Healing Dr. Fortune by Judy Duarte

Author:Judy Duarte
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Silhouette
Published: 2011-04-18T16:00:00+00:00

When Jeremy got to Kirsten’s house on Friday night, he knew he was arriving a little earlier than the time they’d agreed upon. So he had a feeling she might not be ready to go.

But he hadn’t expected her to be gone.

“She went to the grocery store to pick up formula and disposable diapers,” Max said, stepping aside to let Jeremy into the living room. “She shouldn’t be too long.”

Jeremy tried to read the younger man’s expression, but wasn’t having much luck. Still, he didn’t seem to be as irritable this evening as he’d been on other occasions.

Deciding to tell him what he’d been up to—and what was on his mind—Jeremy said, “I’m not sure if you found a job yet, but I know of a ranch that’s looking for a hand. Is that something you’d be interested in doing?”

Whatever had masked Max’s expression earlier slipped away, leaving him wide-open and easy to read now, as surprise and disbelief washed over him and hope flickered in his eyes. “Sure, I’d really like working on a ranch.”

“It’s out on the Double Crown,” Jeremy said, “which is a great place for you to get some training and experience. That is, if you want to learn and are willing to work hard.”

“Are you kidding? The Double Crown is hiring?”

Well, they weren’t actually looking for ranch hands.

But knowing that Max had enjoyed his work at the feed store and that he had experience working with feed and grain, as well as animals and supplies, Jeremy had taken a gamble.

He’d also decided to trust that Kirsten’s instincts about her brother had been right. So after first talking it over with Lily and getting her okay, he’d gone to see Ruben Perez, the foreman. They’d both agreed to take a chance on Max—as a favor to Jeremy.

Noticing Jeremy’s hesitant expression, Max, who’d brightened at first, stiffened and reeled in his initial excitement. “I don’t need a handout.”

“I’m sure you don’t. But I’d heard you enjoyed working at the feed lot. I just assumed working on a ranch might be something you’d be interested in.”

Max paused briefly, clearly stewing over the possibility, then said, “I would like it. But why are you trying to help me?”

“I’m not, I guess. The ranch needs a good hand. And you’re looking for a job. I just thought it might be a win-win for both of us. But it’s not a big deal.”

Max thought about it a moment, then softened. “Actually, it’s a really big deal. And I’d like to apply—if they’re accepting applications.”

“It hasn’t even gone that far yet,” Jeremy said. “When I heard about the opening, I put in a good word for you.

It’s yours if you want it.”

Max furrowed his brow, then cocked his head to the side as if stumped at how to react. Finally, he said, “Thanks. I really appreciate that.”

Jeremy had called in a favor, but that was as far as it would go. From here on out, Max would need to prove himself. “You won’t let me down, will you?”

“Absolutely not.

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