Reckless Heart Read Online Free PDF Page A

than heading back to town the same day.
    She backed her car around and faced the driveway just as Josh rode up. Pausing until he passed her, she watched as he sat on the big bay horse like he’d been born to the saddle, tall and easy, his long legs hugging the horse’s sides. She couldn’t help staring.
    Whether he wanted it or not, whether he ever found out or not, he was going to be the role model for the hero of her book. Maybe not his personality—she wanted a kinder, gentler man. But his face was perfect—rough-hewn, taut and tanned.
    She wished he didn’t wear a hat. She'd like to see the golden glow of his thick, wavy hair in the sunlight again. His shoulders gave the impression they could carry the weight of the world. Some woman would be lucky to have him share her burdens one day. His hands were strong and capable. Capable of being tender, she acknowledged as she remembered his thumb rubbing gently across her palm.
    And capable of bringing an awareness that didn’t end. Her heart rate sped up at the memory of his hand holding hers.
    Josh did not pass. He reined in and dismounted in one fluid motion right beside her. Molly rolled down the window.
    “Leaving?” His voice was silky with satisfaction.
    “Only to buy groceries. I’ll be back in time for dinner,” she replied sweetly, giving him a false smile while she seethed with frustration. She didn’t understand why he wanted her to leave so much. She'd have thought he'd be so grateful to have someone do the housework and cooking, he'd make some effort to appease that person.
    Her.
    She wanted him to ask her to stay. To do something to show that she was special to him, if only to relieve him of the tasks around the house.
    Special to him?
    She didn’t want to be special to anyone. She wanted to prove to herself and her father that she was capable of choosing her own life and living it the way she wanted. Maybe one day, in the far distant future, she'd find a man who would love her for herself, not for her sexiness, which she obviously lacked, not because she waited on him hand and foot. But just because of who she was.
    And it was certain that that man would be nothing like Josh Hart. Though, she sighed softly, in all honesty he probably wouldn't approach Josh in the looks department either. Josh had to be the best-looking man she’d ever seen.
    “What are you getting?” he asked.
    “Do you want to see the list?” She snatched it up from the seat beside her and thrust it through the open window. Josh made no move to take it. His eyes glimmered as he stared down through the window. Shaded by his hat, they appeared as cool as a frosty foggy morning. But Molly had seen them flare hot and silver when angry.
    “So you’re coming back?” he asked.
    “Yes! Honestly, do you think to drive me away with your less than welcoming attitude? You need me.”
    “And you’re just a woman who wants to be needed.”
    Was that part of the determination of staying in a job where her boss obviously didn’t want her? She wanted to be needed for the first time in her life?
    She pulled her hand back, tossed the list beside her and put the car in gear. “I have work to do. As boss you can laze around if you want, but if I’m to get back in time to make dinner, I need to get going.”
    His teeth were white and even when he smiled at her bold speech. Molly took a deep breath and forced her eyes forward. Time enough later to build up resistance, if they wanted dinner at seven, she had to hurry.
     
     
    Josh stood and watched as Molly maneuvered her car around the house and drove back down the driveway. A snippy thing. None of his other housekeepers sassed him like she did. He must be getting soft in the head since he allowed it.
    Next time he’d remind her of the respect due the boss of a spread the size of the Rafter C. Remind her she was only here temporarily and if she wanted to stay even until the next housekeeper arrived, she had better watch her mouth.
     
    It