Hard Ride: A Rough Romance

by Piper Stone

  “And the unknown substance?”

  “I’m no toxicology expert, but my guess is any other pesticide mixed in would elevate the dosages.” Bart sighed. “I don’t know. It doesn’t feel right to me, but I wouldn’t jump to any conclusions.”

  “You’ve heard something,” I suggested.

  He hesitated. “I always hear things, Montana. Doesn’t mean they’re true. Just know that Misty and the foal are going to be fine. How’s that girl?”

  “All right.” At least for now.

  “Good. I’ve got to leave here but someone needs to check on the horses a few times today and tonight.”

  I bristled, seeing Garland’s face as he walked back in through the door. “I’ll take care of it. Thanks for everything.”

  “You bet.”

  I decided I’d keep the poison information to myself. For now.

  “That about Holland?” Garland asked as he fished out his wallet, tossing two twenties on top of the bar.

  “Yep. I’m going back to the hospital. You didn’t have to buy the drinks.”

  He shifted his gaze all the way down to my boots. “My pleasure. We need to do this more often. Gotta run. Oh, I heard there’s going to be some kind of exhibition in a week or so. My guess is that both of you will be invited to participate, if that new girlfriend of yours is well enough. New opportunity to highlight Cheyenne and one hot love affair.” He offered another laugh, backing away quickly.

  “Get the hell out of here,” I said, grinning. After winking, he walked out without saying another word. My gut was riding high on an adrenaline rush and testosterone. Maybe I needed to do a little bit more investigating.

  I sat swilling the drink, contemplating what or if I should do anything. I had no business getting involved in anything that might damage either my reputation or my practice, but something didn’t feel right. I sat quietly for a few minutes, still antsy.

  Still frustrated.

  Then I noticed the door opening and another customer coming inside. For some reason, he drew my attention as he sidled up to the bar. He seemed out of place, although he was wearing typical cowboy attire that any other dude might be wearing in the excessive heat. Jeans, a tee shirt, and cowboy boots. Although there was one significant difference. His clothes and boots were brand new. I could hear the squeaking of the hard leather as he walked, taking a barstool in close proximity.

  Far too close in my opinion.

  He didn’t look in my direction, but I had the distinct feeling he knew I was sitting close. There wasn’t a cowboy in town who didn’t have at least one tattoo, usually an homage to a girl they’d fucked on one hot night. This guy? His arms and neck were covered with them. Maybe I was far too suspicious for my own damn good, but I also prided myself on being observant and I didn’t like what I saw.

  He was the kind of man who enjoyed beating the shit out of some guy just for looking at him the wrong way. Muscles bulging. A sneer permanently locked on his face. And eyes that could cut a man to stone.

  Only I had to guess about the last one. The asshole was still wearing shades in a bar that was so dark you needed a flashlight to make certain there weren’t bugs in your drink.

  I prided myself on listening to my instincts and they were screaming to leave before anything got heated.

  I shoved the money across the bar, polishing off the drink and heading toward the door. I stopped in the entrance, taking my time extracting the chunk of keys from my pocket.

  Hell, yeah, the man had swiveled on the stool just enough to watch what I was doing. Fuck him. I wasted no time getting into the truck and starting the engine, checking my rearview mirror several times as I pulled out onto the street.

  He wasn’t following.

  Maybe I was wrong.

  Then why was my forehead covered in sweat?

  * * *

  “She’s resting comfortably and in no danger. The antibiotics seem to be working. Mark Banyon is taking over. Good guy. From what the nurses tell me, she’s just starting to awaken.” Jack had taped his nose, a dark bruise already starting to form just under his eye. He watched me in a cagey manner, no doubt warned I was already over the edge.

  And dangerous.

  Fuck, yes, I was.

  Mark had a solid reputation and I had to admit I felt more at ease. At least Mark hadn’t chided me like Jack regarding my past.

  “I don’t know if she has insurance, but I’ll take care of everything.” I didn’t bother looking at the man. We didn’t need to make peace or break bread. He knew exactly where I stood. I’d brought in her purse in order to fill out the paperwork. Other than a basic driver’s license, Holland had little in the way of personal effects. There were no pictures or a single credit card. She had ten dollars and change in her wallet and not even a cash saving card to any of the grocery stores in town. As far as I was concerned, Holland Kennedy was a mystery.

  “Well, that will help. Dr. Banyon will come by her room later.” Jack placed her chart on the nurse’s station, shoving his hands into his pockets. “You know, I read the article in the morning paper. Interesting. Should we consider you the next of kin?”

  I wasn’t entirely certain if he was asking a legitimate question or goading me. Either way, I was in no mood. All I had to do was turn my head in his direction for him to look away, a hint of fear in his eyes.

  “Just send the bills to my house. You do have that address, don’t you?”

  I didn’t wait for his answer before heading in the direction of the room she’d been assigned. Semi-private but at this point, there wasn’t another patient. When I walked in, she had her head turned toward the window, her fists clenched and her eyes closed. I hated seeing the tube stuck in her arm.

  My damn boots gave advance warning of my approach and I half expected her to flinch. She didn’t, her eyelids barely fluttering.

  I stood by the window for at least thirty minutes, allowing her to rest. I continued to think about the burly guy in the bar. Why was that bothering me so much?

  “How’s Misty and the baby?” she asked, her voice raspy. Instead of the feisty woman who’d fought every command, she seemed demure, rattled.

  Turning toward her, I was more than relieved her eyes were open. I was no longer shocked at the lurch in my heart or the lump in my throat. The woman had lassoed a rope around me and even in her weakened state, the pull was strong. “You should rest.”

  She shifted, dragging her tongue across her lips. “Rest is for when you’re dead.”

  Her comment was enough to yank a laugh from my belly. “Always incorrigible.”

  “Why you adore me.” Her smile was coy, although short-lived. “The horses? I need to know.”

  “They’re both fine. I’ll go over and check on them later.” I moved closer to the bed. I wasn’t used to giving comfort to my patients. That wasn’t my bag. The nurses were the ones offering kind smiles and strokes of their hand, making certain they were comfortable. I was often the one giving the bad news about their condition.

  “I appreciate it.” She shifted in bed, huffing as she glared at the bag hanging over her head. “I hate this.”

  “You’re going to be fine.”

  “No, I need to get out of here.”

  “You’re going nowhere,” I stated in a firm voice, perhaps louder than my intent.

  Holland cocked her head, a slight hint of her former self returning. “You’re not my keeper. I keep telling you that.”

  I grabbed her chart, checking the stats. At least the asshole doctor hadn’t been lying. There was no apparent heart damage or anything else indicating she’d have permanent side effects. Instead of relief, I continued to be angry.

  At the damn rattlesnake?

  Maybe.

  At myself?

  Definitely.

  “You could have died, Holland. That’s no joke. You’re going to need to take it easy for a while. Recovery can take months.”

  “Over my dead ass body. I have a practice to build and a rodeo
to win.”

  Others would be dazzled by her tenacity. I was growing annoyed at her childish behavior. I realized we enjoyed pressing each other’s buttons, but she refused to take this seriously, requiring my direction. “There is no change in our deal. You will do what I say. Period.”

  She was incensed at first then simply lowered her eyes. “Fine. Sir. Have it your way. I’ll be out of here in no time in order for you to punish me. I know that’s all you really want. Control. Domination.”

  We were already back to sparring, only this time I wasn’t in the mood to defend any of my decisions. “Do you need anything?”

  “A one-way ticket to Hawaii.”

  She was so bitter, angry at the world, her disgust at being unable to control the situation loud and clear. I pulled the single chair closer, easing down and taking her hand. “Maybe we can arrange that when you get well, but not one way.”

  My offhanded remark seemed to carve a chunk of ice from her defenses. She allowed a long breath to escape. “That would be wonderful. Sandy beaches. Warm breezes. Frozen drinks. I’m sorry, Montana. I’m just worried about the clinic. So much is riding on the line right now.”

  “Think positively. My mother always told me that the only real way to deal with difficult situations is to find every positive notion.” I laughed, shaking my head. “Don’t worry, I never really bought into that either, but I have to believe that everything is going to be all right. You’re a skilled veterinarian and pretty soon people will take notice.” Just the touch of her hand was exactly what I needed. She was the patient and I wanted to protect and care for her, but somehow even her abrasive manner had weaseled its way into my soul.

  “I’ve always thought a cloud followed over me, thunderous and ready to swoop down at any moment. When I was a little girl, my daddy used to sweep me into his arms, twirling me over and over again while I laughed, giddy and happy. I’ll never forget his larger than life persona. He always told me that everything was going to be all right. I believed him until I no longer had that opportunity.” She had a faraway look in her eyes.

  “What happened to him?”

  Holland eased her hand from mine. “Nothing dramatic other than my father changed. We could no longer hold a civil conversation. We simply lost touch. What about your family?”

  “Mother died when I was little, a car accident.”

  “Car accident.” She said the two words very carefully.

  “Drunk driver and that devastated my father. He’s still around though, a hardnosed cowboy full of grit and determination.” I never talked about my family. There was no need. With Holland, doing so seemed almost natural.

  Almost.

  “Like his son.” She offered a shy smile.

  No one had ever compared me to my father. I wasn’t certain if I was pleased or pissed off. “Yeah, well, he might think differently about that.”

  “Fathers always love their children, even if they have difficulty knowing how to ask for forgiveness.”

  Her comment was one of experience.

  “I’m sorry about your mother,” she offered.

  “At least I remember her always smiling. Laughing.” The memories did indeed bring me a smile.

  “Did you find out anything about whether I was right or not about the poison?” she asked almost hopefully.

  I shrugged, trying to pass it off. “You were right. Rat poisoning. The horse could have easily gotten into a supply. Used all the time around these parts.”

  She furrowed her brow and I could see her wheels churning. She wasn’t buying a word of it. “Wait a minute. That’s far too convenient.”

  A tap on the door interrupted our conversation. Flowers.

  “A delivery for you, Holland. They’re so pretty. Would you like to see the card?” the nurse asked as she eased the crystal vase down on the bedside table.

  “I guess.” Holland’s answer was tentative. She held the small envelope in her hand, staring down at the block writing on the outside.

  How the hell did anyone know she was here, unless Garland talked? He’d have no reason to divulge that kind of information. Hell, the man knew I’d kick his ass. I glanced from her pensive face to the vase. Red carnations, an odd choice in my opinion. To me they spoke of funerals. A damn shiver shifted down my spine.

  “Thank you,” Holland said absently, still fiddling with the envelope when the nurse walked out. “Did you tell anyone I was here?”

  “Not a soul. None of their damn business.”

  She nodded one too many times, obviously debating finding out who sent them. “I don’t like flowers, not really. They remind me of death.” As she ripped at the envelope, I could see her hand shaking. When she read the card, her skin paled.

  It wasn’t my place to ask her who they were from, but she wasn’t happy. In fact, I’d say she was terrified.

  “Dr. Cobalt?”

  Another damn interruption. This time, I made certain the nurse was well aware of my aggravation. “What now?”

  “I was asked to find you by the chief of surgery. One of your patients.”

  The nurse didn’t need to give me the reason why. I could read it all over her face. Another crisis to handle.

  “I’ll be right there.” I took Holland’s hand again, this time bringing it to my lips and brushing her fingers back and forth. “I’ll come check on you later. I will as long as you promise to rest.”

  “You know me, but I’ll try.”

  “That’s the problem,” I said, winking.

  When I walked out, I glanced over my shoulder as she shoved the table as far away from her as possible, dropping her head into her hands. Whatever was going on was scaring her to death.

  Chapter Nine

  Holland

  “Where’s this great big, burly, and red-hot Texas boy of yours? Why isn’t he here to sweep you into his arms and take you home? That’s what all good cowboys do.” Julia batted her eyelashes as she grabbed my bag of things. At least I’d been able to con her into bringing me a change of clothing. “Maybe you’re just using his body for other, hotter things. Ooh la la.”

  “Last time I checked, we were still in Wyoming.”

  “You’re a riot today. By the way, I was shocked this morning to hear you were even in the hospital, although since you ignored several phone calls and texts, I assume you were with lover boy or dead on the side of the road.”

  “Very funny.”

  “A rattlesnake bite? You know how to live. No wonder, if you were wearing clothes like these.”

  I yanked my short shorts out of her hand, shoving them into the duffle. “It was an accident. Okay? Just stupid shit.”

  She gave me a sassy smile. “That’s what they all say.”

  “I appreciate you coming to get me, but I’m in no mood for teasing. I have a sick horse to tend to and a business to run.” I made faces at the orderly as he brought in the wheelchair. I was perfectly capable of walking.

  Against hospital orders.

  I knew that all too well. I couldn’t wait to get out of this place. I’d been aware that Montana had made good on at least one promise, visiting me not once but twice, the second time looking more haggard than I’d ever seen him. He’d also been dressed in surgical scrubs. So far this morning I hadn’t heard a peep and I wasn’t going to try to hunt him down.

  “You’re always working. With your injury, you need to take the day off.”

  “I don’t have any money, less now that I have a damn hospital bill to pay for just because I was a stupid idiot.”

  Julia snatched my phone off the small stand. “You can always ask me for a loan, you know. The hospital will work with you. They’re not ogres.”

  “I guess we’ll see about that.” I plopped into the chair, my stomach in knots. I’d promised myself that no matter what happened, I’d never spend time in a hospital again. Yeah, I’d been a child praying for a hero to sweep me off my feet, but I’d been able to keep that promise to myself.

  “That rattler pu
t you in a snarky mood.” She reached for the vase. “At least Mr. Rodeo Star had the good sense of bringing you flowers, although a piss poor choice for such a rocket fuel kind of love affair.”

  “We have no love affair. Trust me and I’m not taking the flowers.” I couldn’t even bear to look at them.

  “Why? Did Montana do something already to piss you off?”

  “He’s not my boyfriend!” Even the orderly lifted an eyebrow. “Leave the damn flowers. Okay?”

  “Okay. Jesus. Then you don’t take the flowers,” Julia said in a huffy manner.

  As the orderly began to wheel me out of the room, I was forced to admit the terror that had wrapped around my throat. I had no way of knowing whether I was losing my mind in worrying over nothing or if the bogeyman was waiting at my house.

  “Can you take me to billing first? I promise I’ll be very quick.” I gave the cute blond a bright smile. I wasn’t in the mood to wrangle over the phone, haggling over how much I was going to have to pay monthly.

  “They don’t handle that here. I bet they shipped it off to some foreign country,” Julia insisted.

  “No, there’s an entire billing department here and I think that can be arranged. I’m going on break soon anyway,” he said in the same kind of husky voice that had attracted me to Montana in the first place.

  “See, real cowboys are gracious as well as good in bed.” Julia’s laughter filled the hallway. I could only wish to be as carefree as she was. As we headed into the elevator, she touched my shoulder. “I did look into the situation we were discussing at lunch.”

  “Situation?”

  She shrugged, giving the orderly a quick glance. “I have some information you’re going to want to hear.”

  At this point, I wasn’t certain I wanted to delve into the poison again. It was obvious that no one would believe my suspicions, including Montana. Rat poisoning. I knew the concept was feasible, but I’d seen the way Misty had acted. I knew the symptoms and she’d presented almost all of them, but my gut told me there was something else. “I’ll be interested to hear.”