Page 54 of Bedroom Rodeo

“And you will. We plan on stripping off your clothes and slipping into that pool with you very, very soon, baby.” When Ash smiled at her, he still wasn’t himself, but he was trying to cast off the mood he’d returned to the bungalow with.

They cut across the small plot of grass leading to the barn. The white structure boasted a metal roof capable of handling the snow load in Alaska.

“The ranch is maintained really well,” she commented.

“Ash and I helped build it ourselves.”

Her smile lit up her eyes. “Did you? How amazing. I always knew you two excelled at everything you set your minds to.”

They reached the barn and Ash went inside first. Both of them grabbed pitchforks from where they hung on the wall.

Sylvee glanced around. “What can I do to help?”

He eyed her. “How do you feel about leading the horses out of their stalls and putting them in the paddock?”

Joy spread over her stunning face, making her glow. “I’d love to.”

It was impossible not to grin in response to the happiness surrounding her. She wore it like a golden glow lighting her up from the inside and leaving sparkles hanging in the air.

Ten horses were lined up on each side of the barn. They could house more, but for now, they only paid for what they needed.

Ash opened one stall door. The palomino mare nickered a greeting.

“This is BooBoo, named after her sunny disposition.” He stroked her nose, and she went for his pocket where he always kept treats.

With a low chuckle, he reached in and grabbed a handful of baby carrots. “Give her one or two of these and she’ll follow you anywhere.” He looked at Sylvee standing a few feet away. “Want to get to know her?”

“Absolutely.” She held out her hand for BooBoo to catch her scent. Ash dropped a carrot onto her palm, and she broke into a sweet laugh when the horse gulped it down.

“I forgot how much I missed animals. Horses. Dogs. Cats. We grew up with so many.” She stroked the horse’s neck. Ash handed her a lead rope, and she clipped it on the horse.

They watched her lead the mare out of the stall with all the confidence of the girl they once knew.

When she was outside, and out of earshot, Piers turned to Ash.

“What’s going on?”

He pushed out a sigh. “I knew I’d never conceal it from you.”

“Say it. Whatever it is, say it.” He held his breath, waiting to hear that someone had peeked into the room at the spa and saw them having sex without condoms.

“The head honchos are diving deeper into things around here. They’ve found out more than Avril’s pregnancy too.”

His chest burned. “Are we the targets?”

Ash blinked as if he never expected to hear that question. “No. It isn’t us, Piers. It’s Jackson.”

Jackson was a young guy of twenty-five. He was ex-military who’d decided not to re-up. When he struggled to find work, he ended up on the street. Somehow, that led him to the Boot Knockers Ranch, where he had employment, a roof over his head and three squares a day.

“What did he do?”

Their gazes met.

“Fuck.” Piers already knew what would place Jackson in the line of fire.

Ash pitched his voice low. “I guess he’s been going into the village and drinking to the point where he isn’t returning to the ranch by dawn. We all know why he does it. What he did in that op…”

Piers fisted a hand and brought it to his lips. “Dammit. I talked to him last time. I thought he heard me.”

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