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

  "You're a champion, Billy, through and though."

  Billy licked his lips, nudged Dylan for seconds, and as Dylan fed him another, Amanda wandered into the barn.

  "Hey, Amanda. Whatta you doin' here?"

  "I wanted to congratulate on that amazing performance. You wiped the floor with everyone, though Caleb did well on Domino."

  "Thanks, and yeah, he did. How are you feelin'? You'll be ridin' soon."

  "I feel great, but I feel bad for Natalie Beaumont."

  "Why?"

  "She says she's toast," Amanda replied, sitting on a nearby tack trunk. "Poor thing said she may as well pack up and leave."

  "What happened?"

  "Her bridle's missing, and apparently it's custom made. She can't ride without it."

  "You're kiddin'?"

  "Gone. Disappeared. A bunch of us looked everywhere."

  "Are you sayin' someone stole it?"

  "To quote Natalie, it didn't grow legs and walk out of here."

  "I'll put Billy away and help with the search. If we don't find it I'll put something together for her."

  "She'll appreciate that. She's totally losing it."

  "Do me a favor. Run back and tell her I'll be right there."

  "Sure, but Dylan, I don't know where else there is to look."

  "My mom always used to say, if it isn't where it should be, look where it shouldn't be."

  "Don't you have to go back to the arena to see if you've topped the class?"

  "I'm more concerned about findin' Natalie's bridle, and I doubt anyone will beat my score. Please run over there and let her know the cavalry is on its way. I'll only be a few minutes."

  "You're a great guy, Dylan," she said, and sliding off the trunk she hurried away.

  "Well, Billy, it looks like I've got a damsel in distress," he declared, unhooking the cross ties. "I'll get you some hay and you can relax for a bit."

  Leading Billy to his stall, he hung the hay net, then headed to Natalie's barn. Only a short walk, he was soon striding down the aisle, and opening the door to the tack room, expecting to find Natalie and her friends still searching frantically, he was surprised to see Heath's wife with the lost bridle in her hands.

  "Carly, you found it!" he exclaimed. "That's great. Where was it?"

  "In the feed room behind a bale of hay," Carly replied"

  "This is crazy," Natalie exclaimed. "It was hanging on the hook above my saddle."

  "Crazy is right," Dylan agreed, "but Carly, how did you know the bridle belonged to Natalie, or were you helpin' her search?"

  "I stopped into the feed room to look for a bag of grain put in this barn by mistake. The minute I noticed it lying on the floor I knew it belonged to Natalie."

  "I took Misty to Dream Horse Ranch when I first got her because I was having a few issues," Natalie explained. "When Carly put her in a bit-less bridle she settled down, but I needed to have one custom made. It cost me a fortune."

  "Like I said, as soon as I saw it I knew it was hers," Carly added, "but anyone would. It has a nameplate."

  "How could this have happened?" Natalie muttered, shaking her head. "I don't understand."

  "I have no idea, but I need to run," Carly replied. "Just take a deep breath. The drama's over."

  "Thanks so much. Will you be watching?"

  "Wouldn't miss it, and you've got a shot so don't let this rattle you. Bye, Dylan. Oh, and congrats, by the way. Fantastic ride."

  "Thanks. I'll probably see you and Heath at the party tonight."

  "Sure will."

  As Carly left, Dylan put his hands on his hips and stared at the ground. The disappearance of the bridle was odd, but he was also concerned about Natalie's state of mind.

  "Dylan, why do you look so serious?"

  "Hidin' that bridle was purposeful, and I'm also thinkin' about what Carly just said: don't let this rattle you."

  "Hard not to."

  "Where's Amanda and the others? I thought you had a bunch of people helpin' you search."

  "They left when Carly found it."

  "Natalie, I want you to listen to me," he said, gripping her by the shoulders and locking her eyes. "Carly's right. You've got a super little mare, and you've worked hard and come a long way for this moment. Make it count. If you wanna be a champion you've gotta rise above mishaps. Go into that ring and prove you've got what it takes. If someone is tryin' to put you off your game, the best revenge is success."

  "Dylan, thank you, and uh, I'm sorry if I've been weird. My life is a bit, uh, complicated."

  Impulsively he moved his arms around her. She stiffened, but only for a moment, and as she sank against him, he heard a heavy sigh.

  "It's okay," he murmured. "I just hope we can talk soon."

  "Yeah, we probably should."

  "Do you have any idea who might have taken your bridle?"

  "None. Not really," she said, pulling back.

  "Not really?"

  "I'll explain later, but I think I'm wrong."

  "Feelin' better?"

  "I am, thanks to you."

  "More thanks to Carly. She's the one who found your bridle."

  "Yes, and Carly."

  "You need to get ready, but before you go I need to ask you something. Who are the other top riders in your class?"

  "A girl called Chelsea Maddox, but I don't know her, I've only heard about her, and Susan Cooper, but there are probably others. You think one of them might have been responsible?"

  "The culprit must be someone who wants to see you fail. Where are Chelsea and Susan keepin' their horses?"

  "I think Chelsea is where you are, Susan I haven't got a clue, but her trainer is Brad Smith."

  "I know where Brad is. What does Chelsea look like?"

  "Pretty. Red hair and blue eyes."

  "Shoot, that's my phone," he declared, pulling it from his pocket. "You get yourself together and I'll see you at the arena."

  "Okay, thanks again, Dylan."

  "Glad I could help," he said with a warm smile, then stepped into the barn aisle to accept the call.

  "Hey, Dylan, it's Heath. Where are you?"

  "Helpin' Natalie. Major crisis avoided thanks to your wife," Dylan replied as he started back to his barn. "I'm sure she'll tell you all about it. What's up?"

  "The class is over and you got the top score."

  "Hey, fantastic. Thanks for callin'."

  "Now you've gotta hold up our side, buddy."

  "Which side is that?"

  "Which side is that?" Heath repeated with a chuckle. "I'm serious. You've gotta beat the mare."

  "Is this gonna become a major battle of the sexes?"

  "Become! It already is. You can thank Jim for that."

  "No pressure then."

  "None," Heath replied. "Just know if you don't win you'll be called a gelding."

  "I'd like to see someone try!"

  "I'll consider myself warned," Heath said with a chuckle. "Catch ya later."

  "Bye."

  Dylan quickened his pace, but as he neared his barn a young woman with long, curly red hair walked out leading a stunning grey gelding.

  "Excuse me," he said as he approached. "Are you Chelsea?"

  "Yeah, and you're Dylan Clark. Nice to meet you."

  "You too. I know you need to get over to the ring, but I have to ask you something."

  "Sure. How can I help?"

  "This will sound strange, but has anything unusual happened in the last half-hour or so?"

  "No, nothing. Why do you ask?"

  "Natalie had her bridle go missin'," he said gravely. "You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"

  "I'm afraid not. When did this happen?"

  "In the last hour."

  "I've been busy getting the green spots off Silver here. There's no such thing as a grey horse. You know that, right? There are only grey and green horses."

  "I thank the Lord every day Billy the Kid is a dark bay."

  "You should. I hope you solve t
he mystery. Nice to meet you, and forgive me for saying this, but I hope I can beat your score."

  "Good to meet you too, and good luck, Chelsea."

  Crossing his arms, convinced she had nothing to do with the bridle's disappearance, he watched her head towards the arena.

  "Why do I get the feelin' Susan Cooper is equally innocent? Somethin's off. I just don't have a clue what it could be."

  CHAPTER TWO

  Dylan had made his way to Susan Cooper's barn, but as he approached he heard the sound of loud voices. Quickening his pace, he entered to find Natalie in a heated argument with a tall, dark-haired girl.

  "Whoa! What's goin' on here?"

  "This crazy bitch claims I took her Show Sheen," the dark-haired girl hissed, "then she started carrying on about her bridle. Why the hell would I take anything of hers, especially Show Sheen. I already have half-a-dozen bottles of the stuff."

  "Are you Susan Cooper?" Dylan asked.

  "Yeah, and you're Dylan Clark. No offense, Dylan, but this is bullshit and I have to go."

  "She's not going anywhere until she gives me back my Show Sheen."

  "Natalie, take a breath," Dylan said firmly. "What makes you think Susan took your Show Sheen?"

  "I discovered it was missing after you left, then someone tipped me off."

  "Tipped you off?" Susan repeated. "What do you mean, tipped you off? We're not in some stupid TV cop show."

  "Susan, please, just be quiet for a minute. Natalie, who told you this?"

  "Look for yourself," Natalie retorted, retrieving her phone and handing it to him. "I got a text."

  As Dylan stared at the message, Susan stepped forward to look over his shoulder.

  If you want to know who's messing with you, check out Susan Cooper. Barn C, next to yours. She hid your bridle and stole your Show Sheen.

  "Do you have any idea who sent this?" Dylan asked.

  "No. It came through as number unavailable."

  "Natalie, I swear to you, I didn't touch your bridle or anything else," Susan insisted. "Whoever sent this is lying."

  "But who would do that, and why?" Natalie asked, glaring at her. "Someone just made this up for the sake of it?"

  "I think that's exactly what this is," Dylan muttered.

  "Natalie, I repeat. I don't know anything about your Show Sheen or your bridle," Susan declared. "I don't even know what barn you're in."

  "Someone is purposely upsettin' you both," Dylan said solemnly, "but Susan, and this is just a guess, I think Natalie's the target and they're just usin' you."

  As Natalie shifted her gaze to look up at Dylan, a cold chill shivered through her body.

  "Shit. Susan, I'm so sorry. I read the text and just reacted."

  "It's okay. I would have confronted you as well."

  "Both of you need to forget about this and focus on one thing, and one thing only. Givin' the best performance you can."

  "Dylan, you're absolutely right. I'm so glad you showed up," Susan said gratefully. "We'd still be locked in battle."

  "Not a problem. Your class should be startin' soon. I think I saw the water truck leavin' on my way over here."

  "Really? Dammit. I'm up fourth. I need to get over there. Thanks again, Dylan."

  "How soon before you ride?" Dylan asked Natalie as Susan hurried away.

  "I'm near the end of the class. Ages yet."

  "Then we need to have a chat about who's doin' this and why."

  "But I don't know anything."

  "Will you come with me for a minute?"

  "Where to?"

  "Behind this barn is an empty field. We can talk privately."

  "Okay."

  As he reached out his hand, to his delight she accepted, and as they walked outside he spied a large tree stump, the perfect spot to for her to sit and catch her breath.

  "Natalie, I think you have an idea who's behind all this," he began as she sat down. "You can trust me."

  "Trust. Yeah, well, I'm not great with that."

  "Who wants to upset your apple cart?"

  "I'm not used to this. I deal with things myself."

  "I only want to help," he said, sensing a change in her mood.

  "This is a mistake," she suddenly declared, jumping to her feet. "There's nothing to talk about. I should go."

  "Hey, I'm on your side."

  "Dylan, yes, I'm attracted to you, but I don't know you, not really. How can I tell you things that are…?"

  "Are what?"

  "Personal and uncomfortable? Really uncomfortable."

  "Natalie, if you don't want my help, you need to tell Jim. Someone's messin' with you and it's gotta stop."

  "Jim? Why would I tell him anything? He's just some guy who manages this show once a year."

  "I feel bad for you," he said with a sigh, rising to his feet. "Someone's out to hurt you, someone is hurtin' you, but for whatever reason you don't wanna stop them."

  "You don't understand."

  "I don't understand because you won't tell me anything, and I'm sorry Natalie, but I can't let this continue. I'm worried about you. I'm gonna tell Jim about this myself."

  "You said I could trust you!"

  "Open your eyes, Natalie. Sometimes you need to accept help, and this is one of those times."

  "Please, Dylan, don't tell Jim. I don't know him. I don't want him cornering me and asking a million questions."

  "I'm on your side, dammit. Just tell me what's wrong. Why are you so damn stubborn?"

  "I told you. I'm used to dealing with things on my own."

  "And how's that workin'?"

  "Shit."

  "I could always put you over my knee."

  A pink blush suddenly flamed across her cheeks and she dropped her gaze, but not before Dylan caught the flicker in her eyes. A flicker he recognized. Now he understood, at least partially, what was going on with her. The strongest women were often the most submissive, but they could also be the most self-protective.

  "Look at me," he said softly, cupping her chin. "I promise I won't tell another soul. Please, let me help you."

  "You swear?"

  "I swear."

  "And you won't do anything without talking to me first?"

  "I won't do anything without talkin' to you first."

  "How do I know I can trust you?"

  "What's your heart sayin'?"

  Letting out a sigh she leaned against his chest, and as he brought his arm around her, he said a silent prayer of thanks.

  "At first I thought my dad might have hired someone," she murmured, her head buried in his shoulder. "He doesn't understand my passion for horses and he wants me in the family business, but he'd never do anything so mean. I feel terrible I even thought such a thing."

  "Hey, when things happen that make us crazy, we think crazy things."

  "Thank you for saying that. I love my dad, and he loves me. I feel so guilty."

  "Let it go. You're only human. Is there anyone else you can think of."

  "Doug Baldwin," she replied, pulling back to look up at him. "He's this creepy guy who works for Western Rider Clothing. He's offered me a modeling contract, but can I fill you in about this later? You were right when you said I need to focus on the competition, and I need to get Misty out."

  "You bet, and thanks for trustin' me, I know it was hard. How would you like me to be your official bodyguard?"

  "Really? Yes, please. I'm trying not to be, but I'm scared. If you're around I won't have to keep looking over my shoulder."

  "Nope. I'll do that for you. Don't worry, I'll be stickin' to you like glue."

  * * * * * * * * * *

  As Natalie groomed her mare and Dylan watched, he realized he knew very little about her. The Beaumont family lived on a sprawling estate half-way between the small country town and the city, but in spite of their obvious wealth Natalie boarded her mare at Moonrise Ranch, a small barn on the outskirts of town. Though it offered decent facilities, the property suffered from neglect, and the resident traine
r, Mark Thompson, didn't have the best of reputations. Dylan had heard he could be moody and unpredictable, sometimes not showing up for a scheduled lesson.

  "I'm going to head over to the arena," she said, leading Misty from the cross ties. "I want to check and see how things are going."

  "Sure. Let's do it."

  "Actually, would you mind doing me a really big favor?"

  "Depends on what it is," he said with a grin, then quickly added, "Of course not. Name it."

  "You'll have to leave me alone for five minutes."

  "Then I might have to say no."

  "I'm dying for a cup of coffee. Would you mind? I'm sure nothing will happen between here and the arena."

  "I promised I wouldn't leave your side."

  "Please? I'm drained, besides, look around. There are people everywhere. Please, Dylan? Pretty please?"

  "Okay, but keep your eyes open, and if you get any more mysterious texts ignore them."

  "Deal."

  "Cream and sugar?"

  "Both please. Two packets of sugar."

  Staying with her until she was in the saddle and on her way, he headed to one of the nearby mobile coffee vans and placed the order, but continued to keep his eye on her as she approached the arena.

  "Hey, Dylan."

  Turning his head, he saw Heath striding towards him.

  "Hey, Heath. You lookin' for a caffeine fix too?"

  "Sure am. Carly told me what happened with Natalie's bridle. Strange."

  "Yep. Definitely. Say, Heath, do you think Carly would work with Billy and me? I wanna move up next year," Dylan said, wanting to change the subject. "I sure could use her expertise."

  "I'm sure she'd be happy to help. We were just sayin' you've outstayed your welcome in Level One."

  "I have?"

  "Just kiddin', but yeah, I think you could—uh-oh," he said, pausing mid-sentence, darting his eyes up. "An ambulance is on the move."

  "And it's headed for the arena where Natalie is," Dylan exclaimed. "I've gotta go."

  "I'm comin' with you. I've gotta client in that group."

  Running across the grounds they saw the ambulance come to a stop, and as they drew closer, Dylan's heart sank. Misty was being held by one of the attendants.