She blinked, tried to draw in a shaky breath. Her heart raced at the thought of making love with Jase. She shocked herself with a flare of desire. She’d known all along Jase would stay only until he recovered. She was lucky he agreed to help her out. She wouldn’t be fool enough to set herself up for heartache.
“I can’t have a one-night stand, or even a short affair,” she whispered. “I’m not that kind of person.” She wouldn’t relax lifetime standards for a craving she’d never before experienced. He’d committed to stay for only a few weeks. She could control any wanton urges that long, surely.
He nodded, his fingers slowly drawing her closer. “I know you’re not. What you deserve is a man who would run your ranch for you and offer you undying love. A man who would give you a dozen kids and come home every night, not some fool rodeo cowboy who wants to see as much of the world as he can from between the ears of a horse. But, darlin’, if you ever ease up on those scruples and want a quick fling, you hunt me up, promise?”
His mouth covered hers.
His lips were warm and compelling. They moved against hers slowly, expertly and seductively, bringing her achingly aware of every fiber of her being. She longed to get closer. As if he read her mind, he pulled her into his lap, the hard cast bumping her for a moment, as he put it awkwardly around her.
Shannon didn’t even notice, she was too inflamed with the sensations coursing through her, rippling through every nerve ending. Heat built, starting low and spreading to her fingertips and toes. Her breathing became erratic, but the delight that fed her from his kiss overrode every discomfort, every other sensation.
Endlessly his kiss went on and on. Shannon returned pressure for pressure, stroke for stroke, taste for taste. And reveled in it. Slowly his words resurfaced and she eased back in his arms. He released her mouth, hugging her close before setting her on his knees. She could feel the strength in his thighs, feel the leased energy that banked down the desire that rode high in him. Touched at his restraint, against her better judgment she longed for more, but took him at his word. He could not give her what she wanted most.
“I can’t give you a one-night stand,” she said almost regretfully.
“I know, darlin’. Best to get the urge out of the way.”
She blinked. Her urges were higher than ever now—were his gone?
“And did it work?” she asked.
“Hell, no! I want you more than ever. But I’m not here for good.”
She slipped off his legs, brushing her fingertips across her swollen lips. “We need to keep this on a businesslike footing, Jase. I know you are here temporarily. This ranch means a lot to me, I don’t want to jeopardize it.”
“I’m not putting you in jeopardy.”
“No, you’re going to help me save it.” She sat back in her chair and looked pointedly at the stacks of feed receipts he’d been working on. “Tell me more about growing my own hay so I can reduce that feed bill. And if you have any ideas where I can get some cash, sell some steers or rent out some grazing land, or anything, let me know.”
“You could get a loan from the bank.”
“Beyond the bare mortgage I have, I don’t owe any money, and don’t want to start if I can help it. Rod really hurt the place taking all the ready cash. He didn’t even pay the last round of bills, but kept that money, too. I had a little saved, but it’s all gone. I don’t want to get deeper in debt. What would happen if I had a bad year? I could lose everything.”
“Then let’s get back to work on what you have and see where you can get a few extra bucks.”
That was the sensible thing to do. Heavens, she’d only met the man yesterday, she had no business wanting anything beyond her ranch. But for once Shannon didn’t feel very sensible.
Chapter Three
By neither word nor action did Jase allude to their kiss. But Shannon could not so easily dismiss it. Her body still thrummed with longing as she sat beside him soaking up everything he had to say.
She couldn’t believe that she’d been such a pushover, practically melting in his arms as he kissed her.
She did her best to ignore the kiss behind a cloak of interest and aloofness. She asked intelligent questions, remembering the answers. She discussed the different aspects of ranching as he brought them up. In some areas she was confident she knew how to handle things. In others she was helplessly lost.
Jase remained patient throughout the morning, though as the time passed Shannon suspected from the way he shifted in his chair that his ribs ached more than he let on.
She called a break at lunch. When he protested, she reminded him that while he might run the ranch, she was in charge of meals and rest periods and she needed to stop before her brain turned to mush. She knew better than to suggest he should rest. He wasn’t the type to admit to any need, even though in obvious pain.
“Time to hit the books again,” he said, after their light lunch.
“Not for me.” Shannon improvised rapidly as she washed the last of the plates. “I have a few things to do first. Can we wait until later?”
“How much later?” he asked suspiciously.
She handed him the bottle of pain pills she’d brought from his room earlier and shrugged.
“What are these for?” he asked.
“You’re obviously in some pain. The lines around your mouth give it away. Take one, for heaven’s sake.”
“Pills make me sleepy.” He pushed the bottle away.
“So lie down for a few minutes. I should only be an hour. We can get back to your slave driving then,” she said carelessly, turning to wipe the dishes. She smiled softly when she saw him take one of the tablets. If he’d only lie down for a while, it would do him a world of good. But try to get him to believe that. She’d taken his measure already. Macho cowboy.
In fact, Shannon drew herself up as she dried the last cup, she felt as if she’d known Jase for ages. How odd when there was so much about him that was still a mystery to her.
She couldn’t explain her feelings around him. They ran the gambit. She usually took a long time to feel at ease around strangers. But once she’d gotten over being so nervous asking for his help, she had felt as if she’d known him forever. Maybe because he reminded her of Bobby a little. That same reckless endangerment of their own lives. The live-for-the-moment way they followed the rodeo.
Not that it explained her reaction to his devastating kiss. She grew weak and warm just thinking about it. Gripping the counter, she glanced over her shoulder at him. His eyes were on her. Was he remembering their kiss, as well? She refused to look away first.
“I’ll lie down for a while. Come get me when you’re through with whatever you have to do,” Jase said, rising and walking stiffly from the kitchen.
He suspected she didn't have anything to do that couldn't wait. But it wouldn't hurt to lie down for a few minutes, let the pain meds do their thing. His arm ached, his ribs throbbed. Not that he'd admit that to anyone. Especially Half-Pint.
When he sat on the edge of the bed and fell back, he almost groaned in relief. Even with his feet still on the floor, it felt like heaven. He wasn't sure he had energy enough to get fully on the bed. He'd try it in a minute.
As he relaxed, he thought about the kiss. He'd risked a lot. But temptation had been too much. She was the most kissable woman he'd known. And he'd love to have a hot affair with her while he was on the ranch. But he'd known even before she'd confirmed it that she wasn't the type. She was love and marriage and fifty-year anniversaries. It was written all over her.
But he wouldn't mind another kiss. Or two. Before he left. Nothing more.
He was mad clear through. Shannon giggled as she heard his door slam behind her after she’d gone to wake him up. She’d let him sleep all afternoon, only going in to wake him for dinner. When he realized the time, he swore. Prudently Shannon had quickly left. Now she clearly heard the clump of his feet stomping when he got out of bed. Scooting away from his door, Shannon hurried into the
kitchen, laughter spilling out. Time Mr. Hart learned he didn’t get his own way in everything, acting ranch boss or not.
“What the blazes did you think you were doing, letting me sleep all afternoon?” he roared, following her into the kitchen. The savory aroma from the beef stew that had simmered all afternoon filled the air; biscuits were browning, an apple pie cooled on a rack. Cinnamon, spices, bread, all combined to bring a mouth-watering fragrance that defined her kitchen.
Jase was oblivious. He glared at her, rumpled sheet marks still visible on his cheek. Shannon ignored his anger and pointed to his chair. “Sit. Next time, Mr. Boss Man, don’t be in such an all-fired hurry to get well. The doctor said it would be a while before your ribs mended. The strapping you have is to ease the discomfort, not miraculously mend the cracks. And your broken arm could use the rest, too.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“Yeah, right. Do you want to eat or yell at me?”
He crossed the room, his eyes narrowed, anger still simmering just below the surface. Crowding her against the counter, he stopped only inches away. The sling had been discarded, his shirt strained across the cast, across broad shoulders and his muscular chest. The glint in his silvery eyes would have frightened a brave man, but it didn’t frighten Shannon.
It drove her crazy, but didn’t frighten her. She held her own, meeting his gaze with hers, locking her eyes with his as the rest of the room gradually dimmed from view.
“I told you before, I don’t need a nursemaid,” he growled, leaning over until his nose almost touched hers.
“What do you need?” she asked softly, so softly he could scarcely hear. Her breath fanned across his cheek and a muscle jerked by his jaw.
“You, darlin’.” He closed the distance and covered her lips with his. They were still warmed with sleep, grew hot as he pressed them against hers, moving persuasively, coaxingly, until Shannon could resist no longer and softened her own to meet his. Soon she was in his arms, feeling the hard length of his body press against hers. He bent her slightly over the edge of the counter as his kiss went on and on.
Pushing against him, striving for air, she was disappointed when he released her. Disappointed with herself for having given in to him again.
“Jase, please, don’t. We said we would only do business,” she protested, her fingers curling around the muscles of his arm, belying her rejection.
He lifted his head slightly, his eyes delving deep into hers. “We agreed I’d boss the ranch. What was this afternoon but rank insubordination?”
She smiled. “You need to rest. Your own macho image wouldn’t have allowed you to admit that. It’s no big deal. Sit down and eat dinner. There’s time. I don’t have to learn everything the first day.”
She leaned against the counter for another moment, garnering enough strength to dish up their plates and rescue the biscuits from the oven.
“If you want to learn everything about ranching, it’s in your best interest if I don’t sleep the day away,” Jase said as she placed his dish before him.
“A few hours’ rest won’t set us back. Every scrap of information you give me is that much more than I knew before. Each time I think of Rod Thompson stealing my money I could scream.”
“Don’t let it get to you. From some of the things I saw this morning, he was clever. He probably would have been able to fool Bobby,” Jase said. “Especially since Bobby was gone as much as he was.”
Mollified slightly, Shannon nodded and ate quietly. She had a million questions, but most of them centered on the man sitting opposite her, not on her ranch.
She found her dinner tasteless, it was an effort to eat. She was confused at the feelings that tumbled around inside. Exquisitely aware of every move he made, Shannon had a hard time sitting in her chair. She simultaneously wanted to move closer and to run away from him. Escape alone to the outdoors, yet draw nearer and have him talk to her in his hot, husky voice. She toyed with her food, wishing the evening gone so she could seek the safety of her bed.
“Not hungry?” Jase asked, his eyes taking in her plate.
She shrugged. “Not a lot.”
“It’s good. A man misses home-cooked meals on the road. I usually eat at some cafe in whatever town I’m in.”
“Not the stands at the rodeo?”
“That food’ll kill you.”
She smiled. “Thought cowboys could eat anything, something about a cast-iron stomach?”
“I like to think I’m discriminating in my tastes.”
From the look he gave her, Shannon knew he wasn’t talking only about food. She rose quickly. She wasn’t used to the innuendos and blatant sexual looks he constantly gave.
She knew about men like him, like her husband. The chase was everything. Once a woman was conquered, it was on to new challenges. She'd guard her heart from making that mistake again.
“I have chores to do.” She stalked out of the kitchen to the yard. She’d feed the horses, check in with the men and avoid temptation in the form of Jase Hart for the rest of the night.
Only she’d not counted on Jase. He came after her.
“I don’t need any help,” she grumbled ungratefully. Couldn’t the man tell she was trying to get away from him? Avoid him?
“I need to check Shadow.”
“I can feed him.”
“So can I.” He fell into step beside her, matching her furious pace. The familiar smile tilted his lips as he watched her stride along.
“In a temper?” he asked silkily.
“I have work to do.” She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of thinking he disturbed her.
“Evening, Miz Shannon.” An older man touched the brim of his hat as she entered the barn. He sat in an old camp chair near one of the empty stalls, cleaning reins.
“Evening Dink. This is Jase Hart. He’s come to help out for a few weeks.”
“Pleasure.” Dink nodded, his eyes narrowed as he studied the younger man standing so cocky in the middle of the walkway.
“Dink,” Jase acknowledged.
“Fed the stock already, Miz Shannon,” Dink said easily, leaning back to resume soaping the soft leather.
“Oh? Jase’s horse, as well?”
“Yep. Fine piece of hoss flesh that one.”
“You should see him work,” Jase said.
“I’d like to. When you going to be feeling up to riding?” Dink asked, a quick eye to the cast.
“Tomorrow.”
“No!” Shannon protested. “There’s more work in the office. It’ll be a while—”
“I’ll ride before you’re up. We’ll have plenty of time in the office, don’t worry.”
“But—”
“Lighten up, Shannon. I’m a big boy now, I can take care of myself.”
She bit her lip and turned away, heading to the corral to see to her horses. She had a dozen more than she needed with only herself, Dink and Gary. But when she could afford it, she’d be hiring cowboys again and would need all these horses plus more.
If she could ever afford it.
There was still so much to do, and where was she going to get the money?
“Why did you keep Dink on?” Jase asked as he joined her by the rail.
“What do you mean?” She turned slightly to face him, her hands on her hips. “He’s a good man.”
“A bit old to be your number one man. Or is Gary that?”
“Dink’s been here for years. He worked here when Bobby and I first bought the place.”
“Darlin’, he probably worked here before you were born, but that doesn’t make him the best choice for your money. You'd have done better to keep one of the younger hands.”
“He’s been here forever and at his age he would have had the devil of a time getting work anywhere else. I feel a responsibility to him. That’s something I’m sure you’d never understand!”
She was tired of fighting everything. She knew she was in danger of losing the ranch, knew she should have some young m
en who could do more of the physical tasks around the place, but she couldn’t afford it.
And she did feel responsible for Dink and Gary. This was their home, too.
Jase wound her braid around his hand and pulled her head back until she faced him. Anger radiated from him. “Listen here, Half Pint, I’m tired of your sniping at me at every instance you get about responsibility and your belief I can’t handle it. Hell, I’ve had more responsibility than you can ever imagine. My folks died when I was seventeen. I had a younger brother and sister to take care of. I was responsible for them. I barely finished high school, there was too much to do to provide a home for my siblings so the state didn’t step in and send them to foster care. I’ve given up college and the chance long ago to enjoy the last of my teen years to provide for two other people who mean the world to me. I slaved on that damned ranch to make a living for us, to send them to school, get them started on their own lives. Now I’m taking a couple of years out for me. If that makes me irresponsible, then I admit it. But I know all about responsibility and don’t want you shoving that in my face again, do I make myself clear?” His voice sliced through her like a knife.
Had his grip on her hair permitted a nod, Shannon would have done so. Since it didn’t she said softly, “Yes, that’s clear. I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
Her eyes were wide and soft as the echo of his story rumbled in her mind. She had judged him solely on appearances. Maybe his happy-go-lucky, macho-cowboy image was only that, an image. Maybe Jase was a man who knew more about responsibility than most rodeo riders.
“So no more cracks?” His anger faded as the tight grip on her hair changed, eased.
“No more cracks,” she whispered. If she ever needed reassurance that he was the man to help her, he’d just given it to her. Who would know better how to bring a ranch around than someone who had run one for years, who had made a ranch pay enough to send his younger siblings to college?
Rebel Heart Page 4