To Catch A Cowboy (Hunks and Horses Book 2) Page 3

  "I wish I'd taken note of the address of that house. The navigator! Of course. The navigator will take me back there, but do I want to go? I sure as hell want to know who he was, but I don't want him to see me. I need to think about this. I'll talk to Salvo. Maybe between the two of us we can come up with a plan."

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Lunch had been served, everyone had left the house, and sitting at the kitchen table Theresa was writing out her shopping list. Though her headache had passed, a vague weariness lingered and she found it difficult to concentrate. Stifling a yawn, she thought about brewing a fresh pot of coffee, but decided instead to drop into the local cafe. Run by Andy's girlfriend Maureen O'Toole, the coffee shop offered delicious cakes, cookies and pies. Taking five minutes to enjoy someone else's baking was decidedly appealing. Adding the last few items to the list, she was rising from the table when Carly walked in. Theresa knew immediately something was wrong.

  "Carly? Are you okay?"

  "I think so," she mumbled dropping into a chair. "Do we have any lemonade?"

  "Sure. I made a fresh batch yesterday," Theresa replied, fetching a glass from the cupboard. "What happened?"

  "I got dumped," Carly groaned as Theresa placed the drink in front of her. "Chuck bucked me off. I can't believe it. I was totally prepared and he still got the better of me."

  "No! Oh, my gosh. How? Why? Are you all right?"

  "I haven't hit the dirt in ages. He threw me a crazy buck out of nowhere. That's why he's called Chuck. He's famous for chucking people off his back. I don't know what's wrong with him. The vet came and went, said he was fine. I got on, and a minute later I was on the ground. I don't get it."

  "That is so scary," Theresa muttered as she sat down. "Where is he now?"

  "Andy untacked him and put him in a paddock. But I don't want to hold you up. I know you need to get to the store."

  "Is there anything I can do for you before I go?"

  "She's gettin' straight into a hot bath with Epsom Salts," Heath declared, marching into the kitchen. "The tub's already fillin' up. I've been lookin' for you, Carly. Andy texted me. Dang, girl. Are you okay?"

  "Just embarrassed, and I needed a drink," Carly said, then finishing the last of her lemonade, she rose slowly to her feet.

  "I had a bad feelin' about you gettin' on him," Heath remarked. "I know you're a great rider, but I don't want you gettin' on him again."

  "He seemed fine," Carly said with a weary sigh, leaning against him. "I'll figure it out. I just need some more time with him."

  "On the ground. I mean it, Carly. You're not ridin' him again. Come on, let's get you into that hot water."

  "Uh, Heath, I'm going into town," Theresa said, admiring how Heath was so protective of the woman he loved. "Do you need anything?"

  "Can't think of anything, Theresa, but thanks. Drive safe. One casualty is already one too many."

  "Feel better, Carly."

  "Thanks. I'll be sore for a couple of days, but I didn't break anything, thank God. I'll see you later."

  "Riding is dangerous, too dangerous for me," she said under her breath, as Carly limped away.

  Picking up her shopping list, she stuffed it into her purse and headed out the back door. Climbing into the Land Rover, she headed into town listening to the country and western radio station, singing along with her favorite tunes. When Cowboy Casanova came on, she flashed back to the previous night.

  "Maybe he's getting a reputation because he's so cute. I can see why he'd be a heartbreaker, but it's not his fault if the girls fall for him. Duke said he makes no promises. Shit. Duke. I can't believe he's coming to the ranch. I wonder if I was with him last night? Oh, dear God, I hope not. Why is everything a mess all of a sudden?"

  Out of sorts, she pulled into the grocery store parking lot, rolled to a stop, and grabbing her purse she climbed from the car.

  "I'm so not in the mood for this," she mumbled, entering the store. "I can't wait for that cup of coffee at Maureen's."

  Taking her time, she picked up the many things she needed, and by the time she approached the cashier's line there was no room left in her cart. Finally checked out, she pushed the heavy load outside, but as she started across the parking area a familiar voice called her name.

  Josh Brady.

  Her heart skipped a beat.

  "Let me help you."

  Turning around, the smiling, handsome cowboy strode towards her.

  "How many mouths do you have to feed," he joked as he reached her.

  "Uh, four, no, five, including me," she replied nervously, thinking he looked cuter than ever. "I'm the cook at Dream Horse Ranch, or do you know that already?"

  "Nope. You didn't mention that last night. I hear it's quite a spread," he said, taking control of the cart and moving it forward. "Where's your car?"

  "The white Land Rover over there, and yes, it's a beautiful property."

  "Where is it exactly?"

  "At the end of Bluebell Lane."

  "Great spot," he remarked, stopping at the car.

  Theresa unlocked the tail gate, and together they unloaded the bags from the trolley.

  "Thanks so much, Josh."

  "Are you in a hurry?"

  "Uh, no. I was planning a cup of coffee at Maureen's cafe."

  "Mind if I join you? I wanted to spend more time with you last night, but I never got the chance."

  Theresa's face flushed red, but she had no idea how to respond.

  "But hey, here we are," Josh exclaimed, quickly easing the awkward moment. "Now we'll be able to have a proper conversation. I'd like to know more about you. Let's go. Have you ever had Maureen's banana cream pie?"

  "I haven't," she replied as they started off. "I usually have the fruit tart or a blueberry muffin."

  "You're in for a treat, but there's a condition."

  "A condition? How can there be a condition to eating banana cream pie?"

  "You'll find out," he quipped, shooting her a wink, "and I want an answer to the question I asked you last night."

  "What question is that?"

  "Why do you sit and watch? Why don't you ever take a lesson?"

  "I'm not ready," she said, willing her heart to stop hammering and her butterflies to stop fluttering. "I love horses, but they scare me, and I'm afraid I'll fall off. Even good riders hit the ground, so I'm bound to."

  "Hey, the good riders fall off more than beginners. They take more chances. I take it you're not from around here."

  "No, I grew up in the city. This is all new to me, but I love it. I love everything about it."

  They'd reached the coffee shop, and holding the door open, he ushered her inside.

  "What would you like?" he asked as she walked past him.

  "A Grande Latte, please."

  "Grab us a table. I'll be right there."

  "Thank you."

  "My pleasure."

  Choosing a spot near the window, she sat down and watched him pick up two coffee mugs and head towards her. He carried himself with an easy gait, and when he reached her, his blue eyes twinkled down at her as he placed their drinks on the table.

  "She's bringin' the pie."

  "Great, thanks, Josh."

  "Tell me, Theresa, what's it gonna take for me to get you into a saddle."

  "Several shots of whiskey," she said with a giggle.

  "Yeah, well, that's not gonna happen, not on my watch."

  "I was kidding, but only partly. I have the desire, but not the nerve."

  "The next time you're at Tall Tree, you're gettin' on board."

  "Holy crap. You may never see me again."

  "That would a crime, and I'm no lawbreaker."

  "Here's your pie," Maureen declared, setting the scrumptious-looking desert on the table. "I brought two spoons. I figured you'd want to share it. Hello, Theresa."

  "Hi, Maureen. Thank you. That looks delicious."

  "I like to think it is."

  As she walked way, Theresa reached for a spoon, bu
t Josh snatched it away.

  "That condition I mentioned," he said, lowering his voice and leaning over the table.

  "Okay," Carly said warily. "I'm listening."

  Wordlessly Josh scooped up a spoonful of the rich dessert, and held it to her lips.

  "I get to feed it to you."

  "Josh Brady. You are such a flirt."

  "Uh-huh. Open wide."

  "And if I refuse?"

  "But you won't."

  "How can you be so sure?"

  "Two reasons. The first, I'm bettin' you love banana cream pie."

  "And the second."

  "The second I'm keepin' for another time. Now be good and open wide."

  He was weaving his spell, and even though she knew it, she was unable to resist. As Josh placed the creamy sweet in her mouth, she rolled her eyes and softly moaned.

  "That is divine."

  "Uh-huh."

  "And you are incorrigible. In fact, that's how I'll refer to you from now on. The Incorrigible Cowboy."

  "I like it," he said with a chuckle, taking a bite of the pie for himself.

  They fell into an easy camaraderie as he continued to feed her the rich dessert, the time flying by as they laughed and chatted about horses. When Theresa finally checked her watch, she was shocked to see almost an hour had passed.

  "I can't believe it. Thank you, Josh. I've had a really nice time, but I need to get back to the ranch."

  "Hey, it's been great, and I'm glad I got the chance to spend some time with you before I take off."

  "Take off?" she repeated, feeling her heart sink. "Where are you going?"

  "There's a four-week show up in Springdale leadin' into the regional championships."

  "Where's Springdale? The name rings a vague bell, but I haven't been out exploring very much."

  "Only about an hour away. We're headin' out tomorrow, but I'm not sure how long we'll be gone."

  "Why is that?"

  "Depends on how well we're doin', but when I get back, you're climbin' into that saddle."

  "Oh, my gosh."

  "I've gotta feelin' once you're up there I'll have a hard time gettin' you out."

  "You might be right about that," she said with a giggle. "I do love the thought of it."

  "How would you like to do me a favor?"

  "If I can."

  "I'm not competin', just trainin', so my own horse isn't comin'. She's a real sweetheart, and I know she'll be fed and taken out to her pasture every day, but maybe you could swing by when you have a minute and give her some attention."

  "I, uh, I'd like to, but I don't know what I could do."

  "Just stand by the fence and talk to her. She'll come up and visit with you. If you're nervous about feedin' her carrots, you can toss them on the ground, but you don't have to be. She's a lamb. I'd sure appreciate it, Theresa. She's a special girl and she's used to that kind of attention."

  "I'd love to visit her. What's her name?"

  "Queenie."

  "Queenie? That's adorable."

  "She's royalty as far as I'm concerned. Do you think you can get away late tomorrow mornin'?"

  "That won't be a problem. What did you have in mind?"

  "Come over to Tall Tree and I'll introduce you to her before I leave. We'll be takin' off around noontime."

  "I need to have lunch ready by then. I can come over around ten-thirty if that's okay."

  "Sounds good to me. Let's exchange numbers in case something comes up, and while I'm gone you can call if you have any questions. I'd like to check in anyway."

  "Sure," she said, grabbing her bag and retrieving her phone. "I'll text it to you. What's yours?"

  "Here's my card," he said, pulling out his wallet and handing it to her. I've gotta keep tabs on you. I need to know if you'll need a spankin' when I get back."

  "Excuse me?" she stammered, staring at him wide-eyed.

  "Don't look so shocked. You begged me for one last night."

  "I did not!"

  "Uh, yeah, you did, Princess," he said, lowering his voice, "and I promised I'd deliver, but I didn't get the chance."

  "I am so embarrassed right now. Much of last night is a blur."

  "You were pretty wasted."

  "Just one thing, Josh. A birdie told me you don't make promises."

  "I don't make promises I'm not sure I can keep, but that one was a no-brainer, and it's still good. Just remember, you opened the door."

  "Good grief. I didn't expect a conversation like this when I agreed to have a cup of coffee with you."

  "You know what they say. Life is full of surprises."

  "Can we please change the subject?"

  "You bet, but I know you have to go, and I need to get back to the barn," he said, grinning his wicked grin. "I only stopped at the store to pick up some snacks for the trip. I'm glad I did."

  "Me too. Thanks for the coffee and pie."

  "My pleasure. And I mean that."

  Titillated by the tantalizing conversation, they left the table and started to the door, but as stepped outside, he took her hand. Her heart skipped, and she decided the stories Heath had heard about Josh were just that, stories. Behind the handsome face and naughty flirty, she sensed a kind, decent man.

  Both parked in the supermarket lot, they strolled across to the store. His fingers held hers tightly, and she squeezed his in response. Her body and heart responded, and when they reached the Land Rover she put up no resistance when he pulled her into his arms. He held her for a moment, then his hand slid into her hair and tugged back her head. Closing her eyes and holding her breath, she waited to feel his mouth on hers. Initially it was a soft touching of lips, then his tongue slid between her teeth as he pressed harder. Circling his neck with her arms, she fervently kissed him back. The timeless liplock sent waves of need through her being, and finally breaking apart she melted against him, praying the moment would never end.

  The chestnut horse with the roached mane unexpectedly galloped through her mind's eye, and the words Josh had spoken in the dream echoed through her head.

  You don't have to be afraid. Not of anything.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Leaning against Josh's chest and wrapped in his muscled arms had been sheer heaven—and his kiss. His kiss had been sublime, and his hardness pressed against her thigh made her wish he would scoop her up and carry her away in his truck. The radio blasting her favorite tunes, when Luke Bryan began singing Most People Are Good, she took it as a sign.

  "Yes, they are," she exclaimed, "and that includes Josh Brady."

  Arriving at the ranch—her hangover a distant memory—she unloaded the groceries, then decided to cook up one of her favorite dishes for the evening meal; chicken and dumplings.

  Carly had spent the day resting in her room, but reappeared for dinner. Heath and Andy wanted to talk to her about Chuck, and dissect exactly what had happened before the horse had thrown her off his back. The cause of the ongoing issue was baffling. Only ten years old, the gelding had been a star, then out-of-nowhere began bucking. A small fortune had been spent attempting to diagnose the problem, but with no answers the owners called Heath asking if he'd like to take the former champion off their hands. Carly and Andy were familiar with the roan gelding, and believed him to be worth effort. As they ate the meal and discussed various theories, Theresa sat quietly daydreaming about Josh.

  The first couple of weeks at Dream Horse Ranch she'd wandered around in a daze. The closest she'd ever been to green trees and open spaces was the city park, and though the quiet evenings took some getting used to, she'd never slept better, and the permanent tension living her in shoulders slowly dissolved.

  And then there were the cowboys.

  There was something about boots and cowboy hats she found irresistible. When she accepted Heath's offer to replace the outgoing house manager, though she knew the title was a fancy name for cook/housekeeper, she was thrilled, but if she was going to stay she wanted a man with boots and a hat to call her own. With
Carly's encouragement she'd set about catching herself a cowboy. Now she dared to hope the mission had been successful. A smart, savvy city girl, she knew Josh's favor—visiting his mare—gave him the excuse to stay in touch with her. She smiled a secret smile, and glancing at Heath she sent him a silent message.

  You might know about horses, but you're wrong about Josh. Those rumors you heard are bullshit.

  "Man that was good," Andy declared, setting down his knife and fork. "Thanks, Theresa."

  Startled by her name, she snapped her head around and blinked at him.

  "The chicken and dumplin's. Great."

  "I'm glad you enjoyed it," she replied, quickly gathering her wits. "I hope you have room left for peach cobbler."

  "I'd love to have some, but I promised Maureen I'd head over to her place. She wanted me there for dinner, but I couldn't make it so we settled on sharing apple pie."

  "Then you'd better not keep her waiting."

  Worried Maureen might mention seeing her with Josh, then Andy might say something to Heath, Theresa frantically searched for a tactful way of getting ahead of the story by broaching the subject.

  "Feel better, Carly," Andy said, rising to his feet. "I'll give Chuck another goin' over tomorrow."

  "I can't imagine what it could be," Carly said wearily. "The chiropractor and vet checked him out, and the Wilsons ran all those tests."

  "You and I both know horses don't act like that unless there's a reason. We've just gotta find out what that is. I'll see you tomorrow."

  Theresa silently groaned. The opportunity to speak up about being at Maureen's cafe with Josh had passed, but as she cleared the table and carried the plates into the kitchen, she decided her personal life was no-one else's business. Heath had said so himself.

  Theresa, it's your life and your heart.

  "Yes it is," she muttered, placing the dishes in the sink and turning her attention to spooning out the cobbler. "I'm not an idiot. Josh is single and he's sexy as hell. I see the girls at the barn throw themselves at him, and if he's upfront about things, then there's no harm, no foul."

  "Hey, sis. What are you mumbling about?"

  Looking up, her brother ambled towards her.