Compromised Cowgirl Read Online Free

the Double Diamond, Jessie.”
    He squeezed her shoulder and released her. She nodded, biting her lip, and followed them downhill to the herd. Ranger nodded for them to eat, so they put their horses with the remuda . Sin and Henry’s legs were so long, Jessie had to trot to keep up as they walked toward the campfire. Sin was like a blond mountain. He was at least as big as The MacDougal in Texas . He seemed far kinder, though, and saw too much. She was sure he noticed her flush when Henry commented she looked skinny enough to be a girl as they took care of their horses. When she replied that she could make him into one with her knife real easy, Sin laughed. It sounded warm and welcoming. Did she feel this way because it was so long since she’d been accepted?
    She got her plate filled with stew and inhaled the wonderful smell of home. She sat on a log, bracketed by Sin and Henry. She might look like a young boy, but the scent of these clean, hard-working men sent quivers between her thighs.
    Except for the day of his daughter Louisa’s marriage, The MacDougal never let Jessie off the Texas ranch. She’d spent her life surrounded by men. Louisa was older and a spoiled princess. Sunbird, the Indian wife of The MacDougal, was a quiet shadow who spent her days working in and around the homestead. Until she left for Virginia , Jessie hadn’t spoken to anyone else in years. The men she’d seen since weren’t worth spit, and most of the women were worse.
    Never had one of those overconfident men from the First Families of Virginia made her want to lean against them and inhale their strength. Likely because they didn’t have any. But she kept herself rigidly upright, eyes on her food. It was just a first impression, but she might ask Sin after her three weeks were up if he was interested in teaching her the ropes of bedsport. Henry might help, as well. Ace could go to hell. She wouldn’t have anything to do with the arrogant, insufferable lordling.
    She took her first bite, mostly gravy to ease her stomach into the idea of food. She closed her eyes and moaned as it flowed over her taste buds. Sin shifted away from her as if disgusted with her manners.
    “Who’s Ranger Elliott to you?” he asked.
    He nudged her with his elbow when she didn’t answer. His touch made her jump. Caught swallowing, she coughed and wiped her mouth.
    “After Ma and Pa died I lived with the MacDougals. The Rocking E is across the valley. I saw the Elliotts a lot.”
    She ignored him and concentrated on the wonderful food for a while. Since she’d finished all her biscuits, she used her finger to wipe up the last of the gravy. The men did the same, so they couldn’t complain.
    “First thing in the morning we split out the market steers,” said Henry. “Then we’ll separate the herds. Have you done that before?”
    “Not much different than roundup,” she said. “You worried I’ll let them Elliotts take the best beef?”
    “You don’t worry me at all, Jessie Bonham,” said Sin in a smooth, deep rumble.
    He leaned close when he took her empty plate. His warm breath brushed her bare neck, raising a flash of heat that had nothing to do with the campfire. She pressed her knees together, startled at the throbbing need that erupted. She hugged her coat around her and watched Sin’s backside as he took the plates to the cook.
    “I’ll be damned,” said Henry, staring after him. “Something’s got under his skin about you as well.” He shrugged. “You’d better stay clear of Sin as well as Ace.”
    “I’m planning to.”

Chapter Three
     
    Jessie had her bedroll and morning ablutions taken care of and a fire going long before the snores of the three men sleeping nearby changed into morning grumbles. They took shifts all night with the cattle, taking turns with the Elliotts. She was glad to get a quick visit with Patrick. Her youngest brother was now twenty-one and relieved to be out from under Finan MacDougal’s harsh hand. He