Page 34 of The Cowboy's Wild Side

“You can do this one if you want,” he said as she joined him. “Reach beneath her and bring the cinch up just the way you saw me do it.”

“I’d love to,” she replied, but as she took hold of the strap and began looping it through the ring, she paused and looked back at him.

“I have a friend who rides English and it’s nothing like this.”

“Yes, the saddles and girths are quite different.”

“Her way is much easier.”

“I think it’s just what you’re used to, but—sorry, that’s my phone,” he muttered as it chimed in his pocket. “Huh, it’s Luke’s Western Garb. Hello?”

“Hi, Cade, it’s Jenny. I’m calling to let you know those boots you ordered have finally arrived.”

“That’s great, thanks for lettin’ me know. I’ll stop in tomorrow.”

“You’re welcome. By the way, I enjoyed meeting Karen earlier. Did her friend’s father reach you?”

“Friend’s father? Sorry, I’m not sure what you mean,” Cade replied, feeling his pulse tick up.

“A man came in just after Karen left and said he wanted to arrange lessons with you for his daughter. He planned todrive her out there and surprise them both. I thought he would have been in touch by now. When I told him where you were and how to reach you he seemed very excited about it.”

“What’s his daughter’s name? Do you remember?”

“I believe he said Mary.”

“Okay, thanks, Jenny. I’m sure he’ll contact me when he’s ready,” Cade said, keeping his voice light and telling himself not to panic. “Joe, could you finish up with Pixie? I need a quick word with Karen.”

“Sure,” Joe said with a wave. “I’m already done with these two.”

“Cade, is something wrong?” Karen asked as he took her hand and led her outside.

“I’m not sure. Do you have a friend named Mary?”

“No, why?”

“Dammit.”

“What’s going on?”

“That bad feelin’ you had…”

“What about it? What’s happened?”

“A fella went into Luke’s after you left and spun a story about a friend of yours named Mary and managed to get my address. I’m worried it might be—

“Gino Stallone? No! How did he figure out I’m here? He can’t have! It makes no sense.”

“Lord only knows, and we don’t know it’s him, but—”

“But I don’t have a friend called Mary! Who else could it be?”

“Don’t panic. Nothin’ will happen while there are a bunch of people here, but stay in the arena right next to me.”

“You’re really worried,” she remarked, lowering her voice.

“But forewarned is forearmed. We’ll take this a step at atime. The group is startin’ to arrive,” he added as a car rolled into the driveway. “Remember, stick with me and don’t panic.”

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