Heart's Desire Read Free Page B

brow, and she saw annoyance simmering just below the surface, a state she was sure was foreign to him but that she was thrilled to trigger. He took a deep breath and met her gaze with an animosity she hadn’t expected.
    What did he have to be annoyed about? She was the one being forced to be hospitable. She would have preferred this entire matter be done via e-mail or a conference call. He and Justin were the ones who’d insisted on Nathan coming back to point out her failures in person. As if she didn’t already know her many shortcomings. Let him be irritated. She was, too.
    â€œJess,” he began, taking a deep breath. “I’d like to get started right away. I was hoping to remedy your predicament as soon as possible and get back before this weekend.”
    Jessie glared at him, allowing herself the luxury of a momentary fantasy where she walked down the steps and slapped the arrogant smile from the bastard’s face. She hadn’t wanted him here in the first place. He was more than welcome to turn around get on the first plane out of Sacramento.
    She reined in her whim and mimicked his self-important tone. “ Mr . Kerrington, please don’t feel any obligation to stay at all. In fact, in light of how much work I have to do here on Heart Fire Ranch, I’d suggest you stay with Justin, a hotel in town, or simply to head to where ever it is you plan on going next. I didn’t ask for your help with my predicament , and I don’t want it either.”
    Jessie glanced at Bailey, who was pinching her lips together in an effort to hide a smile, before looking back at Nathan. His eyes flashed with indignation, but the emotion disappeared just as quickly, as if her tirade was only a minor annoyance. The slick smile and formal speech were back on his lips in the blink of an eye.
    â€œWhile I appreciate your candor, your brother did invite me, and as a vested party in the success of this ranch, he does have the right to request my intervention.”
    It rankled her that, from the sound of things, Justin had divulged the details of their parents’ will to this man already. She’d specifically told him to wait until they could discuss it together. She didn’t understand why Justin refused to figure this out as a family. Nathan had already proven he couldn’t be trusted. Just because Justin forgave Nathan didn’t mean she had.
    â€œThen by all means, discuss his vested interest all you want, with him . I have work to do and a ranch to run. Bailey can show you the way to your cabin. Lunch is at one sharp. Be there or go hungry.”
    Jessie spun on her heel and headed for the barn, not giving him a chance to respond. She wasn’t about to give this pompous, arrogant city slicker the satisfaction of having the last word. Not this time.
    It didn’t matter that her body was practically aching to be touched by him again. She had locked her heart away a long time ago, and she wasn’t about to let Nathan near it again.
    J ESSIE HURRIED TO the barn, intent on getting as far away from Nathan as possible. She wasn’t sure what to think about the reaction his presence had stirred in her. She hated Nathan. At least, she thought she did. But how could you hate someone who made your insides quiver and your entire body weak with just a look? She looked up as Aleta led one of the older, very pregnant rescue mares into the aisle way and clipped the crossties to both sides of her halter.
    â€œHey, Jess. What was that all about?” Aleta jerked her chin toward the barn door.
    Jessie turned to see Nathan heading toward the biggest of the log cabins on the other side of the barn. Cabins once filled with paying clientele now sat empty, like a miniature ghost town, reminding her of how she was failing her parents. What would her father say if he could see what she had done to his ranch? Jessie glanced toward the hay room, where the supply was dwindling and she had no