The Rancher's Daughter Read Online Free

from the years he’d been gone or from the stress.  He tucked a stray hair behind her ear.  Her left hand came up to repeat what his had just done. He noticed no ring on her finger engagement or otherwise.  An idea crossed his mind that he hadn’t thought of before. “How much do you owe Josey?” She gave him a figure and proceeded to tell him what she figured she could make off the rodeo.  “Are you seeing anyone?” The question threw her for a moment.  “What?” she said.  “No! I don’t have time to see anyone; I’m trying to keep this ranch from the bank.” She looked up and her lips parted to ask a question but he was so close too close.  His lips captured hers before she could decide what to do.  Her body reacted instantly.  Her arms went up around his neck and her lower body pressed into his.  A groan passed her lips and she drew back and pushed herself out of his arms.  Her fingers came up to her lips where he’d kissed her and she looked at him with confusion, hurt, and longing.  He stepped back. “We’ve still got it.” He said. 
                  Josey immediately started pouring coffee into cups and set them on a tray. She didn’t look at him or reply to his statement.  There was nothing she could say, she still loved him and always would there was no denying that, but she didn’t know how to go about this right.  She had hurt him years ago and it scared her to think he may just be paying her back for that hurt. 
                  “I’ve got a proposition for you.” Heath said.  “But I haven’t decided my terms just yet.”  He stood up grabbed a tray and followed her into the living room.

Chapter Four
     
                  Josey stood on the porch of the ranch house just about to ring the lunch bell when she saw the dust swirl around in the driveway.  Someone was there.  She stepped down off the steps and walked out to meet them.  She recognized the weasel of a banker as he stepped out of his sedan.  “I still got 30 days so you can get off my property.” She said.  “Now Ms. Chisholm, I came out here to talk to you and your father.  We heard some talk in town and to tell you the truth we’re a little bit concerned.” The banker said.  Hilary ground her teeth.  “My father is busy and so am I, now if you don’t mind, LEAVE!” she said through clenched teeth. 
                  “Well I was just wandering how it is that you can afford to put on a rodeo when you can’t seem to pay your note?” said the banker rather sarcastically.  “That’s my business, not yours Mr. Williamson, now get.”  “I’m not leaving till I find out what you are up to Chisholm. You owe the bank a lot of money.”  Williamson said shaking his finger at her.  Josey was about to ask him to leave again but someone else came out of the shadows behind Josey and that someone had something to say.  “Williamson huh, I should have known you were the one behind this charade.  I’m pretty sure the lady told you to leave.  And I’m telling you right now that if you don’t I’ll be dragging you out of here.” Heath said stepping out of the shadows.  Williamson swallowed.  “I thought you were in West Texas.  How is it you know the Chisholm’s?” “This is my home Williamson, but I must say I’m a little surprised to see you.  Have to say the last time I saw you, you wouldn’t have dared raise your voice and threaten a rancher but then I guess Ms Chisholm doesn’t look like your typical rancher being a woman and all that.  So, let’s see they ran you out of West Texas and here you are in my old neck of the woods. What a coincidence?” Heath said flatly.  Williamson shook, “I’ll be coming back and when I do you can bet this land will belong to the bank.” He squirmed as he turned and got into his car. 
                  They watched him drive off nearly hitting a cow that was lazing in the driveway.