Page 25 of The Cowboy's Wild Side

Ending the call, Gino changed out of his sport coat, trousers and Gucci loafers and pulled on jeans, a T-shirt and sneakers, then headed out to his car.

But he didn’t drive straight into town.

His first stop was Lake View Point.

He wanted to see the beautiful but infamous spot first hand.

As he turned into the gravel driveway, it was onlyseconds before he was staring at the majestic mountains and pristine lake. Rolling to a stop and climbing from his car, the first thing he noticed was how the bank sloped down into the water and immediately understood how the tragedy would have happened.

“Idiots,” he grunted, recalling the newspaper report about how the victims had fallen asleep when the snow was falling from the peaks. But his thoughts quickly turned back to Karen. He’d been hoping there would be some small crafts at the site, but there wasn’t even a picnic bench. “I guess it will have to be the woods,” he said with a sigh. “At least there are plenty of options.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Rolling to a stop outside Luke’s Western Garb, Karen thought back to driving into the parking garage at the NorthPark shopping center or the Galleria in Dallas. The bustling malls were a far cry from the quiet street in the small town. Climbing from her car and stepping directly into the store she broke into a smile. It was so easy. No trying to find a parking space, heading off to the elevators, then endless traipsing around looking for a shop that might have what you’re looking for.

As she entered, her smile grew.

Country and western songs played in the background just loud enough to enjoy, and the clothing was artfully displayed.

“Can I help you?”

Turning around she found a middle-aged woman with thick, wavy, shoulder-length hair and a warm smile.

“Hello, yes, please. Cade McLean sent me in. He said I should ask for Jenny or Luke.”

“I’m Jenny, and I’m guessing you must be a new student of his.”

“I am. My name’s Karen.”

“Hello, Karen, it’s very nice to meet you. Come with me and I’ll get you sorted out in no time. Are you new to riding?”

“New to western riding, but not new to horses. I mean, I don’t ride but my father has race horses.”

“That sounds exciting.”

“It is, but I’m really loving Cade’s ranch. Everything’s so…what’s the word? Mellow.”

“I’m sure it’s a far cry from what you’re used to.”

“Very much so, and it was so nice just parking out front and coming in. I’m used to shopping malls. They can be fun, but they’re also a pain sometimes.”

“They’re a bit over the top for me,” Jenny remarked. “But each to his own. Now, what size are you? The first thing you’ll need is a pair of stretch riding jeans.”

* * *

Directly across the street Gino was rolling his BMW SUV to a stop outside the diner. He owned two other vehicles. A Bentley Sports Coupe and a Mercedes Sedan. He’d thought the BMW would be the least ostentatious, but as he stepped out and spied the trucks parked along the street he realized it was still eye-catching. But at least it wasn’t a car known to Karen Harper. He usually drove his Mercedes to the track.

Stepping into the diner he found a line of red leather booths next to the window, black stools at the counter, and the floor was black and white tile. The decor was predictable, but the place was spotlessly clean and somehow inviting. Sliding into a booth and picking up the plastic covered menu, he realized how hungry he was.

“Coffee?”

Glancing up he smiled at the attractive young waitress holding a half-filled coffee pot.

“Yes, please.”

“Do you know what you’d like to order?”

“What would you recommend?” he asked as she filled his mug.

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