by A. D. Ellis
His Reluctant Cowboy
A.D. Ellis
Copyright © 2018 by A.D. Ellis
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This book wouldn’t have been possible without the love and support of my writing buddies. They are my rocks on this crazy author journey.
“One of the best signs of being fitted for power is the reluctance to hold it.”
Kate Constable
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Also by A.D. Ellis
Connect with A.D. Ellis
1
“Need a ride?” the man with a full day’s dark scruffy face topped with a black cowboy hat leaned out of the truck window as he brought the vehicle to a stop on the side of the narrow, dusty, back country road.
Though the man was handsome enough to stop traffic, Reid Alexander scowled and shifted his designer travel bag to his right shoulder. “Don’t you know it’s dangerous to pick up hitchhikers?”
“Are you a hitchhiker?” Cowboy smiled. “From the looks of your clothes, you’re a city boy through-and-through. Never been outside the city limits. Those fancy boots would do a lot more good on a catwalk than this old country road. Bet you’ve got some damn painful blisters if you’ve walked over a mile.” The man cocked his head. “And from the looks of you, you’ve been walking for a while.”
“No, I’m not a hitchhiker.” Reid’s shoulders drooped. “That obvious, huh?”
“Well,” Cowboy drawled, “if the boots and bag didn’t give you away, the red jeans, cat sunglasses, and no hat are a neon sign over your head flashing City Slicker in rainbow letters.”
“Fine,” Reid huffed and propped a fist on his hip. “I’m not a hitchhiker, and I’m not from around here. But it’s still not safe to talk to strangers.”
Cowboy’s green eyes twinkled. “And yet here we are.”
Reid narrowed his eyes and pursed his lips before glancing at the wide-open area of nothingness around him. “And just where are we?” His feet hurt, his stomach was grumbling, and the sunscreen he’d applied too late wasn’t doing much to cool the fiery skin on his neck.
The man laughed. “Where were you supposed to be?”
Reid frowned. “Well, I’m trying to find the damn Pine Ridge Ranch. But, after driving for three days, my car decided to shit out on me. I was in the middle of BFE with no cell service. So I started walking.”
The cowboy quirked an eyebrow. “I’m impressed. How long you been walking?”
Reid shrugged. “I walked about an hour and came across this dinky little store. Not even a gas station. But the guy had water and some snacks. Luckily, I had some cash because he definitely wasn’t accepting credit cards. He said the ranch was about two miles down the road. Probably should have asked to use the phone, but I wasn’t sure who to call. Plus, I just need to get to the ranch. So I bought some sunscreen, a couple extra bottles of water, and snacks and started walking.” Reid glanced around again. “But I think I’ve been walking more than two miles.” He sighed.
“Well, you’re in luck.” The cowboy smiled. “You’re not far from the ranch, and I’m heading that way myself. Hop in.”
Reid frowned. “Says every serial killer at the beginning of their murderous rampage.” He shifted his bag and began walking. “No thanks.” He tossed the words over his shoulder as easily as he tossed his golden, light brown locks from his forehead.
The truck moved forward, keeping pace with Reid’s steps.
“Seriously, I’m heading straight to the ranch. It’s only about a half mile, you didn’t veer off course too far.” The man held out a phone to Reid. “See? This is us.” He pointed at the little dots on the digital map. “And there’s the ranch.”
“How do you have cell service out here?” Reid yanked his own phone from his pocket and glared at the screen.
“Not very many services reach way out here. The one I’ve got is about the only one.” The cowboy tossed the phone onto the seat next to him. “But I can’t use that phone anywhere but out here. It’s totally useless.”
“How do I know you’re not just trying to lure me into your truck so you can kill me and spread my body parts all over the vastness of South Dakota?” Reid dropped his bag and stood with both hands on his hips.
The man chuckled. “Well, now. I guess you won’t surely know that until I deliver you in one piece to the ranch. But, honestly, I’ve got a shit ton of work to do, so if you don’t want the ride, I’ll just be on my way.” He pointed out the window. “Take that little side road up there. Follow the dust from my tires if you need. And put on some more sunscreen. Your neck looks like it could blister any moment.” He started to pull the truck away.
“Wait!” Reid grabbed his bag. “I feel like I’m going to die whether it’s from the heat and walking or from you taking way too much pleasure in killing me. So I’ll take the ride. I’m dead either way.”
Cowboy stopped the truck again and laughed. “Dramatic.” He shook his head. “Throw your bag in the back and climb in.”
Reid did as he directed and then slid into the front passenger seat. “Thanks. Oh my God, it feels so good to sit down.”
“Sorry, this is my work truck. It doesn’t have air, but with the windows down the breeze should feel pretty good now that you’re out of the sun.” Cowboy pulled the truck back onto the dusty road.
“No worries.” Reid’s head lolled on the headrest for a few moments before he turned toward the driver and cracked open an eye. “What’s your name?”
“I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.” Cowboy quipped.
Reid sat upright. But instead of grabbing for the door handle, he started ranting. “Listen, I’m having a damn shitty day. Actually, a damn shitty week. Month. Maybe even a damn shitty year. I’m tired. I’m hungry. I’m completely out of my element. And I’m doing a really huge thing by trusting you enough to get me to the damn ranch. Is it that hard to tell me your name?”
Cowboy’s eyes grew wide. “Walker. My name is Walker.”
Reid slumped against the truck seat. “Thank you. Nice to meet you. My name is Reid Alexander.”
Walker nodded. “So, Reid Alexander, what brings you to BFE South Dakota?”
“It’s a terribly long, terribly shitty, terribly ridiculous story that I really don’t have the emotional fortitude to get into right now.” Reid kept his eyes closed and his head reclined on the seat. “Suffice it to say, I’m here to do what needs to be done so I can get the fuck out of this wasteland.”
Walker was quiet for a nanosecond. “Sounds like a man with a plan. Hope it works out for everyone involved.”
“Honestly, I don’t really care if it works out for anyone but myself,” Reid snapped. “I don’t have the time for this. And I don’t want to be here. But it’s not like anyone asked me what I wanted.”
“Well, I don’t know what it is you need to take care of at the ranch,” Walker started, “but I do know a handful of familie
s have worked and lived there for generations and would be lost without it. Maybe something to think about.”
Reid glared at Walker. “Thanks for the input. I’ll keep it in mind.” Reid rolled his eyes.
Walker made a left turn onto a smaller path and drove about five hundred feet until a large gate brought the truck to a stop. Walker keyed in a code and the gate slid open.
“A ranch that has a gated entry?” Reid knew his words held too much bite. “Better make sure the cows don’t get stolen.”
Walker shook his head. “You know much about the Pine Ridge Ranch?”
“Enough to know I have no plans on staying any longer than necessary.”
“Figured as much.” Walker nodded. “Pine Ridge doesn’t run many cattle; definitely not enough to keep the ranch running. Horses are the bread and butter here.”
“Horses?” Reid squeaked. “Of course it has to be horses.”
“Got a problem with horses?” Walker frowned.
“Not my favorite animal.” Reid shrugged. “I thought ranches were for like a thousand cows to roam and eat grass.”
“Some are. But Pine Ridge isn’t big enough in mileage or fertile enough in grass for cattle to graze.” Walker pulled the truck to a stop in front of a large farmhouse. Several other farm buildings stood around the area. “This ranch breeds and trains the best horses in a two hundred mile radius. Well-known for rehabilitating horses, too.”
Reid climbed from the truck and immediately scrunched up his nose.
“Sorry, City Boy, guess you’re not used to such earthy, natural smells, huh?” Walker laughed.
“If by earthy and natural you mean shit, then no, I’m not.” Reid tried to take a breath and nearly gagged. Putting his arm in front of his nose, he reached for his bag.
“Chicken wingin’ it ain’t gonna work forever, ya know?” Walker slapped Reid on the back. “Come on, I’ll show you to the office.”
“If that’s where the person in charge can be found, lead the way.” Reid frowned from behind his arm. “And I won’t be here forever so it doesn’t matter.”
Walker led Reid to a building that looked somewhat like an excessively large garage. Several people, looking very much like modern day cowboys, talked and moved around in all manner of work. Some walked horses, some rode horses, some carried large bags on their shoulders, some hefted bales of hay from the back of a large wagon.
“So, this is like really a ranch?” Reid muttered into his arm.
“Really a ranch?” Walker laughed. “Yeah, it’s really a ranch. Like I said, known for the best horses for over a hundred miles.” Walker opened a plain aluminum door at the corner of the barn. “Come on, office is in the main horse barn.”
“Oh, fuck no.” Reid stopped dead in his tracks. “I’m not going near horses.”
“Relax. The horses are housed here, but they won’t be near you. We’re just going to the office. Most of the horses are out of the barn right now anyway.” Walker gestured for Reid to walk through the door.
Reid entered the building and squinted while his eyes adjusted to the lack of sunlight.
“You can take your arm away. Your nose is likely used to the scent by now.” Walker shook his head and veered to the right and down a hall. “Here’s the office.” He pushed open the door and let Reid enter first.
Reid rolled his eyes. “My nose will never get used to that stench.” But he removed his arm and shrugged. “It’s just not as strong in here.” He sat in one of the chairs opposite the large antique desk in the middle of the room.
“Same hay, manure, feed, and horse smells are in here as much as out there, but you tell yourself whatever makes you feel better.” Walker smiled. “I’ll let the foreman know you’re here.” He turned to leave.
“Wait,” Reid cried. “I mean, I didn’t get to say thanks. For the ride I mean. And, you know, for not murdering me. I appreciate it.”
Walker laughed, throwing his head back to reveal a long, muscular neck and prominent Adam’s apple. “I like you, kid. You’re funny.” He walked forward and shook Reid’s hand. “You’re welcome. The ride and not killing you were my pleasure.”
Reid blushed and shook Walker’s outstretched hand. “Maybe when I’m ready to leave this damn place you can give me a ride? Back to my…well, shit. I’ll need to get my car towed and fixed before I can leave.”
Walker held Reid’s hand and stared at the younger man. “The ranch will see to it that you have a way to get back home.” He released Reid’s hand and turned again to leave, but paused at the door before speaking. “My grandma used to tell me, ‘Don’t let fear keep you from trying something new. You may find out you love it.’”
Reid scowled. “Okay? What’s that got to do with me?”
Walker shrugged. “Just thinking out loud. Different doesn’t have to mean bad. Different can be new and good.”
“Whatever you say, man.” Reid continued to scowl. “Can you just let the head honcho know I’m here?”
Walker gave a nod and closed the door behind him.
2
The door opened and closed behind Reid. He shifted in his seat just as the man who had entered spoke.
“Good day, Mr. Alexander.” He held out a hand to shake. “I’m Walker Corrigan, the foreman of Pine Ridge Ranch. What can I do for you today?”
Reid shot from his chair. “Are you fucking kidding me? You damn sneaky ass piece of shit. You think you can play me just because I’m not from around here? Pull one over on the gay kid because he’s got no clue about a South Dakota ranch? Been laughing at me since you picked me up, huh?” Reid kicked the wall, but winced when his blistered feet screamed in agony. “Did you tell all your cowboys about the city slicker? Get them laughing at me?”
Walker watched Reid’s tirade, with both arms crossed over his chest. When the younger man seemed to run out of words, chest heaving, red faced, waiting, Walker spoke. “Are you done?”
“I don’t want to be. I’m pissed. But I’m tired and need to sit down. So, yes, I’m done.” Reid flopped back down on the chair. “For now.”
“I have almost no idea why you’re here,” Walker began.
“Close to no idea?” Reid narrowed his eyes.
“Well, I know the esteemed owner of this ranch was an Alexander. God rest his soul. I know he passed away, much to the extreme sorrow of all of his ranch employees.” Walker walked to the opposite side of the desk and sat down. “So, I’m guessing you’re here because of Mr. Alexander’s death. He was your grandfather, right?”
“Yeah.” Reid frowned. “How did you know that?”
“He used to talk about his grandson all the time. But he called you a different name, and the pictures he’d show us were of a younger kid.” Walker smiled slightly. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“No need. I didn’t even know the man,” Reid snapped.
“Why did he call you Jackson if your name is Reid?”
Reid rolled his eyes. “I’m named after my father and his father and his father. But I hated that name almost as much as I hate my father. So I use my middle name. It’s more fitting.” He picked at a hangnail on his thumb. “I don’t know how he got pictures of me.”
Walker shrugged. “Someone had to be sending him the pictures. He used to get them every six months or so.” Walker paused. “I’ve been here fifteen years. The pictures stopped about four years ago, maybe?”
Reid was silent for a moment. “Must have been my mom. She was always trying to convince my father to contact my grandfather. She probably sent the pics.”
“You were probably about ten years old in the first pictures he showed us. But the sender included some baby photos, as well.” Walker reached down and opened a small refrigerator. “Water?”
Reid nodded and caught the icy bottle that was tossed his way. “Makes sense. My dad refused to speak of his father or family for a long time. I think Mom did some digging and found out names and addresses. Pissed my dad off royally.” Reid laughed. “I bet he
found out about the pictures and put a stop to her sending them.”
They sat quietly for several moments while the daily sounds of a horse ranch filled the air around them.
“So, Reid Alexander, what brings you to the Pine Ridge?” Walker twisted his lips into a wry smile and waited for what he assumed was going to be bad news about the ranch.
Reid hesitated, chewing on his lip. “Well, like I said in the truck, it’s a long, shitty story. Suffice it to say I’ll be here for a bit of time. Any chance I could get a shower and some food and we could have this discussion when I’m not bone tired?”
Walker raised his brows. “A bit of time? We talking days? Weeks? Months?” He held up a hand. “Don’t get me wrong, you’re welcome here at any time for as long as you’d like. I’m just intrigued as to the reason for your visit.”
“I’ve got the story and the paperwork to explain everything.” Reid sighed. “But I really don’t feel like I can do it justice just yet.”
“Understandable.” Walker nodded. “Total transparency here, Mr. Alexander. I recall what you said about doing what you need to do and not caring if anyone gets hurt.” He paused.
The two men locked gazes.
“I’d like you to take a good hard look around this ranch and realize that the workers here are people with families. Look at the people you’d be hurting with whatever it is you think you have to do. Whatever it is, I’d beg you to let me help you think of another way.” Walker hoped the younger man would take his words to heart.
Reid closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Well then, follow me.” Walker stood and made his way toward the door. “I’ll get you set up in the main house and have Cook make you something to eat. A shower, some food, and a nap and you’ll be good as new.”