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

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  Helplessness and no small degree of anger burrowed into Johnnie's core. "You're not asking the right person, Jess. I wasn't there, remember?"

  Johnnie gathered Jess in his arms. Her hot breath seeped through his shirt, warming his chest. His blood was on a slow boil. He marveled at Jess's capacity for compassion after all Rose Marie had put her through.

  In truth, after the earthquake he himself had begun to see Rose Marie differently. Like, there was more to her than harsh first impressions told. But, he was a Pinkerton, for crying out loud. He had experience in reading people's intentions, their motivations. How had he missed this? Rose Marie had a way of inducing male attention. Considering his past, and his training, he thought he'd long since been immune to such women. How wrong he'd been.

  And then there was Clint. He had worked for him for over a year. Had watched him lead his men with honor and respectability. Had considered him a true friend. When Clint had told him of his love for Jess, out of regard for their friendship, he'd decided to back off. Well, no more. His protective instincts had now spurred into full gallop. Clint thought he could have Jess and continue this immoral lifestyle? Not happening. Not if he had anything to say about it.

  Clint and Rose Marie could have each other. Jessica was too special to keep going on like this.

  Maybe now she'd let Clint go.

  He inhaled the scent of pine on the warm breeze, lifted his eyes to the million stars above, and knew . . . if Jessica let go, he could be a happy man here, with her by his side.