To Catch A Cowboy (Hunks and Horses Book 2)

by Maggie Carpenter

  "Hi. I didn't see you there. Do you need something?"

  "Nope. I'm here to help you carry in the dessert plates."

  "Thanks, that's sweet of you. Be a doll and grab the ice cream from the freezer?"

  "Can I come back to your cabin with you?" he asked, fetching the frozen container and placing it on the counter.

  "Sure, but not for too long. I need an early night."

  "I bet you do."

  "Is that why you want a chat?" she inquired, giving him a look as she scooped out the ice cream.

  "Hell, yeah. I want to know what happened. I've been thinking about it all day. I'm worried."

  "Why? I'm here, safe and sound."

  "I'll tell you later. Are these ready?"

  "Yep. I'm right behind you."

  Picking up two of the dishes with the dollops of ice cream, Salvo carried them into the dining room, and after putting away the container, Theresa quickly followed. She could understand her brother's concern. Her blackout bothered her as well.

  "Thanks, Theresa. This looks great," Heath declared as she returned and sat down. "I forgot to mention, Duke Palmer called. He's bringing his horse in tomorrow morning."

  "Off on one of his beer hunting quest, I assume," Carly remarked. "I don't know how he can afford to close up like he does."

  "He makes a mint in that place, and he hasn't been on one of his excursions for a few months. He mentioned he'd like to say hello to you, Theresa. Will you be around?"

  "What time is he coming?"

  "He didn't say exactly, but I expect it'll be mid-morning."

  "I'm not sure I'll be here," Theresa replied, praying she'd be gone when he showed up. "I have an errand to run."

  "Heath, my back's bothering me," Carly mumbled. "I need to get out of this chair."

  "I'll get you an ice bag," Theresa offered, jumping from her seat and moving quickly into the kitchen.

  "Carly, you must get checked out tomorrow," Heath said softly. "At the very least the doc can give you an anti-inflammatory and something more than aspirin for the pain."

  "I'll be fine. Besides, the thought of getting into a car sounds dreadful."

  "Then I'll call Dr. Briggs and have him come here, and I'm not debating this. If he says you need X-rays, then—"

  "Then we can have the vet come back and use his mobile unit."

  "Fair enough."

  "I'll go and check on that ice for you," Salvo said, rising to his feet. "I'm sorry you're hurting, Carly. I wish there was something I could do."

  "I'm okay. Just banged up a bit."

  Moving through the door and entering the kitchen, Salvo found Theresa standing next to the refrigerator, the chilled pack in her hands.

  "What are you doing?"

  "I don't want to get cornered about seeing Duke Palmer tomorrow," she said hastily. "I think Heath is trying to play matchmaker, and I have zero interest in that guy. Here. Take this in for me."

  "Sure," Salvo said, accepting the ice pack, "but I think Heath was just making conversation."

  "I don't want to take that chance."

  "Whatever," Salvo muttered, shrugging his shoulders.

  As he carried it away, Theresa poured herself a cup of coffee and dropped into a chair. Things were getting complicated, but as she thought about Josh, and how she'd felt being wrapped up in his arms, her stomach flipped.

  "I can't wait to see you, Josh Brady. I absolutely cannot wait."

  "They've left," Salvo declared, breaking into her reverie as he walked in carrying the dessert dishes. "Can we get things cleared up and go? I really want to talk to you."

  "Sounds good to me. I want to talk to you too. Is that rain I hear?"

  "I think it is. Was rain in the forecast? I missed the weather."

  "I'll check my phone."

  Pulling it from her bag, she was about to hit the weather app when a notification told her she had a text from Josh. Breaking into a happy grin, she tapped the screen.

  Hey Princess.

  The banana cream pie was delicious, but not half as delicious as you. See you tomorrow around 10:30.

  Josh. OX's

  "Good news, huh?" Salvo guessed, studying her expression.

  "What? Uh, in a way." Lifting her eyes, his burning curiosity burned across at her. "I'll explain when we're in my cabin."

  "What about the weather?"

  "Oh, right. Hang on. I need to reply to this first."

  Hello Josh.

  The coffee was great, but the dessert was amazing, and I'm not talking about the banana cream pie.

  Princess. OX's

  "The weather?" Salvo pressed.

  "I'm getting it," Theresa said impatiently, wondering if she should have signed off, Princess. "Oh, wow. Thunderstorms overnight, then clearing with a chance of showers tomorrow. I didn't hear anything about thunderstorms."

  "Seasons are changing. Things can get hairy around here in a heartbeat. I told you what happened when Carly first arrived. She was almost killed in a storm."

  "Of course I remember that story," Theresa said, putting her phone away and starting on the dishes.

  "Just be careful if you're out and unexpected weather hits. Don't try driving back. Call and let me know where you are, and stay put."

  "Seriously?"

  "Yeah, seriously."

  "Huh. Okay. If you clear the table, I'll stack the dishwasher."

  "Deal."

  Working as a team they quickly finished, then hurried out the back door and into the Land Rover. Driving slowly through the downpour, a flash of lightning lit up the sky as she pulled under the carport.

  "I almost wish I was back in the house."

  "Except the house is on the top of the knoll. We have more protection."

  "Do the horses get worked up in weather like this?" she asked as they walked quickly inside. "Do you need to check on them? Andy's not here and Carly's laid up."

  "They're usually fine, but I'll swing by the barn when I leave. Heath will probably come down at some point. He usually does in bad weather even if Andy is around."

  "Can I get you anything? I'm going to have a glass of wine."

  "No thanks," Salvo said, perching on one of the bar stools in front of the kitchen counter. "Just tell me about last night. You went to The Horseshoe Tavern hoping to run into Josh Brady. Was he there?"

  "He was definitely there," Theresa replied, pouring herself a glass of white wine, "but I need to start with Duke Palmer, the bartender, and I guess he's also the owner."

  "The guy bringing in the horse tomorrow."

  "Exactly. I got the feeling he liked me, even though he didn't make it obvious. When I first arrived, Josh came in from the back exit with a blonde, and the next minute some redhead was all over him. Duke compared him to that song, Cowboy Casanova. I remember going to the jukebox, but Josh had disappeared with that redhead so I checked the parking lot and saw him with her at his truck. I went inside, and except for a vague recollection of dancing with Josh at some point, everything's a blank. How can that be?"

  "But where did you spend the night?"

  "Salvo, this part is bizarre. I woke up in a guy's bed, but I don't think anything happened. I was still in my underwear and T-shirt. I have no idea how I got there, and when I snuck outside the Land Rover was parked at the curb."

  "That is really weird, but Theresa, there's a part of your story that rings a bell. Remember that night you went to a club and a guy slipped you a roofie? Your girlfriends got you out of there and you didn't recall much of anything the next day. You had a killer headache as well."

  "Oh, my gosh, you're right. Holy crap!"

  "The only thing is, if the guy you woke up with had done that, I think—"

  "I would have woken up naked," she said, interrupting him. "Shit. Do you think a Knight in Shining Armor rescued me?"

  "Can you think of anything else that makes sense? You slipped away before he could tell you, or he figured you'd be embarrassed and pretended to be asleep so you could snea
k out."

  "I wonder who it was."

  "Before we get in to that, did any other guy hit on you? What about when you were sitting at the bar? Do you remember anyone next to you?"

  "Salvo, the place was jammed. Anyone could have dropped something in my drink."

  "Where is this house? Do you know how to get there?"

  "I used the navigator to find my way home, so yeah, I can find it again. I just don't know if I want to."

  "I'll drive over there tomorrow night and stake it out, assuming we're not in the middle of a storm."

  "We should do it together, but there's more."

  "Damn, Theresa. More?"

  "Yeah. I ran into Josh at the supermarket today. We shared a cup of coffee and I had the best time. I like him so much. He's asked me to visit his mare while he's away at a horse show. I'm going to see him tomorrow after breakfast."

  "Oh, no. I can see it written all over your face. You're toast."

  "I'm sure Heath and Duke are wrong about him. He might get around, but he's a good-looking guy and he's single. Why shouldn't he? There's no law against a guy having a good time."

  "Sounds like you're making excuses for him," Salvo said solemnly.

  "I'm just stating the obvious."

  "Don't jump into anything."

  "Too late. After today I'm already in. Andy's with Maureen right now, and earlier I was worried she might say something about seeing us together, then Andy would tell Heath, and I know Heath doesn't like Josh Brady, but—"

  "Stop!"

  "Why?"

  "You need to listen to me. Heath is the best thing that's happened to us. He rescued me from the streets, then brought me here and gave me a life. He's the reason we found each other, and he took you out of that hovel and that awful waitressing job."

  "I am very aware of all that, and I'll be eternally grateful to him, but remember what mom used to say about that awful man who called himself our father? You can't help who you fall in love with."

  "I haven't finished," Salvo said, his voice suddenly sounding older than his years. "Heath or no Heath, at the end of the day you have to live and die by your choices. You can seek advice, but the decisions you make are yours to bear, whether they lead to triumph or tragedy. Don't let anyone stop you from doing what you want, or push you into doing something you feel is wrong."

  Theresa sat silently staring at her little brother, then putting down her wine glass, she stepped around the kitchen counter and hugged him.

  "How did you get so smart? Thank you."

  "Being around guys like Heath and Andy, stuff like that kind of rubs off. Anything else?"

  "No. I think I'll watch some TV then go to bed."

  "I'm off to the barn, then I'll be hitting the sack as well. Can I give you another piece of advice?"

  "Absolutely."

  "This guy, he's used to girls chasing him. Be different."

  "I'm not a game player."

  "No, and I'm not suggesting that, but I am suggesting you value your worth, and make sure he does too."

  CHAPTER SIX

  In spite of the overnight storm Theresa woke from a glorious sleep. Delightful dreams of the beautiful chestnut with the white blaze and roached mane had given way to salacious scenes starring her handsome cowboy. The steed had sprouted mighty wings, and sitting stride with no saddle or bridle, Theresa had flown to a magic meadow where Josh waited with open arms.

  A white fluffy blanket sat on the lush green grass near a gentle waterfall with a rainbow halo splashing into a crystal clear pond. Laying her down, he lovingly kissed her naked skin as he slowly peeled off her clothes, then spanking her with sweet, stinging slaps, set about devouring her body with heart-stopping passion.

  Though still groggy, the urgent need between her legs sent her fingers to her clit, and as she fervently rubbed, fresh fantasies took hold. Josh pinned her wrists as he breathed wicked promises in her ear, then moving his mouth to her breasts, he drew in her nipples and sucked hungrily before flipping her over. His hot hand smacked her backside, and only when she begged for his cock did he thrust inside her and pummel her pussy with powerful strokes.

  The orgasm fired.

  Tingling pins and needles rippled through her limbs.

  Wave after wave of sizzling sensations swept her away.

  Serenity settled.

  She drifted, then slowly opened her eyes.

  "I must have you, Josh Brady. I must and I will."

  The whispered promise still on her lips, she glanced at the clock on her wall, smiling as she watched the horse on its infinite journey ticking in a circle. Seven-thirty. Time to get out of bed, drive up to the house and get breakfast on the table. Stretching her arms above her head, she let out a long yawn, followed by a happy sigh, then slipping from the bed, she ambled to the window and stared out at the day. The wet ground, evidence of the night's tempest, sparkled in the morning sun, and puffy clouds traversed the sky.

  Showering and quickly dressing, she grabbed her favorite leather jacket, named Henry after the biker who had so generously given it to her one cold winter night, and wrapping a white wool scarf around her neck, she climbed in the Rover and headed up to the house. The day was nippy and filled with promise. She would soon be driving to Tall Tree Farms.

  But the morning proved to be a busy one. Busier than she'd anticipated.

  After serving a breakfast of ginger fruit compote and black walnut pancakes, she set about preparing a cob salad for lunch. Serving the mid-day meal at noon meant she'd have to be back in the kitchen by eleven-thirty at the latest, but if she had everything ready, she could push that back if things with Josh were going well. As she daydreamed about him while dicing vegetables, the phone rang startling her, and the sharp paring knife slipped. The cut on her forefinger spouted blood, and hurriedly wrapping a paper towel around the gushing wound, she grabbed the receiver.

  "Hello?"

  "Hi. Is this Theresa?"

  "Yes. Can I help you?"

  "This is Duke Palmer. Remember me? I own The Horseshoe Tavern."

  "Of course. Hi, Duke."

  "I'm at the gate. Can you buzz me in?"

  "Sure," she replied, pressing nine on the phone's keypad wishing someone else had picked up the phone.

  But there was no-one else.

  In spite of Heath's protests, Carly had insisted she be present while Andy gave Chuck another examination. Heath wasn't about to leave her side, and though Dr. Briggs was due any time, Heath drove her down in the ATV. Though Theresa didn't understand why Carly would leave the comfort of her bed while in pain, or why Heath would comply, she had more important things on her mind, and making sure she wasn't held up sat at the top of the list.

  Hastily removing the blood-soaked paper, she replaced it with another, and managed to don a rubber glove to keep the makeshift dressing in place. The sound of a truck and horse trailer told her Duke was passing the house. She thought about calling Heath to alert him, then immediately dismissed the idea.

  "I am not going to get stuck here playing host to you, Duke Palmer," she muttered as she hurriedly cleared things away. "I'm leaving. I might be a few minutes early getting to Tall Tree, but I'd rather be early than late."

  Removing her apron, she set a fresh pot of coffee to brew, then scribbled a note.

  Heath.

  The coffee is fresh and there are brownies in the pantry. Won't be long.

  Theresa.

  "Now I just need to figure out how to reach my cabin without being seen," she muttered, desperate to avoid any delays. "Shit. I can't. I guess I could leave from here. That's exactly what I'll do. I still have that lipstick in the glove compartment from the other night, and there's a comb in there too. That's all I need."

  Worried about taking off the glove, and hoping the bleeding would stop during the drive, she left it on. Grabbing another paper towel in case it was needed, she moved quickly out the back door, climbed into the Land Rover, and rolled out of the motor court. Turning down the driveway
she glanced in her rear-view mirror. Heath, Duke and Carly were in the ATV approaching the house.

  "They left Andy to deal with Duke's horse!" she exclaimed. "I was right. Heath does want to set me up with Derrick Palmer. Sorry, Heath. I know your heart's in the right place, but that's not going to happen."

  Accelerating through the gates and starting down the street, a wave of relief washed over her. She'd made it out just in time. Though her finger was throbbing, she paid it no attention as she sped to Tall Tree Farms. The familiar arched entrance soon came into view, and turning into the facility, she took a breath, slowed down, and forced herself to relax. A six horse trailer hooked up to Josh's white truck sat in the grassy area near the arena, and Josh was supervising the loading of several tack trucks. Looking at the clock on the dashboard she wasn't surprised to see she was twelve minutes early. Unable to suppress her joy as she neared the busy scene, she lowered her window and greeted him with a wide smile as he jogged up to welcome her.

  "Hey, Princess."

  "Hi. Sorry to be early," she said, quickly dropping her gloved hand from sight. "I needed to get out of the ranch or I would've been cornered serving coffee and cake to a visitor."

  "Don't apologize. I'm pleased you're here. We'll have a little more time."

  "Where should I park?"

  "I'm gonna hop in and take you around back to the paddocks."

  He marched around the Land Rover, then climbing in, to her surprise and delight, he leaned over, placed his hand under her chin and kissed her.

  "Been thinkin' about doin' that all mornin'."

  "I've had some thoughts of my own," she quipped, then immediately wondered if she should have made the flirtatious comment.

  "Oh, yeah? You'll have to tell me about them."

  "Not a chance," she said with an embarrassed giggle.

  "We'll see about that."

  "Tell me where to drive."

  "Nice change of subject. Drive past the trailer and you'll see a gravel road off to the right. Just follow it."

  Forced to raise her wounded hand, she prepared herself for the inevitable question.