don’t joke about that. Your accident shaved years off my life.”

Jared sighed. “I...know. I’m sorry about that. No more jokes, I promise.”

“I’d rather you promise you’re not going to be reckless with your life. That’s the real promise I want from you.”

“I’m not reckless, bro. I know my boundaries. And I’m living my life my way.” Hell, their father had died at a very young age, his life cut short by illness. It made Jared realize that he needed to live his life fully, do the things he yearned to do and experience life on his own terms, without fear, without regret. Carpe diem had sunk into his skull. Each and every day he was living his life to the fullest. That was why being laid up was wrestling with his patience.

“If you say so.” Cooper didn’t sound convinced. “Listen, can we invite ourselves over on Friday night, if you’re up to company?”

“Sure thing. Come for dinner and you can taste Bella’s cooking.”

“Sounds good, thanks. Now, are you up for a talk about next year’s budget for the ranch?”

“Yeah, I will be as soon as I get over to the computer.”

“Why don’t you call me back when you’re ready?”

“I’m slow, Coop. Not totally useless. Hang on. It’ll just take me a minute.”

“Sure. I’m glad to see you’re back to being a pain in the ass. Means you’re feeling a lot better.”