The Cowboy and the Girl in the Hot Pink Chaps Page 3

  A bubble began in her gut and moved slowly upwards, gaining power and strength as it traveled. All her years of adoring him from afar, of being the odd one, having no boyfriends or dates, suddenly exploded in a torrent of emotion.

  “I wouldn’t have coffee with you if you were the last man on the planet,” she shouted. “You don’t even know me, but you like the long blonde hair, and perfect teeth, and the pink chaps. That’s what you want to have coffee with, not me! You don’t want to have coffee with me! Go and find some dingbat to go have coffee with. Trixie Davenport, that’s your speed, go and find her. I’m sure she’d just love to be seen with the famous Matt Montgomery.”

  Out of breath, out of words, and completely overcome, she made a loud grunting noise and hurried away.

  “What the hell was that?” Matt muttered.

  Jinx, who had been sitting patiently by his side, was not going let his long lost friend leave without a goodbye, and unexpectedly bounded after her.

  “Jinx! What the hell?”

  Matt was about to chase after them both, but he paused, slightly shell-shocked.

  That was totally bizarre. I should just call Jinx back and let her go. I should, but I don’t think I will. Whatever her problem is, that was totally out of line, and I need to find out what the hell is goin’ on.

  Breaking into a jog he managed to catch up to her just as she exited the building, Jinx following along behind.

  “Hey,” he called, “hey, wait a second.”

  To his relief she stopped, then slowly turned around.

  “What?” she snapped.

  “I don’t know what I’ve done to upset you, but that temper tantrum-”

  “Temper tantrum?” she interrupted glowering at him. “How dare you. Just because you’re a good looking guy with a fancy truck and money to burn, you think I should be all googly-eyed that you want to go out with me?”

  “Googly-eyed?” he exclaimed. “What the heck are you sayin’?”

  Jinx, upset that they were raising their voices began to bark, and bending down to pet him, she laid her trophy on the grass.

  “Jinxy, don’t worry sweetie,” she said affectionately. “You just have a thoughtless human for an owner.”

  “What is wrong with you?” Matt frowned totally bewildered.

  “There’s something wrong with me now?” she shrilled jumping to her feet, fighting the tears that threatened to burst at any moment. “There’s nothing wrong with me. I just don’t give a shit about all your money, and if I go out with someone it will because they’re genuinely interested in me, and I know they want to spend time with me because of who I am, not how I look.”

  They were suddenly locked, eye to eye, two wild beasts in a standoff.

  “You know what you need?” he said quietly, leaning forward, a deep furrow carving his forehead. “You need an old-fashioned, over the knee spankin’.”

  “What did you just say?”

  “You heard me. You’re upset about somethin’, okay, but damn, girl, the least you can do is tell me what it is. That was nothin’ but a childish outburst.”

  “You know what,” she hissed, knowing in one more second she’d dissolve into tears, “maybe you’re right, maybe that was a tantrum, and maybe I do need a spanking, but it sure as hell won’t come from the likes of you.”

  Dumbfounded, he watched her pick up her trophy and storm off.

  “We’ll see about that,” he called after her. “We’ll just see!”

  He stood with his hands on his hips, wondering what the hell the problem was, and as he reached down to rub Jinx’s head, he noticed an envelope laying on the ground. Gathering it up he discovered it was Dusty’s check.

  “Huh, isn’t this interestin’? Whatta ya think, Jinx? Should we take this over to the office, or maybe hand deliver it ourselves? I think maybe we’ll find out where Patrick O’Neals’ horses are stabled here, and wander on over.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Inside the barn, Patrick had a surprise waiting for Dusty’s return. Gathering his students, he’d arranged a last minute party to celebrate her victory. A few had dashed to the food truck to buy some drinks and cakes, and had set them up on one of the larger tack trunks in the barn aisle.

  Taking the stiff white card that had been Dusty’s competitor number, he’d flipped it over and written, SURPRISE, with a black felt tip pen across the back, then taped it to the wall outside the tack room. One of Dusty’s prizes had been a new cotton blanket for Licorice, and for the finishing touch, the groom had cleaned up the handsome black gelding, and had draped it over his back.

  “Where is she? She should be back by now,” one of the young students complained.

  “She’ll be here,” Patrick assured her. “She doesn’t know Licorice has been cleaned up and she’ll want to do that before she does anything else, trust me.”

  When he saw her enter the barn at the far end and head towards them, he knew immediately something was wrong. He’d known her since she was a self-conscious and insecure teenager, and had watched her grow into a self-confident and beautiful young woman, but certain characteristics hadn’t changed. One of those was her walk. When she was frustrated or angry she would take long, determined strides.

  “She’s upset about something,” girl mumbled. “She walks like that when she’s mad.”

  “I’d say that’s a good bet,” Patrick agreed. “I’ll go and see what’s up.”

  Though Dusty could see the small gathering ahead, she didn’t think for a minute it would have anything to do with her, and she was so upset about her fight with Matt the last thing she wanted was to play with the young girls in the barn.

  Shit. If I didn’t have to take care of Licorice I’d just turn around and go back to the trailer. I’m in no mood. Oh, damn, here comes Patrick. What does he want?

  “What’s wrong?” he asked. “The girls are thrilled with your win, and they want to celebrate with you. They’ve prepared a little party.”

  “What? Oh. That’s so thoughtful,” she mumbled feeling her ire begin to melt away.

  “You know how they look up to you,” he added. “Whatever’s upset you, can you put it aside for a few minutes?”

  Swallowing back the lump in her throat, she nodded her head.

  “I will, yes, for them,” she mumbled. “It’s very sweet, of course I can,” and I refuse to let dick-head Matt ruin the rest of my day.

  “We can talk later if you want,” Patrick offered putting his arm around her shoulders.

  “Nothing to talk about,” she replied tossing her head. “Let’s get this party started.”

  Forcing a smile, she started walking towards the excited gang waiting to greet her, and as she approached they let out a cheer.

  “You were awesome,” one of the young girls yelled.

  “Thanks, Amanda. Why don’t you put this big, heavy trophy in the tack room for me while I give my amazing boy a big carrot?”

  “Really?” the girl beamed. “Yes, please.”

  Dusty handed the happy girl the large, silver cup, then grabbing some carrots, with a gaggle of girls following her she walked across to her horse.

  Watching her, Patrick knew something very disturbing had happened, but he knew not to push.

  I’m sorry you’re upset Dusty, but I’m not going to postpone our conversation. I can’t. It’s past due. Before you leave tonight, you and I will be having a very serious conversation. Very serious.

  Matt had decided to wait until later in the day to find Dusty and return her check. He wanted to give them both some time to cool down, and he also wanted to try to figure out what he’d done or said to make her so angry. Jumping into his truck he headed back into town.

  “I think we should stop for some coffee and a bite to eat. Whatta say, Jinx?”

  Jinx barked his agreement, and a short time later Matt was seated at his favorite table on the outside patio of Annie’s Eats, the cafe that had become his second home. Though it faced the street, tall windows of
fered a buffer against the noise, and provided a comfortable environment for the customers.

  “Hey, Matt, what can I get you?”

  The waitress, Mary Jo, was the daughter of the owner, and had worked there every summer for as long as Matt could remember.

  “Burger, fries, coffee,” he smiled, “but the coffee first. How’s college? When do you go back?”

  “I love it. In a couple of weeks. I miss it, but then I miss this place when I’m there. It’s weird.”

  “No, it’s normal,” he assured her. “I was the same. It’s excitin’ and fun to be away, but there’s no place like home.”

  “Would Jinx like some water?” she asked, reaching down to pat him.

  “He would, thanks.”

  As she ambled away, Matt leaned back and thought about the diatribe Dusty Anderson had delivered.

  Anderson. Strange, I know that name, I’m sure I do, and she yelled at me as if we’d known each other our whole lives. Jinx knows her, it’s obvious, and she called him, Jinxy. There was someone I remember using that name a long time ago. Who the hell was that?

  Interrupting his thoughts, Mary Jo returned with his coffee and Jinx’s water bowl.

  “He’s such a cutie,” she smiled as she placed the bowl on the ground next to him.

  “Mary Jo, you’ve been workin’ here since you were a kid. Do you remember anyone, a girl, who used to come here and call Jinx, Jinxy?”

  “I don’t think so,” she frowned, “but I’m not sure I’d remember something like that.”

  “What about the name Dusty Anderson? Does that ring a bell? A cowgirl, has a horse called Licorice?”

  “Huh. Well, I don’t ride, so I don’t really know that crowd, but there was a Dot Anderson who used to come here a lot, but I haven’t seen here in ages. Matt? Matt, are you okay.”

  He was staring at nothing, a shocked look on his face.

  “Matt?”

  “It can’t be,” he muttered under his breath.

  “I’ll be back in a minute,” Mary Jo said touching his shoulder.

  “What? Yeah, fine, thanks, Mary Jo.”

  That sexy, gorgeous girl is Dot Anderson? Dot Anderson, the skinny, timid little church mouse with braces and coke bottle glasses that used to hang around here? The girl I tried to befriend through Jinx. The girl I used to feel so bad for? I can’t believe it. Why didn’t she just tell me? Well, at least the mystery’s solved and I can straighten this out, but what a temper. How the hell could she expect me to recognize her? I haven’t seen her for, what, four, five years? I was right, she does need someone to paddle that gorgeous butt of hers. Talk about throwin’ a hissy fit. Good Lord.

  Back at the barn, the party was over and the girls had dispersed. Having cleaned up after them, with nothing left to do, Dusty was sitting in the tack room reading a horse magazine while she was waiting for the trailer to arrive. She was finished showing, and Licorice was going home.

  “Hello there,” Patrick said as he ambled in. “Just collecting my things and heading out. Are you waiting for the trailer?”

  “Yep. He won’t be long.”

  “You’re more than welcome to keep Licorice at my stable. He won’t be in a stall. We have those two empty paddocks out back.”

  “No thanks, I like him at home.”

  “It will save you all that time riding him back and forth.”

  “It’s good for him. We arrive warmed up, and it’s a relaxing trail ride home.”

  “Just know the offer stands,” he smiled. “Now on to other matters. Do you want to tell me what got you so upset earlier?”

  “Nope, but I’m worried about my check. I can’t find it anywhere.”

  “You lost your check? How?”

  “If knew how, I’d know where to look,” she snipped. “I thought I did, but it wasn’t there.”

  “Don’t get snappy,” he scolded. “Your aunt can cancel it and issue a new one tomorrow if she has to.”

  “I know, that’s why I’m not too worried.”

  “Dusty, we need to have a talk,” he said soberly, perching on a tack trunk opposite her.

  “Sounds serious,” she remarked.

  “It is serious. You’re not going anywhere until you tell me what you did today, to Trixie I mean. What did you say to her that made her almost topple off her horse?”

  “Please. She wasn’t going to fall out of her saddle. That thing she rides in is an armchair,” Dusty retorted.

  “That wasn’t an answer.”

  “I didn’t say anything to her, and that’s the truth, I swear.”

  “I know you, and I saw that look in your eye. I also saw you shadowing her after her bad run, so I know you did something. Spit it out.”

  “Fine,” she said sighing dramatically. “I may have had a conversation with, uh, let’s say, an imaginary friend, and Trixie may have been in earshot, and I may have said something about her saving time if she leaned more going around the second barrel.”

  The speed with which Patrick bolted off his tack trunk and yanked her to her feet, absolutely stunned her, but the ease with which he quickly bent her over and wrapped an arm around her waist, shocked her even more.

  “Patrick, the hell are you doing?”

  “I warned you if you pulled any more stunts I’d spank you,” he said sharply, “and that’s exactly what I’m going to do!”

  “Don’t you dare,” she wailed. “Patrick, let me go!”

  Ignoring her protest he dispatched a series of strong swats, crisscrossing her backside, then rained his hand on the delicate area where her thighs meet her cheeks.

  “PATRICK! OW! OW! PLEASE, STOP!”

  “This lesson needs to be brought home,” he scolded. “I warned you, I told you what I’d do if you attempted any more of your sneaky, cunning schemes.”

  “OKAY! STOP! OKAY!”

  His hand carried a serious sting, and though she’d been utterly mortified and embarrassed when his smacking palm had begun it’s work, all she could think about was how he was turning her cheeks into a pair of glowing embers.

  “Now,” he said sternly standing her up and gripping her arms, “I’m only going to say this one time. Are you paying attention?”

  “Yes,” she whimpered, afraid to raise her eyes to his, knowing her face was probably as red as her backside.

  “Look at me.”

  Tentatively lifting her gaze she searched his eyes for some kindness, but to her dismay she saw only steely determination.

  “This type of behavior stops today,” he commanded. “You’re going to the State finals, and you cannot, you absolutely cannot, pull any of your foolish crap there. If you do, and you’re caught, you’ll ruin your reputation, but that’s not all. My reputation will suffer right along with yours. The girls at the state level will be sharp. There won’t be a Trixie Davenport among them, and if they even sniff something, your ass will be hauled before the judging committee faster than you can ride a barrel race. Am I clear?”

  “Uh-huh,” she quivered.

  She’d known Patrick for over a decade, and during that time he’d not just been her trainer, he’d been like another older brother and her best friend. In all those years she’d never seen him so angry. She certainly hadn’t thought, even for a minute, that he carry out his threat to spank her.

  “I just smacked your bottom for both our sakes. You will not gamble with your future, and you sure as hell won’t gamble with mine. If anything like this ever happens again,” he paused, fiercely staring at her, “you’re out of the barn.”

  “Patrick!” she whimpered. “You can’t mean that.”

  “I do. You’ve grown into a gorgeous young woman, but sometimes you still act like a bratty teenager. You have to get your act together. You’re about to enter the big leagues, and it’s time to grow up. You know I love you, and I might spank you again if it’s warranted, but not for this. There’s no second chance with this. Cheating won’t fly. Understood?”

  “Yes, Patrick,” she
bleated, “I understand, and I’m sorry. I promise I’ll be clean as a whistle from now on.”

  Uncurling his fingers from around her upper arms, he pulled her against his chest and hugged her.

  “You know,” he said softly, “if I wasn’t batting for the other team, I’d be hard pressed not to want you for myself.”

  “I wish you weren’t,” she sighed. “You didn’t care how I looked when I came wandering into your barn all those years ago. You didn’t care how clumsy I was or how scared I was. You made me feel like I belonged. You never made me feel stupid or inadequate. You’ve loved me for me, and…and…”

  The emotional drama of the day swept over her, and breaking into heavy sobs she buried her head in his chest.

  “Hey, why are you crying? I didn’t spank you that hard, though I was tempted,” he joked trying to make her smile.

  “I just wish…” she blubbered.

  “What? You just wish what?”

  “That other men were like you. That everyone was like you.”

  Finally breaking away, she wiped her eyes and stared up at him.

  “Sorry.”

  “No need to apologize.”

  “It’s been a really weird day,” she sniffed. “Weird, and, uh, great, and very confusing.”

  “You okay?”

  “Kind of. I will be,” she sighed.

  “You are going to celebrate tonight, aren’t you?”

  “Auntie Sharon, and mom and I are going out for a meal.”

  “Good. Let your hair down, have a drink.”

  “I’m going to have more than one,” she said managing a smile.

  “Do you want me to wait with you until the trailer gets here?”

  “No, I think I’m going to go and hang out with Licorice for a bit.”

  “You do that. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “Okay. Thanks, Patrick, and you don’t have to worry. I got the message, believe me.”

  “I certainly hope so,” he said kissing her forehead. “Call me if you need me, and take the day off tomorrow. You’ve earned it. We only have a couple of classes and I have plenty of help.”