Read Online Taming of Jessi Rose by Beverly Jenkins - Free Book Online

not something I’ll deny. I’ve always been partial to beautiful women.”
    Jessi sensed that he wasn’t bragging; he truly enjoyed women, and they enjoyed him. Her traitorous memory once again revisited the sight of him all nude and bronzed. She hastily set it aside. “Well, I’d prefer you meet your women in town, not here. Joth shouldn’t be exposed to such things.”
    â€œI agree.”
    Jessi had expected him to argue the point. It surprised her that he hadn’t.
    As if offering an explanation, he said, “I like your nephew, Miss Clayton. He’s been raised well, I don’t plan on messing that up.”
    Surprised again, Jessi confessed, “I say this in all honesty, Mr. Blake. I’ve met my share of outlaws, but I’ve never met one who cared at all about proper upbringing.”
    â€œIs that a compliment or a complaint?” His gaze was open, teasing.
    â€œI believe you can take it as a compliment.”
    â€œGood. Then let me speak plainly as well. I’ve met my share of beautiful women, but I’ve never met one like you.”
    Jessi didn’t know what to say at first. Declaring herself past the age of fluttering was one thing, but actually being past the age of fluttering was another breed of cow, she was finding. Tearing her attention away from the spell of his powerful eyes, she finally replied, “I’m a bit old for you. Save your sweet talk for the young ladies in town. They’ll appreciate it more.”
    â€œA woman’s just entering her prime at your age.”
    â€œDid Minerva tell you I was a whore?” Jessi asked plainly. “Is that what this flirting is about?”
    Griff found her straightforwardness refreshing, but for now he ignored the first question. He was far more interested in the second. “Do you think I’m flirting with you?”
    Jessi took one look into his tempter’s eyes and replied without hesitation. “Yes, but I think it’s just part of your nature. I doubt you really mean anything by it.”
    He responded with that grin. “Minerva told me some things, but they have nothing to do with this conversation, or anything else. I told you I’m no threat to you, and I mean that, but you are a beautiful woman.”
    â€œWell, regardless, I’m still too old for you.”
    â€œNo, you’re not, and whenever you want me to prove it, just say the word.”
    Jessi blinked.
    He stood then. “I’m going into town and see if I can’t rustle us up a few hands to help out around here.”
    Jessi could see both mischief and manly knowing in his eyes. Somewhere deep down in her soul, doors she’d locked over a decade ago were opening on rusted hinges to this train robber’s seductive power and she wasn’t sure what to do about it.
    When he rode off, she was still seated at the table wondering where this would all lead.
    Â 
    Griff rode into town. Word of his presence must’ve gotten around, because he received more than a few stares from more than a few people. He threw some of the gawkers off stride by nodding politely and smiling, especially at the ladies, as if he were the town’s padre instead of a notorious outlaw.
    He dismounted at the telegraph office, secured the reins of the gelding to the post, and went on inside. A small crowd of men were gathered around a big-bellied stove, talking and drinking coffee. Griff’s entrance brought on an immediate silence.
    â€œMorning, gentlemen.”
    In reply, he was offered some cautious nods of greeting and a few mumbled “Mornings.”
    â€œName’s Griffin Blake. Who’s the agent here?”
    A short, balding man stood. “Me. Name’s Crenshaw Atkins. What can I do for you?”
    â€œLike to send this telegram—or are the Clayton hands not allowed to use the wire, either?”
    His challenging words made eyes widen all over the small room. A couple of