Page 8 of The Cowboy's Ultimatum

“Come on, tell me, or I’ll put you over my knee next time you’re in town.”

“Stop it. You know when you say stuff like that it makes me feel all weird.”

“Weird good, though, right?”

“I plead the fifth.”

“That doesn’t fly with me, sweetheart. But tell me what’s making my poor little rich girl sad.”

“I’m not sad, but I am upset. Erin was in Smoky Hill today and she came to my boyfriend’s ranch to give me a lesson. He’s a trainer too, but western…obviously. Sorry, anyway, when he saw Erin riding my mare he didn’t like what she was doing and charged into the ring. They had a huge fight, then Erin left and told me she wouldn’t teach me anymore.”

“I could talk to her for you. I’m sure I could convince her to change her mind.”

“Actually, it’s okay. I’m getting tired of hauling Daisy into town anyway, and I think Andy—that’s my boyfriend—I think he was right. He doesn’t have anything against riding English, he just didn’t like her style of training. I’m sorry to say I agree with him. I just wish I’d seen things more clearly sooner. But enough about all that. Why are you calling?”

“I was thinking of taking a ride out your way this weekend. Would you like to get together?”

“Really? Yes, for sure, but there’s nowhere around here we can go without it getting back to Andy. Wait…I just had a thought. We could meet up at the Moonshine Campgrounds. They have a restaurant with an outside patio and the locals don’t go there much.”

“You must really like this guy.”

“Honestly, I’m liking him more and more, and I don’t want to do anything to mess it up. If he heard I was hanging out with a leather-clad biker I don’t think he’d be too happy.”

“Ah, gotcha.”

“Is there any special reason you’re coming out this way?”

“I want to get out of town, and I like the ride around Smoky Hill. There are plenty of twists and turns, and there are some great spots to stop and breathe in the clean air.”

“A biker like you cares about clean air?”

“After riding around the city for days on end, sure I do. And I appreciate the scenery there just as much as anyone else.”

“If you’re talking about Moonshine Lake then you must know the campgrounds.”

“I’ve seen their sign, but I’m actually talking about a place just off the main road called Lake View Point. It’s spectacular, but I get the impression no-one ever goes there.”

“That’s because hardly anyone ever does, and you’re right, it’s absolutely gorgeous. I don’t know why it’s not more popular. Anyway, Moonshine Campgrounds is very close to that spot. When are you coming up?”

“How about tomorrow. I’ll meet you there at say…two o’clock?”

“Great. See you then.”

* * *

Ending the call, Helen felt a shiver of anticipation. She could hardly believe it. Rough, tough, biker Kenny had not only called her, he wanted to see her. She would never consider actually going out with him, but meeting up was an exciting prospect, and though she hoped no-one at the campgrounds would recognized her, the risk made it that much more fun.

CHAPTER SIX

Before Helen had left the ranch, Andy had taken time to explain why his form of horse-speak was so effective so quickly. When they finally walked to her truck, he hugged her tightly, then lowered his lips on hers in a long, lingering, languid kiss.

“You’d better get outta here or I won’t be responsible for my actions,” he murmured. “Just remember, anyone who thinks they have to mistreat a horse in order to train it is just plain ignorant. Horses are extremely sensitive, and smarter than most people give them credit for. Their instinct to run if they’re scared is inherent. In the wild they’re prey, not predators.”

Now sitting on her porch after a light dinner, wrapped up in a warm sweater to keep away the chill of the early evening, she sipped a cup of tea and gazed across the pond. Thinking back to Andy’s wise words, she found herself becoming angry, first at herself for not stopping Erin much sooner, and Erin for being so cruel. Impulsively, she picked up her phone and called him.

“Hey, Helen, is everything okay?”

“Andy, I know I said this earlier but I have to say it again. You were so right. Erin’s nothing but a nasty bully. I can’t believe I’ve been letting her ride my lovely mare. I feel so guilty.”

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