Page 8 of The Cowboy's Magic Touch

“You’re a miracle worker,” the sheriff replied with a heavy sigh. “All the creams in the world can’t do that. I sure appreciate it.”

“Any time, sheriff.”

“The coffee was good too.”

“It’s Italian. It’s not cheap and I have to order it, but I love the stuff. Come on, I’ll walk you out.”

Watching the burly man climb into his car, Brody couldn’t imagine why Annie had chosen to disappear. Though she’d tell him when she was ready and he wasn’t going to push, he couldn’t help but worry.

“Come on, Bella, let’s go for a ride,” he muttered with a heavy sigh. “I need to think about this.”

CHAPTER FIVE

Smoky Hill was so-named because of a natural phenomenon. Half way up the gentle slope was a small forest. When the conditions were right a thick fog would form then slowly rise above the trees and from a distance it resembled smoke. It had been suggested the event was caused by the trees sweating created by underground water. But whatever the reason, Brody didn’t care. He just loved riding through it. When he’d reach the top of the hill and be above the mist, the experience felt almost ethereal.

Looking forward to the escape, he walked into one of the paddocks and called to Luna, his grey mare. As she ambled across to him, he reached into his pocket for a treat.

“Hey, girl,” he murmured, holding out his hand. “How about we take a little ride.”

Slipping the halter over her head, he effortlessly swung himself on her back, rode through the gate and closed it behind them. He was about to start towards the hill but changed his mind and decided to tack up. The barn was close by, and he was soon inside placing the saddle on her back. He was wondering why he’d felt the need when a shiver rippled through his body.

He knew it was a warning.

Though there was plenty of wildlife in the forest there was nothing he considered dangerous, but he always listened to his instincts.

Always.

Walking into his tack room, he unlocked a cabinet, pulled out his shoulder holster and a small handgun…then paused.

“Dammit. Maybe I should go someplace else,” he muttered under his breath. But even as he spoke he felt the need to ride up the Smoky Hill trail. If there was any kind of lurking threat he needed to find out what it was. Returning to his mare and leading her outside, he mounted up, and started off towards the gentle slope.

* * *

Annie wasn’t sure what stirred her from sleep, but fluttering open her eyes she looked around the room and let out a relieved sigh. She was in Brody’s home and safe. Yawning and closing them back down, she remembered the many happy hours she’d spent there.

She’d provoke him into spanking her, but when he was done he wouldn’t let her go. Instead he’d tease her mercilessly, then toss her on the bed and devour every inch of her body until she was begging for her release.

It had been a fun, sexy game, but there were times she’d push the envelope too far. They both knew she was testing him, and he never disappointed her. Sometimes he’d land a stick across her red backside, perhaps tickle her until she was beside herself, or bring her to the point of orgasm and leave her wanting. Once he’d made her spank herself with her hairbrush.

But she’d loved every moment. They were the two sides of the same coin. The relationship had been one of the most satisfying and pleasurable experiences of her life.

Leaving it…leaving him…had been the hardest thing she’d ever done. But he’d encouraged her, saying she’d always be wondering if she didn’t take some time to chase her dreams. Her high hopes had quickly—and shockingly—become reality.

Just a couple of months after she’d arrived in Nashville she’d attended an open mike event. Everyone had performed covers, but she’d nervously sung one of her original songs. To her amazement the cheering crowd had demanded another. She’d obliged, and it had elicited the same rousing response. As she was leaving the owner of the club had given her a business card, and instructed her to call the following day.

She knew the name immediately.

Geoffrey Palmer.

One of the most noted managers in the city.

The night had changed her life.

And took a dark turn she never saw coming.

* * *

Riding up the trail and moving into the fog, Brody’s eyes darted from side to side, but he also paid close attention to Luna. If danger was lurking she’d probably alert him before he’d see or hear it.

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