Page 12 of The Cowboy's Wild Side

“Maybe she did.”

“I don’t think so—it didn’t ring true, and for a moment I thought she looked terrified.”

“I don’t like the sound of this,” Annie muttered with a frown. “Cade, did she tell you why she was visiting Smoky Hill?”

“Now that you mention it, no, she didn’t. All I know is that she’s stayin’ at Helen’s cottage on her family’s estate. What are you thinkin’.”

“She might have ditched her phone, or even destroyed it in a panic so it couldn’t be tracked, and she hasn’t hadtime to get a new one.”

“What? Destroyed it? That sounds a bit dramatic, and so does bein’ tracked. Why would someone do that?”

“That’s what I did when I was running away from my maniacal manager.”

“Damn! Are you thinkin’ she has some psycho stalker, or maybe an ex-boyfriend is after her?”

“That would be my guess, and you need to find out. I know how horrible it is to feel alone with a monster chasing you. I felt completely helpless and I was scared all the time.”

“What would you suggest? Should I push her for answers? That might be a bit much. We only just met, though after spendin’ all day with her I feel like we’re friends already.”

“Why don’t you bring her over here? I might have a better shot at getting her to open up.”

“She’d love to meet you. When would you suggest? I know how busy you are with this new project.”

“Not as busy as I used to be. I’m not under the same kind of time pressure I used to be. Why don’t you bring her with you tomorrow night when you come? She can watch, and when we take a break you can make yourself scarce.”

“That sounds perfect. I just hope you’re wrong.”

“Me too, but I have a feeling she has a problem, a big one.”

* * *

When Karen arrived at the cottage she immediately called Cade, gave him the number, then hurried into the bathroom to run a hot bath. After dropping in some bubble bath, she peeled off her clothes, pinned her long hair on top of her head, then climbed in and sank into theenveloping foam.

As she closed her eyes and let out a long sigh, she flashed back to the moment she’d fallen in the mud. Cade had been angry, and when he’d suggested she work for him in exchange for lessons it was the last thing she’d expected.

Now thinking back to the moment, she realized their attraction had been mutual. And apparently still was. He wouldn’t have reminded her to be there early in the morning if it wasn’t. Feeling herself beginning to drift away, his handsome face floated through her mind and a smile crossed her lips.

Silent minutes ticked by…then she suddenly saw herself in the hay loft picking up a flake of alfalfa to toss down to Astro.

“Karen, what are you hidin’,” he asked sternly. “You can’t stay here unless you tell me what’s goin’ on.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Lie to me again and I swear I’ll spank your ass.”

“You wouldn’t!”

“I always keep my promises, and I’m tired of this cat and mouse game you’re playin’. What really happened to your phone? Why did you panic when I asked you about it? Why are you here in Smoky Hill?”

“I just needed some time off so I decided to visit Helen.”

“That was a lie,” he grunted, then abruptly stepped forward, grabbed her wrist, bent her over and began slapping her backside.

Her eyes popped open.

The vision had seemed so real.

“Would you do that?” she whispered. “Oh, my gosh! I think you just might!”

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