Read Online Rebel Heart by Barbara McMahon - Free Book Online

else, much less a full-time job elsewhere.”
    “I—”
    His hand cupped her chin, his thumb covered her lips, stopping the words that would have spilled out.
    “And I wasn’t talking about a loan. I think you could use an influx of capital. I’m offering to buy in as a partner.”
    She stared at him, dumbfounded. He wanted to buy into her ranch? To become her partner? Was he crazy?
    Or did he think she was?
    She twisted her face away from his grasp. “You’re nuts. Why would I sell part of my ranch to anyone? If I can just get by this temporary bind, I’ll make it.”
    “In the meantime this temporary bind could set you back so far you’ll never dig out. Listen, Shannon. I know a lot more about running a cattle ranch than you’ll learn in six years, much less six weeks. I was born on one, raised on one, ran it for a long while. I’ve lived, slept and breathed beef cattle until I have probably forgotten more than you know right now.”
    “But I can learn!”
    “Sure you can, but in time to save this place? You’re in a crisis situation here, sweetheart. You don’t have the luxury of unlimited time to dither around and wait for the pot at the end of the rainbow. You have to get some cash and fast.”
    “So I’ll sell some cattle. But I’m not selling my ranch.”
    “I didn’t say sell the ranch. I want to buy in. I have some money sitting in a bank, why not help you out on the Bar Seven?”
    “No. I’m not interested.”
    She turned and headed back to the house. Fear grew with each step. Big words, refusing his help. What was she going to do? She knew she needed a lot of money and soon. If she sold cattle now, she’d have a smaller herd, which would take longer to build up. But to sell part of the ranch, to no longer own it totally, was unthinkable. She especially did not want to give up part ownership to a disturbing cowboy who was only staying temporarily.
    His arm unexpectedly spun her around. He held on to her as he leaned over, his nose almost touching hers. She could feel the heat of his anger.
    “You don’t have much choice.”
    “I do, too. I can sell what cattle I need to raise the money.”
    “Why not take a partner? Shannon, I’m not asking for controlling interest, just a few shares.”
    “No.”
    “Why the hell not?” He was getting angry at her refusal and she glared up at him.
    “I’ll tell you why not, cowboy. First of all, this ranch is all mine. It is the only real home I’ve had since I was fifteen. It means too much to me to give up a portion of it to some stranger I only met a week ago. Second, I am not going to become dependent on another man as long as I live. I tried that with Bobby and ended up burned badly. Third—”
    “Third be damned. I’m not your husband so stop comparing me to him. I’m not trying to boot you out of your home, only help you save it.”
    “No.”
    He took a deep breath, held it a moment before releasing it in a gust. “God, but you are the most headstrong woman I’ve ever met.”
    She shrugged her shoulders, trying to release her arm from his grip. But he held on.
    “Why is this the first real home you’ve ever had?” he asked.
    “I don’t see what that has to do with anything,” she said petulantly. She wanted to go into the house, put some distance between them. The sun had sunk behind the mountain peaks and twilight spread over the land. The soft evening breeze teased her cheeks and Jase’s proximity sent spiraling tendrils of awareness through her.
    “I’m curious.”
    “My mom died when I was little. My dad was killed in a tornado when I was fifteen. For three years I was in foster care. Then kicked out. Do you know how hard it is for foster kids to make it?” she explained briefly in a clipped voice. She didn’t like thinking back. She wanted her future to be so much better.
    “And Bobby promised stability and a home.”
    She shrugged. He had, but the promise had proved false. Her eyes dropped to the top button of