Free Shane (Remington Ranch Book 2) by SJ McCoy

smiled. “Then you’d best go get rid of her, huh? I’ll wait here.”
    She pushed the door to the gallery open and stormed through it. He listened to her heels tap across the hardwood floor to the front door. He heard it open and then her and Katie talking. He couldn’t make out the words, but there was none of the yelling or screaming he’d half expected. He thought about buttoning up his shirt while he waited, but then thought better of it. It had been working for him just the way it was—until Katie had turned up and killed the moment.
    It was a good five minutes before Cassidy returned. She gave him that mysterious smile, the one he now knew to be wary of—very wary!
    “What did you tell her?”
    The smile grew bigger—more worrying. “Don’t you worry your pretty head, Shane. You’re safe.”
    “I am?” He had to wonder what she’d said that made her so sure. He’d had no success in shaking Katie off.
    “You are—for the next three weeks,” she added with a chuckle. “Then you’re not my problem anymore.”
    He didn’t like the sounds of that, but he wasn’t going to let Cassidy know. He shrugged. “We’ll see.”
    She shook her head. “You’re such a cocky bastard!”
    He laughed. “I like to think that I know my worth. I thought that was a trait we shared?”
    “Oh, I know my worth, Shane. It seems you overestimate yours.”
    He laughed. “How can you say that when you don’t even know me? Won’t take the chance to get to know me. What are you afraid of, Cassidy?”
    Her eyes blazed. “I am not afraid of anything!”
    He held a hand up “Whoa! Calm down. You’re a badass, I know. You’re not afraid of anything or anyone. So why not let your guard down?”
    She stared at him for a long moment. “I don’t have my guard up. You just piss me off, that’s all.”
    Shane dared to take a step closer. Maybe he could get her back to where they’d been before they were interrupted. The way she laughed quickly set him straight on that one though.
    “Don’t even think about it. I admit I’m attracted to you. You’re attracted to me. We could very easily get to screwing each other’s brains out right there on the counter.”
    Shane grinned. “So why don’t we? You know you want to.”
    She glared at him then slowly relaxed and laughed. “You are unbelievable, you know?”
    He nodded. “I’ve heard that before. Why don’t you try me and you can judge for yourself?”
    She laughed again. “Because, Shane, it would only end badly. It’s not worth it.”
    “It’d be well worth it. You can’t say that till you try it.” He took another step closer, but she shook her head.
    “You run along home. It’s not going to happen.” She really meant it.
    Shane reluctantly started buttoning up his shirt. “Do me a favor?”
    “What’s that?”
    “Tell me why?”
    She thought about it.
    “You already said you’re attracted to me. You know I’m attracted to you. What’s the harm? Why don’t you want to?”
    “Because…” She was so cute, the way she chewed on her bottom lip as she pondered how best to answer. “Because, I’m a ball buster, Shane. I hurt men. I make a mess anytime I get involved with a guy. I don’t want to hurt you.”
    He didn’t get it. He’d never been hurt by a woman in his life! He’d broken a few hearts himself. He felt bad about it, but he’d never done it intentionally. “I don’t get hurt, Cassidy. I play for fun, not for keeps.”
    She sighed. “That’s what they all say. You men want someone small and sweet to feed your ego. I look like I fit the bill. Trouble is, I’m also strong and smart, and that is not something the male ego deals with too well.”
    Shane thought about it. “I won’t argue that small and sweet is sexy, but it’s also available. Strong and smart doesn’t usually come in a very attractive package. You…” How could he put it? “You’re like…the ultimate challenge, the ultimate prize. You’re strong and smart,