Rebel Heart Read Online Free PDF Page A

wrist; she had to break contact between them before she did something foolish beyond belief—like throw herself into his arms. But when she felt his strength, the warmth of his taut skin, her fingers clung. She could feel the steady beat of his pulse beneath her fingertips, feel the leashed strength of his muscles as he gently brushed his thumb against her. When he rubbed across her lips, she trembled. Opening her mouth slightly, she drew in a deep breath. He was going to seduce her right here in the kitchen!
    Yanking back, she turned, her determination rising. She refused to become emotionally caught up with some no-account cowboy who wanted freedom from responsibilities of building a future.
    “Call me Shannon.” She cleared her throat, trying for a stronger tone. “I’m not your darling, nor honey, nor a half pint.”
    He laughed and headed for the door.
    “You know better than that, darlin’. Hurry out and we’ll ride the range.”
    “You can’t. The doctor said no riding till your ribs healed.”
    “He meant bronc riding.” Jase filled the doorway, his cocky stance brash and fresh. Except for the cast and the slight discoloration on his cheek, he looked fit and trim and raring to go.
    “He meant until you got well,” she gritted from between clenched teeth. “I didn’t bring you here to damage your well-being further.”
    “Right. We both know you want my expertise to help you come up to speed in running this place.”
    She nodded, hesitated a moment. “You can, can’t you? Teach me what I need to know?”
    He shook his head, amazement and amusement warring for supremacy. “You’re asking that now? Maybe you should have asked that before you invited me to your bed and board.”
    “Not my bed,” she protested. Her heart raced at the image that flashed, both of them together in the big bed she’d bought a year ago. She slammed her fist against the table. She would not daydream about Jase Hart!
    “An expression only.” His grin threatened to split his face.
    “Bobby said you were the best all-around cowboy he knew, and a man could learn a lot from you,” she said slowly, getting her emotions under control. Running her hands down her jeans, she tried to soothe her jangled nerves. She felt as if she were on a roller coaster ride, thrilled, scared, anticipating the next dip or crest.
    “Yeah, well I can ride and rope. And just to set your mind at rest, I grew up on a ranch in the eastern part of the state. I ran it after my folks died, made enough to get my younger brother and sister through college. So I think I can handle this place for a few weeks. But I meant what I said, Shannon. I’m the boss while I’m here. I’ll teach you everything I can, but you take my orders around the place like everyone else. When I leave, you’re on your own.”
    She wanted to protest, to wipe that smug look off his face. But she merely nodded once, clenching her fists tightly. She didn’t know enough to kick him out. But as soon as she did, he’d be gone so fast his head would spin.
    “Concerning the ranch, you’re the boss, while you’re here,” she agreed.
    “So meet me in the barn in half an hour.”
    “But concerning everything else, I’m the boss,” she said with steely determination. “And that means watching out for the health and welfare of everyone on the ranch. We’re not riding today!”
    “Damnation! You are the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met.” He glared at her.
    “Well you haven’t seen anything yet!”
    They were in a standoff, both highly charged and ready to do battle. Suddenly Shannon relaxed. She stepped back and gathered the dishes. “There’s a ton of paperwork. Rod left things in a total mess. I would appreciate your help in reconciling the accounts, showing me exactly where I stand and what I can do to get through this time. I don’t have any money, less than two hundred dollars in the bank. I had to let most of the hands go and I know Gary and Dink would leave if