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

In front of the general store, I rein in the horse and jump down off the seat to tie up at the hitching post. I expect Miss Lucille to follow suit; she’s nothing if not independent, and she seemed in quite a hurry to leave the ranch behind. But when I turn from the post I find her still perched prettily on the seat, hands folded in her lap, her head turned pointedly away. I see her gaze flick my way and blush. “Just a moment, ma’am,” I say, hurrying to her side of the cart. I offer her my hand. “Let me help get down from there.”


“Why, thank you, Mr. Nat.” So we’re back to formalities again, though her lips curve into a secret smile before she tamps it down. “I’ll only be a moment or two. Would you accompany me inside?”


Chapter 13