"I've been wanting to kiss you since we sat in your truck on that first day."
"Yeah? Me too."
"Really?"
"Yep, really, and it was worth waitin' for."
"Thank you, Caleb. Thank you for everything."
"Hey, no thanks needed. I'm just glad to see you smilin' again. And it goes both ways. You've done wonders for this cowboy!"
CHAPTER TEN
Connie walked back to the house on cloud nine, and entering the kitchen, she headed into the pantry to see what surprises it held. Spying one of Martha's famous plastic tubs, she eagerly lifted the lid. Oatmeal cookies. Carrying the container to the breakfast table, she poured herself a glass of milk and sat down to enjoy the snack.
"I thought I heard you," Martha said, coming in from the laundry room. "I see you found them."
"Hi, Martha. These cookies are amazing."
"Just the same as always. I assume your visit with Caleb went well."
"Better than well. So much better than well."
"That's wonderful. You look like your old self again. I really have been very worried."
"I know, and I'm sorry. I'm fine now. Ready to rejoin the human race."
"You've got a pile of mail on your desk."
"Ugh, I know. I'm going to take a short trail ride with Caleb to get rid of my cobwebs, then I'll be back to tackle it."
"Why don't you invite him over for dinner?"
"Great minds! I was thinking the same thing."
"Is there anything particular you want me to make?"
"I have no idea what he likes," Connie answered, swallowing her last bite of cookie and downing her milk. "I'll find out while we're gone. I'm running up to get changed, then I'm off to the barn. See you when I get back."
"I'll have a fresh pot of coffee made. You'll need some to get through that work."
"I'd love that, though I am feeling motivated. I really do want to get caught up."
"You go and have some fun," Martha said cheerily, "then come back and get stuck in. You'll soon have it finished."
Walking quickly from the kitchen, Connie trotted up the stairs to her bedroom, giggling at Martha's remark. Go and have some fun! That's just what she'd been doing. Entering her large walk-in closet, she dressed in her jeans and boots, and pulled a light sweater over her T-shirt. With autumn around the corner there was a crispness in the air. Hurrying back down the stairs, she bolted through the side door, and jogged down to the barn. Striding inside she found the horses tacked up and ready to go.
"Hey there," Caleb declared, moving up to greet her with a kiss. "You look great."
"I do?"
"You do. The sparkle's back in your eye."
"Hmm, I wonder how that happened."
"Come on, let's go ridin'."
"Your horse is so beautiful," she said, staring at the golden Palomino with its white mane and tail. "Neon is the perfect name for him."
"Yep."
"Why did you tack up Domino instead of Goldie? I usually ride her when I go out."
"A trail ride will be good for Domino. They all need time on the trail. Are you worried?"
"A month ago I wouldn't have even considered it, and I am a bit nervous, but I want to do it."
"Good for you! I'm sure he'll be fine," Caleb assured her as they led the horses out to the mounting block. "Neon's bombproof. A grizzly bear could leap out and he'd yawn. If Domino has any issues we can switch, but I doubt he will. He didn't when I used to ride him away from the barn a couple of years back."
"This is such a small world."
"I know what you mean," he replied, climbing on Neon. "I used to hang out with Heath when I first started showin'. Years later he turned up as my neighbor in the middle of nowhere and callin' himself Keith. We couldn't believe it when we ran into each other. I'm glad he's free to be himself now. Anyway, where are we goin'? This is your territory."
"That low hill over there. There's an easy trail that travels up and bends back around. The whole trip is only about thirty-minutes."
"Sounds perfect."
Relieved and happy, Connie moved Domino forward to fall into step next to Neon. Her life had suddenly, drastically changed. Her future looked bright, and her last unpleasant weeks with Jerry merely a distant memory.
"Sure is a beautiful day," Caleb remarked as they approached the base of the hill, "but Im feelin' the change in the air."
"Me too. Autumn is my favorite season. Uh, Caleb, I just had a thought."
"Just one?"
"Very funny, but yeah, just one. You're such a great teacher, how would you feel about offering lessons here? I've been thinking about it for a while. Just on the weekends. Nothing major."
"You know, Connie, I think that's a fine idea, but we'd need a couple of lesson horses."
"Dojo would be great. He's so easy, and we could use Goldie to take people out."
"I'm well known on the show circuit. Maybe I could hold some clinics. Let's talk about this more over a cup of coffee. There are a lotta details you need to consider."
"I'm sure there are. Can you come to the house for dinner tonight?"
"Martha won't mind?"
"She suggested it as soon as I walked in the door. She beat me to it."
"Should I bring my toothbrush, or is that against her house rules?"
"She has her own apartment, and I don't think she'd care. In fact, I think she'd be pleased if you stuck around. She's often told me she wishes there was a man in the house. What do you like to eat?"
"You!"
"Oh, my gosh. I can't believe you said that."
"I only speak the truth!"
"Let's try that again. Pasta, steak, chicken, or something vegetarian."
"Pasta sounds good. After today I need my carbs," he said, shooting her a wink. "Speakin' of which, if I'm gonna stay over, I might open my box of toys."
"Are you planning on walking in the door carrying fur-lined handcuffs?"
"That'd spoil the surprise. I'll have to think of something that'll fit in my pocket, or I could show up with an overnight bag."
"You'll have to figure that one out by yourself," she said, giving him a sassy look, then turned her focus to the crest of the ridge. "Beat you to the top!"
Kicking Domino forward, she galloped up the hill, and not wanting to be left behind, Neon abruptly bolted. Caught off guard, Caleb barely had time to gather his reins, but Domino was big and powerful. In spite of Neon's best efforts, Connie's gelding reached the plateau first.
"That was incredible!" she said breathlessly as Caleb reached her. "I've never felt anything like that."
"Really? I thought you had a powerful male take you on an unbelievable ride just a little while ago."
"You are so bad!"
"Just call me Caleb the Incorrigible."
"I will!"
"You sure have a beautiful spread, Connie," he remarked, staring down at the ranch. "There's a lotta unused land there."
"I know. I was worried the place might be too big for me, but I fell in love with the house, and I liked the way the barn and arena was set up. I decided to go ahead, and I'm glad I did."
"You need to find a name."
"Maybe Incorrigible Farms."
"I like it! Connie, I don't mean to get all serious on you, but when I was tackin' up the horses I did some thinkin'."
"Should I be worried?"
"No, though I do need to get this outta the way. First off, I wouldn't care if you were as poor as a church mouse, and I don't care that you've got money, but we've gotta keep things in balance. There's somethin' special happenin' between us. At least, I think there is."
"I do too, totally."
"So, Christmas, birthdays, whatever, we spend no more than a hundred dollars on gifts. Deal?"
"Sure."
"We all enjoy givin' and gettin' presents, but in my book the best gift is treatin' each other right."
"Caleb. I love that."
"Second, I wanna set things up so it fee
ls less like I'm workin' for you, and more like we're workin' together. That's why I like the idea of openin' the place up for lessons. Maybe we can figure out some kinda partnership."
"That's one of the reasons I suggested it. The only thing is, there are five horses here now. There's only one empty stall. I suppose we could put up another barn. There's plenty of room."
"We've gotta take things one step at a time. I'm not like that Jerry fella who's all about leapin' off the dock without knowin' what's in the water. I just wanted you to know where my head's at."
"I don't care about the whole money thing either, and I don't want it to get in the way."
"Just as well, 'cos if you do, I'll put you over my knee and give you a good wallopin'."
As her butterflies flew to life, her face flamed red and she stared at him with wide eyes.
"Call me crazy," she said softly, "but I swear, you are—no I can't say it."
"You'd better."
"Nope."
"You'd better."
"You said that already. Come on, we can canter around the trail and down the other side."
"Connie! This is your last chance! What were you gonna say?"
"Nope."
"You're gonna be sorry. Three chances are all you get."
"I'm so scared," she quipped, rolling her eyes.
As she turned Domino around and began to trot away, she broke into a satisfied smile. An after dinner spanking was guaranteed.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
As they reached the barn and climbed off, Caleb offered to take care of the horses. Though Connie would have preferred staying with him and Domino, she needed to get through the pile of mail on her desk.
"Thanks," she said gratefully. "Hopefully I haven't missed anything too important. I'll see you later."
"Yep, but first…" Grabbing her around the waist, he kissed her fervently, then smacked her. "Now you can go."
"You're not making it any easier."
"Consider that an appetizer. You'll get the main course when all that work is done."
"Ooh, now that's motivation."
With a wink and a smile, she turned and hurried from the barn, but as she crossed the lawn, a chill pricked through her body. The air around her suddenly cold, she lifted her gaze to the dark clouds looming over the hills.
"Looks like weather," she muttered, crossing her arms against the biting breeze.
Reaching the back door, she walked inside, greeted by the inviting aroma of cinnamon coffee, but not seeing Martha she hurried upstairs to take a quick shower and change. As the hot water streamed over her, and she recalled Caleb's hands on her skin, her stomach flipped. She smiled. It had been the best day she'd had in a long time. Everything felt natural and right. Toweling off, she dressed in a comfortable sweat suit, then padded down the hall to her office. She'd just settled behind her desk when Martha walked in carrying a tray.
"Here you go. I've brought you a thermos so you can have more if you want, and some toast with peanut butter."
"Perfect! Martha, I do love you. Thank you."
"I love you too honey. Is Caleb coming for dinner?"
"Yes, and he'd like pasta, if that's okay."
"I'll make lasagna. We haven't had that in donkey's years."
"That would be fantastic. I'll find us a good Cabernet."
"Sounds like this will be a lovely evening. I'll let you get on with your work."
"Thanks, Martha."
Reaching for the stack of envelopes, she noticed an inordinate number from Albright and Sanderson, the company for which Jerry worked. Her heart skipped. Finding the one with the latest date, she tore it open and unfolded the letter.
Dear Miss. Masters:
I regret to inform you that Jerry Goldstein has left the company. Please call me at your earliest convenience. It is urgent that I speak with you. I have written to you several times, emailed, and left messages on both your home phone, and your cell phone, but have received no response. If I do not hear from you in the next few days, I'll make a personal visit to your home to make sure you're all right.
Most sincerely,
Dan Simpson
Executive Vice President
"Shit," she muttered, grabbing her landline phone and dialing the number.
"Dan Simpson's office."
"This is Connie Masters. Is Mr. Simpson available?"
"Miss Masters. I'm so glad to hear from you. We've all been worried. Let me get him for you."
Jerry had been up to no good, she was sure of it. Her stomach in knots, she waited impatiently.
"Connie, this is Dan. I'm so glad you called."
"I apologize for not getting back to you," she said quickly. "I'm sure you know Jerry and I split up. I've been hibernating, but I did speak to David Hanson the afternoon it happened. I told him to make sure Jerry no longer had access to my money. He emailed me a Power of Attorney and Authorization form right away. I printed it out, signed it, and sent it back immediately."
"You did?"
"Yes, like I said, the same day Jerry and I broke up. Why? What's happened?"
"I had no idea you'd spoken to David. I wish I didn't have to tell you this over the phone."
"Please do. I can't stand the suspense."
"There's no easy way to say this. Jerry was embezzling your money for months. Yours and several other clients."
"No! How much are we talking about?"
"Uh, he's cleaned you out, Connie. I'm so sorry."
"But how could this happen? And what about David? Surely he must have known when he looked into my accounts. It must have been obvious."
"This is all rather dreadful. Prepare yourself. I'm afraid it appears Jerry tried to kill David, and—"
"Did you say, kill him?"
"The details are still sketchy, but from what the police have been able to piece together, that does seem to be the case. David discovered what Jerry had done. He was staying late to go through all your records and they suspect Jerry came into the office, David confronted him, and Jerry shot him. Unfortunately Jerry's disappeared, but if the police can track him down we might be able to find out where the money has gone. Again, I'm so terribly sorry. Is there anything we can do to help you? Connie? Connie are you there?"
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Leading Domino and Neon from the barn and walking towards their paddocks, Caleb paused his step. Ominous clouds marching over the hill changed his mind. Returning them to their stalls, he threw them a flake of hay and left to bring in the other horses when his phone chimed. Pulling it from his jacket pocket, the message sent him bolting up to the house.
HELP. My office. Bring Martha.
Bursting through the kitchen door, he found Martha calmly chopping tomatoes.
"Connie," he said breathlessly. "Where's her office?"
"Upstairs," Martha replied, alarm springing into her eyes. "What's happened?"
"I don't know," he said over his shoulder as he raced to the staircase. "I got a text. Come with me."
Taking the steps two at a time he quickly reached the landing, but didn't know which way to turn.
"To the right," Martha called, climbing the stairs behind him. "Second on the left."
Hurrying down the hall, he darted through the door. Sitting at her desk, Connie's pale face was wet with tears.
"You're as white as a sheet," Caleb declared, moving swiftly across to her and crouching down. "Tell me what's wrong."
"Jerry. He's s-stolen all my money and he shot someone. Here," she sobbed, handing him the phone.
"What the hell?" Caleb muttered, taking the receiver. "Hello? This is Caleb King. I'm a friend of Connie's. Can you please tell me what's goin' on?"
"This is Dan Simpson. I'm with Connie's investment company. Is she all right? She mumbled something I couldn't understand, then told me to wait."
"She's okay, but she just told me her former fiancé stole her money and killed someone. Is that true?"
"He did take her money. David Hansen, the fina
ncial advisor who was taking over her accounts, he was shot, but he's not dead. He's in critical condition."
"Please tell me everything from the start."
Martha had entered the room, and while Dan Simpson repeated the sequence of events to Caleb, she helped Connie from her chair and moved across to the sofa.
"The police are very good," Martha said reassuringly. "I'm sure Jerry will be found. They have all kinds of methods these days."
"I can't breathe. I feel as if someone punched me in the stomach."
"Someone did. We must call your parents and let them know what's going on."
"I can't. I can't do anything. I'm dizzy. My head is going to explode. I tried to text you, but your phone was turned off. I tried to stand up, but my legs were all wobbly. All I could think to do was get Caleb here. Then it hit me—what Dan said—that David had been killed because of me," she blubbered, fresh tears spilling from her eyes. "This is too much. I can't bear what I've done."
"Connie, hey, take a breath," Caleb said, striding across the room and crouching in front of her. "You misunderstood. David Hansen survived the shooting. He's in the hospital."
"David's okay?"
"He's in critical condition, but he's very much alive."
"Thank God."
"Let's get you out of here. We'll go downstairs and talk about this over a cup of coffee."
"My legs are all wobbly."
"That's just the shock. Everything's gonna be fine," Caleb said, taking her hand. "I want you to stand up slowly and take a deep breath. That's it. Good. I'll get you settled, then I have to run down to the paddocks and bring the horses in. There's a storm brewin'."
"I want to come with you," she declared through her tears. "I want to see Checkers and the others."
"That's a good idea, honey," Martha agreed. "Seeing them will do you the world of good, and think about this. At least that snake didn't come back here to shoot us. You had a narrow escape. Imagine if you'd ended up with him."
"You're right. Oh, my gosh."
To Kiss A Cowboy (Hunks and Horses Book 1) Page 7