Rebel Heart by Barbara McMahon Read Free Book Online

but rank insubordination?”
    She smiled. “You need to rest. Your own macho image wouldn’t have allowed you to admit that. It’s no big deal. Sit down and eat dinner. There’s time. I don’t have to learn everything the first day.”
    She leaned against the counter for another moment, garnering enough strength to dish up their plates and rescue the biscuits from the oven.
    “If you want to learn everything about ranching, it’s in your best interest if I don’t sleep the day away,” Jase said as she placed his dish before him.
    “A few hours’ rest won’t set us back. Every scrap of information you give me is that much more than I knew before. Each time I think of Rod Thompson stealing my money I could scream.”
    “Don’t let it get to you. From some of the things I saw this morning, he was clever. He probably would have been able to fool Bobby,” Jase said. “Especially since Bobby was gone as much as he was.”
    Mollified slightly, Shannon nodded and ate quietly. She had a million questions, but most of them centered on the man sitting opposite her, not on her ranch.
    She found her dinner tasteless, it was an effort to eat. She was confused at the feelings that tumbled around inside. Exquisitely aware of every move he made, Shannon had a hard time sitting in her chair. She simultaneously wanted to move closer and to run away from him. Escape alone to the outdoors, yet draw nearer and have him talk to her in his hot, husky voice. She toyed with her food, wishing the evening gone so she could seek the safety of her bed.
    “Not hungry?” Jase asked, his eyes taking in her plate.
    She shrugged. “Not a lot.”
    “It’s good. A man misses home-cooked meals on the road. I usually eat at some cafe in whatever town I’m in.”
    “Not the stands at the rodeo?”
    “That food’ll kill you.”
    She smiled. “Thought cowboys could eat anything, something about a cast-iron stomach?”
    “I like to think I’m discriminating in my tastes.”
    From the look he gave her, Shannon knew he wasn’t talking only about food. She rose quickly. She wasn’t used to the innuendos and blatant sexual looks he constantly gave.
    She knew about men like him, like her husband. The chase was everything. Once a woman was conquered, it was on to new challenges. She'd guard her heart from making that mistake again.
    “I have chores to do.” She stalked out of the kitchen to the yard. She’d feed the horses, check in with the men and avoid temptation in the form of Jase Hart for the rest of the night.
    Only she’d not counted on Jase. He came after her.
    “I don’t need any help,” she grumbled ungratefully. Couldn’t the man tell she was trying to get away from him? Avoid him?
    “I need to check Shadow.”
    “I can feed him.”
    “So can I.” He fell into step beside her, matching her furious pace. The familiar smile tilted his lips as he watched her stride along.
    “In a temper?” he asked silkily.
    “I have work to do.” She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of thinking he disturbed her.
    “Evening, Miz Shannon.” An older man touched the brim of his hat as she entered the barn. He sat in an old camp chair near one of the empty stalls, cleaning reins.
    “Evening Dink. This is Jase Hart. He’s come to help out for a few weeks.”
    “Pleasure.” Dink nodded, his eyes narrowed as he studied the younger man standing so cocky in the middle of the walkway.
    “Dink,” Jase acknowledged.
    “Fed the stock already, Miz Shannon,” Dink said easily, leaning back to resume soaping the soft leather.
    “Oh? Jase’s horse, as well?”
    “Yep. Fine piece of hoss flesh that one.”
    “You should see him work,” Jase said.
    “I’d like to. When you going to be feeling up to riding?” Dink asked, a quick eye to the cast.
    “Tomorrow.”
    “No!” Shannon protested. “There’s more work in the office. It’ll be a while—”
    “I’ll ride before you’re up. We’ll have plenty of time in the office,