As they rode up to the temporary camp, the scout ran over to them. “What happened?”
“Abby’s horse was bit by a rattlesnake the size of an anaconda, there wasn’t anything we could do, so we stayed with him until he died. He’s back in the canyon. If we can get another horse for Abby, we’ll go back and get the cows.”
The scout called another cowhand over to take the wagon and go take care of the horse.
Once they’d led the cowhand to Abby’s horse, they took off up the canyon to round up the cows. This time they stayed together.
Stet was impressed with Abby’s horsemanship. She was just as fast as Stet in chasing down the cows and turning them toward the bottom of the canyon. Stet was amazed at her strength and her endurance on the trail. She didn’t complain or quit.
As they were driving the cows down, Abby rode over close to Stet. “I think you’ve done a lot more than buy and sell stocks in your life, Stet.”
He just shrugged. For some reason, he still didn’t feel like talking about his ranch life. Perhaps it would mean an acceptance of all his grandfather wanted him to do. They loaded up the cows into the trailer and headed home.
Abby and Stet rode in the backseat of Henry’s truck, and Stet put his arm around her. She smiled and immediately fell asleep with her head on his arm.
Stetson enjoyed the feeling of a hard day’s work. It was even better when there was a good woman by his side. Stet wanted to have this feeling each night when he went to bed, and he was pretty sure he wanted this woman by his side. He pulled her closer, rested his head against hers, and fell into a blissful sleep.
Chapter 7
When they drove up to the ranch house, Abby woke up. “More limos?”
When Stet peered out the window, he felt sick. A long, sleek, black limo waited on the drive, blocking the front porch. This could only mean one thing. His boss had arrived to coddle his spoiled debutant daughter. Who knew what she’d said to get him here.
They entered the living room, feeling dusty and worn. Sherrie jumped up and slipped her arm around Stet’s waist possessively. He glanced at Abby and wondered where Sherrie’s father was. He wished he could be anywhere else in the world than in that room.
Abby headed toward the stairs. “I need a shower. I’ll see you all tomorrow morning.”
Henry announced as she was leaving the room, “They have a great band coming to town tomorrow night. Y’all can do some country dancing. We’ll shuttle anyone over who wants to attend, leaving here at 8 p.m.”
Abby called back, “That sounds like fun, but I won’t need a ride. Chet at the feed store invited me to go already.”
Stet was not pleased. But, really, why wouldn’t she have a date? He had Sherrie hanging all over him.
Stet immediately felt a jealous burn, thinking of Abby with another man. And he was surprised to see a scowl on Henry’s face too. What was that all about?
Sherrie’s father was in the dining room on the phone. He walked over when he realized Stet had returned. “This looks like a great place, and I’d like to take a walk around that lake. Stet would you like to join me?”
Stet was tired and dirty and not in a very good mood. His boss’s arrival had spoiled one of the most perfect days he had had in a long time. But he agreed to go with him.
Mr. Morgan walked toward the bridge. “Stet, you know how much I value your contribution to our firm. You are one of the best sources of income we have—the best, actually. And now my Sherrie has her heart set on you, and I know I have no right to expect that from you or any employee. All I am asking is that you let her down gently.” He sighed. “It would be best if she decided she didn’t want you. I know I have spoiled her, but just see what you can do. She will make my life miserable otherwise.”
Stet stopped. “I am not dating your daughter in order to keep my job, sir. But I guess I can try to change her mind, or at least let her down gently.”
How was he gonna do that and not offend Abby? His mind went over his day with her, their powerful moment together, their kiss. How did he get himself into this mess?
As they continued around the lake, Mr. Morgan asked Stet about Abby. Stet didn’t buy that he was genuinely interested, though. Where in New York does this girl live? What does she do for work? I have never seen her in our crowd, Stet. Maybe you should invite her to one of our business parties? As if that would ever happen. Stet just wanted this talk to end. Mr. Morgan was a snake, and talking about Abby with him made Stet nervous.
Chapter 8
The next day, AJ was up extra early and headed out to the stables for a morning ride. Looking out at the lake, she could see a rider out there already. She sighed. She’d been looking forward to having the trail to herself.
Carson got one of his better horses for her, and she couldn’t resist getting on. She walked him across the bridge and then let him run. He was just as antsy as she was, and they galloped as fast as they could go. It was exhilarating.
She reined him in as they approached the other rider. Her heart jumped. It was Stet.
He moved his horse next to hers. “Good morning, Abby. Yesterday was amazing. It’s been a long time since I enjoyed something so much.”
AJ stopped her horse. She couldn’t let this go on any longer.
“Stet, how can you talk like that? You have a girlfriend here! And yet, here you are talking to me like we’re an item.” She moved her horse away from him. “And now her father is here, for what, I can’t even begin to imagine. I admit I had a wonderful time with you, and I like you, but I am not going to be the reason for someone else’s break up.”
AJ let her horse run ahead, but Stet soon caught up, and they raced around the rest of the lake. AJ crowded Stet’s horse, pushing him closer to a tree branch sticking out over the road. Stet ducked and pushed ahead, grinning. “So you want to play rough, do you?”
He pushed AJ’s horse closer to the edge of the lake, until she was sure they were both going to fall in. Then he backed away, laughing. “You could get into trouble if you mess with me.”
“Oh, really.” AJ took her water bottle out and squirted it all over Stet. His face and shirt were drenched.
They were both laughing by the time they got back to the stables. Their laughter died as they saw Sherrie step out onto the porch.
Stet helped AJ off her horse. “Listen, I’m not with Sherrie. I just need some time to get out of this mess I’m in. Her dad’s my boss, and he asked me to let her down gently—to keep her happy.”
AJ looked up into his eyes. “Stet, I have no claim on you—we only just met. You don’t owe me any explanation. We had a great time, and that’s it. Now life goes on.”
AJ walked back toward the house, passing Sherrie on her way out to Stet. The look of disdain and victory in Sherrie’s eyes really bugged her. How could Stet even stand to be around her?
That day, AJ worked in the kitchen and learned how to make enchiladas. She took the afternoon to rest in her room and get some reading done. The book her friend had recommended was a regency romance—something she never had time for normally. At least those heroines got their man in the end.
She showered and looked forward to the dance. She would make an effort and look fabulous tonight. Sherrie might be pretty, but she wasn’t a model. And perhaps it was shallow, but AJ wanted to show off. She had the perfect western outfit. She would have a great time and dance her sorrows away.
* * *
Stet was forced to spend the day with Sherrie. She wanted to head home immediately, but Stet was going to go to that dance if it killed him. Henry’s protective scowl when Abby had mentioned Chet concerned him.
And really, he just wanted to see Abby again. How he would manage it with Sherrie clinging to him, he didn’t know. But he needed more time with her. He didn’t like the way things sat between them, and he didn’t want to lose her. He had never felt this strongly about anyone before. The week would soon be over, and he was running out of time.
As Stet walked
around the lake with Sherrie, she complained the whole way. “My feet are killing me, and I need to get out of this dusty, smelly place. Who knew cows smelled so bad. I may have to stop eating beef.”
Sherrie looked around and turned up her nose at the muddy water in the lake. “I can’t believe you would choose to come to a place like this for vacation. They make you work! And the hours are horrible. I should still be in bed sleeping. Not that I can sleep in those beds. My back is killing me! I will need a massage immediately when I get back to civilization.”
She wiped her brow with her handkerchief. “I have sweat on my body, Stet. Sweat! Daddy is heading back this afternoon. I was hoping you would come so we could all go back together.”
Stet shook his head. “I want to go to the dance. It should be fun. And, as long as we are here, we might as well get the full experience.”
Sherrie stopped walking. “You have got to be kidding, Stet. A dance? In this sticky mess? I’m already sweating—and I never sweat! I can’t imagine how much they must sweat in this humid place. There is water in the air here. I can’t seem to get a deep breath.” She started gasping and fanning herself. “People are not meant to live in a place like this.”
Sherrie’s voice was becoming higher pitched as she carried on. “They don’t even have winter—what will kill all these bugs? Did you hear those bugs making such a racket? They say people take afternoon naps down here. That’s a lie—who can sleep with all that noise going on?
“What about that Abby girl. You’re not thinking of taking up with her? You don’t know anything about her. Did you see her nails? She is way overdue for a manicure. Granted, she is pretty in a country-sense, but the way she rides a horse and does chores around here, it’s like she isn’t even a real woman.”
Stet could hardly stand it. She never shut up. On and on, with complaint after complaint. But he couldn’t let this one go. “Abby is definitely a woman, Sherrie. The fact that she can ride a horse better than most men doesn’t change that.” He hurried ahead, hoping she would take the hint. “Why don’t you head to the airport. This is obviously not your thing. I think I’m going to try one of those afternoon naps so I’m not too tired to enjoy the dance tonight.”
Sherrie ran a little to catch up with Stet. “If you plan to go to that dance, then I guess I’ll stay and go as well. I don’t have anything to wear, but I did bring jeans. That should be fine in a place like this.”
Stet only half heard Sherrie. He was thinking how he could get Abby alone at the dance.
* * *
That evening, AJ was ready and sitting on the porch at seven thirty. She was hoping to get away before Stet and Sherrie came down. Her turquoise cowboy boots touched off her outfit perfectly. She had some dangly turquoise earrings, and her hair was tied back with a turquoise beaded scarf.
Just as Chet drove up in his large, showy truck, Stet came out onto the porch. “Wow, you look great, Abby. Save me a dance?”
Stet looked good. His blond curly hair and chiseled looks could have made him millions as a model. Those deep, dark eyes were a magnet for women. She wished she was heading out with Stet instead of Chet, but at least she had a date. “Thanks, Stet. You look great yourself. It should be a lot of fun tonight.”
AJ gave Stet her best smile, just to give his heart a little pull, and bounced down the stairs. Chet sauntered up the walk to meet her. He leaned close. “Girl, if you go out with me looking that good, you have to know my blood will be boiling.” He pressed against her. AJ wiggled to the side, but he blocked her way.
Henry stepped off the porch. “Now, Chet, we don’t want any more trouble. You know what I mean.” He stepped closer, a head taller than Chet, his eyes flashing.
AJ laughed nervously. “Well, we better be off.” The forced cheer in her voice made her wince. She was already regretting all that flirting at the feed store.
Chet smirked. “Don’t worry, Henry. We are just going to have ourselves a nice country party.”
AJ felt like this was one of those times her karate instructor had told them about. New York could be a dangerous place at night, and the hours she had been working at the magazine often left her heading out to her car after midnight. So she’d taken self-defense classes to keep herself safe. Who would have thought she’d need it way out here? She took a breath and sighed. Hopefully she would not need to smack that arrogant look off of Chet’s face before the evening was over.
The Rockets were great—and loud. She couldn’t listen without wanting to dance. AJ had won a few country dance contests in her day, and this was nothing but fun. Chet wasn’t too bad himself, and she found herself enjoying the evening afterall. Alcohol was not being served, but some men had brought whiskey in their trucks and would head outside to hang around drinking between dances.
* * *
Stet was standing by the punch bowl, watching Abby dance. She was magnificent. He was going to have to thank Jared for getting him to come on this trip. He had never met anyone quite like her. Every time he was with her, some other amazing quality would surface. His problem was figuring out how he could pursue this relationship while carefully ending the one with Sherrie. Abby was not a woman to be toyed with, and he knew she would not put up with this nonsense.
He brought some punch back to Sherrie, who was bitterly complaining about the boots she was wearing. “I am going to dance, Sherrie. I’ll be back.”
Chet was heading outside to get a drink, and Stet saw his opportunity. “Can I have that dance now?” he asked.
Abby turned around and smiled happily. “Sure, I’d love to.”
The dance was fast, and they were good. Every new step he tried, Abby kept up with him and added more to it. He laughed. This was the most fun he had ever had dancing.
As the song wound down, he leaned forward so she could hear him over the music. “Abby, my life is a mess right now, and I know I have to straighten out a few things. But I would really like to see you once we’re back in New York.”
Abby’s eyes widened, and then she swallowed. “Well, Stet, I have a very busy life, so I can’t promise anything. Let’s see what happens.”
Chet walked up just as the music ended and stepped between them, grabbing Abby by her shoulders. He smelled strongly of alcohol and started pulling Abby toward the outside door. “What you need, girly, is a stiff drink.”
When she pulled back, Stet stepped in between. ”I don’t think the lady wants to go outside with you.”
Abby pulled away from Chet. “You’ve been drinking too much, Chet. Don’t make a scene.”
When Chet made to grab her again, Stet blocked his arm.
Chet pulled back and took a swing at him, missing by a mile. Stet pushed him outside and threw him against the fencing. “You do not want to mess with me, Tex. Trust me on this.”
Chet deflated, no longer looking for a fight.
Abby joined him at his side. “Thanks, Stet, but really I could have taken care of myself.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. But, being in Texas, where men are gentleman”—he smirked—“I felt it was my duty to step up.”
He pulled her into his arms. He didn’t know what would happen between them, but he hoped they might have a chance. She seemed to melt into him, and now that he had her, he never wanted to let her go. He just had to fix this mess with Sherrie.
Chapter 9
The week came to a close, and AJ was actually excited to get back to work. She had a lot of promising contracts to go over. Her magazine had been rated “best fashion magazine” for two years in a row. She had fashion shows for some of her best designers. The tabloids praised the designs she showcased. And she even had a couple of her own designs in there. Many of the well-known society gurus raved about the ideas they got from Style. All in all, success was fun, and running the magazine was a good life.
She missed Stet, though. She’d had to leave early and never did get his phone number. She didn’t even know his full name.
And she didn’t thin
k he knew hers. Mary wouldn’t give it to him, but Henry might. He had seemed pretty intent on them getting together, the dear man. She missed those two and the family feeling down at the ranch.
“Wow, AJ, you are on fire.” Ruth walked over to see the magazine layout for the next two months. “You need to get away to the country more often.”
AJ smiled, she hadn’t told Ruth about Stetson. If she had, she would never hear the end of it. There was no sense pining over the man. She’d missed her chance, and there wasn’t anything she could do about it.
Right now, she had to focus on the gala event at the Met. She was about to go public with Style Magazine, and image was everything when it came to the stock market. Once the magazine went public, she would have the funds to move her headquarters to Wyoming. She had been looking at buying a large ranch outside of Cody. There was a river running through the property and a small lake where the river had been dammed. Wyoming could be pretty desolate, but this property had forested canyons and green pastures with gorgeous mountain views.
AJ could not wait to get back there. Her trips to visit her grandfather’s were some of the best times she had ever had. She spent more and more time there growing up and considered it her childhood home. She had wanted to purchase her grandfather’s ranch, but some large-scale rancher beat her to the sale.
This new property bordered her childhood home, and so she had put her offer in and managed to get it after a bidding war. It had cost her, but she couldn’t let this one get away from her. Since this property bordered her grandfather’s ranch, she had to have it if her plans were going to work out. And who knew, maybe one day that other rancher could be talked into selling.
Her Billionaire Cowboy Page 4
