“This is good. I hope to hell it’s an unnecessary expense.”
“So do I, but it’s for the best either way. Now I’ve got to head out and see what the hell is going on with the clubhouse. There’s always something going down and someone needing my help.” Cyber looks a little worn because Boomer has him spread thin. He could use some help even though he’d hate it.
“Of course. It’s the day and age of tech and you’re our tech guy. Maybe we need to find some more tech guys.”
“Watch your mouth,” he snarls, glaring at me. It’s like saying I’d prefer having another ranch in the area.
“I’m just kidding.” I put up my hands, surrendering without a fight.
“You better be. I might have to get my beef from the store.”
I roll my eyes. “You do.”
“I’ll shop in Dallas.” He sticks his tongue out.
“You’re too lazy for it. Now get off my land. I’ve got shit to do including preparing for Sammie’s riding lesson.
“How’s that going?”
“She’s a natural. Although something’s bothering her and she’s not speaking about it.”
“You don’t know about Crystal’s brother? I think he stole her heart.” I had a feeling it was a guy that had her upset, but that’s not my business and I didn’t press the issue because if it was one of our own, we’d all have to deal with it.
“You sure?” I ask. I liked the guys. Not that I knew which brother it was because Crystal had two brothers and another sister. A sister who Doc happened to be in love with.
“I hear all the gossip, but you didn’t hear shit from me.”
“I’m gonna mind my own damn business. She’s tougher than she looks.”
“Damn straight. Take care.”
I get to work, checking on my hands to see if they need any help before I meet with Sammie. Once they’re all good, I step inside and go into the office to check the cameras. I get a strange feeling. A reaction I had a week ago when Sammie was here before, but it had nothing to do with her. No, it’s as though someone else was nearby. I watch the cameras and that’s when I see the exterior cameras out on the far end of the road.
She thinks I don’t see her creeping around my ranch; she must be nuts because she’s fucking hard to miss. Last week I thought she was a damn mirage, a fantasy I dreamed up working in the heat for far too long, lonely, longing for this imaginary woman.
Now, I know she’s not a figment but a real, living, breathing little minx, trespassing and itching to be tied up and pressed for answers. Although, I wouldn’t hogtie her and torture her to learn why she’s sneaking onto my property. No, I’d tie her wrists to my headboard while I licked the sweat that beads down her neck and question where the fuck she’s been all my life.
Making my way out the back of the main house, I move toward the stables where Sammie will be. My little mystery girl lingers in the distance, watching unaware that she’s been spotted and is now the one being stalked.
I saunter up to the new resident of Steeleville. I might be on my property most hours of every day, but I’m sure I would have noticed her in town before. Her look is distinctive and gorgeous. Long black hair with red and honey-colored highlights like her hair has been naturally kissed by the sun. She has it braided like the perfect cowgirl. My cowgirl.
Hell, the idea of her riding me has been in my head since she was first spotted on my security cameras. If I only had them working last week I would have known she was real and hunted her ass down already.
“Sugar, you lost?” I ask, causing her to jump, spinning around and nearly decking me.
“Oh my goodness. You scared me,” she squeals, pressing her heart to her chest. She tries to play that game with me but I’m no fool. She saw me looking at her and wanted to play innocent. I’m all for it because she has no idea I’ll enjoy chasing her.
“I wouldn’t have scared you if you weren’t snooping around here. What are you doing lurking on private property?” I ask, invading her personal space with intention. She takes a step back, tipping her head back to look up at me, but the bright sun hinders her vision.
She squints several times and I know she’s using the sun to sell me her lie. “I wanted to get some horse riding lessons. I saw a young woman getting lessons as I drove by and they looked like fun.” She could tell they were lessons? Bullshit, but I’m not going to call her on it because I want her ass to stay put.