“Oh, uh, hi,” Bridget replied somewhat taken aback by the young man’s warmth.
“Glad to have an extra hand,” he continued. “If you have any questions, please feel free. The horses are all great, mainly because of this man here.”
“Nice of you to say, thanks,” Caden replied. “Where’s Jane?”
“Jane? She’s gone into town with Richard.”
“No wonder you’re in such a good mood,” Bridget muttered under her breath.
“Sorry?” Tim said. “I didn’t catch that.”
“I said, I wonder why you’re in such a good mood,” Bridget said quickly. “You know, being the first day back and everything.”
“I’m enjoyin’ the quiet before the storm. This place will be full in a few days, and things will be buzzin’ around here,” he replied. “I wanted to ask you, Caden, Jane said that chestnut geldin’ won’t be stayin’? Is that right? Sure is a good lookin’ horse.”
“Not sure what I’ll be doin’ with him just yet.”
“I’m getting on him now you want to watch,” Bridget said.
“Yeah, I do. I’m done for the day, but I heard you’re gonna be ridin’ in the ring through the afternoon. Some days, we just work with the horses in the mornin’ and we’re done by lunch, other days we’re busy with clients all day and into the evenin’.”
“I understand, I think most barns are like that. I’m used to it. I’m going to get Valentino.”
Relieved that Jane wasn’t around, Bridget picked up a halter and headed out, and as she strode across the stable yard to the paddock, she was unaware that watching from her window, Heather’s eyes were following her.
Heather had been admiring the big, glossy, chestnut gelding for some time, mesmerized by his glimmering coat and his elegant movement. Bridget approached the fence, and Heather watched as the big gelding broke into a trot, clearly excited to see the auburn-haired girl at the gate. The girl slipped the halter over his head and led the horse back towards the barn. Immediately reaching for the phone, Heather called her mother.
“Hello?”
“Mother, I know you wanted to lay by the pool before we went to the barn, but I’m going there now. There’s a horse I want to see, it’s just being brought in from its paddock. I’m going to run down there.”
“Wait for me, I’m coming to your room.”
Dressed in light cotton slacks, a lemon silk shirt and ballet slippers, Heather realized she needed to change, and by the time her mother knocked on her door she was in jeans, boots and a T-shirt.
“Heather, you look like a hillbilly. I didn’t even know you owned clothes like that.”
“I’m going to a stable, mother. These are barn clothes,” and Jeff bought them for me. I don’t know why I’m torturing myself wearing them, I don’t know why I even brought them with me, but right now I’m glad I did.
“You still have an image to maintain,” her mother remarked.
“I thought we came here so I could forget about all that.”
“You’re right, I’m sorry, it’s just the way my mind works. Anyway, Celeste is taking us down there in a golf cart.”
“Super. Let’s go.”
“What’s so special about this horse?” Molly asked as they started down the hallway.
“He’s so beautiful. I’ve been watching him for the last half hour. He’s a gorgeous chestnut with two white stockings on his back legs, and a diamond on his forehead. Mother, I’ve decided I want to start riding again. More than that, I want to buy my own horse.”
“Bridget, I applaud that idea,” Molly beamed. “Yes, that would be excellent for you. We’ll sort that out the minute we get back.” That will keep your mind off scruffy musicians. “We should join a Polo Club as well.” That’s a place you’ll meet the right sort of man for you. Yes, a Polo Club.
“I’d love that, yes, we should,” Heather agreed.
Thrilled that her daughter was suddenly so buoyant, Molly felt the tension beginning to leave her neck.
Maybe she’s starting to put that dreadful guitar player behind her. Horses, I should have thought of it myself. This is very good news, very good news indeed.
“Hello,” Celeste said, greeting them as they descended the stairs. “The golf car is just outside.”
“Thank you. Heather has just told me there’s a horse here she’s quite taken with,” Molly declared as Celeste ushered them through the door. “Do you know his name, Heather?”
“No, but mother, he’ll be in the barn when we get there.”
“You said he was a chestnut, didn’t you?”
“Yes, with two white stockings and a diamond,” Heather replied as she sat in the back seat of the cart.
“That must be Valentino,” Celeste said as she started down the driveway. “He’s just arrived. I’m not sure if he’s staying or not. He doesn’t belong to us, at least, not yet.”
They pulled into the stable yard just in time to see Caden give Bridget a boost into the saddle, and jumping from the cart, Heather stood and stared at the big gleaming chestnut.
“My gosh, he’s amazing,” she mumbled. “He’s the most beautiful horse I’ve ever seen. He’s so much bigger than I thought.”
Settled in the saddle, Bridget glanced towards the cart, and was shocked to see the famous star and her mother. She’d heard it approach, but had assumed it was Richard, and not wanting to make eye contact with Jane she’d kept her gaze lowered. Tim, standing back in the shadows, stayed where he was. He’d learned that celebrities preferred to be the ones to make the first move.
“Caden,” Bridget said quietly, “look, it’s Heather Chadwick.”
Turning around Caden saw the stunning blond standing by the cart staring at them, and immediately walked forward to introduce himself. Not sure what to do, and not wanting to gawk, Bridget headed to the riding ring.
“Caden,” Celeste said stepping towards him, “I’d like you to meet Heather Chadwick and her mother, Molly. Heather, Molly, this is Caden Price. He’s the man who finds us all our fabulous horses, and keeps them that way.”
“Hello, Caden,” Heather smiled, “that chestnut, what an incredible looking horse,” and you are one incredible looking man. Good grief. I should put you in one of my movies. I wonder if I can find a western.
“Nice to meet you, Caden,” Molly said formally.
“That’s Valentino, and Bridget, that’s the girl sitting on him, she’s about to ride him in the ring if you want to watch.” Did I just say, that’s the girl sitting on him? Get a grip Caden.
“Yes, definitely, I’d love to,” Heather said enthusiastically.
“Follow me, we have a viewing deck,” Caden said.
“Before you go, tell me, Caden, who’s in charge of the barn?”
“That would be Max, but he’s out sick, so I’m stepping in until he’s better, and a young woman named Jane is his assistant. She’s not here right now.”
“Ah, good, well, thank you. Heather, you go ahead dear, it’s a bit dusty out there for me. I’ll just wait for you.”
“You don’t have to do that. Go back to the house, have some coffee, or tea or something. You’re not dressed to be at a barn anyway.”
“Hmm, I’m not sure.”
“You can see the arena from the hotel terrace if that’s of any help,” Celeste suggested.
“Oh, then yes, that’s what I’ll do,” Molly declared. “I’ll have some coffee and watch from up there. That will be much more comfortable. Thank you, Celeste.”
Bridget was walking around, letting Valentino settle, but she’d been watching the scene play out in the stable yard. When Heather’s mother left in the golf cart, and Heather started walking towards the ring next to Caden, she forced herself not to feel jealous or insecure, but it wasn’t easy. The girl was as gorgeous as her television and movie appearances promised. Not wanting them to see her staring, Bridget looked ahead and asked Valentino to step into the trot, and as the horse picked up the gait, she could feel the
sting on her seat. It sent a warm reassurance to her heart, and she felt herself begin to relax.
As she continued around the ring she saw them sit down, but as she started down the long side, which would take her right past them, Caden rose to his feet and waved her over. Asking Valentino to slow to a walk, she approached the viewing platform.
“Bridget,” Caden said with a broad smile, “this is Heather Chadwick, Heather, this is Bridget Cooper. Bridget is not just a fabulous rider, she’s also the reason I have a big smile on my face when I wake up in the mornin’.”
Surprised by his sweet comment, for a moment she didn’t know what to say, then it came to her.
“Not as big as mine!” she declared with a wink. “Hi, Heather, nice to meet you.”
“You too,” Heather replied. “You guys are so lucky. I’d love wake up with a smile like that.” I did, for a short time anyway. “Hello, Valentino. Aren’t you a handsome horse?”
“Isn’t he though, and he’s such a lover,” Bridget remarked.
“I’m dying to see him go,” Heather said. “Please, don’t let me stop you.”
“This is only the second time I’ve ridden him and I’m going to try some fancy footwork, so I can’t promise it will be perfect.”
“Just watching him is perfect,” Heather sighed.
“Hey,” Caden said leaning over the railing, “wait a second. Come closer to the rail.”
Bridget moved Valentino next to the fence, and to her shock, Caden leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.
“Just ‘cos,” he winked.
Walking away from the viewing deck, she felt a deep warmth fill her heart.
Caden, you are the sweetest, best guy ever. You thought I might be feeling weird with you sitting with that gorgeous, famous, amazing girl, and you wanted to make me feel better. You are the best, the absolute best.
Exhilarated, she pushed Valentino into an extended trot, then a canter, and a gallop, then brought him back to a walk. Taking a moment to catch her breath, she asked him for more advanced maneuvers, and he had no problem understanding her requests, performing the intricate steps and turns flawlessly.
She’d been so focused on her riding she hadn’t noticed Celeste had returned in the golf cart, but as she started trotting over to ask Caden for his feedback, she saw Celeste driving the cart to the viewing platform and urgently gesturing for Caden to join her. By the time she’d reached the fence, he and Celeste were deep in conversation.
“Caden! Is everything all right?” she asked as Caden broke away and started towards her.
“I have an emergency phone call from my ranch. I think it’s one of the mares. I’m runnin’ into the barn to take it.”
“Oh, no. I’ll come right in.”
“No, you stay here and chat with Heather. I’ll be right back. That was fantastic by the way, you two looked great.”
“Thanks. Shoot. I hope everything’s okay.”
“Me too,” he frowned jumping into the cart.
“He has a ranch?” Heather asked.
“Yes, about forty-five minutes away. He has a breeding program there, and he also trains and sells top quality horses. Valentino belongs to him.”
“Really? That’s interesting. All kinds of horses, or just western horses.”
“All kinds. That man can do anything. Don’t let his cowboy hat fool you. I’ve seen him jump fences flawlessly on warmbloods and thoroughbreds, then do team penning and roping on a quarter-horse.”
“That’s impressive,” Heather declared. “I’ve never ridden in a western saddle. Is it much different.”
“It is. It probably wouldn’t take long for you to adapt, but you might not like it.”
“Do you give lessons here?”
“Yes, but I just started, and I’m not sure how things work. I’d love to help you. That’s one of the reasons was brought in, to give lessons. I’ll find out.”
“That would be fantastic,” Heather said eagerly. “Look, Caden’s coming back.”
“Shoot, he doesn’t look very happy.”
Celeste had returned him in the cart, and jumping out he walked briskly up the stairs to the viewing platform.
“I have to go. One of my mares is havin’ her baby and ran into trouble. The vet’s on the way. He’ll beat me there but I need to get home.”
“Caden, I’m so sorry. I’ll come with you,” Bridget said earnestly.
“No, you stay here. I’ll call you later, and hopefully I’ll be back in the mornin’.”
“How are you getting there? You’re not taking the horse van, are you?”
“No, I’ll take one of the ranch cars.”
“Caden, I’m sorry,” Heather interjected.
“Thank you Heather. Hopefully it will work out. Sorry I have to dash. Bye, darlin’,” he said turning to Bridget. “I promise I’ll call you soon, oh, and my suite is unlocked if you want to stay up there.”
“Okay, thanks, Caden. Please drive carefully.”
“I will. Bye.”
Wishing she was leaving with him, Bridget watched him trot down the steps, climb into the cart and race away.
“Bummer,” Heather remarked.
“Yeah, major bummer,” Bridget nodded. “I’m worried.”
“Me too. Will you let me know what’s going on when you hear from him? I mean it. That poor mare. I want to know, I really do.”
“Yes, sure.”
“I’m in room 108.”
“You are? Caden’s staying in 107.”
“What about you?”
“I’m in a little cabin at the back of the property, but I might stay in his suite tonight. I’m not sure, the cabin is cozy and has a full kitchen and-”
“Why don’t you stay in 107?” Heather interrupted. “We could get together, have a drink or something, you know, later, after I finish having dinner with my mother. I’d really like to talk to you about horses.”
“Uh, sure, if you want.”
“I do, I really do.”
“Then it’s a date,” Bridget smiled. “I need to walk Valentino out for five minutes, then I’ll be taking him back to the barn.”
Rising to her feet, Heather stared up at the terrace. Her mother waved, but didn’t gesture for her to come back.
“Can I join you?” Heather asked.
“Of course,” Bridget smiled, then looking into the eyes of the beautiful star, it hit her. Oh, my, gosh, you’re lonely.
“Thanks,” Heather smiled. “It’s been too long since I’ve been close to a horse and stroked its neck.”
“You can stroke his neck all you want, he’d love it,” Bridget assured her. “Okay, Mister Valentino, let’s get walkin’.”
A short time later, as Bridget watched Heather groom Valentino, the young star’s passion for horses and riding became obvious. She smiled and laughed, and talked to Valentino with joy in her voice, but as they parted company, Bridget saw a cloud of sadness descend around her.
“She seems okay for a superstar,” Tim remarked walking up to stand beside her.
“There you are! Yes, she is, she’s very okay,” Bridget replied. “Where did you disappear to?”
“I watched you ride from the other side of the ring. You’re really good, Bridget, and that horse, damn. Did he show a lot?”
“He must have. He’s so finely tuned.”
“I could tell.”
“Why didn’t you join us?” Bridget asked. “Where have you been?”
“Jane likes to be the one to deal with the guests,” he replied. “Things go a lot smoother around here if you let her be. Just keep your head down, do as she says, and you won’t have any problems.”
“I see,” she said grimly. “That’s okay with you?”
“I love this place. It’s a great job and I wanna keep it, so, yeah, it’s okay with me, besides, nothin’ lasts forever.”
Bridget narrowed her eyes. The comment had buzzed her radar.
“What do you mean?”
“Nothin�
�. Just what I’ve noticed workin’ at ranches. People come and go.”
“You’re right,” she agreed, though she was sensing more behind his comment. “I doubt I’ll be here very long. I’m not interested in being a wallflower, and Jane and I got off to a rocky start.”
“Yeah, that doesn’t surprise me.”
“It doesn’t?”
“No, but hey, I hope you do stick around. You brighten up the place. I’m headin’ home for a nap. Been up since six.”
“Why so early?”
“Jane wanted us to start by seven, so…”
“I see.”
“Oh, that reminds me. She’ll page you tonight and tell you what time to report in tomorrow. With only one guest here there won’t be much to do. We have a list of who’s comin’ in and when, and we get the horses ready the day before they arrive.”
“Ah, good to know, and if I don’t hear from her?”
“That’s up to you,” he grinned.
“Got it,” she laughed. “I’ll put Valentino back in his paddock and get on the next one.”
“Okay. Catch ya!”
Taking Valentino from the cross ties, she fed him some carrots, then led him out to his pasture. He seemed serene and happy, and as she took off his halter, he didn’t turn and walk away as the other horses had done, but stayed with her, lowering his head to her chest for attention.
“Valentino, you’re such a special guy. I do adore you. No, I take that back. I’ve fallen in love with you.”
He nickered softly, then gave her a gentle nudge.
“Did you just say you love me too? Oh, sweet horse, I believe you did.”
How strange is this? Caden has to suddenly dash off to his ranch, and the famous Heather Chadwick is a really nice girl who appears to be sad and lonely. I wonder what tomorrow will bring.
CHAPTER TWELVE
The sun was low in the sky, and after packing an overnight bag, Bridget headed up to Caden’s room, dying for a soak in his large, jacuzzi tub. The big house seemed quiet as she walked up the stairs and let herself into his suite, and tired and dusty from the busy afternoon, she moved straight into the bathroom. Choosing some jasmine bath gel, she turned on the faucets and dropped several large dollops into the tub, then peeled of her dirty, dusty clothes. Stuffing her hair under a shower cap, she slid into the foamy water, closed her eyes, and sinking into the comforting warmth, she let out a long grateful sigh.
When a Cowboy Loves a Woman Page 10