Page 5 of The Cowboy's Promise

“She did what?”

“That’s why I have to go. I don’t care about me, not really, but I’m terrified she’ll do something to Apollo if I stay.”

“Heather, listen to me,” he said firmly, shifting to stare at her. “That girl isn’t goin’ to hurt you, or Apollo, or anyone else. I’ll make sure of it.”

“But—”

“You’re much safer here where I can watch over you. And don’t forget, the barns have video cameras and security guards patrollin’ at night. If you go back to the ranch you and Apollo will be much easier targets. There’s only Lucas there.”

“And Butch.”

“Well, yeah, and Butch is a helluva watch dog, but you’ll still be more vulnerable there than here.”

“I don’t know…”

“Do you trust me?”

“Of course I trust you.”

“Then believe me when I tell you, the worst thing to do is run from a bully. It’s like facin’ your fears. You have to stand your ground. But you leave Courtney to me. I give you my word I won’t let her—or anyone else—hurt you or Apollo. Come back to the barn with me. I know you’re not showin’ but Tracy and Julie are and I need to be there for them.”

“Actually…”

“What?”

“You’re right. I should face my fears. I’m still a bit shaky after what Courtney just did, and I am nervous about riding in that big ring, but I should.”

“Heather, that’s great. You’ve done wonders with that horse and it’s time you showed him off. But before we go there’s one more thing.”

Before she could ask him what it was his fingers were in her hair tugging back her head, and his lips were devouring hers in a long, luxuriant kiss.

“There,” he murmured, pulling back and releasing her. “I’ve been wantin’ to do that for months.”

“Blake…I don’t know what to say,” she whispered. “Wait, yes I do. I’ve been waiting for that since I drove onto your ranch and saw you leaving the barn with a bag of feed over your shoulder.”

“No kiddin’? Well, Heather, the feelin’ was mutual. When you stepped out of that truck on that first day I damn near had a heart attack.”

“Really?”

“Hell, yeah. I guess Courtney did us a favor, though I’m furious at her for what she did.”

“It was horrible, but finally being with you like this was worth it.”

CHAPTER FOUR

With an hour before her class Heather had enough time to warm up Apollo and groom him for the show ring. Blake had two other clients in a class before hers, and told her he’d be back to check on her after they were finished. One competitor placed second, and the other third. In a group of seventeen people he considered it a great success. But when he left he didn’t go directly to check on Heather. He walked over to a nearby barn in the show grounds where he knew Courtney was stabling her horses.

Though he didn’t see her as he moved down the aisle, he did hear her voice. Continuing to the end and stepping outside he saw her pacing as she talked on her phone. Her eyes were staring at the grass beneath her feet, and in her free hand she was tapping a riding crop against her boot.

“I don’t care. You said you’d have it for me today and it still hasn’t arrived.”

She had yelled, which didn’t surprise him. Whenever their paths crossed she always seemed unhappy and on edge.

“Make sure you do. Text me when it’s on the way,” she barked, then jerking her head around she glared at him. “Do you always stand around and listen to other people’s private calls?”

“I never stand around and listen to other people’s calls, private or otherwise.”

“What do you want?”

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