UNDERCOVER {Competed} 😌

chapter 1(iii)

At the domestic agency
Mercy Roberts
"Can you cook?" I blushed the curls dancing around my face and gave the questioner a blue-eyed stare.
"Huh?" The man in uniform was staring at me like he thought I must be nuts or something.
Ow.  I followed his gaze and  he certainly wasn't asking me.  Just someone at the door behind me. Wait...did I say someone?  There was a very tall and leanly muscular man standing at the door. His hair was long and hung down past his broad shoulders. He was a hunk. It took me a while to realize I was starring and unconsciously liking my lower lip. Breathing out, I looked back at Joe, the agent.
I had gone to the domestic agencies to find this "husband" so that together we would find employment at the ranch.
Well, I gave him a doubtful look. But even though I wasn't looking at him I had noted that  he had,a full mouth that looked ready to belt a rock tune or kiss one of those models, and that made me squirm with jealousy.
He removed his hat and out eyes met.
It struck me that in his extraordinary way he was exceedingly good looking. He smiled. The smile irradiated his face and lit his green eyes and behind his firmness there lurked a warmth and a keen sense of humor.

This man had a dangerous look for my tastes and I couldn't. Not that I was quickly drawn to such men but sometimes...
He winked.
And I turned back to face the agent. Who was obviously getting impatient.
"Nope,this one wouldn't do please find me another"
" But he is such a hunk Darling. And he cooks as good as he looks."
" I don't think so,Joe. I'm looking for someone..."
Nerdy come in mind. Someone nice and quite and alright I better admit-safe. Someone who would do as told. This man couldn't fit the bill.
The old agent wasn't even paying attention. He grabbed my hand and tugged me forward before I could even protest. And within a flush I was standing in front of the man.
"Mercy Roberts meet Joshua Don....er..as Dickson," he introduced us.
" my pleasure," Joshua husked voice carried the same danger as his appearance.

" come along you two, we'll talk in my office." Joe called.
"But..." I stated to protest
"Mercy...trust me on this" he said and walked towards the office.
Finding no argument, I signed and followed him into his office.
Joshua followed behind me and,I started to sit down and Joshua moved to help me
" Thanks," I said."but that wasn't necessary, I can take care of myself"

Joshua smiled," the chair looked to heavy for you"
" what,? You think I can't lift a chair?" I was forcing my mouth up, trying not to show the Serge of irritation I always felt whenever people insisted on helping me.
I breathed in and felt the irritation fading. I looked up to the agent. But before I could speak he spoke up. "This  job is only for this season of the wedding. Extra help is needed to serve the expected guests for the wedding."
Turning to me he said," I think Jim will think a lady wrangler very sexy."
" will he feel the same way about a male cook?" Joshua asked.
" I don't know,but I bet Laura will be thrilled to her toes.
Joe laughed heartily,and I began to impatiently tapping my foot.
Joshua laughed too,although not quite heartily, then turned to me." How long have you been handling horses,shortie?"
" my name is Mercy", I replied through through clenched teeth, looking firmly into his eyes. I forgot what I wanted to say next. Sparking with laughter,the eyes drew me in...
The flash crossing his face convinced me he was dangerously observant,but I ignored it and launched my riding history.
"I have worked with horses since I was a kid. My grandma had a ranch you know."
" I think mercy has this thing about the height so it would be best of you don't tease her Joshua." Joe said
" but you are short, what wrong with that?"
Little do you know,I thought,gibing the length if him a clearly resentful once- over. He had never needed to stand on a chair to get something on a cupboard, he has never received a condescending pat on  the top of his head
I was about to say that when he spoke up again.
" its hard to imagine a short thing like you being around big horses."
I jumped at my feet," you don't have to be big to handle horses dummy just being smarter than they are is enough.
I couldn't remember a time I hadn't been treated like a kid. This story was my chance to show the world i was capable.
I turned to Joe to ask him to end the meeting. Joshua wouldn't do.
No,he wouldn't do at all.

Joshua Donaldson
I walked into Joe's office with my hopes held high. I could do this. When I reached at the door and found him talking to a woman I couldn't help but look at her from behind. She had black curly hair. She was very short. And when she stared at me with her mouth dropped I swear I have never seen something so cute. Cute like what?  This one was to be my make-believe wife? She didn't look like someone who could keep to herself....but I certainly wanted her to be with me.