MULE HOLLOW MATCHMAKERS 21: NEW HORIZON RANCH 01: Her Mule Hollow Cowboy

by Debra Clopton

  "And then some, from what Rafe said," he offered, then planted his hands on his hips and voiced what had been eating at him from the moment he saw her flying through the air. "My question is, why in the blue blazes were you out there loading that bull by yourself? Where is my brother and all of those partners who are supposed to be so good at their jobs?"

  Sure he'd already picked up on the fact that she felt like she could do it on her own. That didn't mean it was right.

  It also didn't make it any of his business, but he'd never been the best at minding his own business when it came to females getting a raw deal. It probably was a psychological effect left over from watching his mother get a raw deal from his good for nothing dad. She'd taken it for years before her premature death when he was seventeen.

  It didn't matter what it was born from. Fact was if Cliff saw a woman who needed help he stepped in. Even if it was one like Maddie who he'd figured was too stubborn to want help. Or too independent to ask for it.

  He told himself he should back off, not let himself get any more involved than needed, but that was Cliff's trouble—he tended to acted on instinct in situations like this.

  And since learning his dad was dead he'd come to realize his instincts were off-kilter.

  Looking into Maddie Rose's luminous green eyes every protective instinct he had went on high alert.

  But from the jut of her chin and the tension filling the room he figured she was about to tell him and his instincts to back off. However, that wasn't happening, because the way he saw it, his brother or one of the other cowboys should have been here helping her out. And he aimed to know why she'd been in that pen attempting to load that bull alone.

  He'd been the one to witness her nearly get trampled by a bull—that invested him in this as far as he was concerned. After all, he'd have been the one rushing her to the hospital if he'd arrived any later than he had.

  Yeah, he wanted to know why...and he felt like he had a right.

  *

  "Because Buford is due at the auction today by five and I'm the one taking him, that's why," Maddie said, irritated at her reactions to the man. Still stunned that the instant he'd wrapped his arm around her all coherent thought had abandoned her.

  The clock on the solid brick wall beside the kitchen table ticked a few beats into the silence as Cliff held her gaze. She was glad there was a little distance between them at last. Hopefully she'd start thinking clearer again.

  She rubbed her neck and wondered what his story was. Wondered what had caused that shadow in his eyes moments ago.

  All things she didn't need to be concerned with.

  If there was one thing her life had taught her it was to keep her guard up. The few times she'd relented in the past she'd regretted it. Maybe one day she'd find the courage to risk being hurt one more time, if it meant she could have the family she always dreamed of. But that was on hold for now while she gave everything she had to this ranch.

  Besides, she told herself, she'd reacted so strongly toward Cliff out of a sense of gratefulness. She hated to think what would have happened if he hadn't shown up when he had.

  "It's not safe," he said, at last. Frowning. "For anyone—especially a woman."

  She bristled. "I can take care of myself."

  "Hey, I'm concerned for you. And glad I happened by or you'd be out there right now, hurt and alone with a one ton bull tap dancing all over you. And I for one don't like the thought of that." His voice dropped an octave on the last part, softened enough to cause her heart to knot dangerously. Suddenly he knelt beside her and before she knew what he was doing his warm hand splayed open palmed over her left rib cage.

  She jumped, gasped, at the intimacy of his touch.

  "Easy there. I'm just testing your ribs."

  Her heart knotted tighter. "Okay," Maddie quipped, trying for nonchalance, trying hard not to be affected by his touch and nearness. But she was though.

  Her breath warbled when he pressed gently while his gaze searched hers. Held. She bit her lip as she held his azure gaze, feeling as if she were freefalling.

  "Breathe in and tell me if it hurts. Any sharp pains?"

  Only at his urging did she realize she'd been holding her breath since he'd spread his long fingers over her ribs. Trying not to focus on his touch she inhaled slowly. "It's okay. No sharp pains." He moved his hand to the other side.

  "And this side?"

  "Fine," she said, tightly.

  From his kneeling position she had a close up view of the easy smile that spread across his face, crinkling the edges of his eyes.

  "That's great news. You still may want to see a doc." He stood and moved to the kitchen counter where he started prowling through her cabinets. "Do you have some pain killers for the soreness that's certain to set in?"

  "In that cabinet." She pointed him in the right direction and watched him locate it. She was more than a little aware that the warmth of his touch still lingered and her heart was still behaving oddly.

  After being directed to the glasses he brought two pills to her with a glass of water.

  "These will help."

  "Thanks." She was grateful to have them. Though she was beginning to feel more like herself, she knew even if her ribs weren't broken a tough few days were ahead for her. She didn't want to think about the pain, she would have to find a way to make it through. She was good at that. She'd make it.

  "I'm sure Rafe is going to be happy to see you." She knew they weren't real close, at least that was what she'd gathered when she'd overheard Rafe talking to two of her other partners, Dalton and Chase. From what he'd said, Cliff basically lived on the road, zigzagging across the country from one bull riding event or rodeo to the other. And honing his skills in between. He hadn't held on to his spot as a Pro Bull Riding favorite because he was bad or undedicated.

  She didn't want any part of that kind of lifestyle and didn't understand it, but she had to admire his dedication.

  "They should be back before evening," she said. "They're branding cattle on the far side of the ranch. It's a big job."

  "I'm in no hurry—you're a whole lot prettier than my brother."

  Maddie knew she looked a mess. Her honey colored hair was stringing loose from her ponytail, one long pale strand hung at the edge of her eyes, tickling her cheek.

  She found herself smiling at him anyway. "No doubt about it. You are definitely Rafe's brother. You're as full of nonsense as he is."

  That crooked white grin flashed across his face again and tickled her insides. He'd relaxed against the counter, one booted foot crossed over the other, his arms loosely crossed.

  "Darlin', I'm only stating the facts. You do own a mirror, don't you?"

  His drawl and the way he called her darlin' was pure Texas. And that grin and those twinkling eyes—well, it was no wonder her pulse kicked in again, even despite knowing it didn't mean anything. It probably came natural, especially to a cowboy used to laying on the charm for the cameras and crowds he encountered at the Pro events he participated in.

  Faking an unaffected air, she shot him a look of mild disbelief. "Does that line work for you most of the time?"

  "What line? You have a little dirt on your face doesn't change the facts."

  She laughed, surprising herself. He was good. Maddie had been living among cowboys for several years now and she'd heard her fair share of the slow drawled pickup lines.

  "Right." She curbed the laugh. "Well, this dirty-faced cowgirl's got to try and load up a bull." Her ribs rebelled as she eased to a standing position. She ignored them.

  "Whoa. You aren't serious?" Stepping in front of her he blocked her path to the door.

  "Yes. Now that I've caught my breath and can tell nothings broken it's time to get back to work. I've got a job to finish."

  "But your ribs?"

  "They'll be fine. Thanks to you and that pain killer you gave me I'll be able to get Buford to the sale. I can still make it."

  "But." His eyes flashed fire as
Maddie sidestepped him and made it to the door. "This isn't right. Rafe needs to get back here and take care of this."

  Maddie swung back around—instantly regretting it as sharp knives of pain stabbed her good. "Hold on, cowboy. This is my job and I always finish my jobs."

  "Your ribs could be cracked."

  "We've been over this already. You know perfectly well that other than wrapping my ribs there is nothing the doc can do for me. If it was you, you would already be out there loading that bull. Don't even try to deny it. I'm no different. I have to do this." He had no idea how much she meant that statement. Her conscience wouldn't let her slack up.

  His expression tightened as if he wanted to deny it and couldn't because it was true. "Right." It was a frustrated growl.

  Ignoring the nagging pain, she went out onto the back porch and tromped from the patio a little more forceful than necessary, punishing herself unduly.

  Cliff caught up to her. "If you have to do this then I'll load the blasted bull. You sit down."

  She didn't like his tone, but she could actually understand his frustration. He had witnessed her in a terrible situation that could have been a total disaster.

  "Look, I'm very grateful you showed up when you did. I truly am. I can't thank you enough. But, if you keep bossing me around, we're going to lock horns."

  His brown brows dipped in consternation or aggravation she didn't really care, at least he was listening.

  "You're as stubborn as Rafe said you were."

  "You better believe it. So either help or leave. But back off for certain."

  And there it was, one of two reasons why Maddie Rose was still a single woman. Men, dad-blame their hides, might think she was beautiful. Might think they could control her. But they always had a rude awakenin', because Maddie was the driver now. She'd been at the wheel of her life ever since she'd walked out of the last foster home when she was ten days away from being eighteen.

  And that was the way it was staying.

  Since the day she was born other folks had dictated every aspect of her life. And she wouldn't ever let that happen again.

  Ignoring the pang of regret, she undid the chain on the holding pen gate and let herself in. Cliff could follow if he wanted. She didn't care one way or the other.

  He followed.

  Maddie's heart jumped in her chest when he winked at her, tipped his hat then headed toward Buford with the confidence of a man who knew what he was doing.

  Watching him saunter across the pen Maddie's mouth went dry and a shudder swept through her. Every instinct she had told her there was something about this cowboy that might be more dangerous to her than Buford the pig-headed bull...

  Chapter Three

  Despite the pain she had to be in, Maddie helped get Buford back into the loading chute by waving one arm and holding her ribs with the other when he ran her way. Cliff had to battle the urge to hoist the spitfire into his arms and carry her out of the pen kicking and screaming if need be. He decided the best course of action was to help her.

  The woman acted driven. Like if she didn't get her job done she'd miss out on making the National Rodeo Finals or something. It didn't make sense to him. He and Rafe might not have spent a lot of time together over the last few years, because he was on the road all the time, but he knew Rafe wouldn't make Maddie feel like her loading this bull was a do or die deal.

  So what was up with her? It was just a bull.

  "There you go, mission accomplished," he said closing the trailer's gate shut with Buford safely inside and Maddie safely on the outside.

  Maddie stood with her hands on her slim, jean clad hips and watched him, green flames flickering in her eyes. It was like she knew she needed help but she didn't want it.

  "You like taking control don't you?" It wasn't a question but a statement.

  He hiked a brow at her. "Funny, I was about to say the same thing about you. I'd say we have something in common."

  Her eyes softened, the fire faded as some of the fight went out of her. "Look, this isn't easy for me. I'm not normally so careless. Thanks for loading Buford."

  Either she didn't like accepting help at all. Or she didn't like it from him. Either way, saying thank you was obviously hard for her.

  "You're welcome." He went to the truck's passenger door and opened it for her. "Hop in, I'm driving."

  "No, that's okay. I'll take it from here."

  "I'll drive you and the bull to the auction Maddie. All you have to do is show me the way."

  She didn't move. "Can you not hear?"

  He chuckled. "I have selective hearing. Do we really have to go through this again? You're injured whether you want to admit it or not, and I'm not about to let you do this alone. You warned me earlier to back off or we were going to lock horns. Consider our horns locked. Either you hop in and I drive, or I'll take the keys and your bull won't make it to the sale today."

  "Of all the nerve," she huffed, moving past him to ease into the passenger's seat.

  The Dodge had running boards that came in handy, making it easier for her to climb into the cab than if it had been his truck. She kept one arm wrapped across her ribs and he caught the strain in her expression. She was still in a heap of pain and trying to hide it—or ignore it. He laid his hand on her waist to assist if he could.

  Fiery eyes met his and had him fighting the sudden, strong urge to kiss her. Not a good idea on any fronts, but especially now—he'd just met her for one, and he didn't figure her ribs could handle the pain when she took a swing at him.

  "So, when are you leaving?" she snapped, sliding into the leather seat.

  He grinned. "Trying to get rid of me so quick?"

  "I'll buy you a tank of gas if you need me to spell it out any clearer."

  "Rafe didn't mention it?"

  "You are not a topic of conversation your brother and I discuss."

  He chuckled. "Well, for your information I'm here for a little while. I'm thinking of buying a place in Mule Hollow. Time to put down some roots."

  Her face went slack as he closed the door. He jogged around and slid behind the wheel and glanced at her. Yup, she still wore that oh-no-tell-me-it-ain't-true expression of shock and dismay.

  "Makes you nervous, doesn't it."

  She went all prune faced—not her best look but somehow she managed to pull it off. "I don't care what you do. It's a free country." Reaching for her seatbelt she gasped when she couldn't twist her torso to grab it from its dock beside her shoulder.

  "Here let me." Leaning over he reached across her to grab it. Neither of them said anything as he made sure it wasn't too tight before securing it.

  He hated she was hurting and didn't like having to push her around like he'd been doing, but he couldn't figure any other way to make her let him help her.

  He headed the truck and trailer out of the loading area and the endless, high dollar pipe fencing. They circled around past the massive tan and red trimmed metal barn and then on past the ranch house that was a showcase of sandstone rock and redwood logs. New Horizon ranch was a showplace. From what Rafe had told him, C.C. Calvert had been worth a bundle and this ranch had been one of his hobbies, but he'd loved it.

  Hobby or not, the man hadn't made the money he'd made without knowing how to put people in place who could maintain his hobbies and businesses in his absence. For the ranch that had been Rafe and his partners.

  "This is a beautiful place," he said as they drove down the fence-lined lane leading from the house to the black top road. "A little bigger than what I'm looking for though." He shot her a grin, hoping to ease the tension that filled the cab.

  She didn't say anything, instead looked like she was mulling over when would be a good time to push him out of the truck. He had to smile at that thought.

  "Which way am I going?" he asked when they reached the road. She nodded left and he eased the truck out on the road and pressed the gas.

  He slid a peek at Maddie, curious about what her story was. "It's pr
etty country around here." They'd gone about five miles down the road heading away from the direction of Mule Hollow. This was prime cattle country, right on the edge of Texas hill country it was a good combination of flat land mixed with the rolling hills and deep ravines that made it both interesting and beautiful. He'd seen a lot of country over the last ten years. While not as breath taking as the Colorado vistas or some of the other places he'd been there was something about this area that spoke to him. From the moment Rafe had settled here almost five years ago he'd said it was a good place to make a life. Cliff figured it was time he at least gave it a try.

  He was a thirty year old man who'd spent the last ten years moving fast and light. Everything he owned fit into a gear box that held his bull riding gear and a large duffle bag. He didn't live so sparse because he couldn't afford anything more, he lived that way because he had goals and dreams and riding bulls filled the empty holes in his life.

  At least that was what he'd always thought. Told himself. Believed.

  Since he'd learned last week that his dad was dead, something had snapped inside of him and he'd suddenly began to question everything he'd ever believed about himself. He wanted to chalk it up to the fact that it was getting easier and easier for him to get injured. The thirty year old body of a professional bull rider wasn't as resilient as that of a twenty-two year old. He wanted to chalk it up to the fact that after ten years of hard work and dedication he was road weary.

  But he knew that wasn't true.

  Sure he'd always had a plan for when it came time for him to hang up his spurs. But he'd kept putting it off over the years. Now, suddenly it almost seemed like he couldn't make it happen soon enough.

  And that sudden change of heart had slammed him like Buford had slammed Maddie the moment he'd learned his dad was finally dead.

  Funny thing was, he'd already planned on making the trip to Mule Hollow and checking out land. He'd already put the wheels in motion before the call.

  But the call, it had changed everything.