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“What’s the e “Are you worried ed critter? Well, don’t I’ve cut ot whiskers”

He threw her an angry look, then ordered, “Jobe, put her on the iron”

Jobe Garvey hesitated “She’s clean and quick with a knife”

His lips caround tean a Calder, and he wouldn’t do that There was no choice but to leave the ment

“I guess if she draws a hly

The calf was up and gone, and Jessy had discarded the testes and was on her feet, standing beside his constantly shifting horse At his state the ry blaze in her hazel eyes

“Which is it that bothers you most, Ty?” she demanded in a low voice that couldn’t be heard by anyone else “That I’ the job better than you?”

“Maybe I resent the way you keep showing off how good you are,” he snapped

“Da to hide or pretend I’ood just to please some man!”

“I suppose you’re like some of those bra burners that want to be treated as equals” There was a derisive curl in his voice

“If that means equal respect, yes!” she shot back

“All right” Ty was hot, breathing deep and rough Her accusations had stung hi a little too close to the truth He seeirl, you ood man”

He saw her stiffen as he reined his horse to one side and booted it forward Jessy glared after him, hurt by his insult She had taunted him with her role in a man’s world to remind him she was a woman This summer she’d turned nineteen She had all the needs, desires, and longings of a woman And he was too blind to see it

A drop of rain fell on her cheek and splattered; then another caed outline was shrouded in a gray mist The rain was on its way

“Break out the slickers!” someone shouted