Page 4 of The Cowboy's Ultimatum

Knowing her parents would be horrified if they knew she kept company with such a questionable character was part of the fun. Though he was quick with his fists, the nickname didn’t refer to deadly bodily harm. It was the endless stream of young women who found him irresistible. And he didn’t deny any of them.

He was in the forefront of her mind as she turned her truck into the property and followed the driveway past the main house to her cottage. Surrounded by a low, white picket fence and sitting on a slightly elevated bank above a small, manmade lake, it always made her smile when it came into view. It was the kind of place Andy would love, but Kenny would find uncomfortable.

The two men were polar opposites.

Pulling to a stop under the carport, she stared out at the picturesque pond. While she did love Andy’s kind, gentle demeanor, she sometimes wished he was a bit tougher about things, but not as intense or volatile like Kenny.

Maybe I should push Andy more and see what happens.

A wicked smile crossed her lips.

An idea was beginning to take hold.

CHAPTER THREE

Andy spent the following morning working with three of the six horses he had in training. Their owners would be arriving in two short days, and after watching and learning, they would enjoy a trail ride up a gentle slope called Smoky Hill. If the conditions were right, a mist resembling smoke would rise up from the ground and cloak the trees.

They would be staying at the hotel in the small town, but their day would be spent at the ranch, starting at nine and finishing around six. Lunch would be catered by the upmarket restaurant at the Moonshine Campgrounds.

The facility had been made famous because of Annie, Andy’s sister, a singing superstar. Not only had she been married there, it was where her nefarious manager had stayed when he’d been hunting her down. Because of the highly publicized dramatic events, the campground had experienced a surge of new visitors, but they always made time to cater Andy’s events.

He was working in the round pen, but knowing Helen was about to arrive he led the pretty paint mare back to her paddock. He was closing the gate when he saw Helen’s truck turn into the driveway and he hurried down to meet her.

“Hey,” he said with a smile as she pulled to a stop and leaned out the window.

“Hi. Where’s Daisy?”

“Fine thanks, how are you?” he quipped.

“Sorry, I’m just a bit nervous. My trainer’s not used to places like this.”

“Like this?”

“A ranch.”

“Let me guess. The horses at her barn live in stalls, not outside in paddocks.”

“There aren’t any paddocks where her facility is. Well, not paddocks like you have here. She has turnouts. Anyway, I want Daisy ready before she arrives.”

“She’s where she always is. In the pasture with Buck and Rabbit.”

“Lord, I hope she hasn’t rolled. I won’t have time to give her a bath. I’ll just take her into the crossties and do the best I can.”

“Helen, a little dirt never hurt any horse. They’re outdoor models.”

“I know…it’s just…Andy…don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful to be boarding here, I am, but like I keep saying, you just don’t understand. Are you coming up to the barn with me?”

“Sure, if you want.”

“Just don’t lecture me about my equipment.”

“You mean that curb chain and—“

“It’s necessary!”

“I’m entitled to an opinion, but maybe it would be better if I sat this one out,” he replied with a frown. “Just remember, my only concern is the comfort of the horse, and it should be yours too. Don’t forget that.”

“I know, but as I’ve said over and over again, you don’t understand the whole Hunter/Jumper thing.”

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