Cowboy Redeemed Read Online Free PDF Page B

won’t be so polite.”
    Clayton climbed the steps. To her surprise, he planted his body at her side, arms crossed.
    “What’s your first name, Mr. Johnson?” Clayton asked.
    “Michael.”
    “And you work for…?”
    “Aristo Industries, but I don’t see what business that is of yours.”
    “Not your place to see. Trust me when I say Ainsley isn’t alone. You’d better think twice before making good on those facts you spouted, Mr. Johnson. Any harm comes to Ms. Russell, her property, or anything that belongs to her—you’re the first person I’m gonna visit. Bet your ass on it. Am I in any way being unclear?”
    Mr. Johnson’s face paled. “I’ll be sure to pass on your message.”
    “You do that. Now would be good.”
    Mr. Johnson sneered. “I’ll be in touch.”
    “Can’t wait.” Ainsley mumbled with a mock salute.
    Mr. Johnson climbed into his car. Gravel flew as he turned and sped down the driveway.
    “Pleasant man,” Clayton said as he watched him go. “I’m guessing he’s not a friend of yours.”
    One down. One to go.
    The united front display rattled her senses. Clay had her back. Ha!
    When had anyone had her back before? The idea felt good. Too good.
    Unable to deal with the emotions churning through her, she huffed. “I don’t need you to fight my battles. What’re you doing here, Clayton?”
    “Most people call me Clay. If I can coerce you to put the gun down, I thought we could talk.”
    Ainsley cursed under her breath. He was what she’d spent all night thinking about—and what she’d do if she saw him again. Those fantasies had nothing to do with kicking him off her property and everything to do with getting him naked. “I’m not doing any more talking until I have at least one cup of coffee. Come in if you want, but watch your step.”
    He studied the porch as though trying to decide the best route to her front door.
    “Step wide here.” She demonstrated by stepping over two boards to plant her foot on the threshold. “Avoid those and you’ll be fine.”
    She didn’t wait to see if he would follow. His nearness renewed the ache to have him between her thighs. Part of her wished he’d turn tail and leave her alone. The other, more insistent part of her wanted him to drag her to bed and keep her there all day.
    Clay’s boots clomped against the worn hardwoods. “How long has the porch been like that?” He propped a hip against the doorway to the kitchen, arms crossed over his chest. His short sleeves allowed her a view of the tattoo she’d been fascinated with last night. Black ink decorated his forearm, an intricate design starting just above his wrist and ending at his elbow. She itched to get a closer look.
    “I suspect a long time. It hasn’t gotten any worse since I’ve been here.” She reached into the cabinet and pulled out a coffee mug. “Want some coffee?”
    “Sure.”
    “Sugar? I don’t have cream, but I’ve got milk if you want.”
    “Black is fine, thanks.”
    She grabbed a second mug and filled both as he pulled out a chair and took a seat as though he belonged there. Ainsley set his mug in front of him and leaned against the counter, facing him.
    “So, talk.” She blew over the rim of her mug before taking a sip.
    “Lemme guess. Not a morning person?”
    “I like mornings fine. I’m actually quite cheerful when my mornings aren’t rudely interrupted by strangers before my first cup of coffee.”
    He chuckled. “Fair enough.” He tested the coffee with a small sip before tipping his mug for a deeper drink. “That guy hasn’t been out here before?”
    “Not him, no.”
    “Someone else?” he prompted.
    “Seems there’s a never ending supply of people around here who think I’m incapable of running this ranch.”
    One thick, dark brow rose. “You’ve got experience running ranches, then?”
    Ainsley drew in a breath and set her coffee aside. “That’s really not your concern, is it? It’s not anyone’s concern. Whether people