To Trust A Cowboy (Hunks and Horses Book 4) Read online

  Contents

  Title Information

  Prologue

  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

  Chanpter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Epilogue

  HUNKS AND HORSES

  A Word From Maggie

  Hunks and Horses

  Book Four

  To Trust A Cowboy

  Maggie Carpenter

  Copyright © 2018 Dark Secrets Press

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  Published by Dark Secrets Press LLC.

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  PROLOGUE

  Leaning against his truck, arms crossed, hat low over his brow, Dylan Clark narrowed his eyes as the horse van rolled into the show grounds and slowed to a stop. It carried a mare named Misty Dawn. The van's arrival meant the mare's owner, Natalie Beaumont, wasn't far behind. The end of year show would see the best of the best vying for championship honors in various classes, including western dressage. Dylan was a top contender in Level One and competing for this third world title, but thoughts of the show had taken a backseat.

  He clenched his teeth.

  It was twelve months to the day he and Natalie Beaumont had shared an unforgettable, spine-tingling, heart-stopping kiss.

  "Has she arrived?"

  "Hey, Heath. The trailer just came in," Dylan replied, as his buddy ambled up to join him.

  "When was the last time you saw her?"

  "She was at the feed store a couple of weeks ago, but she batted those gorgeous green eyes at me so don't ask what we talked about."

  "Dylan, why don't you just move on?"

  "I wish I could. Lord knows I've tried. She's under my skin, Heath. Has been for a long time."

  "Yeah, I know you mean. I've been there. Still am, except now Carly's my wife."

  "How can a girl like Natalie be single?"

  "Are you sure she is?"

  "Have you ever seen her with anyone?" Dylan pressed, turning to face him.

  "Can't say I have."

  "If she does have a guy in her life he's not doin' right by her. She's always alone at the shows. There she is. That's her comin' through the gate."

  A white jeep drove into the parking area and moved towards the horse van, now parked and ready to unload.

  "Dylan, if I didn't know better I'd say you're obsessed."

  "Maybe I am, but I'm not imaginin' things when I say it's mutual. That's what has me so wound up."

  "If you really believe that keep the faith. Like Bebe's song says, if it's meant to be…"

  Dylan hadn't told his friend about the kiss. He hadn't told anyone. He couldn't talk about the urgency with which Natalie had pressed her body against his, or the way her arms had clung desperately around his neck. But when the kiss ended, he'd witnessed both longing and fear in her emerald green eyes .

  "Hey, Dylan!"

  The show manager, Jim Green, was striding purposefully across the parking lot, but Natalie had stepped from her jeep and Dylan wasn't about to shift his gaze. Her honey-blonde hair hung loose around her pink-shirted shoulders, and her painted-on jeans clung to her voluptuous backside. A surge of energy pulsed through his body, but a commotion at the horse van abruptly distracted him.

  "I need a quick word," Jim declared, marching forward.

  But Dylan's eyes stayed focused on Misty Dawn. Spooking as she'd stepped from the trailer, the mare continued to prance and the handler was quickly losing control.

  "Sorry, Jim, gotta go."

  Convinced the mare would rip the lead rope from the inexperienced hands and run for the gate, Dylan broke into a sprint and raced across the parking area to head her off. As he'd feared, the mare did just that and bolted away from the noisy show grounds, but as Dylan darted in front of her and spread his arms, Misty broke to a trot, then stopped and stared at him, nostrils flaring and eyes wide.

  "Easy, girl, easy there," Dylan crooned as the horse snorted and pawed the ground. "Whoa, easy, that's it."

  The dangling lead rope sat perilously close to her foot. If she stepped on it she could panic. Cautiously reaching into his pocket he retrieved a roll of peppermints, and dropping a couple into the palm of his hand, he extended his arm towards the anxious mare.

  "You wanna treat?"

  Misty pricked her ears, and as she cautiously accepted the offering, Dylan slowly took hold of the lead rope, lifting it off the ground.

  "Thank you so much," Natalie said breathlessly as hurried up to him. "She could have run out the gate and into the road. That was so scary."

  "Glad to help. What spooked her?"

  "Some kid with a mylar balloon walked around the corner of the truck just as she was coming off. Look at her, she's still nervous," Natalie remarked, watching Misty move backwards and forwards.

  "Where is she stayin'?"

  "Barn D. The one with the corrals off the stalls."

  "I'll walk with you, make sure you make it in one piece."

  "You don't have to. We'll be fine."

  "She's jumpin' outta her skin. I wouldn't feel right if I didn't see you there safe and sound."

  Proving his point, the mare suddenly shied at groundsman hurrying past carrying several rakes over his shoulder.

  "You might be right," Natalie admitted. "She's totally wired and I still need to get my bag from the jeep."

  "I'll walk her for a bit while you do that. It'll help get her settled."

  "Thanks, Dylan."

  "Okay, Misty, let's go see what Jim wants," Dylan said, leading the agitated mare towards the show manager already on his way to meet up. "I'm happy to talk, Jim, but I need to keep this girl movin'."

  "No problem. I'm glad you caught her," Jim replied, falling into step beside him. "Heath said he had to leave and he'll catch up with you later."

  "Thanks. What's up?"

  "A couple of things. I wanted to let you know we've had so many entries in Level One the division's will be split into men and women with a ride off, but there's something else. I had a band booked for the closing night party and they just canceled on me."

  "Damn! That's too bad, but I'm not sure how I can help."

  "I have to come up with a replacement, and fast. I don't suppose you know any bands or singers, do you? I'm asking around."

  "Not off the top of my head, but after I get Natalie and this mare safely to her barn I'll swing by your office and we can brainstorm."

  "Thanks, Dylan. Here comes Natalie now. Will you tell her about the split class? I need to get back."

  "Sure."

&
nbsp; "Hi, Jim," Natalie said as he began walking away. "How are you?"

  "Good, busy of course. I'll let Dylan fill you in."

  "He looks as fried as Misty," Natalie remarked as Jim hurried off. "What's the problem?"

  "The band for the party bailed."

  "Ouch. What's he going to do?"

  "That's what he's tryin' to figure out," Dylan replied as they started towards the barn area. "He was also tellin' me Level One is gonna be split between men and women."

  "That many entries?"

  "Apparently. Looks like you and I won't be competin' against each other after all."

  "Unless we're the top scorers."

  "You think that could happen?" he asked, shooting her a grin.

  "This may be our first time up at this level, but I think Misty and I just might make it, and if we do we'll give you a run for your money."

  "Lookin' forward to it, but there's no guarantee I'll beat my competition. New year, new rivals," he said modestly, then taking a breath, he asked, "Did you come here by yourself?"

  "There are others from my barn, but yeah, just me and Misty. Unfortunately she doesn't fit in my jeep so we had to take separate vehicles."

  "Shoot. You two could've hitched a ride with me."

  "How would that have worked? Misty in the flatbed, or galloping along behind?"

  "Actually, I have a horse van, not a truck and trailer. You would've keep Billy the Kid company in back, and I'd have Misty up front with me."

  "Touché," she said with a giggle. "Mind you, Billy's a handsome fella. I wouldn't mind traveling with him."

  Though the sparks between them crackled, he found it as puzzling as he did titillating. Their attraction was strong, but every time he'd asked her to join him for coffee she'd turned him down.

  "Getting back to Jim," she continued. "Do you have any ideas for him?"

  "Not yet. Twelve-hundred pounds of dancin' mare at the end of a rope needs all my attention."

  "I can see how she could be a bit distracting."

  "What's your stall number?" he asked as they entered Barn D.

  "Four."

  "You wanna take her in? She seems settled now."

  "Thanks, I would."

  But as she took the rope from his hand, he decided enough was enough.

  "Dylan? What is it? Why do you look so serious?"

  "I'll tell you in a second."

  "I hope it's nothing serious," she said, walking Misty into the stall.

  To her dismay he didn't say it wasn't, and slipping the halter from her horse's head, she stepped out, closed the door, and fixed him with a steady gaze.

  "Okay, Dylan. What's on your mind?"

  "Do you remember what happened one year ago today?" Though she didn't respond, a pink blush abruptly bloomed across her cheeks. "I'm gonna take that as a yes."

  "I don't know why you're talking in riddles, but I don't have time for this," she said testily. "I need to get my stuff together," but as she briskly turned to walk away, Dylan caught her elbow.

  "Not so fast, Natalie. I remember that kiss like it was yesterday, and you do too."

  "I don't know what you mean."

  "The hell you don't," he said sharply, then taking a breath, he softened his voice. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap. Please, just be straight with me. What are you so afraid of? Or are you just a tease?"

  Her face crinkled.

  "I'm no tease, but I can't do this right now. I need to stay focused."

  "Dammit. What the hell is goin' on with you, Natalie? Why do you flirt then turn me down?"

  A group of laughing teenagers suddenly ran into the barn, and jerking her arm from his grip she hurried away, disappearing into a nearby tack room. He considered going after her, but changed his mind, and as he left the barn he wasn't completely disappointed. The uncomfortable conversation had borne fruit. She cared, and he'd seen the conflict in her eyes.

  "Hi, Dylan. How are things going?"

  Turning his head, Amanda Brown, a young woman he'd recently dated, ambled towards him. Though he'd enjoyed her company and cared for her, living in the confines of vanilla sex had become too frustrating. Ending the short-lived relationship had been a relief for them both.

  "Good, Amanda. What about you?"

  "Excited to be here, though I know beating Natalie Beaumont won't be easy, and beating you downright impossible."

  "Impossible? I doubt that."

  "Um, Dylan, I'm glad things aren't weird between us and we can still be friends."

  "Me too, but why would things be weird?"

  "They can be when things don't work out."

  "Not every relationship has to end with drama."

  "No, I guess not," she said thoughtfully. "I suppose drama happens when things run hot. We were more like warm water."

  He chuckled.

  "Warm water can be nice for a while, and it was, but then you've either gotta turn up the heat or get outta the tub."

  "I like the analogy," she said with a grin, "though I think the pilot light went out on our water heater altogether."

  "Hah, that's pretty good. I hope you do well, Amanda, and I mean that."

  "Thanks. Good luck to you too, not that you need it."

  "We can all use luck in our lives."

  Leaning forward, she pecked him on the cheek.

  "Later, Dylan."

  "Yeah, see ya, hon."

  The quick exchange buoyed him, and heading to the administration building he turned his attention to Jim's pressing problem. Pushing open the double doors he found the usual gathering of competitors, and making his way into the hallway, he reached Jim's office and knocked.

  "Come in."

  "Hey, Jim, I might have an idea," Dylan said as he entered. "I think it's your only choice."

  "I take whatever you've got. Take a seat."

  "I don't think you'll find a live act with such short notice, but you should be able to find a D.J."

  "Great suggestion. Why didn't I think of that?"

  "You've got a million things goin' on, that's why. Google Deejay for hire, and this zip code. If that doesn't work branch out to surrounding areas."

  "Dylan, I owe you one. By the way, how's Misty Dawn?"

  "Settled right down. I have a feelin' Natalie's gonna do well."

  "What makes you say that?"

  "The mare looks amazin', and Natalie's confident. Confidence can take you a long way."

  "Huh. You might be right about that."

  "I need to check on Billy. Good luck findin' that D.J."

  "Thanks again, Dylan, and good luck to you as well."

  Dylan left the office, but pausing in the hallway a thought crossed his mind.

  "I just might end up in that ride-off against you, Natalie. Damn. I've gotta make sure I come out on top against my buddies. I want that to happen."

  CHAPTER ONE

  Two Days Later

  To add a touch of fun to the Level One class, Jim named the ride-off The Stallion vs. The Mare, and with so many entrants the class brought record spectators. The men were scheduled to ride first, and sitting on his dark bay gelding Dylan watched his competition from the sidelines. Though he saw every rider as a potential threat, two cowboys stood out. The first put forth a lackluster performance, but Caleb King, a cowboy with extensive show experience but new to western dressage, scored high on a gelding named Domino. This came as no surprise to Dylan. Their mutual friend Heath Boyd owned Dream Horse Ranch, a training and sales barn that produced outstanding horses, and Domino was one of them.

  "Great ride," Dylan remarked as Caleb exited the arena.

  "Thanks," Caleb replied. "I hope it's enough to be the top stallion."

  Dylan chuckled.

  "I'm sure you do, but I'm gonna do my damnedest to beat that score."

  As Caleb climbed off his horse to hug his fiancée, a pang moved through Dylan's heart. Sending his eyes across the audience he searched for Natalie. There was still no sign of her. With several competitors left t
o perform before his turn, he left for the warm up ring to move his handsome gelding through his paces.

  There were several other competitors practicing, and as he broke into an easy lope, Natalie's image suddenly popped into his head. Since their confrontation on the day of her arrival he'd seen her a few times and waved a happy hello, but received only a Mona Lisa smile in return. Renewed frustration boiled up inside him, and with only a few minutes to regain his focus, he pulled Billy to a stop, swung out of the saddle, and standing in front of him, he looked into the horse's big brown eye.

  "Hey, big fella. I'm not feelin' on top of my game. I'm gonna need you to—" but before he could finish Billy dropped his head and shoved him, then snorted loudly. "Damn!" Dylan exclaimed, laughing out loud. "Okay, okay. I'll get my shit together."

  Billy the Kid was the offspring of Dylan's champion mare, Calamity Jane. When Billy came into the world, Dylan had assisted in the birth, then programmed him as a foal. No-one but Dylan had ever sat on his back, and the two shared a deep bond. Still chuckling at his horse's antics, he climbed back on board and headed to the arena. Focused and ready to compete, he and Billy turned in a flawless, show-stopping performance. As the crowd cheered and hooted their approval, Billy pranced with pride.

  "Looks like you got me beat," Caleb remarked as Dylan left the arena. "That was one heck of a ride."

  "I've gotta be honest. That was down to this guy," Dylan replied, stroking Billy's neck.

  "And he seems to know it," Caleb said, grinning as Billy continued to jig.

  "You bet he does. He's one amazin' horse, but don't worry, Caleb, you'll be back next year, and I've gotta feelin' you and Domino are gonna go all the way to the top."

  "Appreciate you sayin' so."

  Billy insisted they keep moving, and Dylan believed in a two-way street: if he listened to Billy, Billy listened to him. Loosening the reins, Billy dropped his head, strode outside and carried Dylan back to the barn. There were several competitors left to perform, but none Dylan considered a serious threat to his high score. Removing the bridle and sliding on a halter, he led Billy to the cross ties, pulled off his saddle, and gave him a peppermint.