THE COWBOY'S RULES: 3: THE SURPRISE (Cowboys After Dark Book 6)

by Maggie Carpenter

  “Glad to hear it,” he sighed, a soft smile on his lips.

  CHAPTER NINE

  A serene, post-orgasmic comfort kept them company as they drove the rest of the way to the fairgrounds, and even Mickey, picking up on their energy, laid down and napped. As the large van exited the interstate and headed towards the big tent visible a short distance ahead, Cassie couldn’t help but notice the outer parking fields had a surprising number of cars.

  “When you did your shows here in the past was it always this packed so early? Look how full the car parks are.”

  “Um, not more than any other fair,” he said, slowing the van. “You’re right, it does seem busy.”

  As they approached the secure area where the van would be parked, the attendants on duty rolled back the gate, and Chad was so preoccupied with maneuvering the large rig it was Cassie who saw the crowd first.

  “Holy crap, look,” she exclaimed.

  “Whatever it is, it has to wait, I’ve gotta watch what I’m doin’ here.”

  The attendant directed him forward, and he finally rolled to a stop.

  “Sorry about that,” he smiled across at her. “We need to get the boys out and take them for a walk around, get them inside the arena.”

  “Yes, I know, and I’m sorry I didn’t mean to distract you, but you have to look behind you,” she insisted.

  “What is it?” he asked, sending the window down and leaning out his head.

  What he saw stunned him.

  Hundreds of people with huge signs bearing his name were up against the security fence.

  “What the hell?” he exclaimed.

  “I thought the fans would come out, but honestly, I didn’t expect it to be like this. Jeez, Chad, you’re a rock star.”

  “I’m speechless,” he declared, pulling his head back in and staring at her. “What do I do?”

  “Go out there, go and see them,” she said urgently.

  “I’ve gotta take care of Bailey and Captain.”

  “I’ll go and check on them, and they’ll be fine for five more minutes. Take Mickey, go on.”

  “Thanks, hon,” he grinned, and unsnapping Mickey’s seat belt he quickly attached his leash. “Come on Mickey, let’s go be stars. They’re probably waitin’ for you more than me anyway.”

  Donning his cowboy hat he jumped from the cab, and as Mickey jumped down behind him, Cassie heard the roar of delight. Watching him in the side mirror as he sauntered across the field to the fence, her heart filled with pride.

  “You girls better keep your mitts to yourselves, he’s spoken for,” she grinned.

  Moving carefully down from her seat, she jumped the last couple of feet to the ground and walked around to the side door. Glancing across at the adoring fans she noticed one of the guards had opened a gate, and Chad and Mickey were about to move among the throng.

  Not sure if that’s a good idea, but I guess you know what you’re doing.

  As she entered the van Bailey and Captain looked up from their hay, both content and in no hurry to go anywhere. She filled their water buckets, gave them some carrots, and after checking their legs and making sure there were no problems she moved back outside.

  As she stood, taking in her surroundings and staring across at Chad’s adoring fans, their banners of welcome waving above their heads, she felt a leap of joy.

  Chad, I’m so happy you’re back here, and if I’m this happy, you must be delirious. So far so good, let’s just hope it continues like this.

  Sitting on the same step where Chad had rested his foot while he’d spanked her, she pulled her phone from her pocket and dialed Mandy’s number

  “We’ve arrived,” she announced.

  “I know, I saw you come in,” Mandy replied. “How was the trip?”

  “Um, terrific,” Cassie smiled, feeling the warm flush creep over her face as the passionate memory swept through her.

  “Good to hear. Do you want to come over? Look across to the arena. Our trailer is the yellow one with the green awning.”

  “Yes, I see it. I guess I should wait for Chad to get back though. How long have all those people been there?”

  “They started arriving early this morning. Way more than we expected.”

  “When you put the word out, you really put the word out,” Cassie laughed.

  “All I did was call a couple of radio stations, and of course the PR folks here at the fair sent out press releases announcing Chad would be stepping in due to my injury.”

  “You’re such a gem to do this for him,” Cassie sighed.

  “Hey, he gave me a great opportunity. I finally have the chance to give something back.”

  “Amen to that,” she said softly, thinking about the surprise that would be waiting for him when they returned home.

  “There should be a blond guy in a bright yellow shirt around there somewhere. He’ll watch the rig if you need to go anywhere. I assume the horses are fine on board?”

  “Totally fine, but I’ll still wait here for Chad. He wants us to walk them around the arena for a while, and he also needs to talk to Rick and Alan. Are they around?”

  “Oh, sure, they’re both in there waiting for him. When you’re done just come on over. I can’t exactly go anywhere.”

  “Right,” Cassie laughed. “I’m sure we’ll see you soon…actually…I see him walking back here right now. Thanks again, Mandy, so much.”

  Cassie ended the call and dropped her phone back in her pocket. Mickey was bouncing with delight, and when she called to him to join her on the step he leapt forward, running across the grass with his tongue hanging out.

  “Are you having a good time?” she laughed, making a fuss of him.

  “Man, I haven’t seen him that happy in a long time,” Chad remarked as he walked up.

  “How was the crowd? I was worried about you amongst all those people.”

  “They were great. A couple of the security guys were around, but it was…heck…I can’t really describe it.”

  “So, what now?”

  “Now we get the boys out and take them for a walk.”

  With Cassie leading Captain, and Chad leading Bailey, they moved the horses down the ramp and on to the field. Bailey lifted his nose in the air, snorted, then released a loud whinny. Captain followed suit, but started to fidget.

  “You know what to do,” Chad grinned.

  And she did, having been taught by Chad, and in a few minutes Captain was licking his lips and sighing, a sure sign that his brain had clicked in and he was calming down.

  “See that, you’ve become a pro,” Chad declared.

  “Hardly a pro,” she laughed.

  They headed into the arena, and when they entered Chad stopped, staring up at the empty seats; Cassie could sense the deep emotion sweeping through him.

  “How does it feel?” she asked softly.

  “Like I never left,” he murmured, “and forgive me for this language, but honestly, fan-fuckin’-tastic.”

  “I think you’ve missed this as much as the crowds have missed you,” she remarked.

  “I didn’t realize it until just now, this moment,” he murmured.

  “You make a difference, Chad. Not everyone can afford to come to your clinics, but a ticket to one of your shows, that’s doable for most people, and most people take something away, something positive, something that helps them with their horses.”

  He dropped his head, kicked the dirt for a minute, then looked at her, his eyes red.

  “You knew,” he said quietly, “you knew this would happen if I came. That’s why you pushed, subtly but determinedly pushed.”

  “Uh, kind of,” she mumbled.

  “I don’t know how to thank you,” he said, and moving swiftly across the short space between them, he wrapped his arms around her. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” he breathed, “the absolute best.”

  “Back at ya,” she whispered, feeling the tears at the edge of her eyes.

  The
intensity of the moment held them together until he finally broke away, dropping his mouth to hers for a brief kiss.

  “Seems like Captain and Bailey have adjusted already,” she giggled.

  “Yep, seems like,” he agreed, looking at the two geldings who were standing completely still, staring at them.

  “I didn’t feel a single tug on my rope,” she declared, lifting it in her hand.

  “I didn’t either, but then, I dropped mine,” he chuckled. “Bailey’s like Mickey right now, he won’t leave my side.”

  They began walking around the ring, side by side, Mickey bouncing along between them, until Chad asked Cassie to sit in the audience. She watched, fascinated, as Chad began to rehearse a few tricks, and seeing how the horses responded to him, and how Mickey seemed to know what Chad wanted even before the command was given, she was reminded just what a gifted man he was.

  Dr. Doolittle, that’s who you are. You shouldn’t be worried about shirts showing up with logo’s upside down, or inventory, or anything else. This is who you are. This is what feeds your soul. This is how you make a difference in the world. All that other stuff is crap.

  CHAPTER TEN

  It was sometime later that Bailey and Captain were tied to the rig, happily munching hay loaded into hanging nets. Chad and Cassie had walked them around the fairgrounds until Chad was satisfied that they were completely comfortable, and only then was he prepared to leave them and stop in to see Mandy. With the security guard in place, and knowing he could also keep an eye on them from Mandy’s trailer, Chad knocked on the door.

  “It’s open,” Mandy called.

  Instructing Mickey to wait outside, Chad held the door for Cassie, and walking in they found Mandy laying on a wide couch with a brace around her neck.

  “About time you got here,” Mandy smiled.

  “Sorry, you know how it is, I had to make sure the horses were settled,” Chad apologized as he sat on a bench seat across from her. “I feel so bad for you. How are you? Can we get you anything? Where’s Jennifer? She’s taking good care of you, I hope.”

  “To answer all those questions,” she smiled, “I’m doing fine, it’ll just take a few days for the inflammation to subside. No, you can’t get me anything but I appreciate the offer, and Jennifer is trailering the horses over to the same ranch you’re staying at. She’ll be back soon, so I’ll be completely out of here and this trailer will freed up for you. We’re thinking of spending a week there before driving back to Horse Haven, if that’s okay with you.”

  “Yeah, of course, take as much time as you want,” he nodded. “Have you seen a good doctor? What’s the deal?”

  “Nothing broken, just major muscle trauma and bruising. I can move about, kind of, but I don’t want to talk about me, what about you two?”

  “Life has been hectic,” Cassie sighed, “especially for Chad, hasn’t it sweetheart? Between the clothing line and the clinics and figuratively hammering every nail at the house we’re building, he’s barely had time to eat and sleep.”

  “Chad, you know what they say about all work,” Mandy said.

  “Believe me, I’m startin’ to remember what my life used to be like,” he replied. “I think I got a bit derailed over the last year. A bunch of things happened and just sort of, pulled me along.”

  “I hope doing these shows isn’t too much for you, but my goodness, you’re going to make your fans very happy.”

  “Yeah, that huge crowd was some welcome,” he grinned. “I figured a few people might come out, but I had no idea I’d be greeted like a rock star.”

  “You deserve it,” she smiled.

  “Are you sure we can’t get you anything?” Cassie asked.

  “Absolutely. I’ll lock up and leave the keys behind the front left tire. There are plenty of supplies still here. Cream, milk, coffee, cereal, some beer in the fridge. Jen’s picking up fresh stuff for the cabin at the ranch, so just help yourself.”

  “Thanks, Mandy. I need decent coffee during the day, that’s for sure,” Cassie said.

  “If you want to use the stalls here, the security guard will show you where they are, or are just going to use the rig?”

  “Just the rig,” Chad replied. “It’s big in there, and they’re comfortable.”

  “Is there anything else you need to ask me, anything I can help you with?”

  “Yep, you can get better quick and don’t worry about a thing,” Chad said firmly.

  “I’ll do my best on both counts,” Mandy smiled.

  “If that’s it, I guess we should head on out. I sure could use a hot shower and somethin’ to eat.”

  “Me too,” Cassie nodded. “Take care of yourself, Mandy, and we’ll see you out at the ranch. Just call if you need anything.”

  “Thanks guys. Stay safe.”

  As they left the trailer and walked across to the van, Chad shook his head.

  “Poor kid, nothin’ worse than a bad back.”

  “Yes,” Cassie agreed, “I feel for her.”

  It only took a few minutes to load the horses and drive out of the secure area, and as the big van rolled down the street the fans waved and yelled enthusiastically.

  “You’re going to have a fabulous couple of performances,” Cassie predicted.

  “To tell you the truth, I’m feeling a bit nervous,” he admitted. “It’s been a while.”

  “Really? You’re nervous? I think I know what you mean. I used to get nervous before a big jump-off sometimes.”

  “Are you gonna enter Shelby in that show?”

  “Um, I’m not sure, probably,” she said quietly.

  “You were gonna show most of this summer, and you haven’t been to a single one,” he frowned.

  “Yeah, I know. It’s just, with the house being built, you busy with the clinics, and not having Randy…it just hasn’t felt right.”

  “Maybe you could have him come to the ranch for a visit, help you out a bit,” he suggested.

  “Maybe. If we visit him on Monday I might mention it,” she said vaguely, “but right now I want to focus on you and the show.”

  The ranch was only a ten minute drive from the fairgrounds, and by the time they checked in with their hosts, unloaded Bailey and Captain and got them settled, then made their way to the cabin, the sun had set and they were exhausted.

  “I hope this place has a real comfy bed,” Chad remarked as they walked up to the door.

  “And a bathtub, a deep one,” Cassie added.

  Mickey barked, making them think he had his own wish list, and while Cassie had been skeptical about the accommodations her worries evaporated as they entered the rustic cabin.

  It was warm and inviting, with a comfortable living area that boasted charming, antique furnishings, a full kitchen, a bedroom that offered a four poster bed, and checking out the bathroom Cassie found a Jacuzzi tub and a stall shower. Dropping their bags on the wooden bench by the window, Chad took her hand and pulled her into him, hugging her warmly.

  “We’re finally here,” he sighed.

  “We are, thank goodness,” she breathed, sinking against him. “I’m so tired, but I’m hungry. What should we do about dinner?”

  “Let’s see if there’s anything in the kitchen.”

  “I sure hope so. I’m not going anywhere except to bed,” she yawned.

  They ambled back into the kitchen, and discovered a basket of goodies on the table with a card propped up against it. Opening the envelope he began to read, Cassie standing next to him, leaning against his arm.

  Dear Mr. Douglas.

  We are honored to have you as our guests. In the crockpot on the counter you’ll find chicken and dumplings freshly made and ready to eat. We have stocked the refrigerator with other items you might find useful. If there is anything we can do to make your stay more comfortable please don’t hesitate to dial 9 on your phone.

  Warmest regards,

  Rose and Clyde Thomas

  “How great is that?” Cassie exclaimed.

&
nbsp; “What a thoughtful thing to do,” Chad remarked.

  Moving across to the counter she found the crockpot, and lifting the lid she peered inside.

  “Oh, my gosh, this looks fantastic. That’s what I should do, buy a crockpot. Cooking in a crockpot is almost foolproof. I really want to do that more, Chad,” she said, turning to face him. “I know I’ll never be like Hannah, but I-”

  “Hey, why do you think I want you to be like Hannah?” he frowned, moving across to her.

  “Well, the cooking and everything,” she replied.

  Sighing deeply Chad tilted his head to the side, shooting her a look.

  “Hon, you don’t need to be like anybody except yourself. I love you just like you are.”

  “But she’s such a happy homemaker, and I’m hopeless at that stuff,” she said quietly.

  “Stop it,” he scolded. “You’re not hopeless at anything, besides, if I came home to fabulous dinners every night I’d get fat, and you’d end up running some kind of catering business like she’s trying to do, and that wouldn’t work for me at all,” he chuckled.

  “Chad, I’m serious, I do want to do more for you,” she said solemnly. “It’s really hit me these last couple of days.”

  “You already do a lot for me, just bein’ with me…” he said softly.

  “I still want to get a crockpot.”

  “Then we’ll get you one, and you can cook for me to your heart’s content, but don’t feel any pressure about it, okay?”

  Mickey’s bark caught their attention, and looking down they saw his eager face.

  “Oh, Mickey, you’re tired and hungry just like us,” Cassie said. “We’ve got your dinner and your rug, don’t you worry.”

  Mickey barked in response, then stood up and wagged his tail.

  “I think he’s telling us he wants it now,” Chad grinned. “I’ll take care of him. Why don’t you set the table and see what else is in the refrigerator?”

  “Deal,” she nodded.

  A little while later, after a delicious meal and a glass of wine, Chad took a shower while Cassie cleaned up their dishes, then chased him out, commandeering the bathroom for a long soak in a hot bubble bath.