Diamond in the Rough (Diamond J #2) Read Online Free

started toward the house. “Okay, then. I’m gonna run in for a minute. You got something you want me to do after that?”
    “Yeah, the fence on the yearling pastures needs to be replaced. Why don’t you grab one of the boys and work on fence?”
    “Can do, Beau. See you later.”
    “Hey, Aidan!”
    Aidan stopped and turned in his tracks. “Yeah?”
    “What’re you talking to Charlotte about? A girl?” Beau’s teeth flashed when he grinned. He waggled his eyebrows. “You know, I highly recommend settling down with a good woman.”
    Aidan grinned. Beau wouldn’t have uttered those words a year ago. He’d been a confirmed bachelor until Beth Jameson came along. Aidan shrugged and said, “We all can’t marry the boss.”
    “Lots of eligible bachelorettes around, and now that I’m taken, they’ll have their sights set on you.” With a shrug, Beau turned and disappeared into the barn. He called over his shoulder, “You don’t know what you’re missing!”
    His friend’s laughter followed Aidan as he crunched across the gravel toward the big house. He tugged the back door open, slipped into the kitchen and the scent of fresh baked bread and roast beef greeted him. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. This was what he loved about the Diamond J Ranch, about his life now.
    Growing up, he was never greeted by scents like that. Here, the crock pot held a big pot roast, potatoes, onions and celery. Back then, the only good scent in the house was a fancy little pot with scented gel. His mother didn’t even fill that herself. Juanita, their housekeeper, filled it.
    Charlotte lifted a fresh baked apple pie from the oven. "Afternoon, Aidan." She placed it on a cooling rack, then closed the oven and wiped her hands on her apron. Charlotte was a stout woman, with a rounded middle and chubby cheeks that were perpetually pink.
    “Afternoon,” he replied. He clasped his hands together, then stuck them in his pockets and finally let them hang at his sides.
    She glanced over at him, then grabbed the copper tea kettle from the stove and filled it with water. “I was going to make myself a pot of tea. Join me?” Though she’d lived in the States since she was a little girl, her voice still carried a hint of Irish brogue.
    He glanced over his shoulder. He held fond memories of afternoon tea with his grandmother, but it wasn't a very manly habit.
    She scoffed, “Ain’t none of the boys around to see you enjoying a bit o’ tea time.”
    He grinned, scooted a chair back and lowered himself onto the seat. The tea kettle whistled merrily.
    Charlotte pulled two cups from the hooks under the counter. “What are you in the mood for today?”
    He rummaged through the little basket, located a bright yellow packet and tore it open. “Earl Grey.” He slid the basket back across the table.
    “What’s on your mind?” Charlotte asked as she flipped through the varieties of tea.
    One corner of Aidan’s lip pulled up in a half grin. “How’d you know something’s on my mind?”
    She pinned him with her intense blue eyes and said, “That’s the only time you’re in my kitchen unless you’re here to eat.”
    She sat down across from him, curled her plump hands around the cup and waited. The only sound was the soft tick of the oven as it cooled.
    Aidan lifted the cup to his lips, but it was too hot and he sat it down. He sighed.
    “So, tell me about her.”
    The grin was full this time. “Do you know the gal that runs the scrapbook store in town?”
    A frown appeared on Charlotte’s brow. “Carla something?”
    “Gina.” Her name felt like warm chocolate on his tongue, rich and sweet.
    She grabbed the honey bear from the center of the table and popped the top. After she swirled honey into her cup, she offered it to Aidan but he shook his head. She urged, “Go ahead. Tell me about her.”
    “I’ve had a crush on her for a while, I guess. Seen her around town. Went in there today to see if she’d help with the