Surely Clay knew the Wilder family name, knew of their feed store. Was he going to have a good laugh when he returned to his overpriced ranch tonight? He used up his family’s hospitality and then stabbed them in the back. Now Landon had even more in common with Angel. Clay had taken something precious from both of them, and there was no way to undo the damage he’d caused—well not for him at least. Maybe a small consolation would be getting Angel’s stallion back.
“And how’d you get here, Landon? I don’t remember seeing you earlier,” asked Grant.
As he tried to puzzle an answer in his mind, Clay spoke for him. “He came with me. I had dinner with his folks, and then I asked him to tag along while I checked in on the little firecracker.”
“Hope she didn’t bust your balls too much. She’s used to getting her own way,” said Grant. “She’s not going without. There’re a dozen horses corralled behind the barn, but when she sets her sights on something she wants, nothing can stop her.”
“Stubborn as all hell, I tell you. We’ll talk some sense in her so she’ll leave you in peace,” said Matthew.
“Well, it’s getting late. Thanks for the drive, Clay. But I think I’ll walk home tonight.” He brushed past the other men, not in the mood to talk or listen for another second. All his well-laid plans were being shot down from every angle. Clay not only stole his parents’ livelihood, but also had his sights on the woman Landon loved. He only accepted Clay into the fold because he thought he was a friend, and they had a natural camaraderie that he now realized was all a sham.
Chapter Eight
She hadn’t seen or heard from Landon in over a week. Her brothers wouldn’t let her leave the property, claiming she’d make trouble with the new distribution owner. All they cared about was the bottom line, even if that same owner had salaciously outbid her for the stallion at auction.
It had actually taken her days before she put two and two together and realized Clay Roberts was the thorn in Landon Wilder’s side. She wanted to call and comfort him, but he was always out or busy. Angel loved his parents and knew the hardships they were going through. Landon was a genius at hiding his emotions from her, but she knew something had been bothering him. He was finally able to put a face to the unseen menace taking over the feed distribution ring in their community. It wouldn’t have helped that he’d befriended that man, even allowed him to sit down for a meal with the very folks he was destroying.
“Damn it, Landon!” She hung up the phone again after getting the answering machine, and then began pacing her bedroom. With her brothers watching her every move, there was no way she’d be able to slip away in one of the pickups. They probably hid all the keys anyway, knowing she was quite capable of sneaking off without permission. Then the solution clicked in her mind when she plotted ways of getting off the property. She’d ride off—horseback style. The Carson ranch was the closest, and even though they claimed to despise her, surely they’d drive her into town or get a message to Landon for her.
She pulled her hair back into a functional ponytail and rushed out to the barn. Her brothers wouldn’t question her taking a horse out into the fields. She loved to ride, and they knew it. Only this time she had a new destination in mind.
By truck, the journey to the Carson ranch was effortless. Angel soon learned that by horse—with a hardwood forest between their properties, a river, and uneven terrain—it wasn’t so easy. When the red barn came into view, she nearly sighed in relief. She walked the horse the remaining distance and spied Cord as she neared. He was mending a section of fence to one of the holding pens. When he heard her horse approach, he tilted up his Stetson and scowled.
“You ride all the way out here?”
She nodded. Her usual bravado was waning. All she could think about was Landon and her night in the barn with him and Clay. Normally she’d love to mess with Cord and his brothers, but not today.
“You here to make trouble? If you’re bored, go bother someone else.” He hooked his pliers on his tool belt and stood straight.
“I’m looking for Landon. You see him lately?”
“Nope. But if you’re out for blood, I ain’t helping you find him, either.”
She slipped off her horse, wishing she had saddled the older mare, rather than racing off bareback. Her crotch was already aching from last night, and now it was downright uncomfortable. “Stop hating on me!” She brushed off her jeans and then gathered up the horse’s reins. “I’m just worried about him is all. Did you know your new distribution center is going to put the Wilders out of business?”
Cord’s brow lowered. “Suppose I never thought of that.”
“Not many have, not even my own brothers. Everyone’s so happy about getting their overstock sold that they forgot all about the feed store that’s been supporting them for generations.”
“There ain’t much to be done. No man’s going to throw away money when we all have families to support. But we should be doing something to help out the Wilders. They’re getting up in years, and I don’t imagine have much to fall back on, not even land, if they lose their store.”
“Look, can you drive me into town? Landon won’t answer his phone, and my brothers have me trapped on the ranch like some caged, wild animal.”
He raised one eyebrow, suggesting she was exactly that. Then he exhaled, staring up at the clear sky and no doubt thinking about the many things he had to accomplish before the sun set. “I’ll get Wyatt to take you into town. He’s nursing a broken wrist, so ain’t much used to me and Val until he’s mended.”
“Thank you.” Being polite with Cord felt unnatural but good. It was high time she started acting like a woman rather than a child. She used to be so much closer with the Carsons, but they had drifted away since she almost ruined their relationship with Samantha.
She waited outside while Cord went inside to fetch Wyatt. Angel secured the horse to a post and ran her palm over its face. “I’ll be back for you,” she whispered before kissing the mare.
“Now you ask for favors?”
Angel whirled around to face a disgruntled Wyatt Carson. His arm was in a cast and he looked like he’d just woken up. “It’s for Landon’s benefit, not mine. How’d you break your arm?” she asked. Since she hadn’t heard about the injury from her aunt Wendy or her brothers, it must be something new.
Cordell laughed, draping an arm over Wyatt’s shoulders. “Never wrap the leather lead around your hand when you’re walking a skittish horse.”
Wyatt shoved his brother away with his shoulder. “No…you don’t let the cattle stampede into the next holding pen without warning a man first. That damn horse nearly tore my arm off.”
“I’ve apologized for that, so stop being such a pussy. You’ve got it easy now, lying on the couch with Samantha doting over you all day. Me and Val have to do all the hard work.”
The two men squabbled while she waited. In the end, Wyatt reluctantly agreed to drop her off in town. He was the last one she wanted to be alone with in a confined space. The man was a hardcore cowboy, spoke his mind without considering the ramifications, and wouldn’t put up with her bullshit.
As they drove down the back dirt roads, she fidgeted, the uncomfortable silence burning her ears. “So…how’s everything going on with the four of you?” Angel would love to pick his brain about the complexities of a ménage relationship, the role of BDSM during sex, and if Landon ever spoke of her when she wasn’t around.
“Good.”
“All that stuff I used to tease you about…you know about your lifestyle while traveling the circuit? Well, I wanted to apologize. It was stupid of me, and none of my business regardless.”
“True.”
She exhaled. “I mean, there’s nothing wrong any of that. Right?”
“Girl, if you’re trying to hit on me, I’ll pull this truck over and dump you in the hay fields.” There was one good thing about the cowboys she knew. Once they committed, they were loyal to a fault. Not that Wyatt would ever see her as m
ore than a little sister, anyway.
“Don’t make me sick,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest. Being civil wasn’t as easy as she’d hoped, not with Wyatt. “The only man I’m concerned about right now is Landon.”
They neared the town. The Wilder home was just along the border where rural met civilization. “Okay. Out you go, Angel. Don’t be making trouble.”
“What if he’s not home?”
“That ain’t my problem. I have errands to run before heading back to my woman. I’m supposed to be resting, not chauffeuring spoiled little girls around town.”
She growled and slipped out the truck, slamming the door behind her. “Thanks!” Angel had to jump out of the way as Wyatt turned the truck and barreled out of the long drive. She focused on the sound of each footfall crunching the gravel beneath her boots. What would she even say to Landon? Yes, she wanted to comfort him about the whole business fiasco, but what about their night in the barn. It had felt real to her, but he hadn’t called her all week. Was that a sign he wanted nothing more to do with her? Was she going to be welcomed, or seen as a clingy, unwanted female? That would never be her. If he dismissed her, she’d stay away—permanently. But in her heart she knew what they shared went beyond physical pleasure. She knew Landon too well.
Angel stepped up on the wooden porch and knocked on the door. No answer. She imagined the Wilders would be at their feed shop, but where was Landon? She needed him. Being at his house made her feel surrounded by his presence—the old porch swing where they used to gaze up at the stars at night, the vintage tractor they started to restore together, but failed—she had so many good memories with him and didn’t want them all to be thrown away because they added sex into the mix.
Now she had no ride, so decided to walk into town. It would take her about twenty minutes, but she had all the time in the world. She’d already shot herself in the foot. Soon, her brothers would notice her missing and they’d be on the hunt. If they found out that Wyatt and Cord helped her, they’d get into another one of their fights—all because of her.
When she entered the normally sleepy town, it was all bustling with life. The new feed distribution center was surrounded by pickup trucks, cowboys loading and unloading, and a couple big rigs on the periphery. It would be a positive change in their community, if it hadn’t hurt the Wilders.
She decided she may as well do a little good with her free time. Her brothers may have forbid her from pissing off the hotshot, Clay Roberts, but he was just a flesh-and-blood man, not a god. She could do as she damn well pleased and deal with the ramifications when she got home. Grant and Matthew would be mad at her for a while, but they always forgave her, especially when she turned on the charm.
Angel squeezed through the crowd of cowboys noisily yammering on about feed pricing and other uninteresting nonsense. It reminded her think of the mob at the auction house, which only made her angrier. Clay had certainly done a number on her, but nobody messed with Angel’s friends. She pushed open the glass door, leaving the chaos in exchange for a relatively quiet reception area. There was a pretty woman sitting at the front desk, her wavy brown hair clipped back off her face, and eyes as black as Clay’s.
“Can I help you?” she asked.
“Clay Roberts around?” She wasn’t here to make friends, but raise hell. “I have a bone to pick with him.”
The woman bit her lower lip. “He was here a few minutes ago clearing out the office for me. I’m not sure where he disappeared to now.”
So that’s why all the farmers were outside, not in here bothering the secretary. Well, now it was Angel’s turn to make trouble. The poor woman would be an unfortunate casualty. “Do you realize this new company had put small business owners into bankruptcy? You should be ashamed to work for a man who steals women’s horses and puts old folk out into the street. I don’t even know where my friend, Landon, has disappeared to. For all I know he’s drunk himself to his grave.”
“Miss, I really don’t know—”
Angel felt like a madwoman but couldn’t stop. She’d had nobody to talk to since she last saw Landon, and it was all pouring out. She laid both hands on the edge of the desk and leaned forward. “Landon may not know it, but I might just love him. It’s stupid considering he’s made no declaration to me. I promised myself never to wear my heart on my sleeve, but here I am now a sorry fool.”
The secretary’s eyes were wide, her mouth slightly open with no words to say. Angel felt like a jerk, but anyone working for Clay had to be her enemy, too.
The little bells chiming off the glass door pulled her from her thoughts.
“Thank God, Clay. Can you please get a lock for the front door? I have a ton of work to get done.”
Angel twisted around. She froze for a moment, taking in the sight of him. Clay was finer than she remembered—black boots and hat, tight-fitting, faded blue jeans, and a white, short-sleeved button up. “You here bothering my staff now, Ms. Garner?”
A menacing look crossed his eyes as he stepped toward her. He exuded confidence and control, both qualities she currently lacked. Clay hooked his hand around the edge of her jeans, tugging her forward. He stared down at her, securing her with just his dark gaze. “I—”
“I don’t want to hear one peep from you, young lady. Now, my truck’s outside. I suggest you get in it before I lose my temper.”
She glanced back at the secretary and then to Clay. Two to one. With no support and her emotions fragile, she bolted from the office. The same crowd impeded her retreat as she tried to find Clay’s truck. What did he want from her? Was he going to gloat? The only reason she humored him was the small chance he could know something about Landon’s whereabouts.
The truck smelled of leather and man, a fine combination. She squirmed in her seat, feeling a sudden rush of energy as she waited for Clay. His door opened, and he climbed in, bringing the freshness of the outdoors and the scent of his cologne in with him. The seat creaked as he got comfortable, turning to face her with one knee slightly bend up. “What am I gonna do with you?”
“I’m not your concern.”
“You are my concern when you’re hell-bent on ruining my reputation, trying to run my business into the ground, and scaring the wits out of my secretary.”
“So now I’m not allowed to enter your office? Is that what this is all about? Or are you just looking for excuses to spank me again?”
Her breath caught in her throat as soon as she said her last sentence. Clay’s faced changed, too, going from smug to blank. Had she secretly been craving his punishment? His attention? She was losing sight of her goals thanks to her hormone-riddled body. What she needed to do was drive this man out of town, to boycott his feed store to help the Wilders.
Clay said nothing at all, only turned around and started up the powerful engine. Everything about this cowboy was larger than life, and she couldn’t help but feel drawn to him when she should despise all he stood for. Her attraction made her feel as if she were betraying Landon. “Have you talked with Landon since…last week when he walked home?”
“Can’t say I have.”
They were driving out of town now. She glanced out her window, wondering where Clay was taking her. Home to get reprimanded by her brothers? Or to another secret location for more twisted punishment? “Well, he’s missing, and I’m worried about him. It’s not like him to just disappear.”
“Did you ask his folks?”
She shook her head. That’s right. He was home because several times when she’d call, his mom or dad would say he was too busy or out for the night. He was avoiding her, not everyone. Maybe this was a case of a man not wanting anything to do with a woman after having his way with her. If that were the case, she’d kill him.
“I reckon you scare most men away. Lucky for you, I don’t scare easy.” Then he chuckled, that deep rich timbre that made her nipples pebble. “Maybe not so lucky.”
“Landon’s just feeling down—because of you.”
“I’d stop now if I were you, darlin’. I’ve done nothing but bring prosperity to this small town, and everyone but you seems to be grateful.” He turned to the right when they reached the fork in the road, which could only mean they were heading to Clay’s ranch. “You obviously need to be taught some manners. And I think the whole world would agree.”
The truck dipped and jolted as they navigated the potted drive leading up to Clay’s ranch. For being a wealthy man, his place was in need of serious maintenance. He parked the truck and hopped out. “Come on, Angel.”
She followed, taking in her surroundings as she went. “Why are we here? Have you decided to sell the stallion back to me?”
“We’ll talk about horses later.” He stepped up onto the porch and disappeared in the house. “Come on,” he called back for her. She tentatively entered. He may be an icon in their town already, and seen her naked and being fucked, but he was still a relative stranger.
He was waiting for her in the big country kitchen, similar to hers at home, but less lived-in. Her momma had their place all homey with plenty of country charm, and it always smelled like apple pie or beef stew. This place was in a disheveled state, cold and impersonal. There were boxes stacked in the hallway making it difficult to pass by. A box of Raisin Bran on the kitchen counter beside a washed bowl, spoon, and glass were the only evidence someone lived in the house. She even felt a little bit sorry for the cowboy. The home screamed loneliness, something she was accustomed to even when surrounded by family. While everyone saw a veneer and witnessed an act, the real her was locked up alone on the inside. That girl cried out for acceptance, for love, but didn’t dare ask for it. Putting real feelings out there would always lead to something negative, from her experience. The only one who’d seen a piece of her was Landon, and he was MIA.
“This is a big house to be living all alone in,” she said as she strolled around. Angel did a mental tally of the work that needed to be done. The place needed a fresh coat of paint. The baseboards were partially restored, but the project must have been abandoned some time ago, leaving layers of old paint on most sections. When walking up to the house, she noted the stair rail needed securing and the roof tiles would need replacing within the next year or two. The harsh Alberta winters did a number on the old ranch houses every season. Angel knew all about working with her hands. As the only girl on a busy cattle ranch, she was put to work alongside the boys.
Espino, Stacey - Hogtying the Cowgirl [Ride 'em Hard 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 6
