Page 38 of The Cowboy's Ultimatum

“Are you sure?”

“Would I do anything to put you or her in danger?”

“No…it’s just…”

“It’s just that you’re already a mother hen. It’s fine, darlin’, I get it. Now go get ready.”

As she walked away, he placed the call and told the sheriff the details of Ken’s threatening call to Helen.

“That’s predictable,” the sheriff remarked. “That’s how men like him operate. They scare the bejesus outta people to make sure they do as he says. I can’t wait to see how he acts when the tables are turned and all hell brakes loose on him.”

“You and me both,” Andy said with a heavy sigh. “I’m takin’ her on a trail ride. She needs a change of scenery and the mountains look incredible up there now. If we’re lucky we might even see some snow droppin’ off. It was a warm day.”

“Yeah, it’s meltin’ quick. I’ll be talkin’ to George soon. When I do I’ll tell him what happened and he may want to speak to Helen. In the meantime I’ll send a deputy over to your ranch to keep an eye on things until you get back.”

“Thanks, Sheriff. That will put my mind at ease,” he said, turning to see Helen walk into the kitchen. “I’ll speak to you later.”

“What did he say?” she asked as he ended the call. “Did he have any suggestions? Is he concerned?”

“His exact words were,that’s predictable, it’s how men like him operate. They scare the bejesus outta people to make sure they do as he says.He’ll have deputies keepin’ their eye on this place, and pretty soon Ken Lockhart won’t be a threat to anyone! Now let’s go for that ride.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Flanked by tall trees on either side, Andy and Helen rode up the foggy, peaceful trail. Though she was initially worried about Molly and Ranger running off, they never ventured more than a few yards away. As they moved deeper into the trees, she was captivated by the shards of light piercing the overhead branches, and the occasional sounds of what she assumed was wildlife.

“You were right, I feel so much better,” Helen said with a sigh as they reached the top of the trail and entered a clearing. “Wow, a plateau. I can’t believe it.”

“Believe it, and this is the perfect time to be here. Look at the mountains.”

“They seem near enough to touch, like they’re five minutes away.”

“I know, it’s amazing, and it only happens this time of year. I was told it’s called a Superior Mirage. Apparently it has something to do with the refraction of light. But whatever it’s called, or however it happens, it’s just an incredible sight. And now it’s time for another incredible sight,” he added, lowering his voice.

“Which is?”

“You, naked, on my blanket,” he replied, climbing off and removing the rolled up rug from the back of his saddle.

“Here?” she sputtered, watching him flap it out on the ground. “But—”

“But what? Are you worried someone will drive by and see us,” he asked with a chuckle.

“What about the horses and dogs?”

“We’ll tether them,” he replied, leading Maverick to the closest tree. “They’ll appreciate the break after that climb up the hill. Look, Ranger and Molly are already lyin’ down.”

“Is it…safe? I mean…there’s wildlife around here.”

“You don’t have to worry. I’ve had picnics up here plenty of times.”

The thought of being with him naked in the open spaces was exciting, but also nerve-racking, though she wasn’t sure why. With her pulse ticking up, she slipped from the saddle and tied Daisy next to Maverick.

“Have you ever had sex out in the open?” he whispered, moving behind her and placing his lips against her ear.

“No, and it’s making me quivery.”

“Good word,” he murmured, turning her around. “You’ll love it. You’ll feel completely free.”

“Now I’m jealous.”

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