by Piper Stone
As the orderly wheeled me into the office, I growled seeing the number of people ahead of me. “We’ll come back another time.”
“I can wheel you out,” Julia said authoritatively.
“Against hospital policy,” the orderly said, giving her a heated smile.
“I won’t tell if you won’t tell,” she said in a sultry manner. I noticed she slipped her hand into her purse, handing him a card. Jesus. She was giving some mystery man her phone number.
He grinned as he fingered the card, taking the time to drag his very long tongue across his lips before sliding the card into his pocket. “Just leave the wheelchair by the main doors.”
“No problem, sugar,” Julia purred.
I could tell she was watching his butt as he walked out, the thin material managing to hug against the rounded, muscular globes.
“You’re terrible,” I said between clenched teeth.
“I don’t have a sexy cowboy waiting in the wings like you do. Have to take what I can get.”
“Ms. Kennedy?” The woman didn’t bother smiling as she called my name.
I wheeled myself closer, digging in my purse to find my identification. “I’m hoping to set up a payment plan. I can’t afford much.”
The woman didn’t bother looking up as her fingers flew over the keyboard. She sat back, nodding several times before finally deciding to dare look into my eyes.
“How bad is it?” Shit. I was quaking in my shoes.
“You have a zero balance.”
“I’m sorry? What did you say?”
She pushed back from the desk, yanking a paper file from behind her. A huge stamp was produced from her desk drawer, the slap against the paper making me jump. The bold ink stated, ‘PAID.’
“I don’t understand,” I finally managed after collecting my shit.
“Your bill was paid in full,” the woman said with no inflection in her tone.
“By whom?” Julia intervened, leaning over me.
I shot her a look, almost certain I knew who would dare do such a thing.
“Doesn’t say, but your account is closed.”
I stared at the woman, admiring her curly hair and the scarf wrapped tightly around her neck. In truth, I wanted nothing more than to take that same slip of material and strangle Montana to death.
“Montana,” I whispered in a nasty way. I snatched a copy of the receipt from the woman’s hand. I didn’t want to owe anyone anything.
Julia squeezed both my shoulders, yanking back on the wheelchair. “Honey, you found a good one. You need to do everything you can to keep him.”
“I already told you—”
“He’s not my boyfriend,” we both said in unison.
“Yeah, I get it,” Julia said, chuckling as she dragged me out of the office, almost racing toward the elevator. “You need to learn not to look a gift horse in the mouth. The man has to be rich given his profession. And have you seen that ranch of his?” she giggled. “That’s right. Of course you have. Up close and personal.”
“Stop it!” I barked. “Besides, he’s going to want something... else from me.”
Total obedience.
Absolute submission.
Unbridled sex.
I shuddered the entire time going down in the tiny steel box, feeling more suffocated than I’d ever been. The rugged cowboy was ceremoniously tying me to him for all eternity. A little like handcuffing you to his bed. I growled inwardly at my little voice.
“Come on. Let’s get you home. You obviously need a stiff drink,” Julia huffed.
“I’m not supposed to drink yet.” Yet being the operative word.
“Rules were meant to be broken.”
* * *
I only remembered that my truck was still parked at Montana’s house when we pulled up into my driveway. And when I noticed his big, black, monstrous Dodge Ram in a spot close by.
“Lookie there,” Julia mused. “You already have a visitor. Maybe I should leave you two alone.”
“Shut up. No! You’re going to tell me everything you know. What the hell is he doing here anyway?” My demand was met with silence. I couldn’t help but glare at his truck, a headache forming behind my eyes. Yes, he did say he was going to check on Misty and yes, I should be eternally grateful, but the man had balls the size of a... bull.
I rolled my eyes as I climbed out, grabbing my bag and glaring at the barn. “I need to check that he’s not killing Misty or her foal. I’ll be right back.”
“You’re not going without me. No way. I need to see this man in action.”
I stormed toward the barn, exhaustion settling in almost immediately. Taking it easy wasn’t on my agenda. There was too much work to do. I knew he had to hear me as I walked in, yet I stopped short hearing a voice. Not just any voice. His deep baritone softly singing. While I had no idea what song he was cooing to the horses, I certainly didn’t care.
I was shocked into silence, throwing out my arm when Julia bolted in. The lilting voice was so pleasant, electrifying every one of my cells and muscles.
My pussy.
Just like he’d done from the moment I met him.
Another betrayal.
Another moment of raging desire.
I moved quietly toward the stall, still keeping a distance but able to see his back as he brushed Misty. He was dressed in tight but filthy blue jeans, the material hugging his body as if the obviously well-worn pants had been made for him by the heavens above.
“Sweet Jesus,” Julia whispered.
Shirtless, the rippling muscles covering every inch of his tanned back were every girl’s fantasy. Broad shoulders, well-toned arms, and the tangled mass of hair that I wanted to snag my fingers in. Fuck me.
I swallowed, trying desperately to shut down the vivid images of his naked body. I could see the little foal, happily suckling while the hunky cowboy took his time grooming his mother. And that damn song would never leave my mind.
I finally cleared my throat, making a few stomping noises as I reached for the gate. Why the hell was my hand shaking so badly?
Montana seemed sheepish as he turned in my direction, his face flushed from the apparent embarrassment of being caught doing something nice.
“How is she?” I asked, although I wasn’t entirely certain I’d even said the words out loud.
“Doing just fine. My buddy, you remember Bart, did a great job. I think Misty is almost fully recovered and the foal, what a cutie.” Montana patted Misty on the flanks, his eyes sweeping down the length of my cotton dress. “You look... good.”
Good. Was that all he could manage? “Thanks. I’m feeling much better.” I gave Julia one of my infamous stares. I was ready to hogtie the man for paying the bill.
An awkward moment set in.
“Well, I think I’ll figure out if I can make us some lemonade,” Julia said. “Can I have your keys?”
“In my purse in the truck,” I said absently, unable to take my eyes off him. I hadn’t paid a bit of attention to his chiseled chest, the hairs that surrounded his bellybutton, or the deep V of his abdomen muscles rolling down to those carved hips.
“Uh-huh. Nice to see you, Montana. Very nice in fact,” Julia said, waiting for a few seconds as if hoping for an answer.
She didn’t get one.
I swallowed and walked closer, placing my hand near Misty’s heart as the foal tumbled closer. “I am so happy she’s doing well.”
“I am too. You’re really doing okay?”
“Doing just fine.” Why was I having trouble even looking into his eyes? “But you and I need to talk.”
“About?”
I confronted him, planting my hands on my hips. “You paid my hospital bill. Didn’t you?”
He scuffed his boot on the pile of hay. One of his oh-shucks moments.
“You’re going to pick this moment to clam up?” I demanded.
Narrowing his eyes, he walked closer until we were mere inches apart. “The truce is off.”
“Infuriating, pigheaded man. Sir. Whatever. I can pay my own way. Got it?”
“And I can make certain that a beautiful, albeit mouthy girl is well taken care of. That’s my prerogative. I have the means, that’s my hospital, and I will take care of special people any time I damn well feel like it.”
Why would anyone in their right mind argue with a man who sounded so humble and honest? “I do appreciate it. Sir. I want to pay you back at some point.”
“And I have no issue with that but after you’re the most famous vet in town.” His grin was far too deliriously inviting.
“Deal.” I held out my hand. When he accepted, I was plunged into yet another moment of wicked heat and desire.
“Deal,” he whispered.
“I need to do a few more things but I’ll come inside when I’m finished.” He sighed and reached down to grab his medical bag.
“Okay. That’s fine. Good. I’ll see you then.” Now I was babbling. I couldn’t get out of the barn fast enough. Complications I didn’t need in my life, no matter the deal I’d made with him. Maybe we could work something out.
I stood just outside the little house that had come with the deal, cringing as I studied the rotten wood and peeling paint. There was so much work needed. I must have been desperate when signing on the dotted line.
You had no other choice...
The haunting words lingered. That was the sad but honest truth.
When I walked in, I could see Julia busy in the kitchen. I was surprised she’d found anything to make lemonade with since I was terrible at purchasing groceries. On the table she’d placed a file and being the snoop that I was, I couldn’t resist looking. She’d gathered together newspaper articles from the various smaller publishers as well as a police report that certainly didn’t come from the local sheriff’s office. I shifted from one foot to the other, my blood chilling. “Where did you get all these?”
She darted a glance in my direction before searching through my cabinets. “You know I have my sources. I called in a few favors, but I can tell you that the majority of people didn’t want to talk to me. I even had two cowboys slam down the phone mid-conversation. I smell a conspiracy here.”
My knees were knocking as I slid into the chair, holding one of the photographs into the light. “This horse is dead?”
“Ten of them on one ranch, but nobody talks about that. The owner is some bigwig who owns several businesses and I only managed to grab a small amount of information from one of his ranch hands. I think the owner been having some problems for months. I noticed a for sale sign.” She brought a pitcher and two glasses toward the table.
“The guy actually told you that?”
“Well, only after flashing him my boobs, you know, by accident.” Her laugh was boisterous. “We won’t have a third joining us?”
“I don’t know,” I said absently. The pictures were horrifying. “Who would do such a thing? Who could go that far?”
“I honestly don’t know, but I doubt it has anything to do with the rodeo circuit. Seems on a much larger scale. The last time the rancher had an actual participant in the rodeo was over five years ago. I also doubt the poor boy I talked to has a job now. The owner was hot under the collar when he found us and heard what we were talking about.”
“What else did you learn?”
I noticed that Julia furrowed her brow as she poured two glasses, sliding one in my direction. She sighed in an exaggerated fashion before easing down onto the chair. “Look, first of all I think you’re right.”
“But?”
“But I also think you need to be very careful. Even though there are some articles about at least six ranches losing livestock, there was no follow-up and even the two reporters involved had no desire to talk to me. I don’t know what’s going on, but I do think it’s dangerous.”
“Yeah, killing animals isn’t something people want to talk about.”
“What are you trying to achieve out of this?”
I took a sip of the lemonade as I thought about how to answer. “I’m not sure. I made an oath to save animals’ lives but it’s more than that.”
“Like...”
I leaned over, half whispering, “There’s something major going on here. Extortion. Embezzlement.”
“Those are some pretty heady accusations,” Julia said as she pulled one of the pictures into her hands. “Granted, I can tell you that every single person I talked to was rattled. I think they’d been threatened. Don’t go off halfcocked about this. I know this town. I grew up here. There are a lot of people who rely on ranching for a living and have made big bucks doing so. There are also several corporations that rely on the ranching trade in several ways. Although, things have been pretty tight the last few years.”
I knew that. I also realized that the money made in this county alone was a significant draw for anyone hoping to get in on the action. “Outsiders.”
“Meaning?” She sat back in her chair, dropping the photograph. “You seem way too interested just in your capacity as a vet. You also act like an investigator. Are you hiding some dark little secrets you haven’t told me about?” While she laughed, I could tell she was being serious, digging as usual.
“I know how certain things work. Criminal activity of this nature begins because of greed. If there are millions to be made, there’s always going to be someone wanting to cut in on the action.”
“Someone,” Julia whispered. “What are we talking about here?”
We were interrupted as the front door swung open, Montana walking in. There was no knock, no advance notice. As if he owned the place.
Or as if he owned me.
I bit back a strangled moan that had formed in my throat. “All finished?”
He closed the door, sauntering closer. At least he’d had the good graces to put on a shirt. Damn him. Even in his disheveled state, he looked like some majestic god. I raked my eyes down to the bulge between his legs, salivating over the memories.
And the possibilities.
“Yeah. I figured you might need a ride back to my place,” he said in the most sensual manner.
Was he trying to get to me? I gathered the photos and articles in as nonchalant a manner as I could, closing the folder. “Yes, I do.”
Julia moved to a standing position. “I think I should leave you two alone.” She glanced from one to the other, her grin far too telling. “But you look thirsty. Why don’t I get you a lemonade?”
“Sure. I’d love one.” He brushed one hand through his long strands of hair and I had difficulty breathing.
Julia gave him her special smile before heading into the kitchen. For a few seconds, Montana and I gawked at each other, but I wasn’t fooled by his ‘oh-shucks’ demeanor or the way he’d slid his hands into his back pockets, pushing out his chest.
He was doing everything to goad me into wanting him.
Nope. Not gonna happen.
But I was hot and wet all over, my breathing difficult as I drank in the scent of the man who kept me on edge without trying.
I loathed the fact I was so attracted to him, hated myself and my body. My hard nipples. My aching pussy. Damn. Damn. Damn!
I heard the special ring of my phone in the bag Julia had dropped just outside the kitchen and cringed. My instincts had been in overdrive since the flower delivery. There was no reason. There was no possible chance I’d been found. I was overreacting.
But I was shaking like a leaf.
I moved away from the two of them, heading into my bedroom. I’d left the place as junky as what seemed to be my life as of late. “Hello?”
There was no static, no breathing. Nothing.
“Is anyone there?”
Another few seconds passed and I was completely lost in the silence, unable to do anything but back against the wall. “Hello.”
The audible click sent a shiver down my spine. I held the phone against my chest, gulping air as if my life depended on it. I’d been left alone for years, being cautiou
s about everything. Had my luck run out? I had to think rationally. In this day and age, the telemarketers were a pain in the ass. They never stopped.
This was different.
The nagging little voice peppered me with fleeting thoughts, none of which I wanted to listen to. I darted a look around my room before planting a smile on my face. They weren’t going to see me sweat.
I walked back into the living room as Julia was yanking the file into her possession.
“I think you have everything you need,” she said, giving me a mischievous look. “Call me later and we can continue our discussion. I’ll keep digging. Nice to see you, cowboy.”
“Good to meet you,” he said casually, a smirk riding his face.
“Sounds good, my BFF. I appreciate that you came to get me,” I muttered, following her to the door.
“No problem. That’s what friends are for.”
I’d never felt so awkward around anyone. The mere presence of the man was overwhelming.
“Sharing secrets?” he asked quietly.
“Just girl stuff.” The lie sounded ridiculous even to me.
He chuckled and shoved his hands into his pockets. “You ready to go?”
“I’ll just take a shower then you can take me back to my truck. I mean, if you don’t mind waiting.”
A quick glance at his watch and he grinned. “It’s already after five. Why don’t I take you out to dinner? You have to be hungry.”
His words were unlike what I was used to with the man, almost civil. I debated, knowing not only did I have nothing to eat in the house, but I had no energy to do any shopping. I’d considered him the enemy, a man never to be trusted, but he was so much more than that. A savior. A protector. All in a crusty shell requiring my absolute obedience. “That would be lovely. Sir.” My throat was tight, my entire body swaying, and it had everything to do with the rugged man’s presence.
“Mmm... I’ll wait.”
The words seemed so dominating, as if they weren’t a question but a demand. And damn if my hands weren’t clammy. I almost invited him to join me. Whew. I was certainly losing some of my stark tenacity around him.
As I walked into the bedroom, this time I fell against the wall for an entirely different reason.
