by Alana Terry
“Well, you also don’t have a psychopathic admirer,” Shauna volleyed.
“There is that,” Maddison said, then went back to watching her quietly.
“Do you know he contacted my friend, Kimberly from college? I didn’t even think he remembered her. But apparently, I’ve been booked at the...” She picked up her phone, scrolling in her calendar for the name of the ranch where she’d be staying during her visit. Murphy Equestrian Therapy Center/Ranch. She threw her phone back on the bed. “They supposedly have a great therapy center and from what Kimmy said, the therapist is basically a horse whisperer.” She narrowly kept herself from rolling her eyes.
“Careful, your city snob is showing,” Maddison said, pointing her lollipop at her.
Shauna huffed and sat on the leather bench that ran across the full width of the end of her queen-sized bed. “I know I sound like a brat, but they’re treating me like a child, and I can’t help but want to have a tantrum.” She leaned forward, placing her elbows on her knees and her head in her hands. “I’m tired of being considered the ‘little one’ that can’t take care of herself. They look at me as if I can’t fend for myself.”
“They love you and want to protect you,” Maddison countered.
“They’re overbearing and are smothering me.” She sat up. “Look at me. I’m thirty years old and I live in an apartment in a building my father owns. Sure, we have some rules, but it’s really only one step away from living at home with him. I have a job... in his field. I have a car that he did market research on first.”
“You did too,” Maddison pointed out before sticking the bright-red piece of candy back in her mouth.
“It’s my car. I’m supposed to do research,” she said, pointing at herself.
“I understand you feel oppressed by the overprotectiveness of your family, but think of the alternative. You could have no one thinking of you or coming to your aid. Do you know what I’d give to be sent away, in style I might add, to a small town with hot ranch guys who would be vying for my attention because I was new in town?” Maddison’s eyes went glassy with her daydreaming. “They’d teach me how to get on a horse and ride properly, and my therapist would try hard to heal whatever ailed me.”
Shauna burst out laughing, thus interrupting the oration of Maddison’s fantasy. When she’d composed herself enough to speak, she said, “You know how to get on a horse. We’ve gone riding together.”
“Yes, but they don’t know that,” Maddison said, waggling her eyebrows.
Shauna gave in to a fresh peal of laughter. “How do you know these ranch hands will be hot?”
Maddison sucked her teeth after scowling at Shauna. “All cowboys are hot!”
“He’s a therapist,” Shauna said, trying to suppress a smile.
“An equine therapist which makes him a hot therapist,” Maddison said with a little shiver.
Shauna gave in to the laughter again. “You’re incorrigible.”
“Maybe, but I have lots of fun. When was the last time you had fun?”
Shauna’s laughter died almost as quickly as it came. She had a suspicion of what Maddison was hinting at, but she tried to steer the conversation in another direction. “I always have fun when I get to visit my horses.”
“No, Shauna. You know what I mean. When was the last time you had fun?” Maddison drew out the last word and made a gesture with her hands that left no doubt to what she meant.
Shauna could feel her face getting hot, and thanked God—for what had to be the millionth time—for her skin color which hid her embarrassed reaction.
She shrugged, knowing full well it had been years.
“Did you have fun with Nicolas?” Maddison asked.
Shauna couldn’t smother her reaction. A shiver ran up her neck and she shook it off.
“Either that’s a blatant ‘no,’ or he was the greatest lover you’ve ever had.”
Shauna blanched.
“That’s a ‘no.’ Wow, you guys were together for a few months.”
“Four,” Shauna said, not thinking. She was traveling at lightning speed toward her past.
“And he was all right with that?” Maddison’s voice shook her out of her stupor.
“Huh? No, but I wasn’t all right with jumping into bed with someone I barely knew.”
“You were seeing each other for four months.”
“We gave each other the opportunity. That’s very different.”
“What do you mean you gave each other the opportunity?” Maddison asked, her brow furrowing in confusion, a rare state for Maddison, Shauna knew.
“We agreed that we were seeing each other, feeling each other out, but we rarely saw each other. If I had a long night or was called in on a project and had to cancel or postpone, then the next time we were supposed to get together, he’d do the same. I’m not saying he did it on purpose, but after a while, it got tiring. I was dating someone I hardly ever saw.”
“Well, when you did see him, how was it?” Shauna saw the open curiosity on Maddison’s face and knew she needed to say something now or she never would.
“Honestly, Maddison, I’m not sure. He was nice enough. He had money, a great career for someone his age, and he was very nice to look at, but it was too much.”
“Too much good?”
Shauna scrunched up her face to match Maddison’s. “Not in that way, just...” She huffed out a breath. “He seemed too perfect. Everything added up to perfection. There was no hair or thread out of place. You know Dad didn’t really care for him, but he didn’t say anything until after I broke up with Nicolas.”
“Why?” Maddison asked.
“He never really explained. He just said something about paper vs. feelings. I’m sure he did a background check on him. It must’ve come back as squeaky clean as his shoes.” She shook her head. “I saw his sneakers when he came over after playing basketball with some friends. No scuffs or marks. How do you play a game of basketball and not scuff your shoes?”
“Maybe he had more than one pair. Did he shower before he came over?”
Shauna thought back to that day earlier in their relationship. Nicolas seemed eager to see her, and it was one of the few Saturdays she hadn’t scheduled riding time or lab time, so she agreed to spend the day with him. He picked her up and they took a walk around Lincoln Park, had lunch at a bistro in the River North area, took in a movie, and then went for dessert at one of her favorite ice-cream shops. She couldn’t have planned a better day with someone. She had such hopes for them after that day, but soon it became clear that she wasn’t what he was looking for, or better said, she wasn’t willing to become what he was looking for in a life partner. He was too needy, and she was too independent, not to mention his reluctance to talk about his family. She’d asked him about his parents and extended family during their walk and he changed the subject. She tried once more, later in their relationship, and he’d told her he had a family like everyone else, but they had their lives and he had his. It was a turnoff. How cold and self-centered did someone have to be not to want to have anything to do with their family?
“Shauna.”
“Huh?”
“Where did you go?”
Shauna thought about it for a moment. “I went to a daylong romance.” Shauna mentally shook herself and crooked a smile at Maddison who still sported a confused look, but after a few seconds gave a snort of disgust when it was apparent that Shauna wouldn’t be sharing anymore.
Shauna got back up to continue packing. Steve would be there to pick her up around four-thirty the next morning just in case the man she was running from knew where she lived. They’d drive thirty minutes out of the way to where Michael would be waiting in another car to take her to Chandlerville, Kentucky. Michael would stay with her for a week and a half, then be relieved by someone else in her father’s detail. She was glad she got to start out with him. She couldn’t imagine going to a new town with a man she barely knew.
Chandlerville was located about t
hirty miles southwest of Lexington, Kentucky. It was situated between Lexington and Louisville with a population of 6,789. From what Kimmy had told her when they’d spoken two days ago, it was the home of majestic horses, old trees, and even older traditions. She was looking at a long month.
“Shauna, I know this is the last thing you want, but I think you should take advantage of this time to relax, see if you can find new ways to cope with those anxiety attacks you get on occasion, and just take in the scenery. Whatever scenery that may be.” Shauna looked over her shoulder at her friend and saw the wicked gleam in her eyes. “Besides, I will be coming to join you in a couple weeks and we can shake up the town together for a few days. I’ll warn you now, though. Put a flag on the cowboy, if you’re interested.” She cleared her throat and corrected herself. “Ranch hand, therapist, or the owner for that matter, because when I come to town, anyone who isn’t tagged, ringed, or claimed by you is up for grabs. So, you have two weeks to grab someone to have fun with.”
“Is that all you think of? Me having some fun?” Shauna placed the same emphasis on the word as Maddison had done earlier.
“No, because that would be just... wrong, and I don’t swing that way. Besides, I get more than enough to not have to think about it much.”
“Really? I didn’t know you were seeing anyone.”
Maddison shrugged her shoulders and got up from the chair. “That’s because I know how to keep my business to myself.” She winked at Shauna as she walked toward her bedroom door. “Do you want anything to drink?”
Shauna glanced at the half-full glass of ginger ale on her nightstand. “No. I’m good.”
She walked to her closet and retrieved a few pairs of jeans and riding breeches. Maybe she’d take Maddison’s advice and make the most of this trip. She’d try to look at it like a vacation. From what her father said, she’d be staying at one of the best equine therapy centers in the state of Kentucky. They might actually help her with her condition. She’d tried everything else. The idea about there being any scenery worth a second glance on the ranch or in the town wasn’t repulsive, but neither was it inviting. Tomorrow would be soon enough to think about her life for the next month. She hoped the firm her father hired caught the guy quickly. She figured she could stay just about anywhere her father chose for a month, but more than that was anyone’s guess.
Chapter 9
ZACH SAT THERE AT THE executive staff meeting, staring longingly at the coffee station set up on the other side of the room. If he’d known this particular meeting would've gone on so long, he would’ve made sure to set his alarm the night before, so he could make his own coffee before the early morning meeting.
He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had a full night’s sleep. He found himself reading or walking around the cabin from two a.m. to five a.m., then falling back to sleep only to have to wake up at six a.m. It made the days very long, so much so, that by the time four p.m. came around, he was dead on his feet.
He tried diagnosing himself, but he couldn’t think of anything that would’ve triggered the dream that came to him every night or the alertness that came once he was released from that dream. This morning marked two weeks since he was first visited by his wife and daughter. They were so real, he couldn’t tell whether they were a dream or reality. until he woke up. From there, his eyes popped open as if it were seven thirty a.m., with Sebastian whining at the edge of his bed.
He didn’t understand why it was happening now when he would’ve given anything to be visited nightly by them for days, weeks, or even months after the accident that took them from him. The only thing that kept him from seeking psychological help was the peace that was left when the dream was over. There was no doubt that he was tired, but the weariness he’d felt in his bones was easing.
“We’re going to be full this week which is great for this time of year,” Bernie Murphy said, with no small amount of enthusiasm, thus bringing Zach out of his haze. Mr. Murphy, founder/CEO of the Equestrian Therapy Center, was a fourth-generation horseman with his great-grandfather holding the title of greatest jockey of all time. Mr. Murphy, who went by Bernie, decided to merge his two loves—business and horses—to create the Murphy Equestrian Therapy Center/Ranch.
“We have a special guest for a few weeks,” Bernie said as he got up to cross the room to the coffee station. “Her father is somewhat of a dignitary and would like us to make her stay here as nice as possible.” Zach looked around the room, gauging the expressions that ranged from interest to chagrin. Zach wasn’t sure what to think of this new guest. He just hoped she wasn’t some debutante that considered herself entitled because of her father’s title. If luck was on his side, he could avoid her for most of her stay.
“Zach.” His name brought his focus back to Bernie. “Ms. Shauna Nathan has been scheduled for daily sessions with you. Her father asked for you by name. It sounds like your reputation as an equine therapist has preceded you.”
I should’ve known. Zach breathed out softly.
“What?” Bernie turned back to him on his way back to his seat.
“Oh, nothing.” Bernie watched him for a moment before walking on.
Bernie sat down before he continued. “I will need to speak to you after the meeting to give you some details.” His brown eyes bored into Zach, making him sit up straighter.
“Sure.”
An uneasy feeling coursed through Zach, and he gritted his teeth against a shiver. He and Bernie knew each other well enough to tip the relationship scale more toward friendship rather than employee/employer. Bernie knew what brought him back to Chandlerville seven years ago, but not much more than that. Zach hoped this wasn’t a ploy to get him acquainted with the notion of interacting with women again. He’d finally gotten his life just how he wanted it.
He half listened to the rest of the meeting going over changes with the horse track, the purchasing of two of the horses boarding in rented space, the addition of two stable hands, and a small expansion in the schedule to accommodate more clients in both training and therapy.
He glanced down at his watch as people filed out of the room once Bernie adjourned the meeting. If they were quick, he’d have time to take Falyn out for a short ride before his sessions started for the day. He got up and made his way to the coffee station. He’d just finished adding sugar to his cup when Bernie started talking.
“It’s been a while since we’ve talked about anything other than your work. How’re you doing?” Bernie followed Zach back to his seat and pulled out the one next to it.
“I’m all right. I’ve been doing really well,” Zach said, turning toward him and looking him in the eye.
Bernie regarded him for a few moments, then gave him a small smile. “I believe you, Zach. I’m glad you’re in a good place.”
Zach nodded. “And you? How are you doing?”
Bernie blew out a deep breath. “I’m doing well also. I was finally able to take some time off last week. As you know, we’ve been expanding and upgrading so much.” He leaned back in his chair. “How’s your cabin?”
Zach shrugged. “It’s comfortable. Just enough room for Sebastian and myself.”
A puzzled expression passed over Bernie’s face for a second before his eyes crinkled. “Oh, you mean Bass. Does he ever get confused with you going back and forth with his name?”
Zach thought about it for a moment. “No. Not that I know of.”
Bernie nodded then the smile slowly dimmed, and Zach knew the small talk was over.
“So, the woman I mentioned earlier in the meeting is a special case.”
“How so?”
“I’ve been in communication with her father for a couple of weeks now. He even came down from Chicago for a tour a few days ago, but you were off. Ryan said you’d gone into Chandlerville. He was disappointed, but I was able to convince him that you were the best person to lead his daughter through her therapy sessions.”
“How old is she?” Maybe he’d misunderstood the v
ibe coming from Bernie earlier. The way her father hovered, the girl must be young.
“She’s thirty.”
Zach’s surprise must’ve shown on his face because Bernie smirked. “Yeah, I thought she was younger too, but after her father, Mr. Nathan, explained one of the reasons why she was visiting us for so long, I understood.” He leaned forward in a conspiratorial manner. “The reason I had you stay behind was that I’m trying to keep this as quiet as possible. If I failed to say anything at all, it would’ve raised questions about her and her security guard.”
Zach’s curiosity piqued.
“Shauna Nathan is the youngest daughter of Atherton Nathan, a high-profile person in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He works out of the Chicago office mostly because of her. Shauna is pretty successful in the field of science as well. She’s a chemical engineer who works on energy projects for Synamic Inc.”
She sounded like a nerd, Zach thought to himself. He hoped she was the bookish type that liked to spend a lot of time alone.
“Her father says her love for science is only rivaled by her love for horses. He said she got that from her mom, but he didn’t go into detail. Anyway, she seems to have attracted a stalker and the father’s security firm is having a hard time bringing him in, so until they apprehend him, she’ll be staying here. Her father believes they’re close. He feels that if they can sneak her out of the city, the stalker will start getting sloppy in his attempts to look for her.”
Zach couldn’t even imagine what that must feel like. “Is she having psychological issues due to this person?”
“You’re always so astute,” Bernie complimented. “I guess you wouldn’t be as good at your job if you weren’t though.” He said the sentence more to himself than Zach. “She had a preexisting issue that has now been exacerbated due to the recent incidents. She has been diagnosed with high anxiety and recently suffered a panic attack, though she was able to talk herself down.”