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around here like it or not, Mr. Nelson left this ranch to me. To me. ” For reasons he took to the grave. “I’ll bet no one is interested in the mountain of debt the bastard left along with it, are they?”
    Her temper mounted, as did her need to vent to someone, anyone. “Fuck experience. I’m smart. I’m a fast learner. I taught myself how to cook when I was eight. I lied about my age and got my first job when I turned twelve. I taught myself how to saddle and ride a freaking horse for crying out loud. There’s not a goddamned thing I can’t do, you hear me? I’ve managed to keep things going here without any major disasters and without any outside help. And I’ll keep right on doing it.”
    Clay spoke, unfazed by her diatribe. “You can’t expect to do this all on your own, Ainsley. No one could. Not even me, and I’ve been a rancher all my life. There’s no shame in asking for help.”
    “And you’re here out of the goodness of your heart? To help me?” A disgusted noise slipped from her lips.
    His jaw tightened. “Something like that.”
    Enough. She had chores to get done.
    “You didn’t come all the way out here just to have coffee with me. Why are you here?”
    He unfolded from the chair and stood in front of her, hunger in his gaze. She suppressed a shudder as his hands gripped the counter on either side of her, caging her in.
    “I want more from you than just coffee, Ainsley, as I made clear last night. You were pretty clear in what you wanted from me, too. And before you go insulting me again, this is about you and me. Nothing else.”
    You and me.
    Oh, shit. She liked the sound of that a little too much.
    “You’re only here because I ditched you.” She palmed his chest as he leaned into her space. His masculine scent filled her nose, made her want to bury her face in his neck and breathe him in.
    “Ah.” Clay teased his lips along the line of her jaw. “And I’d still be here if you hadn’t ditched me last night. The difference being we missed the pleasure in the middle.”
    Good lord. Her pussy throbbed, begging for the attention he promised. “Don’t blame me if you’re hard up. There were plenty of women waiting to go home with you last night.”
    He chuckled against her neck. When had she tilted her head to give him such access?
    “And that bothers you.”
    Not a question—arrogant ass.
    His heated breath caressed her skin. She shivered. “Not at all.” Her fingers dug into his biceps as he found the sensitive spot behind her ear. “I hardly know you. I don’t care who you fuck.”
    Yes, she did. It made no sense at all, but she hated the idea of him touching another woman. It was an irrational thought, surely brought on by his talented lips.
    “Such a pretty little liar.” He licked the seam of her mouth. “I’ve been up all night thinking about you. Thinking about this.”
    You’re not the only one.
    His fingers twisted in her hair and tugged her head back. Ainsley gasped and his mouth covered hers. He wasted no time. His tongue slipped past her lips, seeking, demanding. Coffee and sweet mint exploded on her tongue—an intoxicating combination she couldn’t resist.
    Desire overwhelmed her senses as he devoured her, exploring her mouth with a thoroughness she’d never experienced before. She met his tongue, matched him lap for lap until her head spun and her body burned with need.
    His hands skimmed her body. God, it felt so good to be touched. She didn’t stop him when one hand molded her ass to bring her closer while the other hand snaked under her shirt to caress her spine. She didn’t stop him when he cupped a naked breast. Hot and possessive, he squeezed. He flicked a wicked finger over her sensitive nipple, sending sparks of sensation down to her core.
    Ainsley wrapped her arms around his neck and tried to get closer. His mouth broke from hers and worked down her neck, nipping and sucking, causing her pulse to race.
    The hand holding her ass slipped