Ride With Me (A Quaking Heart Novel - Book One)

  Chapter 10

  Jessica kept the fried oysters coming while the cowboys and Mabel loafed at the dining tables. Mabel seemed to enjoy every minute of laughing over the funny stories of the day. Jessica was pleased since this gave the hard-working cook the time to interact with the men instead of constantly slaving for them.

  Funny how a small thread of affection for Mabel had weaved its way into her heart.

  Jessica flipped over the current batch of little round morsels then glanced in Veronica's direction. She was still asleep on the couch, where she hadn't moved since her bout of heaving. Jessica's gaze wandered over to Clint. Her heartbeat skipped when she caught him looking at her. A sight to behold, he lounged backwards on a bench seat, his broad back against the table, elbows resting lazily on its surface. His shirtsleeves were folded up to his elbows, and his long legs, locked at the ankles, were stretched out in front of him. A lazy smile lifted one corner of his mouth, softening the angles of his face. His look was . . . endearing.

  Tearing her eyes from Clint, she caught Johnnie glancing back and forth between Clint and her, a deep frown evident between his dark brows. A little stab of guilt twisted her stomach. She looked away, toward Mabel. Oh! Mabel had a death-threatening glower on her face. Jessica whipped back to the task at hand, determined not to bring the cook's full ire in her direction.

  Before long, Johnnie came to Jessica's side. "Thanks for the great oysters, Jess."

  She peered up into his vivid blue eyes, and when she did she caught a glimpse of Clint over Johnnie's shoulder, a patent scowl covering his face. Throwing off her curiosity about that, she gazed back at Johnnie.

  "Best ones I've ever wrapped my lips around. I'm heading out. Wanted to say good night."

  Jessica wanted to ask if he was all right, but figured he was just tired. She smiled. "You're welcome, Johnnie. Anytime."

  Johnnie turned to leave.

  "And Johnnie?"

  He stopped and glanced over his shoulder. "Thanks for inviting me today. I had fun."

  Johnnie stuffed his hat over his dark hair, gave her a short nod, and strode out the back door.

  Turning to her task, Jessica scooped out the batch of cooked oysters with her slotted spoon and arranged them on a platter. She started another batch to fry then hurried to serve the cowboys who remained. Stretching between Clint and Pete she set the plate on the table using Clint's shoulder for balance. When she stepped back to go, Clint clamped his hand over hers, trapping her against him. Her breath caught. She looked down at the large, sinewy hand that held hers captive—a dusting of hair on work-roughened knuckles, protruding veins on the back that trailed up his strong, tanned forearm.

  He didn't say a word, just waited as his heat penetrated her hand. It seemed like eons later when he looked up at her. The minute those welcoming green eyes beheld her, she was transported to a world all their own.

  Mabel disturbed that world when she nudged Clint in the ribs. "Let her go. She's got work to do."