The Cowboy's Rules (Cowboys After Dark) Read online

  THE COWBOY’S RULES

  Maggie Carpenter

  ADULT ADVISORY

  This book is for adults only, and contains scenes of spanking, graphic sex, bondage, sensory deprivation, and are fantasies only, intended for adults. This book is not for children, nor does it condone corporal punishment of children. This book contains scenes of nonconsensual activities, BDSM and other nonconsensual activities. This book does not support nonconsensual spanking or any other nonconsensual activities, sexual or otherwise.

  Copyright © 2013 Maggie Carpenter

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher.

  This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.

  Published by Dark Secrets Press

  Ebook Cover Design

  Ashley@ Redbird Designs

  Formatting

  Polgarus Studio

  Visit the author at:

  www.maggiecarpenter.com

  www.MaggieCarpenter.com/blog

  www.facebook.com/MaggieCarpenterWriter

  www.twitter.com/magcarpenter2

  RAVE REVIEWS FOR MAGGIE CARPENTER

  Video Book Trailers

  http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC34D1JhwfFecUe6-ebPbC-w

  WHITE KNIGHT, BLACK KNIGHT

  Reviewer: No Angel

  Awesome awesome Loved it! Great plot It is all that and more! Romance and action everything you could want with a lot more added

  THE ROCK STAR AND THE COWGIRL

  Reviewer: JoJo Bear

  I'm a Maggie Carpenter fan, and I snatched this one up as soon as I saw it. NO disappointments here. Don't want to give any spoilers, but a naughty "good" girl gets what she deserves and so does a very naughty bad girl. Plenty of hot sex, hot spankings and lots of romance.

  THE BRITISH BILLIONAIRE BACHELOR

  Reviewer: Desiree Holt

  As one who usually reads and writes heavy BDSM books, I found Maggie Carpenter's treatment light and refreshing. Simon, thank heavens, is NOT your usual stuffy, it's-all-about-me billionaires, but a human with doubts and insecurities along with his self confidence. And Belle Somers, well, you just want to give her a hug. The story is entertaining but the strength is in the characters. The author makes them come alive for you and they stay with you long after you turn the last page. A fun read I recommend for anyone who wants to escape with a glass of wine and a good book.

  THE BRITISH BILLIONAIRE BACHELOR - ACT II

  Reviewer Paige Matthews

  This is another wonderful read by Ms. Carpenter and I full believe readers will love Simon as much as I did. I am eagerly waiting for the third act of their story and anticipating Simon's revenge. :) Want to find out what I am talking about? Pick up this read and find out!

  THE SPANKING PSYCHIATRIST

  Reviewer CF

  Of all the dominant-submissive books I've read, this one is by far the most clever and the most captivating. The story is strong. It's not just words wrapped around spanking scenes. It's so believable, you can feel the emotions of the characters. And you'll never expect the ending! Dr. Montgomery is simply irresistible, too. If I could find his office, I'd make an appointment.

  Contents

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  EPILOGUE

  UPCOMING TITLES

  CHAPTER ONE

  Cassandra Davidson could not believe her ears.

  “Max, you can’t be serious. She’s not due for another month. Are you sure it’s not a false alarm?”

  “Of course I’m sure. I can’t possibly drive you to the show.”

  “What am I going to do? We’re supposed to be leaving in an hour.”

  “Cassandra, would you please calm down. I’ve already called a buddy of mine. His name is Chad Douglas and he’ll be pulling up to your door any minute.”

  “Who is this guy?”

  “For goodness sake, Cassandra. I wouldn’t recommend anyone that wasn’t completely capable,” Max replied impatiently.

  “I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” she apologized hastily.

  “Don’t you understand my wife is having our first baby? I’ve taken care of things, and now I have to go.”

  “Of course, sorry again. Good luck with the baby and everything,”

  “Thanks.”

  There was a click, and Cassandra stared at the receiver in her hand.

  “That was rude. I get that you’re having a baby but, jeez.”

  Max had worked on the family estate since she was a child, doing everything from hiring and firing the various and sundry outside workers, to picking up guests from the airport, and when Cassandra had started entering the big horse shows two years before, Max was the one who stepped up to supervise everything and drive the big horse van. In all the years she’d known him, he’d never been brusque with her.

  Sighing heavily, she marched from the library and up the wide staircase to her old bedroom. She no longer lived on the estate, choosing instead to stay in town where the clubs and restaurants were in walking distance and she could enjoy the nightlife, but most of all, because she couldn’t abide living in a house that had always felt more like a mausoleum than a home.

  Her horses though, were still on the property. Being just thirty minutes from town it was convenient, but more importantly she knew they were safe. She made the drive every day, but kept some bits and pieces in her old closet just in case her parents weren’t around and she decided to stay over.

  Her bags were packed and she was ready to leave, but the thought that some stranger was going to be driving the big van carrying her three precious, much loved show horses was extremely unsettling.

  Chad Douglas? Never heard of him. I sure as hell hope Max knows what he’s doing.

  Pulling her cigarettes from her handbag she lit up and stared out the window. Smoking was forbidden in the house but she didn’t care, and though she’d been wanting to quit for some time, when things became stressful a cigarette was the first thing she’d reach for.

  It was a cold morning but the sun was shining, her favorite kind of weather. Her horses would soon be made ready, having their legs wrapped and their show sheets draped over their gleaming bodies. As her eyes scanned the barn area, she spotted the stable hand washing out some buckets, and knew he’d start loading her saddles and tack trunks fairly soon, but with Max not there to help he’d have a hard time doing it all by himself. Max! How would she cope for five days at a horse show without reliable, supportive Max?

  Maybe I should cancel, but I love this show and we’re in peak form. Dammit Max, why couldn’t your baby have waited just a couple of weeks?

  Casting her eyes f
urther afield, across to the driveway that led up from the main road, she spied a large vehicle moving slowly towards the house. Squinting, she tried to discern exactly what it was, and opening the french doors, stepped out on to the patio and leaned over the balustrade to get a better look. As the vehicle drew closer she was astonished to see it was a truck pulling a two-horse trailer.

  Who the hell is that, and why do they have a horse trailer?

  Hurriedly stubbing out her cigarette, she ran back inside, grabbed a jacket, and moved quickly from her room, trotting down the stairs at a clip. The barn was at the back of the home, and if she was lucky she’d be able to intercept the approaching truck and trailer before it hit the lane that would take it there, but darting through the front door, she saw she was a few seconds too late.

  Shit. Now what? Why has someone arrived here with a horse trailer? It can’t be the guy Max sent, my horses are going in the van, not some rinky dink trailer.

  Dashing through the house, she burst out the back door just in time to see the truck pull to a stop, but to her surprise she spied a horse already on board. The truck was decent enough, a late model Ford, and the trailer was modern, wide and sleek. It certainly didn’t compare to the luxurious van she moved her horses in, but it was one of the better rigs she’d seen. Why it was on her family’s property, however, was still to be determined.

  Striding quickly over the manicured lawn, she saw a man in a cowboy hat step from the cab.

  “Excuse me, can I help you?” she called.

  The man stopped, slowly turned, and heavily tinted, aviator sunglasses stared back at her. His hair was dark and longish, falling around the nape of his neck, his jawline strong, and he was wearing a suede jacket with lambswool lining.

  “I guess you’re Cassandra,” he remarked.

  His voice was thick and deep, almost gravely.

  “I am,” she quipped. “Who are you?”

  “Chad Douglas. Max sent me, said you were in dire straits. Needed to get your horses to the Mill Creek Show.”

  “I do, yes, I do,” she exclaimed, “but I don’t understand. You’ve already got a horse and a trailer with you. What are you going to do, clone yourself?”

  “Whoa,” he exclaimed, holding up his hands. “I came here to do a friend a favor. I don’t need to be spoken to like that. I’ll catch ya later.”

  Cassandra watched in shock as he moved to open the driver’s door.

  “Wait!” she shouted, running around the truck. “I’m just really irritated. I didn’t expect to find myself in this mess. Did you want to leave your horse and rig here? Is that the plan? Then how would you get back? I don’t understand any of this.”

  “You’d best slow down and catch your breath or you’ll have a stroke about thirty years too early,” he drawled.

  “I don’t have time to slow down,” she declared impatiently. “My horses have to be loaded and out of here in less than an hour.”

  “I do realize that,” he replied calmly, crossing his arms and leaning against the side of his truck, “but if you don’t settle a bit, you won’t be gettin’ outta here at all. Now do you wanna keep yellin’, or do you want me to explain how I can help you?”

  “Okay, okay. I’m calm,” she said, trying to hide her annoyance. “Just tell me.”

  He didn’t respond, but she saw his brow furrow, and could feel his eyes scrutinizing her behind the dark glasses.

  “Throw a please in there, and I just might.”

  “Oh, for pity’s sake,” she replied, rolling her eyes.

  He didn’t move or speak, and she felt something strange in the pit of her stomach.

  “Fine. Please, tell me,” she sighed, lowering her voice and speaking more slowly.

  “I’m headin’ up there anyway, and I was just leavin’ when Max called, and-”

  “Did he also tell you I have three horses to transport?” she interrupted, her voice rising in exasperation, “not just one.”

  Without a word he dropped his arms, and turned to climb back in his truck.

  “Sorry, sorry,” she apologized. “I’m just freaked out.”

  “When was the last time bein’ freaked out ever got you anywhere?” he asked, leisurely turning back around, his voice steady and even.

  You are soooo frustrating, she silently groaned, gritting her teeth, but realizing she was getting nowhere, she consciously changed her demeanor and shot him her best, sweet smile.

  “Chad, I’m truly sorry. You’re right. Please, I won’t interrupt again.”

  “If you and I are gonna get along, that would helpful for both of us,” he remarked, not believing her abrupt change in attitude.

  “Yes, sure,” she nodded. “Please, carry on with what you were saying.”

  “It’s no big deal. Since your van carries four horses, I can put my horse in with your three.”

  “Oh! I guess that would work, but do you know how to drive a van like that?” she asked, pointing to the large, horse transport vehicle parked alongside the barn.

  He didn’t shift his gaze in the direction she was pointing, but stuffed his hands in the pockets of his jacket and walked a few steps away.

  “Chad?”

  Still ignoring her, he looked up at the house, stared down at the barn, and finally looked back at her.

  “First, Max wouldn’t have sent me all the way out here if I didn’t know my way around the vehicle I’d have to drive. For the record, I’ve driven one just like it many times, though the one I’m used to is the model up from that one.”

  “Really?” she asked in surprise. “The six horse?”

  “Second,” he continued, not responding to her question, “if I’m gonna drive you and your horses up to Mill Creek, you need to understand I’m not workin’ for you, I’m doin’ you a favor. Now if you can understand that, I’ll be happy to help you out, but I have a rule; I only do a long haul if the person with me is agreeable. I’m not spendin’ six hours in a cab with someone who has an attitude.”

  “What are you talking about?” she frowned. “I don’t go with the van. I fly up.”

  Chad Douglas stared at the young woman huffing and puffing in front of him. Already on his way out of town, it had been more intrigue than friendship that had made Chad turn around and head back. Max had talked to him about Cassandra many times, how difficult she could be, how spoiled she was, but Chad knew Max went out of his way to help her. Now he understood why. There was a neediness about her, an indefinable quality, that, in spite of her brattiness, was endearing.

  “Let me get this straight,” he said slowly. “You want me to drive your three horses up to the Mill Creek show by myself, while you fly up.”

  “Yes, exactly,” she replied. “Shoot, what am I going to do about a groom? Max usually does that as well.”

  He dropped his eyes to the ground, covertly smiling.

  Oh, little lady, I am definitely drivin’ your van, and you are definitely comin’ along for the ride.

  “Well, I don’t know what to say about not havin’ a groom, but I won’t be drivin’ alone! No way, no how,” he declared, kicking the dirt under his feet. “If you want me to drive your van and your horses up to that show, you’re comin’ with me. That’s it. Take or leave it,” he finished.

  “You’re joking!” she exclaimed, aghast at such a suggestion.

  His hand came up to pull off his glasses, and she felt that ‘something’ again in her stomach. As he moved towards her, his eyes staring at the ground, she was almost hoping he wouldn’t look up, but when he did, his deep brown eyes were sharp and determined.

  “Am I smilin’?”

  “I, uh, I,” she stammered. Shit! Who is this guy?

  “Am I drivin’ your van, or leavin’ in my truck?” he pressed.

  “Uh, my van,” she mumbled. “I’ll be back in a minute,” and heart pounding, she hurried back in the house.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Cassandra stared at her reflection. After splashing cold water on her face she f
elt a little calmer, but the cowboy named Chad had completely rattled her.

  “Okay,” she said to the image staring back at her, “he’s got you over a barrel. You can either play nice or cancel, and you sure as hell don’t want to cancel!”

  The five day event was one she’d been looking forward to all year. She would be staying at a high-end hotel called, The Pepper Tree Inn, while her horses would be boarded in the stables across the street from the venue.

  Not only did she enjoy the location and the country environment in which it was held, she was looking forward to spending time with her childhood friend, Hannah McCloud. After Hannah’s family had moved away, they’d stayed in touch, and while Cassandra pursued show jumping, Hannah had veered off into western riding. They’d both attended the Mill Creek show the year before, and had a great time catching up and spending time together.

  Patting her face dry, she wandered back into the bedroom and stared out her window. A gorgeous paint horse, its splotches of brown and white dancing over its body, was walking beside Chad to a nearby corral. The horse was on one side of him, and running along on the other was a cattle dog wearing a red bandana. It was a scene out of a movie, or a photograph for a calendar waiting to be shot. Considering the horse was in a strange environment, he was as placid as any she’d ever seen, and the dog, off leash, was as close to his master’s leg as he could get.

  I want to be a part of that, it’s so sweet, she sighed. Shit, the drive is only six hours, and it might be kind of cool. I’ll take my iPod, and if he gets too annoying I can just listen to my music, besides, once I get up there I won’t have to see him again until it’s time to leave. He can’t be that much of a monster if his animals love him like that.

  Having made up her mind, she was about to grab her overnight bag, when she had an inkling to put on some makeup. Maybe looking attractive might help her cause, it certainly couldn’t hurt, and after dabbing on blue eye shadow, dusting her eyelashes with black mascara, and smoothing on some pink lip gloss, she picked up her bag and hurried down the stairs.