Page 22 of The Cowboy's Wild Side

“Come on sleepyhead. You’re on a ranch, not in a penthouse in Dallas. It’s time to get up. I’m off to make that coffee and whip us up a quick breakfast.”

“But it’s so early.”

“Did you forget you said you’d be here at seven? I have a feelin’ you wouldn’t have made it. Be glad you’re here already.”

“I am, but that was yesterday and this is now,” she muttered.

“Maybe I should start your day with a quick spankin’,” he exclaimed, abruptly turning her over and landing a hard swat. “That should wake you up!”

“No, no,” she said hastily, jerking away and sitting up. “Where are Jack and Diane?”

“Are you tryin’ to change the subject?”

“Maybe. Is it working?”

“You can be such a brat,” he retorted with a chuckle. “They’ll be in the yard runnin’ around. When they hear me in the kitchen they’ll come back for their breakfast. And Karen, you may have changed the subject but I expect to see you there in five minutes. Got it?”

“Yes, Cade. You’ve made your point.”

Smiling, he leaned down and softly kissed her then left the room, but as he entered the kitchen and fed the dogs an idea came to mind.

* * *

Karen could scarcely believe the incredible turn ofevents. She’d fled to Smoky Hill to hide from Gino Stallone until her parents returned and she could tell them what she’d overheard. Now she’d met an amazing cowboy and was not only staying at his ranch…but sharing his bed. She could think of nothing else as she showered and dressed, and hurried down the hall to the kitchen. Sitting on the table was a plate of French Toast, maple syrup and coffee.

“Wow, this looks really good. Do you cook—like, really cook?”

“I live alone, I don’t have a choice,” he replied with a grin. “But I have an idea. We’ll be busy all morning, and that includes your first lesson, so—”

“Really?” she exclaimed, interrupting him. “That’s fantastic, but I still don’t have the right clothes.”

“Regular jeans and sneakers will be fine. You’ll just be sittin’ on a bareback pad saddle and walkin; a bit. But my classes don’t start until three o’clock, and I want to take you to the Moonshine Campgrounds for lunch.”

“Is this like a picnic thing?”

“Not even close,” he replied with a laugh as he dowsed his French Toast with maple syrup. “It’s a special place. People come in from Dallas for romantic getaways or celebrations. Annie and Brody were married there, and the chef at the restaurant is incredible.”

“That sounds wonderful. But what about the horses?”

“Joe will be here by the time we leave. He usually gets here around noon.”

“Joe?”

“Didn’t I mention him? He cleans the paddocks, does trips to the feed store when I need things, and he keeps track of the supplements and orders them when they’re runnin’ low. The business has grown over the last two years and I can’t do everything myself any more.”

“I did wonder about that,” she remarked thoughtfully. “How often is he here?”

“He comes every other day, more if I need him. He also works for Andy and Helen. Between the two ranches he’s kept busy. You may as well know…” he added thoughtfully, “he got in trouble and spent some time behind bars.”

“Oh, that’s not good. What did he do? And by the way, this French Toast is fantastic.”

“Thanks,” he replied with a grin. “I’m not exactly sure, but his family in Dallas are friends with Sheriff Cooper and they thought Joe would be better off in a small town like Smoky Hill. When the sheriff asked me if I’d give him a chance I said sure. I really needed the help. It’s been almost a year now and he’s been great. He loves the horses and they love him right back. Have you ever heard the sayin’,there’s nothin’ so good for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse.”

“It rings a bell. Who said it?”

“Winston Churchill. I swear he had a cowboy’s soul, but regardless, he was right. Now finish up and let’s get to the barn.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

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