The Cowboy's Rules: 2 (Cowboys After Dark:)

by Maggie Carpenter

  “We’ll talk about all this later. Right now I’m callin’ the Sheriff, then I’m gonna give you a real big hug, and…”

  “And?”

  “Not sure,” he frowned, touching the screen on his phone.

  “Jason Lewis is staying at the Pepper Tree if the Sheriff wants to talk to him,” she said quickly.

  “That makes things easy,” Chad replied.

  After hearing what Chad had to say, the Sheriff promised he’d leave for the ranch immediately and have one of his deputies pick up Jason for a chat.

  “Okay, sweetheart,” Chad sighed, putting his phone on the side table, “crawl into my lap.”

  Feeling younger than her years, and as vulnerable as she ever had, Cassie curled up against him. His strong, loving arms wrapped her up, and as a wave of emotion swept over her she stifled a sob.

  “Hey, you can cry if you want,” he crooned. “There have been some unsettlin’ things goin’ on around here, scary things.”

  “I feel like a little girl,” she whimpered. “I don’t know why. I’m tough and strong and all that, but I’m not, but I am. You know what I mean?”

  “Sure I do,” he purred as he stroked her hair. “Don’t worry, this’ll all get sorted out.”

  He held her quietly for a few minutes, then breaking away she stared up at him.

  “Chad, please will you spank me?”

  “Now?” he frowned.

  “I don’t know why but it calms me down. Please?”

  “You feel really young right now, don’t you?”

  “Oh, my gosh, so young…so young and so foolish,” she admitted.

  “You were both of those things, but I understand why you felt hurt seein’ what you did.”

  “So, will you put me over your knee?” she whispered.

  “I fully intend to spank you later,” he said firmly, “but sure, I can warm you up. Pull your jeans down.”

  “Why does this help me so much,” she mumbled as she stood up and unzipped her pants.

  “I think that’s a complex question,” he remarked as she slid over his lap.

  “Not too hard,” she muttered.

  “Excuse me? If I’m gonna spank you, I’ll spank you as I see fit.”

  The warm, sweet wave of submission washed over her like a soft shower, and sighing deeply she sank into his lap. They both knew it was why she’d made the inappropriate comment, she wanted him to put her in her place, and as his hand smacked down with a sharp, stinging slap she grabbed a cushion and buried her face.

  Chad watched the pink blush burst to life, and as his palm rose and fell he made sure the slaps carried a significant zing. She needed his hot hand burning her bottom as much as she’d needed his engulfing, protective hug; both had their role to play in making her feel safe and loved.

  As the spanking continued she began to wriggle and squirm, and he could read her predictable writhing, it was time to bring the quick trip over his knee to a halt; as if on cue the sound of the doorbell echoed through the house.

  Mickey jumped from his bed to run to the door, and as Cassie hurriedly pulled up her jeans Chad went to greet the Sheriff. Dropping back down on the couch she smiled her hello as the burly lawman ambled into the living room.

  “First bit of news,” the Sheriff frowned, “there’s no Jason Lewis at the Pepper Tree, and no-one by that name has been there in the last month. You sure he said that’s where he’s stayin’?”

  “Yes, absolutely,” she nodded.

  “Then I guess he lied,” the Sheriff declared.

  “Let’s head up to the barn,” Chad said, “we can take the Rover. You wanna come, Mick?”

  The dog barked and ran to the door that led to the garage.

  “Don’t you have to go back to the clinic?” Cassie asked. “If you do, I can show the Sheriff.”

  “This is more important, and it’s about to end for the day so it’s fine. Marty knows how to bring the lessons to a close for this first session.”

  Heading out to the garage they climbed into the SUV, and as they headed to Cassie’s barn she related her chance encounter with Jason while she was in town. Chad pulled the Rover to a stop, and Cassie led them through the barn aisle to the last stall, Mickey running ahead.

  “Right in there,” she declared, then picked up the halter she’d dropped when she’d run out.

  Chad slid the stall door open and stared down at the innocent looking rose laying on top of the shavings, the very place where he’d lodged the bit in her mouth, and indulged in the licentious lovemaking.

  “I doubt we’ll get any prints but maybe we’ll get lucky. He might have pricked his finger on one of those thorns,” the Sheriff remarked.

  Pulling on latex gloves and retrieving a plastic bag from his pocket he walked slowly forward, studying the shavings around his feet, then leaning forward he picked up the rose and dropped it in the evidence bag.

  “The nanny cams?” he asked.

  “I’m not sure where they were put,” Chad replied as he stared around the ceiling.

  “I see one, right there,” Cassie declared pointing to a small black box on one of the rafters, “and over there as well.

  By the time they’d scoured the area they’d uncovered four cameras, but had no idea how to retrieve the information.

  “I’ll call the company when we get back to the house,” Chad frowned. “None of us expected we’d be looking at film already.”

  Mickey had been sniffing around the back of the barn and unexpectedly began barking.

  “Sherlock,” Cassie grinned. “That should be his name.”

  “Let’s go have mosey,” the Sheriff remarked. “He must’ve picked up a scent.”

  As the Sheriff walked ahead, Cassie grabbed Chad’s arm.

  “What do you think about that rose?” she asked.

  “It’s very worrisome,” he frowned. “What troubles me the most is the halter and rose…it’s the stall we were in. It makes me wonder if…”

  “I know,” she groaned. “You don’t think someone was spying on us, do you?”

  “If someone was lurking in the barn I don’t think they could’ve seen anything, but they sure as heck could’ve heard us,” he grimaced.

  “It couldn’t have been Jason who left the rose,” she remarked, “he was with me.”

  “Did he leave first?”

  “Yes,” Cassie frowned, “he did. I had to wait for the check.”

  “And when you came home, did you go straight to the barn?” Chad pressed.

  “No, I stopped at Hannah’s, but how could he have driven up here without being seen or heard?”

  “That part I don’t know, but I think it’s just too coincidental. Did he flirt with you? Be honest, it’s okay, just tell me,” Chad insisted.

  “Yes, Chad, he did.”

  “Okay, he’s my prime suspect.”

  “You might wanna come look at this,” the Sheriff called from behind the barn.

  Moving quickly to join him they found him staring down at some tire tracks.

  “Is there a motorbike on this property?” the Sheriff asked.

  “No, definitely not,” Chad replied.

  “Looks like one was here,” he said. “Could’ve come over the back of Madden’s farm. It’s a direct run straight off the main road. There’d be some gates, but otherwise a dirt bike could do that run no problem.”

  “That’s how he beat you here, and why we didn’t see him,” Chad exclaimed.

  Cassie felt a cold shiver run up her back.

  “Chad, I’m worried about the horses. We have to take them back down.”

  “There’s no room,” he sighed, “but you’re right, having nanny cams up here isn’t going to protect them, or all your stuff.”

  “If I could make a suggestion,” the Sheriff interjected, “my nephew wants to be a cop, but while he’s waitin‘ to get in the Academy he’s doin‘ freelance security work. I bet he’d be happy to hang out up here, keep an eye on things.”

&n
bsp; “Chad, a live guard, that’s perfect,” Cassie said.

  “That’s a great suggestion,” Chad agreed, “but he can’t be here around the clock.”

  “No, but he’s got a couple of friends who would do shifts,” the Sheriff offered. “They’re all in the same boat.”

  “Great, would you call him?” Chad asked. “That’s the answer until we figure out who this is and catch the bastard.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  The first day of the clinic was always the toughest. Marty and Chad had to determine each rider’s ability then match them with horses, assess the horses who had been brought on to the ranch, and then the experience of their owners.

  By the time the clients had left, the horses had been put away and fed, and the manure from the ring and the round pen had been cleaned up, Marty was a weary traveler. As he hiked up to his cabin he made a mental note that he was going to drive the short distance from his cabin to the barn for the rest of the week.

  Must be gettin’ old before my time, he sighed as he lumbered in the door, but the delicious aroma that wafted around his nostrils gave him a second wind, and in spite of his bone deep fatigue he broke into a broad smile.

  “Lordy girl, what is that smell? If I wasn’t starvin’ it would sure make me that way.”

  “You’ll find out when you sit down,” she winked. “You look exhausted. Go take a shower and put on some comfortable clothes. I can serve dinner when you come back.”

  “You’re the best girl in the world,” he said warmly, “I won’t be long.”

  Making his way to the bedroom he slowly removed his clothes and pulled off his boots. The soft bed beckoned, but he knew if he succumbed he’d never get up, so dragging himself into the bathroom he turned on the faucets and stood under the hot, soothing stream of water.

  Closing his eyes he thought about the adorable girl in the kitchen. She was as sweet as maple syrup, sexy as a siren, and as playful as a kitten; there were times when he looked at her he thought his heart would burst.

  You’re like a dream, like an angel. I’m so glad you’re in my life, he thought as he stepped from the stall and dried off. I’m gonna do somethin’ real nice for you. Not sure what that could be, but I’ll think of somethin’. I’ve gotta let you know how much you mean to me.

  Wandering back into the large kitchen he saw several steaming bowls waiting on the table and hurried to sit down.

  “Beer? Wine?” Hannah asked.

  “Beer, baby, thanks. Man, what is all this? You sure know the way to man’s heart,” he declared.

  “Your favorite beef stew, carrots and broccoli in a spicy brown sauce, thick-cut spicy french fries, and I made some of that herb bread you like so much.”

  “I feel sorry for Chad,” he chuckled as he scooped up large portions of everything.

  “Why?” she asked as she sat opposite him.

  “I don’t know what he’s eatin’ tonight, but it sure won’t be as good as this,” he grinned.

  “Ah, yes it will be. I made enough for Chad and Cassie as well,” she confessed. “The whole intruder thing was really upsetting, and I’m sure Chad was just as tired after his day as you are.”

  “You’re a sweet girl for doin’ that,” he said kindly. “Speakin’ of that intruder, somethin’s goin’ on,” Marty frowned. “Chad begged off at the end of the day, then I saw the Sheriff’s car at the house, and a few minutes later the Range Rover headed up to Cassie’s barn.”

  “Huh, I wonder what happened,” Hannah remarked.

  “I’m too tired to call him and find out. He’ll tell me what’s goin’ on in the mornin’.”

  He began to devour the meal, and Hannah smiled as she watched him. It gave her great pleasure to see him happy, and she never doubted how much he loved coming home to his dinner, and to her.

  Marty chatted about the day, the various personalities of the people, and the problem with Molly Roberts and how he’d been assigned the job of straightening her out. Hannah had just served up dessert when the phone rang, and motioning Marty to stay where he was she picked up the receiver; it was Chad.

  “If Marty’s eatin’ don’t bother him, and thanks for the great meal,” Chad said gratefully. “Please teach Cassie how to cook, even just a little bit.”

  “I’ll try,” she giggled, “but no promises. What can we do for you?”

  “Just tell Marty that I’ve hired a security guard for Cassie’s barn, so if he sees a guy in uniform up there, that’s who it is. Too much weird stuff’s been happenin’ to take any chances with those horses. Those guards will be stickin’ around until we can figure out who’s behind all the nonsense.”

  “Oh, that’s great. I’ve been worried about Maverick as well. I’ll let Marty know. Thanks, Chad. Bye.”

  “Bye, Hannah, and thank you!”

  “What was that about?” Marty asked, taking his last bite of pie and ice cream.

  “Chad wanted you to know he’s hired a guard for Cassie’s barn. I think it’s a good thing. Now I can sleep.”

  “Hey, I can make sure you’ll sleep,” Marty grinned.

  “I know you can,” she winked.

  “That dinner was the best damn meal I think I’ve ever had,” he sighed leaning back in his chair. “You outdid yourself.”

  “I’m glad,” Hannah smiled, “I really want to make you happy.”

  “You do, kitten, you totally do. Let’s go lay down.”

  “The dishes,” she protested.

  “Screw the dishes, they can wait,” he said firmly.

  “But you-”

  “Hush,” he said, holding up his hand. “Yeah, I like things to be kept up, but right now this tired ol’ body just wants yours beside it.”

  Standing up he reached for her hand, led her down the hallway into the bedroom, and pulling her with him on to the bed he let out a long, heavy sigh.

  “Poor man,” she crooned, pulling his sweater over his head.

  “Just the first day is a bit rough,” he muttered. “Lots of crap to deal with. It’ll be easier as the week goes by.”

  Slipping off the bed she removed his loafers and socks, then slid down his sweat pants.

  “I was a bit naughty today,” she purred, sidling up his naked body.

  “Were you? And just how were you naughty?” he grinned, a twinkle in his eye.

  “I can’t recall,” she replied, taking his cock in her hand. “I just know I was.”

  “Uh-huh, and you need your bottom tanned a bit’?”

  “Well, big guy, that’s up to you,” she teased.

  “Yep, it sure is. I think you’d best take off all them clothes. Here I am, naked as a jaybird, and you’re still dressed.”

  “Yes, Sir,” she nodded, but she didn’t simply undress, she created an alluring, slow striptease, and when she was done his cock was standing at full attention.

  “You get your beautiful ass over here,” he ordered, sitting up and leaning against the headboard.

  “Yes, Sir,” she murmured.

  As she crawled on to the bed he positioned her so she was facing his feet, her knees on either side of his waist.

  “You know what I want,” he breathed, placing his hands on her back and gently pushing her forward.

  Dropping her head she began to mouth his cock, and as her lips slithered up and down his shaft, he began to slap her backside.

  “So you were naughty? Naughty means a red behind,” he declared, spanking his large hard hand on her perfectly positioned posterior.

  Her full moons were quickly turning pink, and as he continued to smack her with his right hand, he slipped the fingers of his left against her sex. She wriggled her delight, fueling his desire to spank her harder, and the harder he spanked the more aggressively she sucked.

  “Mmm, that’s real good,” he moaned, “you don’t stop now,” he ordered, slapping her inner thighs.

  She let out a muffled yelp, then sent her fingertips to his sack, tickling and stroking; it was all Marty needed to put
him over the edge. He exploded against her tongue, but even during his climax he continued to finger her furiously, and moments after his tingling spasms had passed he watched her body grow taut, her back arch, and her bottom buck as she cried out her joy.

  A short time later as she lay nestled in his arms, she lifted her lips and kissed him gently.

  “I love you so much, big guy,” she murmured.

  “I love you too, kitten,” he yawned.

  “A lot?” she asked.

  “A whole heck of a lot,” he replied.

  “And you like our life here together?” she pressed.

  “Hell, yeah, I love it. Why are you askin’ me all these questions? Don’t I show you?”

  “Yeah, you do,” she sighed. “I guess I just needed to hear it,” and if you’re so damn happy, why don’t you propose?

  “Don’t you worry,” he crooned, “I’ve got a surprise in store for you, somethin’ that’ll show you just how much I really care,” I’ve just gotta figure out what that is.

  “Really?” she beamed.

  “Yep, now go to sleep, I swear I can’t utter another word.”

  Closing her eyes, she smiled happily.

  Yay, I can’t wait. He’s finally figured it out.

  Marty and Hannah weren’t the only exhausted pair curled up in bed after a long, arduous day. Chad and Cassie were laying in the dark, quietly discussing the alarming discovery of the rose and the tire marks of the motorcycle.

  “Whoever it is, he won’t be getting close to that barn now,” Chad assured her. “I think we can sleep peacefully. A guard will be there twenty-four hours so you and Hannah can ride in safety, and I can focus on my clinic, but sweetie, you’ve gotta come right back to the house when you’re done, and no long trail rides until this is over.”

  “We won’t go anywhere,” she promised

  “I have a feelin’ we’re gonna be catchin’ this guy before long,” Chad remarked.

  “I think it is Jason Lewis,” she said softly.

  “It’s kinda obvious, but why do you say that?”

  “There is a little something else I didn’t mention,” she confessed.