by Leigh Smith
Paula Evans was a feature writer assigned to visit a working ranch that hosted visitors and to write about the experience. She thought it would be more convincing if she had a friend along, and her editor agreed to her request. Paula and her friend, Joanna, visited Sage Springs Ranch under the guise of female tourists, searching for the allure of the cowboy and western lifestyle.
Paula and Joanna's arrival at the ranch was reminiscent of any number of western movies - ranch hands sitting on the corral fence watching a rider breaking a bronco. Paula stepped out first, and no-one moved; Joanna alighted from the car, and three cowboys were there to assist. Paula looked at Joanna and grinned.
"Same ole, same ole," she said, sotto voce.
An older woman, tall and graceful with a face no stranger to the sun, silver hair tied back in a low ponytail and blue eyes the color of the sky, wearing well-worn jeans, a plaid shirt with an apron tied around a waist still trim for a woman of her years, said hello and extended her hand. "Welcome to Sage Springs. Come on in and get a cold drink."
She turned her attention to the cowboys mulling around the porch. "Boys, close your mouths and make yourselves useful. Take their luggage over to guest cabin three."
"Yes, ma'am," said the older cowboy as he doffed his hat and picked up the last bag.
"Boys will be boys, no matter their age. I'm Sadie Hawkins. Me and my husband run this ranch along with two of our sons, Jace and Caleb and Caleb's wife, Carrie. My other son, Josh, comes to help during the busy birthing and branding season."
Sadie kept up a running commentary on the ranch and its activities as she took them on a tour of the surrounding buildings and ended at their quarters. She explained they were the only two visitors until the weekend and that dinner in the main house would be at 6:00.
Paula and Joanna jibber jabbered until there was a knock on the cabin door.
"Hi, I'm Jace Hawkins. Sadie sent me over to see if you needed anything?"
He stood at least 6'3" and Joanna figured his legs were five feet of his height. He had dark wavy hair and his mother's bright blue eyes and smile. His face and hands were tanned, with well-sculpted arm muscles, wide shoulders tapering down to a small waist, and he fit into those jeans as if they were molded on him. She couldn't take her eyes off him. She could see his package tucked to the left and tried to control her thoughts, wondering if the jeans could withstand any growth in that area. He watched her watching him and got a little grin on this face; this was nothing new but he was only interested in the shy one.
"I'm Joanna Mason and this is Paula Evans," Joanna said pointing to her friend. "I think we're fine, aren't we Paula?"
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