A Cowboy To Keep: A Contemporary Western Romance Collection

by Hebby Roman

  Maria rose and said, “It would be my pleasure.”

  “Gracias.”

  She pushed through the swinging door, gobbling down the last of the pan dulce and licking her fingers.

  She opened the study door and punched her phone. “Hello, Camila. How are you doing? How’s school? How’s Rusty?”

  Her daughter laughed. “Trust you, Mamá, to deliver the third degree before I can say ‘hello’ back.”

  “You know that’s not what I meant or why I asked.”

  “I know.” Her daughter chuckled. “But to all three questions, everything is fine. And I’ll be even better a couple of weeks from now when the semester and exams are over.”

  “Will you have time to come home between the spring and summer sessions?”

  “Yeah, but it will be a short visit, and Rusty will probably spend it in Del Rio, checking on his properties.”

  “Well, I’ll look forward to seeing you, and hopefully, Rusty for at least a day.”

  “I’ll be there. I can stay for about a week, and Rusty will try.” She paused. “But that’s not what I called about.”

  “Oh, okay, what—”

  “Me and Rusty couldn’t wait to know—have you decided to race Stormy Knight? The races were such fun, and I think having a racing stable would be a great addition to the ranch.”

  Now her daughter was trying to tell her how to run the ranch—not that it was anything new—Camila had always wanted a say. And after all, Rusty was her partner, but she hadn’t realized he was eager to get into horse racing.

  Of course, it had been part of the reason she’d asked them to meet her in Houston. But despite some discussion over dinner, she hadn’t gotten a clear-cut impression about what he wanted to do. Probably, knowing her daughter, this was more her idea than Rusty’s. But Rusty would need to put up half of the initial investment, as well as the ongoing expenses, if the horses didn’t turn a profit at the track.

  “Camila, I haven’t decided yet. And if I had made a decision, don’t you think I would have called y’all first. I would need to go over the specifics with Rusty and get his agreement. Right now, I’m just trying to gather the facts.”

  Her daughter exhaled. “Okay, you don’t have to get all huffy on me. I get it.”

  “But I’ve got an old friend coming over tomorrow, who races Quarter horses, to see Stormy Knight run.”

  “That’s good.” Her daughter hesitated. “What old friend?”

  Now it was her turn to hesitate, and she reached out and touched Stormy Knight’s thrown horseshoe she’d left on her desk. She needed to mount the shoe or use it as a paperweight. But she already had more than enough paperweights, including numerous pieces in her carved agate collection

  “Remember the man who waved at me at the Houston track—John Clay Laidlaw?”

  “Yes, but I thought you hated him.”

  “Camila, hate is a strong word. We had some differences in the past.”

  “But you called him a prick, Mamá.”

  “Yes, I did, but he’s older and changed…”

  Had he really changed, keeping Cathy from getting divorced when she wanted to move on? She wasn’t certain, but it was none of her business, all she wanted was to pick his brain about Quarter horse racing.

  “Okay, I hope you know what you’re doing, Mamá.”

  “I hope, at my advanced age, I can handle it.” She smoothed back her hair. “And since you’re quizzing me about stuff, I want to ask you something.”

  “Don’t bother. I know what you want to know. And the answer is no, we haven’t set a date yet.”

  “Well, it’s your life and Rusty should—”

  “I got it. And when we decide, believe me, you’ll be the first to know.” Something buzzed on the phone and her daughter said, “That’s Rusty, trying to call me. Hope all goes well with the prick tomorrow.” Her daughter giggled. “Love you. Gotta go.”

  The phone went dead. “I love you, too.” Leticia spoke to the silent cell.

  * * *

  John Clay watched Leticia as she herded some cross-breed heifers from one pasture to the next. She rode a sleek gray roan mare, lariat twirling at her side, urging the cattle. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Her back was ramrod straight, and the reins slack in her gloved hands, as she guided her horse with her thighs.

  For a town-bred girl, she’d certainly taken to horseback riding. He couldn’t fault her bearing, and she was even more beautiful, to him, in her button-down cotton shirt and tight jeans than she’d been in a dress. And gazing at the way her full breasts filled out her green-striped shirt, he couldn’t help but be aroused.

  He’d always been attracted to Leticia from the time he was a horny teenager. And he hadn’t lied when he’d told her that he’d thought she was one of the most beautiful girls in high school.

  Her long, wavy russet hair framed classic features. She had high cheekbones, a long, straight nose, and lush full lips. Lips he’d dreamed of kissing for more years than he could count. But her eyes—her eyes were her most dramatic feature, almond-shaped and an unusual tawny color, glittering with hidden depths of gold. Cat’s eyes—mysterious and intriguing.

  He shifted in the saddle, trying to accommodate his growing erection. He hadn’t felt like this in a long time. He’d dated since he and Cathy had separated, but his relationships had floundered when the women had realized he wasn’t getting a divorce.

  Leticia was something special—always had been. He might be getting older and his hair turning gray, but she still made him feel hot and bothered. Like the young-blood he was before.

  The bay gelding, one of the stable boys had given him to ride, tossed his head and snorted. Reminding him of what he was supposed to be doing, not drooling like some love-struck kid. But with Leticia, he couldn’t help himself.

  He’d often wondered what would have happened if he’d treated her right after they had both been divorced. If he’d funded her loan from his own pocket and asked her out for a proper date? Would he have won her rather than Eduardo?

  No use looking back.

  The past was the past. And given his reaction, there was still hope. He still desired her, liked being around her, and admired her deeply.

  The bay shifted beneath him again, lifting one back hoof to half-rest. It was a wonder he’d been able to get a horse and come out to the pasture to find her. When he’d pulled up in front of her ranch house, the place had appeared deserted. Leticia’s housekeeper had to find him a boy to get him a horse and then direct him to the pasture.

  And the last thing he’d expected was to find Leticia working her own land. But maybe she kept the horse ranch profitable by using a skeleton crew. It was one way to do business.

  “Hey, Leticia,” he called out and urged his horse forward. “Let me help you with those cows.”

  One muley-looking half-Brahmin cow had broken loose from the herd and was making a bid for freedom. Her horse had instinctively predicted the cow’s move and gone after the heifer. He kicked the bay’s sides and headed toward the cow.

  They converged on the heifer and seeing it was outnumbered, she bellowed and turned back to the closely-grouped herd, milling around the gate between pastures.

  Leticia lifted one hand and pushed back her beige-colored, straw Stetson. “John Clay, what on earth are you doing here?”

  He smiled, a singularly sheepish smile. “I couldn’t wait. I got here early.”

  “Funny,” she said, “I almost called you to postpone because I’m short-handed. But I don’t have your cell number, and I had no idea which ranch you might be staying on. You have so many.”

  “My mistake. We should have exchanged cell numbers. Please, remind me later.”

  “Sure.” She inclined her head at the shifting herd of cattle. “Let’s get these gals into the next pasture. Okay? I’m glad you came early—just at the right time. Let me get down and open the gate. You hold them tight.”

  “No problem.” He kneed the gelding fo
rward.

  Leticia dismounted and unhooked the simple wire loop holding the gate shut between the two pastures. Then she pushed the aluminum gate open as wide as it would go, leaving a large space.

  He urged his horse to circle closer, keeping the cows in a tight bunch. He was used to sheep, though, who were a lot more docile than cattle.

  Leticia swung up on her roan and took the other position in back of the cattle. She unhooked her lariat and swung it, sing-songing, “Move cows, move, move cows, move, move cows.”

  The cattle formed a V-shape behind their leader, a brindled, half-red-Angus heifer with a collar and bell fastened around her neck. The herd poured through the gate until only one black-and-white splotched calf stood on this side, bawling, his nose raised high in the air.

  “He lost his Mama in the crush.” Leticia shook her head. “Stupid cow. All he has to do is follow the others, and his mother will find him.” She dropped the lariat over his head and pulled on the rope, walking him through the gate. Then she leaned down and removed the rope from the calf.

  John Clay watched her quick, efficient movements. Lordy, lordy, he couldn’t get over how accomplished she was. And gorgeous to boot. His whole body was one, long ache from wanting her. Then he realized he was daydreaming again, and he leapt off the gelding, ground-tying him and closing the gate behind her.

  “Thanks,” she tossed at him, as she rode through.

  He swung back up in the saddle and said, “You might think that calf is stupid but compared to sheep, she’s a virtual Einstein.”

  She threw back her head and laughed.

  “But why cattle? I thought your ranch was all about horses?”

  “Yes, this is a horse ranch. The cattle are just a sideline. We don’t keep a bull, but for some of the better-bred heifers, we use our neighbor’s bull. Keeps the herd young. We cull the older ones and sell them, of course.”

  “I’m surprised you bother.” He inclined his head toward the ranch house. “Must keep you busy, considering you said you’re short-handed.”

  “Oh, that, it’s only temporary.” She removed her Stetson and wiped her arm across her brow. The spring day was heating up. “We need the cattle to properly train our horses. Our charro horses are our pride and joy, but we’re just getting back into them. Mostly, we train working Quarter horses, and you can’t train a cutting horse or calf-roping horse without cows.” She pursed her lips.

  He slapped the side of his head. “Stupid of me. I wasn’t thinking. I’m all about sheep, except for my racing stable.”

  She laughed again. “Hey, don’t get overwrought and knock your hat off.”

  “Yeah.” He grinned and shook his head. “Kinda silly.” And how right she was, he was acting like a goofy middle-schooler, just being around her.

  “So, your manpower shortage is temporary. Does that mean I won’t usually find you rounding up cattle?”

  “No, not usually. I always have plenty of paperwork to keep me from riding out. But today has been a nice break.”

  “I like the mare you’re riding; she’s a good-looking horse.”

  “Why, thank you, Mr. Laidlaw, how nice of you to say.” She patted her horse’s neck. “Yep, Pearl is a sweetie. The kids, er, uh, Rusty and Camila brought her back from Ponder last year, and she was so good at everything, we couldn’t make up our minds how to train her, cutting horse or calf-roping or…”

  She’d moved ahead to a thicket of live oak and ducked her head under a low-lying branch. “My mare, Sally, was getting old, so I decided to keep Pearl for myself.”

  He followed her into the thicket, staying behind her horse to navigate the rough, one-horse trail through the trees and undergrowth.

  She cleared the thicket and stopped, waiting for him. He could see the ranch house ahead. He drew alongside her. “At least you have the grass for horses and cows. My ranches only support sheep. We keep some milk cows for the ranch hands, but other than that, it’s mostly mesquite and cactus and patchy prairie grass on my spreads.”

  Raising up in her stirrups, she said, “Yes, Eduardo chose well. This land is fertile, and we irrigate some, using Las Moras creek to grow our own hay.”

  She gathered her reins and smoothed them, half-turning toward him. “But I can’t wait to show you my new charro horse foal. Midnight Princess just threw a beautiful colt a couple of weeks’ ago.”

  “I won’t say no to seeing one of your charro horses. I remember how talented Eduardo’s horses were. I was sorry when I heard you’d quit breeding them for a time.”

  John Clay gazed at Leticia, and he thought he could see the faintest glimmer of moisture on her eyelashes. It was obvious she was still grieving for Eduardo? Where did that leave him?

  She dropped her head and fidgeted with her reins, smoothing the long ends. “Yes, Eduardo was magic with the horses.” She bit her lip.

  He wished he was the one biting her lip, her neck, and lower…

  Chapter Five

  After we lost Eduardo,” Leticia said, “I had trouble keeping an experienced charro horse trainer on staff.” She straightened her hat with one hand. “Heck, I had trouble keeping any kind of experienced help on the ranch. Everyone wants to live in town. For a while, Rusty and Camila helped me with the Quarter horses.”

  She patted her mare’s neck again, and the horse sidled up to his gelding. “Then I found Señor Ramos on the Internet. He had awesome credentials, but he’s a Mexican national, so I had to get him a work visa. I was surprised he left his family behind to come and work for me.”

  He remembered their discussion in Del Rio. She’d said Ramos wasn’t her boyfriend. He hoped she’d meant what she said.

  “He was the man I saw you with in Houston. Right? You mentioned he was your new horse trainer.”

  “Yes, and he’s proven to be as talented as his credentials claimed. I can’t wait for Princess’ foal to get old enough. And he’s already worked wonders with Frosty Prince and Midnight Princess. They’re beautiful to behold in the ring, and I’ve had some good offers for them. But I’ve kind of gotten attached to them. I’m not sure if I can sell either one. Especially before I get a few more foals from them.” She chuckled, a low-throated gurgle.

  “Silly me, for Eduardo, this ranch was a dream come true, a hobby, but I’ve always tried to run it as a business.” She glanced at him and crossed her eyes. “Guess I’m getting old and soft in the head.”

  “Not you, Leticia, you’re still young and beautiful.”

  She tossed her head and then straightened her Stetson again. “Sly man, still trying to get on my good side? I told you I forgave you, back in Del Rio.”

  “I know, and I’m beholden to you for that. But I meant what I said. And you’re even more spectacular on horseback.”

  She blushed and turned her face away.

  Time to slow down, he told himself. Change the subject. “So why are you short-handed today?”

  “Señor Ramos talked me into getting his eldest son, who also trains horses in México, a work visa to join him. Said he’d need the extra help, if we decide to race Stormy Knight.” She shifted on her horse. “Heck, I can always use an extra hand, especially if they’re good with horses. Not many people want to work on ranches nowadays.”

  “Yeah, city life is hard to compete with. I have trouble keeping workers on my ranches, too, and they don’t have to be all that skilled. But the pay is low and the work is hard. Not much to entice them with.”

  “I try to pay my experienced trainers well, but that doesn’t seem to help. Anyway, the papers for Señor Ramos’ son came through in record time while I was in Del Rio. Chuy and Ramos went to steer him through immigration in Piedras Negras.” She gazed at him with her head tilted, as if considering. “I’m not sure when they will be back. Could be a couple more days, though, I doubt it.

  “That’s why I thought to call you to postpone, but I’ve got Pedro back at the barn, waiting. He’s the one who rides Stormy Knight for me.”

  “He must have b
een the stable hand who got me saddled up.”

  “Yes, he’s a fine boy and a good worker. He goes to high school in Eagle Pass and works for me after school and some weekends.”

  “So, you have a rider to show me what Stormy Knight can do. Do you have a track?”

  “Sort of. Chuy and Ramos cleared out a flat stretch along the vega by the creek.”

  “Then what are we waiting for?”

  She turned her head and her amber eyes gleamed with mischief. “Race you back. First one to touch the driveway.” She rose up in her stirrups again.

  “Hey, wait, what’s the wager? Gotta have a wager.”

  “Oh, all right, how about a full-blown dinner at the Country Club. Either way, I need to darken their door or give up my membership.”

  The gelding must have sensed his excitement because he pawed the earth and turned sideways, bridling, ready to run.

  She grinned at him. “Hold your horse steady. Okay, when I say, ‘three.’”

  He nodded.

  “One, two, three…”

  * * *

  Leticia watched John Clay as he paced off the quarter mile stretch on the vega. She wasn’t sure what he was doing, but once he’d inspected Stormy Knight, he’d been all business—not like in the pasture—which was a good thing. She couldn’t help but notice how he’d looked at her and laid on the compliments.

  Franco and his constant attentions were hard enough to deal with. John Clay was even tougher. There was nothing holding them back from starting a relationship, nothing but her lack of trust.

  She might have forgiven him for his past errors in judgment, but given what he was doing to his estranged wife, she didn’t know how much he’d changed. And the last thing she wanted was to get involved with a selfish and arrogant man.

  So far, though, he’d been pleasant enough. Let her win their ‘race’ back to the ranch house. Pearl was smart and fast enough, but the bay Pedro had given him to ride, Rudy, was much faster. And he’d been more than complimentary about Princess’ foal.