Free Cassie's Cowboy Crave: Witness Protection - Rancher Style (Sweet Montana Bride Series) by Kimberly Krey Page B

answered.
    “It’s 11:30.” A small laugh coated the words. “Can’t believe we slept in that late. I don’t even do that on the weekends.”
    Hearing the time should have sent him into full panic over missing more chores at the ranch. But it didn’t. His brothers had asked for it, and they were going to get it. Shane had other things to take care of right now; they’d have to pick up the slack. He only hoped they’d remembered to mend the fence before leading the cattle into the west pasture. Last thing he needed was to come home to a big mess.
    His thoughts were interrupted when he glanced up at Cassie. Her sky-blue eyes were set on him like she was taking inventory. Her gaze moved from his bare chest to his face in a slow crawl, and when their eyes met, a rush of pink settled in her cheeks.
    “If you’re ready to head out I’ll open your blinds and let the sun in for you.” She hurried over to the window, pausing as she grabbed the dowel to move the heavy drapes.
    “Sure,” he said. “Go ahead and open them.”
    The burst of light made him squint as he lay back onto the bed once more, too groggy to get up just yet.
    “You slept in your Levis?” Cassie asked.
    Shane propped himself on his elbows, glancing down at the sheet that covered his lower body. “You looked?” he accused.
    She sneered. “It’s obvious.”
    “Yeah. If you’re looking.” He flung the sheet off his body and rested back once more. “Here, look all you want. I won’t mind, but your boyfriend might.”
    Cassie uttered some noise of disgust, stomping toward the door. “There’s a treadmill downstairs. I’m going to work out,” she said proudly.
    “Thought you said you weren’t a die-hard over the gym.”
    “I’m not. But when I’m stressed out I just … need it more.” Her voice had sounded defensive at first. But as she muttered those last few words, a hint of sadness came through. Shane groaned, wondering why he was such a sucker for the woman.
    “I can’t let you go down there by yourself. Not if the other jurors are dropping off like flies.” He hadn’t meant to sound so crass about the whole thing, but it was the truth and he needed her to grasp it.
    “What are you going to do – sit there and watch me?”
    A smile spread over his face. “Is that an invitation?”
    “You just got done saying I couldn’t go alone. I’m wondering what you plan on doing, because I’m going no matter what.” And with that, Cassie strode back into her room through the open doorway.
    Shane sat up, amused by the exchange, and looked for his tee shirt. He guessed the trip home would have to wait.
     
    Her remark about him watching her had no doubt been a joke. And Shane hadn’t intended to do that in the least. In fact, he’d noticed the hot tub on their way from the front desk to their room, and had sworn it was right across from the place filled with treadmills and things. The plan was to soak in the heat while Cassie worked up a sweat a safe distance away. He’d keep his eye on the door, make sure all was well.
    Trouble was, the entire wall was made of glass panes. And all he could see was Cassie. Heaven help him, that woman was out to get him. She had to be. It wasn’t enough that she had on a pair of sweats. That should have been just fine to run on a dang treadmill. But no. Upon entering the room, she’d stripped down to some skimpy little under top thing and a pair of shorts.
    So while Cassie ran, perspiration casing the smooth contours of her skin, Shane toyed with thoughts of dousing off in the larger pool. Their time together had only begun, and already he was tortured with thoughts of making her his own. Damn his family for this. Blake and Reese and their happy little lives. Did they not know this could do more damage than good? Had they not realized how much he’d suffered when Natasha left? Even if it was for the best; it still hurt.
    He watched as Cassie used a hand towel to dab at her face. And then her