Summary:  A story created as the result of Ma Hoad’s Valentine R Challenge. Joe confronts Don Miguel’s hot-tempered daughter Margarita…..and what happens surprises them both.

Rated MA (2,500 words)

*Warning* This story is rated for Mature Audiences only…. if you are offended by sexual content, please do not read.

Playing with Fire

Chapter 1

“I am a man of limited patience and believe me, you try those limits beyond endurance!” shouted Adam from the dining room table. Once again, Don Miguel’s mercurial daughter, Margarita, had lost her temper for no apparent reason. As this had been going on for close to a week, Adam’s reserve of patience had diminished considerably – and he could stand no more of the small, dark haired woman’s outbursts.

Margarita turned to Adam, her face red with anger. “Well, Adam Cartwright, let me not try your ‘limits’ any more this evening – Good Night!” And with a quick turn, she proceeded to open the front door and head out into the night, slamming it loudy behind her. All the men in the room looked towards Adam, who shrugged his shoulders. “Luis, thank goodness she’s your problem and not mine!” he said quietly. Luis looked sheepishly at the men in the Great Room. “What have I gotten myself into?” he said, sadly shaking his head. “Life with Margarita will not be easy.”

Blinded with rage, Margarita stomped into the front yard and proceeded to the barn. She opened the door quickly but stopped in her tracks when she saw the sight before her. There, in a low light, was Joe, quietly brushing down Cochise. He looked up in surprise and frowned when he saw Margarita in the doorway.

“For cryin’ out loud, what do you want?” Joe said tersely. After almost a week of watching Margarita’s behavior, he wasn’t in the mood to deal with her or her nonsense. Margarita stepped in and closed the door behind her. “I came out here to calm down, not to deal with the likes of you, you, you….” she stammered as her eyes took in Joe’s muscular chest, visible with his shirt unbuttoned.

“Listen Miss Margarita, I rode my horse long and hard today and she needs a good rubdown. So let’s get one thing straight right now. I’m not leaving.” Joe stated bluntly. Margarita’s face turned angry once again. “So be it!” she shouted, as she flounced past Joe in her long blue skirt and seated herself on a sack of grain with a resounding plop.

Not another word was said, the only sound in the barn was that of Joe brushing Cochise’s coat. Margarita watched as Joe methodically took care of his beloved horse, watching as his muscles flexed with each stroke. Joe felt her eyes watching him, and turned to look at this peculiar older woman. She was nothing like any he had met before…..