Cowboy Reality Romance: Kip

by Erica Penrod

  Cowboy Reality Romance: Kip

  Destination Billionaire Romance

  Erica Penrod

  Contents

  Foreword

  Free Destination Billionaire Romance

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Free Destination Billionaire Romance

  About the Author

  Copyright © 2017 by Erica Penrod

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Created with Vellum

  Foreword

  I'm thrilled to introduce you to Erica Penrod, a debut author of Cowboy Reality Romance: Kip, the first Cowboy Reality Romance book.

  The location is a personal favorite of mine—Park City, Utah. The setting came alive to me with descriptions of the breathtaking mountains and greenery, and the mansion sounded like a dream come true.

  Speaking of a dream come true, you're going to love the hero in this one! Kip is a cowboy who puts other cowboys to shame. From his devastating dimple to the dedication he has to the heroine to the fun way he interacts with her twin boys—you're going to be oohing and aahing over this guy.

  Cowboy Reality Romance has a bit of romance, suspense, and family drama that will have you anxiously waiting the sequel in this Cowboy Reality Romance series.

  Enjoy,

  Cami Checketts, author of Cozumel Escape

  Free Destination Billionaire Romance

  You can get a free copy of The Reclusive Billionaire by Lucy McConnell by clicking here.

  As an added bonus, you’ll also receive updates when the next Destination Billionaire Romance is released so you don’t miss out on one of these sweet romances.

  1

  For over a year, Cassie reminded herself to be strong, to be brave for her children, and when all else failed, fake it. Which she did earlier that morning as everything she knew disappeared in the rearview mirror. She had left Arizona behind, unaware that hours later, her life would forever change in that first moment with Kip.

  Cassie felt in control as she headed up a long stretch of canyon highway carved between mountains and challenged by a river racing along its side. Her little red Honda, loaded with everything they owned, crept up the meandering road to find the famous Utah town where millionaires played and stars disappeared.

  Just like every other American kid, Cassie watched Park City on television during the 2002 Winter Olympics. When she first accepted the job, she pictured endless snow and skiing, scarves and frozen toes. But with the window down and her hair blowing right along with the wild flowers and green grasses, the picture was the postcard of a summer day.

  With a silent prayer of gratitude for the creative genius behind a GPS, she exited I-80 and passed through the scenic town, hoping she’d have a chance to take a tour. Pressing the gas pedal to the floor, Cassie pled with the automobile angels to help her car make it up this one last hill before it overheated. First impressions were important, and calling for a rescue from the side of the road with her sippy cup–toting minions in tow wasn’t going to cut it. She couldn’t afford to squander this opportunity. “Housewife with a high school diploma” didn’t make an impressive résumé, but thanks to her mother, she got a job working for the CFO of Morgan Equine.

  Grace Morgan was a woman who fit the definition of her name under pressure and under fire and had insisted that Cassie come as soon as she could. Grace and Camille, Cassie’s mom, met in college and lived states apart, but kept in touch talking or texting every week along with an annual girls’ trip, Christmas cards, and birthday gifts.

  According to Mom, Grace’s career was a source of both fulfillment and disappointment for the self-made woman. When her children were younger, Grace, with the help of her husband, could balance home and office. However, the expansion of their product line demanded Grace’s attention. With two teenage daughters still at home, Grace needed someone she could trust to be there for them.

  The car reached the mountaintop, and Cassie let out a sigh. From there, they followed the navigational system and took a left onto an asphalt road, winding through crowded aspen trees.

  The boys woke up, their hair sweaty and sticking up and their eyes instantly alert. Cassie rolled the back windows down to cool them off while they kicked their feet against the seats. They wanted out. So did she; Phoenix felt a million miles away.

  As the asphalt curved past a cluster of trees, a meadow opened into a gorgeous canvas, and her jaw dropped. She tapped the brake, jolting the car and lodging her gum in her throat. Coughing, she let the car idle forward onto the brick pavers. Dark wood railing fenced the drive, while large pastures on either side were dotted with grazing horses in earthy tones.

  Her boys squealed, “Horses, Mamma, horses!”

  She smiled as some of the stress from the drive melted away. “I know, babies, aren’t they pretty?”

  The driveway curved into a roundabout, and in its middle was a fountain. In the center, a bronze horse reared his front hooves into the air, while a feather plume of water atop his head cascaded into the pool.

  “Water, water!” the twins shouted.

  Once Cassie drew her eyes away from the fountain, she stared through the windshield. Her strictly middle-class upbringing left her mind unable to translate what stood before her.

  A two-story house the width of her first apartment complex was anchored to the land by at least five brick chimneys. Stone and wood with their natural patterns and textures covered the home and its accompanying buildings. Slate-blue shutters hung on every window, and beneath them were boxes of blooming plants, overflowing with a rainbow of colors. Cassie had to stick her head out of the window to see the roofline.

  The front door, the largest she’d ever seen, boasted intricate details carved into the wood and was framed by stained glass. Two enormous bronze pots filled with tall grasses stood on either side of the door in perfect symmetry.

  Cassie put her hand to her mouth, stifling the squeal; her stomach fluttered in anticipation, tossing around the burrito she’d had for lunch.

  “Out, out, out,” the boys cried.

  Taking in their crumb-covered pants, the sticky car seats, and the cracker-covered floor, her heart sank. Where’s the servants’ entrance?

  She didn’t know what to do or where to go. Was she supposed to knock on that drawbridge of a door? I’d rather face a dragon.

  She didn’t have much time to contemplate a decision before the door opened and a beautiful woman with a wide smile stepped out. Grace Morgan. Cassie recognized her from Facebook and the Morgan Equine website, mixed with a dash of distant memories.

  Letting out a big breath, Cassie got out of the car. I can do this. I can do this. She hastily applied a smile to her lips and stepped forward to meet her new boss.

  “I’m so glad you’re here. I was worried,” Grace said, as she wrapped Cassie in a motherly hug. The smell of peonies hovered around Grace like fairy dust. “It was such a long trip for just you and the boys.”

  As if on cue, the boys kicked and hollered. Cassie pulled away, instantly apologizing as she opened the back door. “Sorry, yeah, they’re tired o
f being in the car.” And full of energy.

  “Here we go,” she whispered, as she unbuckled Rhett. He grasped his hands around her neck as she pulled him from the car, his little arms giving her a shot of courage. She was here for her boys, to provide a better life. For them, she could do anything. With a squeeze, she set him on the ground. On the other side of the car, Grace already had Ryder’s buckle unfastened. Cassie watched, but Grace didn’t wrinkle her nose at the mess on the floor or raise an eyebrow at the stain on Ryder’s shirt. She simply smiled at Ryder.

  Ryder didn’t move, unsure of this new woman.

  Cassie hurried around before the kid had a chance to react. “Thanks,” she said, and delivered his freedom.

  Ryder met his brother at the back of the car, and they took off as fast as three-year-old legs could run, straight for the fountain.

  Cassie puffed. “Of course,” she said, and sprinted after them.

  Grace followed behind her, laughing. “I’ve missed having little people around. It’s been a long time since we’ve had to haul one out of the fountain.”

  Cassie reached the boys just as Rhett got one leg over the cement. “Oh, no you don’t,” she said, as she hoisted him to dry land. She spun back around, snatching the second boy before his foot hit the water.

  “You’ve got your hands full, times two,” Grace said, with an appreciative smile.

  Cassie nodded, holding tight to their little dimpled hands. This wasn’t the way she wanted her first meeting with Grace to go—chaos in the first ten seconds upon arrival. If Grace thought she couldn’t handle her own kids, she might think hiring Cassie to help with her daughters was a mistake.

  “Let’s go out back and let them stretch their legs,” Grace said. “We’ve got a playground, and we can visit while they play.”

  She led Cassie and the twins around the side of the house to a beautiful stone archway between the main house and what Cassie thought to be a garage. The boys craned their necks to take everything in, jabbering and pointing.

  On the other side, the archway opened into a large patio area, with a hot tub to the left, and a pool in the corner. Ornate black wrought iron furniture in a cozy arrangement took its place in the middle. To the right, the patio flowed around a miniature park. A large play set with slides and rock walls and swings of every size made it a kid’s paradise. Once the boys caught sight of it, they struggled against Cassie’s grip.

  “I want to play,” Rhett said, and pulled free just as Ryder slipped his hand from hers and took off.

  Grace placed her arm on Cassie’s before she could follow. “They’re fine. That’s why I brought you back here.” She motioned toward the chairs. “Let’s have a seat. We can keep an eye on them from the patio.”

  Cassie took in a deep breath and exhaled. “Okay.” She wiped her palms on her jeans and smiled as her host motioned for her to sit on one of the chairs with a plush cushion. Without thinking, Cassie dusted her back pockets before she sat and looked up to see Grace’s warm smile.

  Cassie’s cheeks flushed, and her gaze dropped to the salsa spilled down the front of her shirt. When did that get there? She looked like a poor mouse in the king’s pantry. What am I doing here?

  “I’m sorry my husband can’t be here; unfortunately, he’s still in Texas. He’s looking forward to seeing you and the boys.”

  “I look forward to meeting him, too.” Cassie tucked her hands under her legs.

  Grace sat at the edge of the chair, her back straight, legs crossed. She wore a peach-colored silk top paired with a chunky mint-green necklace and earrings. Starched white slacks were cuffed at the ankles, and her pedicure peeked through brown leather sandals, showing off the same hue as her accessories. “I’m sure you’re tired. I’ll be quick,” she said, leaning in. “The first thing I want you to know is that to me, you and those boys are family.”

  Cassie bit the inside of her lip. She’d hoped they’d be happy here for a time, while she got her feet back under her. She’d hoped for a good work environment where her boys would be safe. Grace’s kind words touched her heart and settled the anxieties that had scratched away at her sleep night after night.

  “I may seem like a stranger to you, but in a way, I’ve watched you grow up.” Grace clasped her hands together. “Your mother is as dear to me as my own flesh and blood …” She paused, tilting her head and looking off into the distance.

  A pounding of unfamiliar sound triggered Cassie’s mother bear instincts. She stood up in order to survey the playground. Ryder barreled to the bottom of a slide with Rhett right behind him. They scrambled off the slide to do it all again, unaware of their mother’s concern. Cassie’s muscles relaxed as she sat back in her chair. Curious about the noise, she looked around the rest of the area.

  “Speaking of flesh and blood,” Grace said, shading her blue eyes with her palm, “here’s my son, Kip, now.”

  Cassie squinted into the distance and saw a man on horseback galloping along a backdrop of mountains against a watercolor sky and a barn that could be featured in Architectural Digest. Miles of rustic fence outlined the natural sketch. Cassie had been so preoccupied with her boys, she didn’t notice beyond the pool until now.

  Her heart pounded as rider and horse came closer. She double-checked the boys’ whereabouts to make sure they were well out of the animal’s path. The horse’s nostrils flared as it sucked in air, racing like a wild beast. Even with the fence between them, Cassie was sure he’d never be able to stop in time. Her hands went to her mouth as she gasped.

  It wasn’t the first time Kip Morgan rode into Cassie’s life, but this time he couldn’t be ignored. His cowboy hat and strong jaw cut a line right to her middle, where a warm feeling buzzed.

  He climbed down from the saddle, swinging his leg over the horse and moving with confidence. She cursed under her breath while her heart two-stepped to the only country song she knew. The rush of attraction maybe five years ago would’ve thrilled her, but not now. Widowed at twenty-seven and a single mom of two young boys, she vowed to never give anyone, dead or alive, the power to hurt her again.

  “Show off,” Grace chuckled. “You remember Kip, don’t you Cassie?” Grace asked.

  He pulled the reins over the horse’s head, tied them to the pole, and walked towards Cassie and Grace.

  Until that moment, she’d completely forgotten about the skinny adolescent boy she’d met years ago. She gulped and forced an awkward smile. But that scrawny kid couldn’t be this guy. There was nothing gawky about this man. Gone were the pronounced elbows, overshadowed now by thick, sinewy muscles, and the full cheeks had melted into chiseled features. Dressed in nice-fitting jeans and a button-up shirt, he appeared every bit the dangerous gentleman. What did he do, walk out of a country music video?

  “Vaguely,” she said, trying to compose herself. “I think we met when I was … fourteen? But he was just … a, a kid.” The word “kid” came out a little more airy than she wanted. Cassie crossed her legs and sat straight up in the chair.

  Grace’s blue eyes sparkled. “Yes, well, that would’ve made him about twelve. He’s grown up since then.”

  That’s an understatement. Cassie’s eyes grew in horror. Did I say that out loud?

  “Hey, Mom,” Kip said. He bent down and kissed his mother on the cheek, but his brown eyes remained on Cassie. She reached back and smoothed her ponytail.

  Grace stood up and gave him a hug. “You don’t smell so pretty,” she said, as she let go.

  “Thanks.” He smiled, and dimples seeped into a landscape of tan, defined cheekbones touched by a kiss of wind. Even as he spoke to his mother, Cassie could feel the weight of his stare.

  “Kip, you remember Cassie.”

  He didn’t say anything, but then leaned over the chair and extended his hand. “Hi.” He took her hand in his. His hand felt rough, but dependable, and she prayed he didn’t feel her trembling. “It’s nice to meet you …” He grinned. “Again.”

  She tried to force a steady
smile, but her lip quivered. “It’s nice to meet you too.”

  Grace took her seat and asked Kip if he wanted to join them. He let go of her hand and shook his head.

  Cassie couldn’t help but notice the soft brown curls peeking beneath his hat in little wisps along his neck.

  She was acting like a nervous teenager around a superstar, all breathless speech and sweaty palms. Her burrito did a salsa dance in her stomach as reality grabbed her by the throat. The days of romance are long gone.

  “Who are those little guys?” Kip asked, as he walked towards the playground.

  Cassie started to speak. “They’re … um …”

  “Meet Rhett and Ryder, Cassie’s little boys,” Grace said.

  Kip paused and looked back at Cassie, and once again his dimples made an appearance. He turned back and greeted the boys. Cassie stood up, ready to intervene if the boys got too rowdy.

  “They’re fine; kids love Kip. He’s a natural with them,” Grace said, inviting Cassie to sit down with a wave of her hand.

  The boys stopped and considered Kip for a moment. Ryder, the more outgoing of the two, said, “Push me, push me,” and he ran to the swings.

  Rhett was not about to be left out. “Me, too.” He left the sandbox, grains of earth falling from his clothes.

  Kip helped each boy into a swing, placing their hands on the chains. “Now hold on tight,” he said, and pushed each child with one arm.

  With the boys’ laughter pealing through the air, she was able to settle into her seat. A soft breeze whisked away the little beads of sweat on her forehead.

  Feeling like she needed to regain some control of the situation, she asked, “How old are your girls?”

  “Skyler is sixteen and Elle just turned fourteen,” Grace said. “They’re in the house. How about a tour and I’ll introduce you?”

  “Sounds good,” Cassie said.