Lariat, a Western Romance

The words were intended as more of an order than a suggestion, and she wasn't in the mood to be chastised.  Not at her age!  Besides, he wasn't her father.  No.  Father had skipped the country with the beautiful widow Jessica whom Diandra suspected had more in mind that her father's wampum bag - but of course, being her father, she didn't want to pause to ponder this thought further.

When she didn't respond to Bodey's order he continued in a stern voice, "Like it or not, you best accept the fact that I'm staying."

Sulking females - he detested them!  He could very well wring off his stepmother's pretty little neck for landing him here. Not only did he have to deal with this hot-head, the ranch was in shambles.  And what the devil kind of name was Twelve Sticks for a viable ranch - not that it was anywhere near viable.

"Your unseeded ideas and values come unwarranted," she clipped out tightly, fire in her eyes as she slapped her dusty jeans in an attempt to work out her anger.  

To be a man for five minutes, she silently raged. If anyone needed a lesson beaten into him, it was Bodey Rainwater!

Ignoring his disturbing face she continued, "I'm sure that you collaborated well with your mother on this-this situation.  My father may have been hijacked, but I'll be damned if you'll ever gain any rights to our land-"

She gasped as his gloved hands jerked her to him and when he spoke she felt his warm breath sweep against her suddenly-pale face.  "I advise you to never suggest such a preposterous, unfounded, ridiculous idea again, Diandra.  I assure you that I'm not here to suit you - nor for personal wants or inclinations, rather as a favor to your father."

Bodey pushed her away from him, resentful of having to deal with a woman lost in the prehistoric world of ranching.  Women - they didn't know beans when it came to ranching; it was clearly a man's world.

Diandra drew her fists by her sides, feeling a bit stupid as she lashed out, "Get your hands off of me!" because Bodey had already released her.  To cover up her blunder, she continued to attack, "You-you hayseed!  And don't think that I haven't seen through your methods - the way that you have cozied-up to my cowboys."

"I assure you that cozying-up to cowboys would be the last thing on my mind," Bodey quickly assured, his dark eyes sifting over her horse again.  What the devil was wrong with him?  He was still rooted to the same spot with his lips flared, the brightness of his teeth almost blinding as it collided with the harsh light of the half-hidden sun.  That couldn't be good - all that hot air hitting his teeth.

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