Expecting the Rancher's Heir by Kathie DeNosky Read Free Book Online

course.
    â€œI—I don’t know…why…that happened,” she said when she was finally able to get her vocal cords to work. She had never been more embarrassed in her entire life.
    â€œI think I do,” he said as his hand continued to stroke her hair in a soothing manner. “You’ve had a hell of a day and you’re so tired you can barely keep your eyes open.”
    His understanding words and the gentle tone of his deep voice helped ease some of her humiliation. “You’re probably right. I think this has quite possibly been the most stressful day I have ever endured.”
    He reached over to switch off the lamp. Then, cradling her to him, he kissed her so tenderly another wave of tears threatened.
    â€œTry to get some sleep, angel.” His arms tightened around her. “It’s all going to work out. I give you my word on that.”
    Too exhausted to think about everything that had happened since her return to Aspen two months ago for the reading of her father’s will, Melissa snuggled against Shane and closed her eyes. Maybe with the morning light things would be clearer. Maybe then she would be able to cope with the fact that her life had spun completely out of control and there didn’t seem to be a single thing she could do to stop it.
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    When Shane led the gelding out of the barn and over to the fence, he smiled. “Does this horse look familiar?”
    Lissa’s blue eyes twinkled with excitement. “He looks just like Smoky Joe.”
    â€œThat’s because he’s old Smoky’s little brother,” he said, handing her the reins. After hearing that the blue roan had been her favorite at Jarrod Ridge, Shane purposely chose the horse for her to ride to Rainbow Falls.
    â€œThank you,” she said as she softly stroked the horse’s velvet muzzle. “What’s his name?”
    â€œHe’s registered with the American Quarter Horse Association as Smoke Storm, but we just call him Stormy.” Walking back into the barn to get a saddle and blanket from the tack room, Shane returned to placed the saddle over the top fence rail. Then, smoothing the saddle blanket over the gelding’s back, he added, “I don’t want you to worry that he might be more than you can handle. In spite of his name, there’s nothing stormy about him.” He picked up the saddle and positioned it on the blanket. “I’ve seen kittens with more piss and vinegar than this guy.”
    Lissa smiled as she hugged the animal’s neck. “Smoky Joe was that way, too. You could do just about anything with him.”
    Shane nodded. “That’s why we bred the same mare and stallion several different times. The colts they foaled were all good-natured and perfect for people who aren’t used to riding a lot.”
    â€œIn other words, perfect for the inexperienced guests at Jarrod Ridge,” she guessed.
    He pulled the cinch tight. “That was the idea.”
    While Lissa and Stormy got to know each other, Shane quickly saddled his sorrel stallion. “Need a leg up?” he asked, turning to see if she needed help mounting the roan.
    â€œI think I can get this,” she said, slipping her booted foot into the stirrup.
    He stepped behind her in case she had problems and immediately decided that he would have done well to take her at her word. When her perfect little blue-jeans-clad bottom bobbed in front of his face as she climbed onto the saddle, the air rushed out of his lungs like helium from an overinflated balloon.
    Holding her soft body to his throughout the night, then waking up with her in his arms this morning without once making love to her, had been a true test of his control. But Lissa hadn’t needed his lust. She had needed his comfort and he had been determined to give it to her or die trying.
    Exhausted, emotionally spent and extremely vulnerable, she had tried to give the impression that she was