Page 3 of The Cowboy's Wild Side

“I look forward to meetin’ her. Stay safe on that trip.”

“Thanks, Cade, and good luck with Karen. If she’s anything like Helen you’ll need it.”

Ending the call with a grin, Cade ambled across to the fence and looked at his new charges. There was a paint, two chestnuts and a grey. Though he was still trying to think of names for the paint and chestnuts, he’d decided on Moon for the grey. Doc Jones, the local vet, was due to arrive any moment to check them over, and hearing a vehicle rolling up the drive he assumed it was the man himself. Striding away and turning past the barn he saw the familiar van rolling to a stop.

* * *

During her drive out of Dallas Karen had been a nervous wreck. Several times she thought she was being followed and exited the freeway, only to discover it had been her imagination. But as she left the busy interstate for the last time and headed towards the small town, she began to breathe easier and loosened her grip on the steering wheel. The navigator led her to a turnoff, and she soon found herself on a two-lane road with woods on one side and spacious fields and homes on the other. When the navigator told her the destination was approaching, she slowed down, then smiled as she turned into the driveway.

Directly ahead was a barn on the right, and paddocks on the left where horses were happily grazing. At the back of the property, rising like a protective barrier between the homestead and mountains was Smoky Hill. Helen had told her all about riding up through the thick mist and coming out into bright sunshine at the top, the romantic place where Andy had proposed.

But Karen’s thoughts were abruptly interrupted by alarge dog running up to her car barking a loud welcome. It resembled a German Shepherd, but appeared to be leaner and looked bigger. Behind it was a smaller dog, also yapping and hilariously jumping up and down on the spot.

Suddenly all her troubles in Dallas seemed far away.

But as Helen approached the car Karen caught her breath. The man beside her was everything she’d ever imagined a country cowboy to be. Rugged good looks, muscled arms and carrying himself with a confident swagger.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Helen exclaimed as Karen lowered her window. “This is Andy.”

“Not nearly as glad I am. Hi, Andy, it’s great to meet you,” Karen declared, hoping the man who would be teaching her would be just as handsome. “Is it safe to get out? That big dog looks like he wants to eat me for lunch.”

“He’s super friendly, but he’s inherently a guard dog. That’s why he’s carryin’ on like that. Ranger, back off. She’s on our side.”

The dog immediately stopped making a ruckus, sat down and began panting happily.

“I hope you’ll have a good time while you’re here,” Helen said as Karen climbed from the car. “You’re so athletic I’m sure you’ll be riding like a pro in no time. But come in for some coffee, then I’ll take you over to the estate. You’ll love my cottage. Mom and dad are in New York right now, but it’s totally private anyway.”

“Helen, I know I’ve only just arrived, but it’s so peaceful and beautiful out here I might not ever leave.”

CHAPTER THREE

As Gino Stallone marched around the barn the stable hands hastily stepped out of his way. Though he was no relation to the famous actor, Gino had worked hard to attain a similar physique, and wore his famous last name with pride.

He also had a fierce reputation.

Rarely did anyone argue with him. Even the wealthy horse owners who paid him handsomely for his services were careful, and not just because he had a short fuse. It was no secret his clients needed him more than he needed his clients. Gino was a brilliant trainer with an uncanny ability to evaluate a horse’s winning potential. Owners across the country salivated at the thought of having their million-dollar equines at his racing stable.

But as rough and tough as he was, he could be equally charming. Those who hadn’t seen or heard about his thunderous fury would think he was the nicest, kindest, most polite man in the business. And for reasons those who knew the truth couldn’t comprehend, the animals in his care adored him.

From his private jet to his revolving door of beautiful women, Gino had it all. But now his perfect world was under threat, and all because Karen Harper, a stupid girl who had no business being at the stables after hours, overheard something she shouldn’t have.

Marching into his office and slamming the door behind him, he snatched his phone from his pocket and placed acall. Two of his toughest security men, Harry and Mick, had been parked outside her condominium complex since the night before waiting for her to emerge.

“Hi, boss.”

“Harry, what the fuck?” Gino demanded. “Why haven’t you called? It’s not my job to chase after you.”

“You said not to bother you if there was nothing to report.”

“But you’ve been there all night and it’s almost midday. You have to be kidding me. You must have missed her.”

“We’re right here outside the front entrance and we can also see the exit from the garage. She hasn’t come out and neither has her car.”

“This is fucking insane. Go inside and get her. Knock her out if you have to, but I want her at the abandoned barn now!”

“Uh, there’s a doorman in the lobby. We’d have to sign in.”

“For fuck’s sake, use your imagination! When a car leaves, duck into the garage before the gate closes. You have her unit number.”

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