Page 25 of Cameron

Opening the door, he looked back inside the cabin one last time. This place would always be special to him. Because it was here that Samantha took the lead and they spent the night in each other’s arms. This was when she liked him. Because once she learned the truth, she would hate him. And that hurt.

It took them about ten minutes to saddle their horses and then they were on their way back to the main house. The snow was deep. In many places, it came up to the horses’ chests.

The sun would peek through the clouds occasionally and when they rode beneath a tree, the snow would fall on them. He’d never experienced anything like this before. The world was a white wonderland of snow and the sun made it glisten and sparkle.

But it was cold. Damn cold and he worried that the horses’ feet would get too cold.

“Will the horses get frostbite?” he asked.

“It’s possible, especially on their ears and if they have a penis,” she said with a laugh. “Also around the skin that connects to the hooves. But as soon as we reach the barn, these babies are getting extra feed, warm water, and a heated towel wrapped around their feet.”

These were the kinds of things this Texas boy had no idea how to treat. And he never wanted any animals he owned to be mistreated or harmed in any way.

“During the weather like this, it’s best if they are always kept in the barn,” she said. “Unfortunately, we need them to get us home.”

When they reached the pasture that led to the house, he could see a group of men on horseback.

“They were about to come looking for us,” she said.

Her brother Edward was not among them and that just infuriated Cameron even more. Samantha was his sister. Did he not care about her?

Or was he so into himself that no one else mattered?

Oh, how he wanted to take him out to the barn and beat the crap out of him, but that wouldn’t make the situation any better, and he doubted he could reach Edward.

When they rode up in the pasture, there was a huge greeting of applause.

“Samantha,” an older woman cried as she ran toward her.

“Mom,” she said as she stepped out of her saddle. “I’m all right.”

“Dear God, I’ve been worried sick. You were gone and Edward never came home last night. Thank God, you’re all right.”

Edward had not come home? That was interesting. Had he gotten stuck somewhere like they had or was he too busy playing cards? Had that call yesterday been to let him know of a big game coming up?

Her mother clung to her. “I was so worried. We were just about to ride out in search of you.”

“Sorry for worrying you, Mom, but the storm was so bad, we made the decision to stay in that line shack out in the north section. Our cell phones didn’t work.”

Her mother stared at her and then she glanced at Cameron. She gave him a stern glance. “Do I need to get my shotgun?”

The men standing there watching, snickered.

“Mom,” she cried.

“I’ve been wanting you to date and this young man seems awfully nice,” she said.

“No, Mother, you do not need your shotgun,” she said.

Her mother pulled her to her. “Come in the house. I’m sure you’re frozen. You too, Cameron. I’ll have them fix you up a nice big breakfast and some hot coffee. You both must be starving.”

He stepped out of the saddle and followed them to the house.

An employee took the horses’ reins.

Her mother reached back and pulled him up beside her. “I’m so glad the two of you are safe. Young man, thank you for taking care of my Sam.”

“Ma’am, your daughter rescued me. I’d be out there frozen in some pasture if it wasn’t for her.”

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