"You take care now."
As Andy left, Carly smiled at her handsome husband as he left his desk and walked over to sit next to her.
"That was some morning Theresa and Josh had," she remarked. "I'm so glad neither of them were hurt by that creep."
"Yep. I think Theresa has some of your qualities."
"We get along great. I really like her, but I have a feeling she may not be around much longer. I think she'll end up living with Josh, wherever that is."
"Things will be what they'll be. Hard to say at this point, but I'm glad Josh fell into our laps. We need him and his expertise right now."
"I hate just sitting around, but it still hurts to move much."
"Broken ribs take time," he said gravely, "and you know I'm not happy about this. I told you to wait before gettin' on that horse. You knew Chuck had a buckin' issue, and I wanted Andy up there first."
"I know, and I'm sorry. I've learned my lesson, believe me."
"I'm gonna make sure about that. When those ribs are healed I'm gonna send a real strong message. You can't be so damned impetuous."
"Why are you telling me this now?" she asked, her butterflies bursting to life.
"I reckon you know the answer to that question. You wanna tell me?"
"So I can think about it?"
"Bingo. Now go get yourself some ice" he said, glancing at his watch. "It's that time."
* * * * * * * * * *
Bent over Josh's lap, her jeans and panties around her knees, Theresa glanced over her shoulder with pleading eyes.
"Josh, you can stop now. My ass is stinging. I get it. I shouldn't have gone to the tavern. I'm sorry."
"You didn't just drive out there, you didn't tell anyone you were leavin', let alone where you were goin'," he exclaimed, landing another volley of hot smacks. "And just because you were able to get the better of that guy doesn't make it okay."
"Ouch, ouch, I know, I know."
"I should fetch your hairbrush." He felt her stiffen. "You've had a hairbrush blister your butt?"
"Yes, sir."
"Tell me about it."
"Henry, the biker I went out with. I, uh.."
"Go on," he ordered, landing another swat. "The truth. All of it."
"It's not complicated. I wanted to test him and I purposely did something against his wishes."
"Is that what you were doin' this mornin'? Testin' me?"
"Only partly," she admitted. "I really was going crazy."
"Thank you for tellin' me. I'm gonna give you a few more right here," he declared, touching his hand to her sit spot, "then the day after tomorrow you're comin' to my place and I'm gonna spank you again, but I'll have my bag of tricks there, and I'll introduce you to what I use to punish for testin'. What do you say?"
"Yes, sir, thank you, sir."
Lifting his leg over the back of her knees, he sent his flattened palm to the sensitive area where her thighs met her backside. Landing the slaps with gusto, she squealed and squirmed through the chastisement, then moaned as he rubbed away the sting.
"Such a bad girl," he cooed. "Don't be doin' such foolish things again."
"No, sir."
Slipping his fingers into her sex, he found her deliciously wet, and lifting his leg, he ordered her on to her knees in front of him, but as she reached for his zipper, he placed his hand over hers.
"No, that's not why you're there," he said gently. "Tell me what you're feelin'."
It took her a moment, but as she gazed up at him an unfamiliar emotion washed over her. Heat rose in her throat, and unable to stop them, tears began to trickle from her eyes. Lifting her into his lap, he held her closely, inhaling her scent and relishing the feel of her.
"Me too, Princess."
The three simple words were all he could manage. Silent minutes ticked by, and as the late afternoon wind rustled around the cabin they removed their clothes and slipped between the sheets.
"I just want to hold you," he murmured. "Just hold you and rest."
"Me too, but I must see Queenie before I go to the house and prepare dinner."
"Yes, together. We must see her together. Close your eyes. We both need a nap."
A purple sky, familiar and comforting. Pale blue cotton clouds drifted overhead, and walking through the pasture, she gazed up at the twin moons.
"There you are," Queenie declared, her white mane flowing behind her as she trotted forward. "I've been worried. We must not be separated. The end can come at any time."
"But I don't see any threat?"
"The threat will appear without warning. Where is Josephus?"
"He said he'd meet me here. I long to be crowned. I hate sleeping away from him."
"You will be crowned soon, Talini."
Turning around, her handsome prince strode across the grass towards her.
"Where have you been?"
"Teaching and healing. If I'm ever born into another life I hope to work with your tribe, Queenie. Equiannes are so much nobler than ours."
"Josephus, you must accept the inevitable. If we are so lucky we will be on Earth and you'll be human. This planet is doomed."
"Queenie, how do you know these things?" he asked skeptically. "I find it difficult to comprehend what you've predicted."
"Such knowledge is impossible to explain. I know what I know."
"Will you really lose your wings and your ability to talk?" Talini asked. "That seems so unfair."
"If I am reborn on Earth, I'm afraid so, but my other powers will be stronger. And take heart. If the worst happens those powers will see us reunited."
"But you said we probably won't recognize each other."
"I will know you. That is assured, and the attraction between you and Josephus will be strong and immediate, but it's doubtful you'll remember our lives here on Zarian."
"I will always know my Princess and my Queen," Josephus said solemnly. "In my heart, I will always know."
"And I will too," Talini exclaimed. "I will always love Josephus, and you will always be my Queen. Will you rule as you do here on Zarian?"
"No, but I will rule. It is in me. I will rule and love those worthy, and there are none as worthy as the two of you."
"What is that light?" Talini asked, her eyes darting to the sky.
"It's time," the mare said, unable to hide the tremble in her voice. "Stay close. It's time."
"It's time. Theresa, wake up. It's time."
"No, no, I don't want it to be."
"You're dreaming. Wake up," Josh said, grabbing her flailing arms. "Wake up!"
Eyes wide, Theresa stared up at him, then threw her arms around his neck.
"We lived on another planet, Queenie was our Queen. You were my Prince and I was your Princess."
"What a lovely fairytale. Kind of like we are now."
"You don't understand."
"I understand you need to get yourself together and up to the house."
"It's fading. I don't want it to fade."
"The dream? Dream's always fade."
"It's gone. Phooey. My butt hurts."
"Good. Now get it out of this bed."
"Josh?"
"Yeah, Princess."
"I loved Henry, but not the way I love you. I feel as if I've been with you forever. Like I've found a home."
"I feel that too," he said softly. "Who knows? Maybe we were together once, and we've found each other again."
"I'm going to believe that."
"I think I will too. You, me, and Queenie," he murmured, sliding his fingers into her hair. "And I'm sealin' it with a kiss."
EPILOGUE
Three Days Later
Josh had received an invitation from the owners of Tall Tree Farms, John and Terry Coleman, to join them for coffee. The request was unique, and he assumed they needed to speak with him about Sam. The recent news of the barn manager's death on the mountain road, and his involvement in the Lost Time Abduction case, would have deeply shaken the elderly couple.
On his way he'd had an errand to run, and he smiled at the package sitting next to him on the passenger seat. He'd woken with the idea in his head, and compelled to act, he'd driven to the only store he thought would have it stock. When he'd walked in the very item he'd envisioned was on display. He'd never bought a gift like it, but to his amazement the color and size were exactly right, extinguishing any lingering doubts.
As he drove past the barn and up to the house, Ben and Jerry greeted him with excited leaps and kisses. They'd seen little of him during the past two days. Though he'd put all lessons on hold, he planned to resume the schedule over the coming weekend, but without a barn manager he wasn't sure exactly how things would work. Climbing from his car and walking on to the porch, the front door opened as he approached.
"Ben and Jerry are our doorbell," Terry said with a welcoming smile. "How are you, Josh? Please come in. You've become quite the town hero."
"I'm fine, but how are you two coping? I'm sure learning about Sam must have been a terrible shock."
"It was, it really was. We're still coming to grips with it. Come into the living room. John's in there by the fire. His arthritis has been playing up."
"Hello, John. Sorry about all the trouble."
"Terrible business," he said gravely. "Terrible. Have a seat."
"Thank you."
"Do you take cream?" Terry asked as she poured the coffee.
"Yes, please."
"I hope you don't mind, but I'll get straight to the point," John said gravely. "It's pressing on me."
"I completely understand."
"Terry and I love our horse farm, but we've decided it's become too much for us."
"And the weather," she said. "Our bones can't take another snowy winter, and the worry about the yearly storms are too much."
"We're moving to Florida to be with our children and grandkids," John continued, "but we don't want to sell to just anyone. Would you be interested? You know this property's quirks so you won't be in for any surprises, and we'll tell you all about this house. We built it, you know."
"My goodness. I wasn't expecting this, and I'm truly honored that you've offered it to me."
"If we can arrange a private sale and not have to pay a realtor's commission, we could both save money. I have a lawyer who can draw up the sales contract."
Josh's immediate reaction was a resounding yes, but sensing the couple needed to talk, he held back and let them. An hour, two cups of coffee and three slices of home-made cranberry cake later, they shook hands on the deal. Theresa wasn't due at his house until after dinner, but unable to wait, he called her and told her he was on his way to see her at Dream Horse Ranch, and to wait for him in her cabin.
"What happened?" she asked as he walked in. "You look like you just won a million dollars."
"First, I have a present for you," he declared, handing her the box. "Sorry, I didn't have time to wrap it."
"Wrapping is overrated," she said with a grin. "What did I do to deserve this?"
"Just bein' who you are. A vision of it came to me and I had to buy it for you," he answered, feeling oddly awkward. "I hope you like it."
As she lifted the lid and pushed aside the tissue paper, she stared in astonished delight at the chocolate-brown suede jacket with sheepskin lining.
"The color matches your hair."
"Josh. I can't believe it. Honestly, I can't. I absolutely love it. I love it more than you can know. Thank you so much."
"You're welcome, Princess," he said with a wide grin, slightly embarrassed, but touched by her enthusiastic response. "I'm glad you like it."
"You didn't hear me. I love it," she said excitedly, pulling it on and spinning around. "It fits me perfectly. Now tell me the news, those I can't think of anything that can match this."
"I think it might. I just bought Tall Tree Farms."
"You're kidding?"
"Nope.'
"That's fantastic," she exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck. "I'm thrilled for you."
"I want to change the name though. I need to completely expunge Sam's association. What do you think of Queenie's Horse Ranch. Where Horses Reign?"
"I just felt a funny tingle," she murmured, tilting her head to the side. "I think it's perfect. Yes. Let's go and tell her."
As they stepped outside and looked towards her paddock, they found her staring up at the cabin.
"How cute is that? Whoa. What's she doing?"
The mare had suddenly broken into a jig, then exploding into a series of bucks and spins, she began galloping around the paddock and whinnying loudly.
"She knows," Theresa declared. "She knows and she's celebrating. Josh? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I know something too," he said, placing his hands on either side of her head. "This was all meant to be. You, me and Queenie. I love you. You're my Princess. I want to carry you over the palace threshold when I take ownership."
"Yes, please," she managed, as the happy tears sprang from her eyes. "The funny thing is, I set out to catch a cowboy, but I have this feeling Queenie lassoed both of us."
T H E E N D
Dear Reader:
Thank you for reading this novel. I would really appreciate you leaving a review on the site from which it was purchased. Feel free to contact me at [email protected] with any questions or comments.
Maggie
HUNKS AND HORSES
Book Two
TO CATCH A COWBOY
AMAZON: https://amzn.to/2JswJZs - KINDLE UNLMITED
The best-seller that launched the series.
COWBOY: HIS RANCH. HIS RULES. HIS SECRETS.
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2ACAato - KINDLE UNLIMITED
Visit Me
http://www.MaggieCarpenter.com
www.facebook.com/MaggieCarpenterWriter
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Write to Maggie at:
[email protected]
TAKING CHARGE: BLAZING ROMANCE SUSPENSE SERIES
BOOK ONE
COWBOY: His Ranch. His Rules. His Secrets.
SASS, SIZZLE, SUPSENSE, AND A SPLASH OF THE SUPERNATURAL.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
BOOK TWO
SPY: His Mission. His Orders. His Promise.
A LONG LOST LOVE. SMOKE AND MIRRORS. SIZZLING SUSPENSE.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
BOOK THREE
SHERIFF: His Town. His Laws. His Justice.
STRICT AND SHIRTLESS. WILY AND WILLFULL. STALKING DANGER.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
BOOK FOUR
WARLOCK: His Coven. His Magick. His Soulmate.
IS THERE SUCH THING AS ETERNAL LOVE?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
BOOK FIVE
BOSS: His Power. His Wealth. His Demands.
HE THOUGHT HE HAD IT ALL- UNTIL HE MET FIERY REDHEAD.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
BOOK SIX
TYCOON: His Money. His Harley. His Conrol.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF BIKER BOOK.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
* * * * *
ALPHA MALE MASTER SERIES
Each Book HEA and Stand Alone
DRAKE
Vigilante Bodyguard
SCARY HAS NEVER BEEN SO HOT!
Dark-haired, green-eyed Courtney Hall is a dedicated criminologist. Working with law enforcement she helps catch the bad guys, but she never thought she'd become a victim herself. Abducted by two psychopaths and taken into a dark forest in the dead of night, she is rescued by a handsome stranger out for a midnight jog. The villains are caught and arrested, but she's just learned they've been released.
They know where she lives!
She needs protection. There's only one man she trusts. The man who saved her. Drake Steele.
But Drake leads a dangerous double life.
While the city sleeps he confronts
muggers and rescues damsels in distress, sometimes teaching both thug and victim a lesson. His deeds have become legendary, and he's been labeled The Victim's Vigilante.
When Courtney tells him the monsters who assaulted her are back on the streets he insists she stay with him. Very quickly a white hot chemistry fires their passion, but he discovers she harbors a deep hatred towards the men who turned her life upside down, and won't rest until she has her revenge.
How can he protect a woman willing to risk everything to rid the world of the two evil men? He is a dominant, but dare he expose his true nature? Can he use his unique expertise to stop her from putting herself in danger?
DRAKE: Vigilante Bodyguard is Maggie Carpenter's latest novel in the Alpha Male Master series. If you enjoyed the sizzle and suspense of the other books, you'll love this dark romance. PLEASE NOTE: The author does not condone or support citizens taking the law into their own hands.
LOGAN
Cowboy Bodyguard
Bad guys, beware. Ladies, behave. There's a new cowboy in town, and he's takin' no prisoners.
Brandy Coleman's face is flaming red. As the owner of a barn for retired horses she's had her share of mishaps, but nothing can compare to this deeply embarrassing moment. She is looking up at a stranger who has the dreamiest hazel eyes she's ever seen, and a six pack beneath his open shirt that is making her toes curl. The problem? Her hose burst and squirted water everywhere, leaving her hair a tangled mess and her clothes absolutely drenched.
To Catch A Cowboy (Hunks and Horses Book 2) Page 20