Diane R. Jewkes Read Free

with your fine skin and — ”
    “Mr. Black!” Kara said sharply, her voice stopping his hand in midair. She continued, hoping her voice wouldn’t betray her fear. “What do you think you are doing? Not only do I not know who you are, but I am, as you said, old man Jonston’s daughter.” Her anger began overcoming her fear; her voice icy, backing down the rude young man in front of her.
    “If you wish to keep your job on this ranch, I suggest you remember that fact, and never approach me in such an untoward manner again.” She desperately pushed down the rapidly rising fear.
    Jeb dropped his hand to his side, face pale, a mixture of embarrassment and anger. “No ma’am,” he drawled slowly, leveling his unnerving gaze on her again. “I guess I overstepped myself. Of course those clothes could give a man the wrong idea.”
    Kara sucked in her breath.
    “Black … . Where are you?” Joe, the ranch foreman, walked into the barn. Kara saw his eyes go from her face to Black’s clenched fists. “What the hell are you doin’ in here, Black?” he yelled at the younger man. “You’re supposed to be out bringing in the horses. You were hired to break horses, not dilly-dally in the barn. Don’t let me catch you wasting time or bothering Miss Kara again, or you’ll be off this property so fast … do I make myself clear!” He leaned towards Jeb, anger clenching every muscle of his face.
    “I was just introducin’ myself to the lady,” Jeb said slowly, challenging the older man with an insolent stare. “Didn’t know it was a problem boss.” A slow, cold grin spread across his face. “Guess I’ll jest get on to work now.” Looking at Kara, eyes cold, Jeb tipped his hat. “Miss,” He turned and sauntered out of the barn.
    A long breath escaped her. Only then had she realized she’d been holding it in. “Thank you, Joe.” She grabbed his arm, grateful for the momentary support, afraid her knees might give out. “I’ve never met anyone who has made me feel so uncomfortable. I wasn’t sure what he might do.”
    “You stay clear of him, Miss Kara.” He put an arm around her shoulder and gave her a quick hug. “It appears that boy’s got some manners to learn. I’ll be sure the other men keep an eye on him and keep him clear of you. If he causes any trouble, he can just pack up. Bronc busters are a dime a dozen. I don’t allow troublemakers of any kind on this spread.” Turning to leave, he looked back. “You go on up to the north pasture with Henry and Lacy. They’ll keep you busy today. Don’t you worry about Jeb Black anymore.”
    She entered the stall, still shaken by the encounter. The dark red gelding pushed his nose into her chest in greeting. She hugged his neck, breathing in the warm, musky smell — a combination of horse, hay, and dust. “Oh Gally, I don’t understand? I certainly didn’t do anything to provoke him.” The big horse snuffled softly in her hair. Sighing raggedly, she took a deep breath and worked to calm her racing heart. Pushing back from the horse, she turned and picked up a brush from the ledge outside the stall and brushed him down. The steady strokes of the brush across her horse’s coat relaxed her.
    Sighing once again, she finished saddling her horse, led him from the barn into the bright, warm light of a spring morning, mounted, and went to work.

Chapter 3
    The young woman looked up through her lashes at the two men sitting across from her on the train. God, but he’s magnificent , she thought, admiring the man seated directly across from her. The smooth fit of his tailored black jacket across broad shoulders, and the snug fit of his vest emphasized the lack of spare flesh on this man. Looking at his long, thickly muscled thighs in snug breeches tucked into tall, riding boots caused a flutter in her stomach and heat to race along her skin. I wonder where he’s going . She licked her lips, contemplating a long ride and a casual flirtation.
    A soft, deep