To Catch A Cowboy (Hunks and Horses Book 2)

by Maggie Carpenter

Though she needed to hurry, she held him until she heard his telling sigh and he slowly pulled away.

  "You'd better get ready," he murmured. "I'll go up and tell everyone you overslept."

  "No, Salvo. You mustn't lie for me. Don't volunteer anything, but if someone asks why I'm late, tell them the truth."

  "How about we go up to the house together?"

  "If you want."

  "Yeah. I'd rather wait here while you get ready."

  She understood. He needed to stay close. Though he was a strapping young man, the frightened little boy still lived inside him. He didn't realize the ghosts of their past haunted her too.

  "No problem. I won't be long."

  Entering her bedroom and quickly undressing, she stepped into the shower. As the hot water streamed over her, she closed her eyes, trying to recall the events of the previous evening. There had been dancing and laughing, and Josh had flirted with her.

  "Josh!" she exclaimed, opening her eyes and turning off the faucets. "Oh, my God. Did I go home with Josh? No. I'd remember that. The car? How the hell did the car get to that house?"

  Though her head was throbbing, her mind continued spinning with questions. Leaving the stall, she hastily dried off, ran a comb through her wet hair, then donned a clean pair of jeans and pink T-shirt.

  "Okay, Salvo, let's go," she declared, moving back into the living room.

  "But, Theresa, your hair's still wet."

  "Can't be helped. I'm actually going to be on time, but I won't be if I pull out my blow dryer."

  "Where did you spend the night?" he asked as the climbed into the Land Rover.

  "Later, Salvo. Sorry, I didn't mean to snap. I just can't think right now."

  "That's okay. I get it."

  It was only a thirty-second drive to the main house, and turning into the parking area at the side of the rambling ranch home, she turned off the engine, then leaned back and let out a sigh.

  "Thank God. I can't believe I'm not late. You go in the front door like you always do, and I'll go in through the kitchen and get to work."

  "Are you sure you're all right?" Salvo asked softly. "Your eyes are bloodshot."

  "I'm fine. This isn't my first hangover, but I do have a favor. I think I left my jacket at the tavern."

  "Are you talking about Henry?"

  "Of course, and I'm worried sick. I'll call over there as soon as—"

  "Sis," he said, cutting her off and eyeing her with the hint of a smile, "he's sitting on the back seat?"

  "What?"

  Spinning her head around, then groaning from the effort, she spied the wrinkled, worn, adored leather jacket.

  "Thank God!"

  "Wow, you must've really been out of it to lose sight of Henry."

  "But I don't remember drinking that much and I can hold my liquor."

  "Maybe you can't anymore. Maybe you're out of practice."

  "You think? I hadn't considered that. You might be right. I haven't had a real drink since I got here."

  "I'll bet that's it," Salvo said, sounding wiser than his years. "Your system isn't used to it."

  "Damn. That's scary," she muttered as she climbed from the car. "Maybe when we talk later it will help me remember what the hell happened."

  Giving him another quick hug, she headed around to the back of the house and walked into the kitchen. A cup of hot sweet tea and a piece of toast would help both her headache and upset stomach. Putting the kettle to boil, she dropped two pieces of bread into the toaster, then moved into the dining room. With Salvo's help the table was set in only a few minutes, and returning to the kitchen she made her tea, buttered her toast, and began to prepare breakfast.

  Four others called Dream Horse Ranch home. Heath and Carly lived in the main house. Andy, the barn manager and horse trainer, her brother and her, lived on the property in separate cabins. Though she'd only been there a few months, she couldn't imagine living anywhere else. The open spaces agreed with her, and while the big equines still made her nervous, she held them in awe. Everything about the lifestyle soothed her soul.

  "I can't believe I was such an idiot," she mumbled as she cracked eggs into a frying pan. "I need to tell Heath and Carly about last night before they hear what happened from someone else. What a nightmare. All I wanted was for Josh to notice me, but now I'll never be able to face him again. I must have made a total fool of myself."

  The sound of voices in the dining room announced the arrival of the small crew. Placing a splatter guard over the top of the pan, she took a breath, then walked through the door.

  "Morning, Theresa," Carly said with a smile.

  "Morning, Carly. Hi Heath. Is Andy coming?"

  "He'll be here shortly."

  "The coffee's brewing, but, uh…"

  "Theresa, are you okay?" Carly asked. "You look a little pale. Are you coming down with something?"

  "The thing is, I went out last night and I'm a bit hungover. Sorry. It won't happen again."

  "We all need to blow off steam once and a while," Heath said. "Don't worry about it."

  "Thanks. I'll go get that coffee."

  Quickly returning to the kitchen, Theresa sank against the door.

  "I should have known he'd be nice about it. God, look at me. I'm shaking. Never again. Never, ever again will I do anything to jeopardize my life here."

  CHAPTER THREE

  During the morning meal Carly had remained unusually quiet, and as Andy and Salvo left, Heath put his arm around her shoulders and gave her a squeeze.

  "What's on your mind, darlin'?"

  "Theresa," she whispered. "I think you should talk to her."

  "Hey, that's the first night she's been out since she got here. She's entitled."

  "You don't understand. Didn't you see how scared she was when she told us?"

  "Can't say's I noticed."

  "You're such a guy sometimes."

  "I sure hope so."

  "She thought you were going to fire her."

  "No! Why would she think that?"

  "I don't know, and that's my point. She's worried. Go and talk to her. Put her mind at rest."

  "You really think I need to?"

  "Yes, I do," Carly said solemnly. "We know she and Salvo had things rough, but we don't know how rough. I think Theresa is far more fragile than we know. She puts up a brave front, but she was scared when she came in here. I don't want her to be. I want her to know she's part of the family now. The Dream Horse Ranch family. Please talk to her. I really like her. I want her to feel safe."

  "Dang," Heath muttered. "She's always so upbeat and confident."

  "I know. It's easy to forget where she came from. Will you talk to her?"

  "You bet."

  "Thank you," she purred, kissing him on the cheek. "Now I must be off. I need to get down to the barn."

  "Please, please watch yourself with Chuck. You know he'll stick his head between his knees and throw you off in a heartbeat."

  "Yeah, I know. I'll work him on the ground this morning and see how he is," she said, rising from the table, "but I have to get on him at some point."

  "You should let Andy get on him first, and I also think you should wait a couple more days."

  "He's already been here a week, and I suspect Chuck would prefer someone light on his back. You take care of Theresa. I'll take care of Chuck."

  As Carly headed out, Heath stared at the door that led to the kitchen. Carly had picked up on Theresa's vulnerability. A vulnerability he hadn't noticed.

  "I reckon you're right, Carly. I'm a guy, and maybe guys just don't see that stuff."

  Pushing back his chair, he ambled across the room, and entering the kitchen he found Theresa loading the dishwasher.

  "Hey, when you finish doin' that, why don't you take off and get some rest?"

  "I'm okay. The aspirin will kick in soon."

  "Theresa, you look knackered. I'm bettin' you didn't sleep so good. You work hard around this place. Take the mornin' off. That's an order."


  "Maybe I am a bit under the weather. Thanks, Heath. And I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to get wasted."

  "Don't sweat it, and for the record, Carly and I want you to know we're real happy you're here. She's happy to have another woman around the place, and I'm happy because you make the best damn brownies I've ever tasted."

  Her brow crinkled, and for a minute Heath thought she was tearing up.

  "That's so nice of you," she said softly. "I'm still embarrassed. I honestly don't know what happened last night. I'm sure I didn't drink very much, but I must have. Heath, I, uh…," but her voice trailed off as she lost the courage to tell him about waking up in a stranger's bed.

  "You don't have to fill me in on the gory details," he said, sensing the story held more intrigue than knocking back a few drinks. "Like I said before, we all need to blow off a little steam sometimes. Don't give it another thought."

  "I didn't go out to blow off steam," she said hastily. "If that had been the plan I wouldn't have taken the Land Rover. I have no reason to blow off steam. I love my job, and I love this ranch. This is the most relaxed I've been in my life."

  "If you didn't hit the bars to let loose, do you mind if I ask you why you did?"

  "Just one bar. The Horseshoe Tavern, and I went there because I was hoping to run into a cowboy I met. I really like him."

  "That's a popular spot. I know the owner, Duke Palmer."

  "He mentioned he knew you. He seemed like a nice guy."

  "He is. In fact he's bringin' his horse to stay here in the next couple of days. He closes the tavern every couple of months to hunt out new micro-breweries."

  "Oh, no. I'll hide. I'm sure I made a fool of myself. I sat at the bar when I first arrived and he took my keys."

  "Sounds like him, but you don't have to worry about Duke. I'll bet he's seen a lot worse. So, who is this fella you've got a hankerin' for, if you don't mind me askin'?"

  "Josh Brady. He's a trainer over at Tall Tree Farms. Why the frown? Do you know him?"

  "Met him once. I can understand why you like him. He's a good-lookin' guy."

  "And funny. He has everyone in stitches during his lessons. Unfortunately he doesn't even know I'm alive."

  "Maybe that's just as well," Heath remarked. "A package can be wrapped up pretty, but there's no tellin' what you might find when you open it up."

  "I take it you don't like him."

  "He hasn't been in this area very long, but he's already gettin' quite the reputation."

  "Do you think he's bad news?"

  "Let's just say I've heard stories."

  "He is a flirt, that's for sure."

  "Did you spend any time with him?"

  "I remember dancing with him, but most of the evening is a blur. Not that it matters. I doubt he has any interest in me," she said with a heavy sigh. "I'd really like to meet someone, and Josh is the first guy I've come across I really like."

  "Uh-huh. Well, Theresa, it's your life and your heart, but I'd steer clear. Why don't you finish up and go on back to your cabin for a nap."

  "I still feel guilty. I shouldn't let my personal life get in the way of my job."

  "What personal life? One night and a little too much to drink? You're makin' too much of this. Don't give it a second thought."

  "Thanks so much, Heath. I really appreciate you taking the time to come in here and talk to me. I know how busy you are."

  "People come first. You take it easy, and don't come back until you're feelin' better."

  She waited until he left, then sank into a chair at the kitchen table. Her headache pounding through her temples, she dropped her head in her hands.

  "This is seriously depressing. I find a guy I'm totally into, and it turns out he's probably an asshole. Is there such a thing as a cowboy who's an asshole? That's depressing by itself. Heath's right about one thing. I need to lie down."

  Slowly getting to her feet, she finished loading the dishwasher, then stepped outside and climbed into the Land Rover. It was hers to use as she needed, but she only left the ranch to do errands and visit Tall Tree Farms. Her excursion to The Horseshoe Tavern had been the first time she'd ventured out after dinner.

  "I won't be doing that again in a hurry," she muttered as she drove down to her cabin. "Dammit, I need to get to the store. I'd better make a list. I don't trust myself to remember anything today."

  Rolling under the carport, she climbed out, grabbed her much-loved, battered leather jacket from the back seat, walked into the quaint cottage and straight to the bedroom. Kicking off her shoes, she collapsed on the bed, and letting out a groan, she closed her eyes and prayed for sleep.

  She was standing in the middle of a paddock. Stars twinkled overhead, the air was crisp, and the spooky hoot of an owl echoed through the dark. A sound made her turn. Walking toward her, Josh's dimpled grin sent a flurry of excitement through her belly. The cool breeze sent her nipples puckering under her thin T-shirt, and his gaze dropped to stare at them. Unable to hide her aching desire, she knew his slow amble was designed to tease.

  "Hey, girl. Whatta you doin' out here in the middle of the night?"

  "Waiting for you," she replied, her breathless whisper all she could manage.

  "What do I have that you want?"

  "I saw you spank that girl at the tavern."

  "And?"

  "And I want you to spank me. The thought of it makes me crazy. I love to be spanked."

  She paused, though she didn't know why. He was so handsome, and she'd been waiting for this moment for weeks.

  Thundering hooves shattered the silence. Darting her eyes to the fields behind the arena, a huge chestnut horse with a roached flaxen mane and white blaze galloped towards them. The magnificent creature leapt over the fence, clearing it with air to spare. Though her heart raced, she felt no fear, and turning to face the noble animal, a sense of deep calm filled her soul. Breaking to a trot as it neared, the horse stopped beside her and lowered its head.

  "See that?" Josh said as she stroked the horse's neck. "You don't have to be afraid. Not of anything."

  Her eyes popped open.

  She was hugging her extra pillow.

  Her headache had receded to a shadowy ache.

  Rolling on her back, she stared at the ceiling.

  "Josh Brady, maybe you're not a bad guy after all, but it wasn't you in that bed this morning. I don't know why I know that, but I do."

  Sitting up, she glanced at the clock on the wall. Set in a hand-carved wooden barn, a horse sat on the end of the minute hand, forever circling the numbers. She'd been sleeping for almost three hours. Feeling well enough to return to work and prepare lunch, she slipped from her bed, washed her face, brushed her hair, and changed out of her wrinkled shirt.

  Stepping outside, a cool breeze touched her face, but as she opened the door to climb into the Land Rover, she paused. The house sat up the driveway to her right, but to her left were the grassy paddocks where the horses spent their days. Impulsively she turned and strode towards them.

  Though she loved watching the animals frolic, she lacked confidence when she drew close. They were big, and their long teeth and powerful jaws could bite off a finger. Carly had shown her how to rest a treat in the palm of her hand and bend back her fingers, but she didn't have the nerve to hold her hand still when the horse leaned down to gobble it up.

  Reaching the first pasture, the two horses raised their heads, pricked their ears, and strolled towards the fence. They knew a visitor meant carrots! Feeling guilty for arriving empty-handed, Theresa jogged into the nearby barn and grabbed a handful from the feed room. By the time she returned, all the horses were at the railing waiting. She laughed out loud.

  "You guys are so adorable. I won't be able to hand-feed you, but I'll toss your treats into the field," she promised as she walked quickly forward.

  Exiting the outdoor ring on her way to the barn, Carly was leading a large-boned, roan quarter horse named Chuck. Surprised to see Theresa at the pasture, she veer
ed off the path to join her.

  "Theresa! Hi," she called as she moved down the gentle bank. "I take it you're feeling better."

  "Hi, Carly. I am, thank you, and I had the most amazing dream about a horse. When I woke up my headache was gone and I wanted to pay these guys a visit."

  "That's great on both counts."

  "I don't know if I'll ever be able to ride, but just being around them is wonderful. They're so beautiful."

  "Yes, they are. They're individuals with likes and dislikes, and their own personalities, but if they trust you they reveal themselves."

  "How do you get them to do that?"

  "Learn how to listen. Take this guy for example," she remarked, sliding her hand along his neck. "If I try to scratch his ears, watch what happens."

  Carly raised her hand, but before she could touch him, he ducked his head away.

  "Why did he do that?"

  "Could be anything. People sometimes twist a horse's ear to keep them still for various reasons, or he might have an infection. The vet will be here soon to give him the once over, and if there's no physical reason for the reaction, it means this poor guy has had bad handlers, but Theresa, I think your new friends want those carrots you're holding."

  Turning around, the horses stared at her, silently begging her to feed them, some tossing their heads impatiently.

  "I didn't mean to torture you," she said with a giggle. "I'm coming, but you look too hungry to risk my fingers. I'll see you up at the house, Carly. I thought I'd make tuna salad for lunch."

  "That's sounds great. I'm glad you're feeling better."

  "Thanks. Me too."

  As Carly started toward the barn, Theresa walked hesitantly up to the fence line, tossed the carrots into the field, and watched the grateful horses chase after them. There were four paddocks, and when she reached the last one she was tempted to step closer and offer the treat by hand. To her dismay, she lost the nerve.

  "I'll get there," she promised herself as she threw the last few into the paddock. "I don't know how, but I will."

  Though smiling as she headed back to her cabin and the Land Rover, her mind turned from her pleasant interlude with the horses, to her unsettling morning.