Once the daughter of a prominent dentist in Philadelphia, Natalie Allen wasn’t happy with the life she was expected to lead, so she left society behind and headed west. Now, in the little town of Junction, she’s known as Nat, a cowboy working on Boss Daddy’s cattle ranch. She keeps to herself, renting a room in a local boarding house instead of staying in the bunk house, and with her dungarees and short hair, no one realizes she’s living as a man. But Boss Daddy’s pretty daughter Miss Lucille takes a notice to “Mr. Nat,” and the closer the two become, the more conflicted Nat grows. She likes Miss Lucille a lot more than she knows she should, and it’s easy to forget who she’s pretending to be around the boss’s daughter. Then Miss Lucille surprises everyone, Nat included, by announcing their engagement. Nat knows they can’t marry, and if she tells Miss Lucille why, her ruse will be up. Her only choice is to leave Junction behind, even if it means breaking Miss Lucille’s heart. But will Miss Lucille let Nat go so easily?

The Boss's Daughter

Boss Daddy’s study is near the front of the house. The servants in the kitchen glance up at me, then turn back to their preparations for the evening meal. I nod at no one in particular before hurrying through the swinging door into the hallway, then following it down to the study on the left.


The heavy wooden door is ajar. As I approach, I hear Miss Lucille’s voice raised in indignation. She’s the only person alive who can talk to Boss Daddy so angrily without reprimand. “You said this was mydecision, remember? You said I had plentyof time—”


“Damn it, Lucy!” Boss Daddy thundered. I cringed against the wall, unwilling to interrupt such a volatile moment. The hallway was empty, and I alone listened in on the argument. “I’m not getting any younger, and by God, neither are you! A good marriage now will ensure the ranch’s future. And I don’t see youout there looking!”


Chapter 11