Chapter 17
Dan gave off a special kind of heat and energy. He was a people person, without a doubt. The tangible loyalty and affection he received from everyone on the ranch proved that. So far, Mal had been able to keep his hero worship and powerful attraction under wraps, but that simple touch came perilously close to breaking through his protective shell. He stiffened. He couldn’t help it. Without saying anything or even giving him a sharp look, Dan drew back, turned and started for the kitchen.
“Don’t know about you,” he called back, “but I could eat half that ornery old bull right about now. Let’s see what Juanita has in store for us.”
By the time he slid into his chair at the kitchen table, Mal had himself back under iron control. He might have kept his gaze down more and spoken a bit less than usual, but he figured both would go unnoticed.
* * * *