The Cowboy’s Justice (Naked Cowboys of Smoky Hill #4)

Chapter Eight

CHAPTER EIGHT

Standing in the tack room, Portia was feeling slightly overwhelmed by all the bridles, saddles and other equipment, but she also found it fascinating. When Devlin took her into the feed room and showed her various supplements and grains she shook her head.

“There’s so much to learn. How do you remember it all, and how do you know which horse gets what?”

“There’s a chart, and the buckets are all labeled with the horses’ names. It’s not complicated, but it’s important there are no mistakes. When you get involved in this, don’t rush. Do you have any questions?”

“I’ll probably have a million once I get started.”

“Jimmy and Mike will help you. They’re great guys and they’ve worked for me since I started. They’re like family.”

“What time should I be here in the morning? Shoot, I suppose I have to buy groceries.”

“Are you sure you’re up to this? There’s still time to change your mind.”

“Do I have another choice?”

“Not one you want. Anyway, I’m going to take Marge and Belle for a ride up Smoky Hill. I usually do that on my day off. It’s a good break for us.”

“I’d love to try something like that.”

“Maybe one day you will. By the way, I can see your house from the trail.”

“Really?”

“Yep, I can see the whole area, including Annie Baker’s studio. Sometimes I catch sight of her musicians arrivin’. I heard she’s gettin’ ready to release a new album.”

“I still haven’t met her, kind of strange since she’s my next door neighbor, but I guess I will at some point. So, um, by any chance can you run me home? If you can’t I’ll call William.”

“That would be better. If I don’t get ridin’ up that hill pretty soon I’ll run outta light. But you can watch me tack up while you’re waitin’.”

“Sure, I’d like that.”

As he left the feed room and walked down the aisle and entered the tack room she paused to text William, but when she continued on, she stopped short and caught her breath.

Marge was still in her stall, but Devlin had placed a thick pad on her back, and was lifting a western saddle off a stand like it weighed an ounce. Watching him position it on top of the pad, she couldn’t help but admire his wide shoulders and muscled arms.

“That looks so heavy,” she remarked as he tightened the cinch.

“They used to weigh a ton, but they’re much lighter now.”

“What about Belle?”

“I’ll be ponyin’ her. That means leadin’ her on a long rope, though truth be told I don’t need it. Once I’m startin’ up the hill I’ll just loop it around her neck. They stick together.”

“Really? That’s amazing.”

“Horses get attached to each other, and they bond with their owners too. These mares follow me around the paddock, but is that your boyfriend I hear comin’ up the drive already?”

“He’s not my boyfriend, not even close,” she replied vehemently “But he’s been working for me since I received my inheritance and he takes his role way too seriously. Anyway, yeah, that’s the sound of his Corvette. I’d better get out there. Talk about impatient, I have nothing on him. Have a nice ride.”

“Thanks, I always do. You’ll be startin’ around nine, so come early enough to put away your groceries and belongings.”

“Oh, okay, will do.”

* * *

Tapping his steering wheel as he waited for Portia, a knowing sneer curled William’s lips. He had everything planned, and there was no way she’d slip through his clutches. Not this time!

Once he had her drugged he’d call the sheriff and explain how sick she was and invite him to see for himself. Then it was simply a matter of convincing him she had to return to Dallas for treatment. The stint at the ranch could be postponed, or they could negotiate an alternative.

“Hi, William. This place is incredible and the horses are so sweet,” Portia exclaimed as she climbed into the passenger seat. “I can’t wait to get started, and Devlin is really nice. I think he’ll be tough though.”

“I’m glad things worked out so well. Since we probably won’t see each other until this is all over I’m making us a special dinner.”

“Great, thanks, and that reminds me, I have to go to the store and I don’t know what time it closes. Can we zip into town real quick?“

“You have plenty of groceries already. Why don’t you just take what’s there.”

“You’re right, that’s exactly what I’ll do. And I have to pack my things. Not that I’ll need anything except jeans and casual stuff, though I think I’ll take something nice just in case. You never know, I might get lucky,” she added with a giggle.

William bristled.

The thought of Devlin laying a finger on her made him want to drive to the ranch and put a bullet though the cowboy’s forehead.

“So what have you made?” she asked, interrupting his dark thoughts.

“Chicken Parmesan. You’ll love it. And I’ve opened a bottle of that Cabernet Sauvignon you like. It’s breathing as we speak.”

“But it’s still early. I should have a quick bite to tide me over.”

“Don’t ruin your appetite.”

“Not a chance. You know how much I love Chicken Parmesan.”

“I certainly do, and that’s why it’s ready to go in the oven.”

“I think want a cup of coffee and toast with marmalade.”

“You and your coffee,” he said with a grin, thinking about the vial of powder in his pocket.

“Yes, I know. I should probably have black tea now and then just to switch things up. In fact, that’s what I’ll do when I get in. I’ll have that instead.”

“But you love marmalade on toast with your coffee.”

“Yes, but I’m going to see how it is with tea. I’m feeling adventurous.”

Tightening his grip on the steering wheel William thought about the night ahead. Coffee or tea, it didn’t matter. He’d drop it into her mug, or even her wine later, and there was also the sauce for the chicken. It would be no problem adding the powder to that if he needed to. One way or another, Portia would be naked and lying next to him before sunset.