To Trust A Cowboy (Hunks and Horses Book 4) Page 3

  "Hi, Jerry," Dylan said breathlessly, catching the man's name from the tag on his shirt. "I'm a friend of the girl who's horse you're holdin'. Is she okay? Where is she?"

  "Bein' tended to."

  "I'll take her mare?" Heath offered. "She's lookin' pretty nervous."

  "Please do," the attendant said gratefully, handing him the reins. "She threw a helluva buck. I saw it. The girl flew out of the saddle."

  "But where is she, dammit?" Dylan demanded, his fists clenching in frustration.

  "Sorry. Over there."

  Though only a short distance away, the paramedics were hidden by the crowd of people milling around the outside of the arena.

  "I'm takin' Misty for a walk," Heath called as Dylan hurried off.

  "Thanks," Dylan called back, pushing his way through the throng.

  To his great relief, when he caught sight of her, she was being helped to her feet.

  "I'm fine, honestly," she insisted. "I just had the wind knocked out of me."

  "You need to take it easy," one of the medics warned.

  "I can't take it easy. I'm about to compete. Where's my horse?"

  "I'm not sure you should be riding just yet. Is there anyone here to keep an eye on you?"

  "Yep, me," Dylan exclaimed stepping forward, "and don't worry about Misty. Heath has her."

  "Thank God. I thought she'd be on the other side of the grounds by now."

  "I'd recommend she take it easy," the medic repeated, looking at Dylan. "At least for the next little while."

  "I'll take care of her," Dylan assured him, putting his arm around her shoulders.

  "If she suffers from any dizziness or headaches, be sure and take her to the local emergency clinic."

  "Will do. Thank you."

  As the paramedics climbed into the ambulance and drove away, Natalie sank against him, and though several people wished her well, she didn't move from his hold.

  "Can you tell me what set her off" he asked, guiding her gently away from the crowd.

  "We were watching the class and she was fidgety so I decided to take her to the warm up ring, but when we came outside there was a loud bang, like a firecracker. It scared the crap out of both of us."

  "Were there other horses around? Did anyone else have a problem?"

  "Not out here, but I don't know about inside. The bang was loud. Really loud. Where is she?"

  "Heath's takien her for a walk."

  "I need to get on. My turn to ride is coming up."

  "You sure you don't wanna scratch?"

  "I can't, and I'll be okay," she muttered, hobbling along next to him. "I don't see them? Where did Heath take her? Oh, my gosh. Carly's riding her in the warm up ring, but—that's weird."

  "What's weird? Misty looks great," Heath remarked, following Natalie's gaze. "She looks better than great."

  "Carly has her in a different saddle. You're right, she does look great. She's floating over the ground."

  "She sure is a pretty mare."

  "I'm always on her," Natalie remarked as they neared the fence. "I never get to see her. I can only judge by how she feels underneath me."

  "Doesn't Mark ever film you?"

  "Uh, I don't train with him."

  "I thought you were at his barn."

  "I am, but I'm only a boarder."

  "Are you sayin' you've brought Misty along by yourself?"

  "I had no choice. Training is expensive. Excuse me, I'm going to talk to Carly."

  "Yeah, sure."

  She winced as she bent over to climb through the fence rails, and as she walked gingerly into the ring, Carly rode forward, came to a stop and slid from the saddle.

  Dylan shook his head. Natalie lived on a multi-million dollar estate and her father was loaded. Why would she be worried about the expense of a trainer? But the thought lingered for only a moment. The loud bang. Had it been coincidental? Dylan didn't think so.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Walking up to speak with Carly, Natalie couldn't shake the memory of the puzzled expression in Dylan's warm brown eyes. She'd let her guard down and now he knew dollars were tight. She grimaced. There was more to her story, but how much could she tell him? More importantly, could she trust him? Truly trust him?

  "Hi, Natalie. How are you feeling?" Carly asked as she approached. "You're not moving very well."

  "Well enough to do the class and that's all I care about. Thanks so much for getting on Misty. She looks amazing."

  "You're welcome. I thought I might be able to settle her down, but Natalie, when was the last time you had a saddle fitting?"

  "A while. Is there a problem? Is that why you switched it?"

  "Yours pinched her shoulders. I'm surprised she's been performing as well as she has. The one I put on isn't perfect, but it's a much better fit. When a horse isn't comfortable they can't focus. Sometimes that can make them spooky. Imagine walking around in shoes that hurt your feet all the time. Wouldn't you feel irritated?"

  "Misty, I'm so sorry," Natalie murmured, moving her hand down her mare's neck. "Dammit. I had no idea."

  "You're welcome to use this saddle for your class, and the ride off if there is one. She'll be much happier now. When you're feeling better I can show you where your saddle isn't sitting right."

  "Carly, I'm so grateful. Thank you."

  "You've got a nice mare. Really nice. I'm still amazed you found her in a feed lot."

  "When I saw her running around the paddock I couldn't understand how she ended up there. It's shocking how many horses are in those awful places."

  "She's one lucky mare."

  "Except she has an owner who doesn't know crap."

  "Don't be so hard on yourself. I meet people all the time who feel that way."

  "The more I know, the more I know I don't know," Natalie said with a sigh. "How did you learn so much?"

  "Just hours in the saddle, I guess, and listening to the horses."

  "What do you mean, listening to the horses?"

  "They don't misbehave because they want to. They're trying to communicate. If your horse is aggravated when you tighten the girth, maybe the saddle is bothering his back, or he has a sore on his belly, or something. People automatically assume the horse is just being difficult. Anyway, are you sure you're up to competing?"

  "I have to be," Natalie muttered, "but I think I'll use the mounting block to get on."

  "Honestly, Natalie, you don't look so hot."

  "I have to compete, and I have to win."

  "Do you mind if I give you one piece of advice?"

  "Mind? Are you kidding? I'd love it."

  "This mare knows her job. Don't override. Ask for what you want, then leave her alone."

  "I'm so glad you told me that. I overthink all the time."

  "That's okay, it's a common mistake, but today you should back off and let her shine."

  "Why do I feel so emotional?"

  "You've had a stressful morning" Carly said giving her a gentle hug. "You take care, and just remember, with this mare less is more."

  "I will. Thanks for everything, Carly."

  "You're welcome. Good luck. I have to go, but I'll try to zip back and catch your ride," Carly promised, handing her the reins. "I know you'll do great."

  As Carly hurried away, Natalie led Misty slowly across the ring to the mounting block. Carefully climbing up the three steps, she placed her foot in the stirrup, swung her leg over and sat down. A painful pang shot through her lower back, but ignoring the twinge she sank into the saddle's surprising comfort. Walking the length of the ring, she asked Misty to trot, and astounded by the smoothness of her mare's gait, Natalie pressed her into a couple of difficult maneuvers. Misty offered them up flawlessly.

  "Looking good, Natalie!"

  She hadn't noticed the man in the pressed designer jeans and cream shirt standing near the gate, and as she turned her head, he raised his arm and waved. Her heart sank. It was Doug Baldwin.

  "Might as well get this over with," she gr
umbled, moving towards him, but as she slowed to a walk she glanced towards Dylan. Leaning on the fence, he immediately straightened up and squinted across at the stranger on the opposite side of the ring.

  "Never seen her look so good," Doug declared as she approached. "You'll win by a mile," then pausing, he asked, "Are you okay?"

  "Fine, why do you ask?"

  "You seem, I don't know, reserved."

  "I'm just focused. I thought you weren't coming."

  "I changed my mind. If we're going to be working together I thought maybe we could have dinner and get to know each other better."

  "You came all this way to have dinner?"

  "I wanted to watch you and check out the show. Unfortunately I can only stay one night. I'll be leaving first thing."

  "But, Doug, nothing's been settled, and I'm sure accepting your offer will screw up my amateur status."

  "You'll be modeling jeans, not promoting saddles."

  "I need to check this out thoroughly before I sign on the dotted line."

  "Hey, you'll make a ton of money. Why do you care about your status?"

  "Because, as I said, I want to continue competing."

  "I'm sure we can figure something out, besides, this new line of jeans won't be on the market until next year."

  "I need to go," she said hastily. "There must be only a few riders left before I'm up."

  "Where are you staying?"

  "With friends," she said quickly. "What about you?"

  "The Oak Tree."

  "Nice! Lucky you."

  Though she'd never been there, she was familiar with The Oak Tree Resort. The expensive retreat overlooked a lake, and offered a celebrated restaurant and luxury spa.

  "I like it there, and the food is excellent. I know you'll enjoy it."

  "Sorry, Doug, I didn't know you were coming and I already have plans. Now I really have to get to the arena."

  "No problem. I'll watch you, but then I have to take off. I'll call you later about dinner though. I'm sure you can change those plans of yours."

  Watching him saunter away she let out a heavy sigh. Initially the idea of a modeling contract had sounded thrilling, and the money would make her life a whole lot easier, but when Doug had told her about the traveling involved, she remembered the old adage. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

  "You and Misty are fabulous," Dylan said as he walked up. "You've got a shot at beatin' my score."

  "I doubt that, but thanks, though I've never felt her move so well. It's Carly's saddle. She said mine didn't fit right. I feel a thousand times better too. I can't believe how comfortable it is."

  "I figured Carly had discovered a problem."

  "Dammit. I wish I could get a saddle like this."

  "Maybe you should check out a few used ones. I can ask around, but right now you need to get to the arena. Do you wanna hand walk her back? Things look a bit hectic over there."

  "Maybe I should, and I'd like to limber up. I'm still feeling out of whack from the fall."

  Sliding from the saddle, though she landed gently, she winced as the sharp twinge moved across her lower back.

  "Do you want me to take her?"

  "Actually, if you wouldn't mind," she replied, handing Dylan the reins. "If she jerks away she could pull me over, or get loose, or both!"

  "That's what I was thinkin', but watchin' you just now I wouldn't have known you weren't feelin' good."

  "Carly's saddle is like a cushy armchair," she remarked as they left the warm up ring. "Mine feels like a hard kitchen seat compared to hers."

  "Equipment is a priority. I'm sure we can find you something better than what you have."

  "We?"

  "I'm happy to help—if you want me to," he offered, then pausing, he added, "Are you lookin' glum because of the fall, or did that guy upset you?"

  "Yeah, he did. That was Doug Baldwin, the guy I told you about. He wasn't rude or anything. I just didn't expect him to be here."

  "But you thought he might have something to do with the problems you're havin', or did I misunderstand?"

  "He just came into my mind when you asked if I knew anyone who might want to mess with me, but that was just because he's a weird guy. When I mentioned his name I didn't even know he was here. I shouldn't have brought it up."

  "If he's an ex and he's botherin' you I'll be happy to set him straight."

  "An ex? Good grief no, nothing like that. I promised to tell you everything later, and I will, but the bottom line is, if I'm the top scorer today I'll have options. Right now I'm trapped."

  "Trapped? How are you trapped?"

  "Like I said, later, but winning today could change everything. Actually, that's wrong. It would change everything."

  "I'm rootin' for you, and I'm sorry you're under so much pressure."

  "At least I'm here, and maybe that tumble off Misty is a blessing in disguise. Riding in this saddle will definitely help my chances."

  "And now you know you need a new one. Fittin' your old one correctly will help your mare, but it won't make it any more comfortable for you."

  "Good point. Wow, there are so many people here," she remarked as they made their way through the crowd. "Where did they all come from?"

  "I expect they're waitin' to see if anyone's gonna beat my score, and I'm sure they're hopin' for a ride off, The Stallion versus The Mare. That was clever. Jim's a smart guy. Look at all the people it brought here."

  "Yikes, I made it just in time. I'm on next."

  "You've gotta minute or two, but I'm gonna leave you so you can catch your breath and focus," he said, smiling warmly and handing her the reins. "Go out there and show 'em how it's done!"

  As his kind brown eyes gazed down at her, an unexpected wave of emotion swept her up. Abruptly throwing her arms around his neck, she hugged him tightly.

  "Thank you, Dylan. Thank you so much."

  "Hey, take it easy. I didn't do anything."

  "You did a lot, and I'll never forget it. You and Carly."

  As his muscled arms tightened around her, a wash of tears threatened. For a year she'd fought the aching desire to see him again. His offers to share a cup of coffee had been almost impossible to refuse, but her painful past and current situation had won out. Day after day she'd longed to be alone with him, to sink into the swirling vortex of pleasure she'd felt in the one ardent kiss they'd shared. And the nights! The nights in her lonely bed had been filled with visions of the sexy cowboy sliding his fingers through her hair, gripping it tightly, devouring her lips, moving his hungry kiss to her neck, and stripping her naked to consume the rest of her. Though surrounded by people, as she stood cradled in his protective hug, she never wanted it to end.

  "Natalie?"

  His voice, soft in her ear, drew her from her thoughts, and reluctantly shifting back she stared up at him.

  "You've gotta get on your mare, assumin' you still want to."

  "Dylan, I'm sorry."

  "For what?"

  "For, uh, the way I've been this last year, but if I do well out there—"

  "If you do well or if you don't," he said huskily, "you and me are gonna have a talk about you and me, and we're gonna find our way through whatever it is you're dealin' with."

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Waylaid by friends on the way to his seat, Dylan settled in just as Natalie entered the ring. Her perfect posture belied any sign of her fall, and Misty appeared calm and relaxed. The test began, and as Natalie moved her mare through her paces Dylan couldn't fault her. Thinking it entirely possible she might beat him, he realized he wanted her to have the victory. Whatever the drama playing out in her life, she needed the triumph. Confident he'd at least be in the top three he headed back to the gate, ready to enter the ring when the ribbons were awarded.

  The judges seemed to be taking an inordinate amount of time announcing Natalie's collective score. His pulse ticked up as he moved through the many riders and trainers. He finally spotted her sitting on Misty star
ing anxiously into the ring waiting for the results. He was about to quicken his pace, but noticed Doug Baldwin approaching her. She shifted in the saddle, scanning the crowd around her, and when she caught his eye, she jerked her head as if asking him to join her.

  A chill pricked his skin.

  "I'm comin'," he muttered, marching toward them.

  But the crowd suddenly burst into a raucous cheer, and darting his eyes across to the ring he discovered she'd scored an outstanding 87.5, bettering him by two points.

  A hand suddenly slapped him on the back.

  "Too bad buddy!"

  "Heath!" Dylan exclaimed, surprised to see him. "Did you see her performance?"

  "Sure did. You don't seem bothered comin' in second."

  "I'm not. She deserved the win."

  "You're right. She beat you fair and square."

  "I don't mean to be rude, but I've gotta go and give her my best."

  "Don't let me stop you. My wife is around here somewhere. She's always disappearin' on me."

  "Yeah, women tend to do that," Dylan said with a chuckle, and turning back towards Natalie, he added, "and it looks like Natalie has too."

  "She's just gone back in," Heath said, nodding towards the arena. "I expect you should join her. Yep. Here comes Jim."

  "Dylan, why aren't you on your horse?" the show manager asked, hurrying towards him. "You need to get in the ring."

  "I think my feet can carry me. I want Natalie to enjoy the spotlight."

  "Fine, but please be there for the prize presentation."

  "On my way!"

  Striding into the arena Dylan was met by a loud round of applause. He waved at the crowd, then smiling up at Natalie, a swell of pride filled his heart. In spite of the obstacles in her path she'd persevered and come out on top, but his thoughts were quickly interrupted by the presentation of the ribbons. After the awards had been made and the photographer had taken the pictures, Dylan picked up Natalie's prizes for her, and leaving the ring they were greeted by friends full of congratulations.

  "Wasn't Misty wonderful?" Natalie beamed as they finally made their way across the show grounds towards her barn. "This saddle made such a difference. I hope you're not too upset."