The Cowboy’s Promise (Naked Cowboys of Smoky Hill #5)

Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE

As Blake Coleman watched the familiar four horse trailer roll into the show grounds he did his best to keep a poker face. It belonged to Courtney McCallum, a world class rider with world class horses. But she was also gorgeous and she knew it. She carried herself with an annoying arrogance that made his blood boil.

“I see she’s arrived.”

Looking over his shoulder he smiled down at Heather Hunt. He’d been training her for the past year, and it hadn’t been easy. Though she was an excellent rider and had a magic touch with the horses, she had a rebellious streak, and a surprising lack of confidence.

But there was a bigger problem.

He was crazy about her.

“I don’t know why I came,” she muttered with a frown. “Apollo and I can’t compete with the horses here, especially not hers. Did you hear she just picked up another gelding? I was told she got him for a song because he’s not easy, though I bet he’s gorgeous.”

“The value of a horse isn’t just measured by how much someone is willin’ to pay for it. As far as I’m concerned, Apollo is priceless, and how many times do I have to tell you how good you are? Besides, you don’t have to worry about her. She’s not in your—”

“Oh, my gosh, Blake, look,” she exclaimed, cutting him off.

Darting his eyes across the parking lot he spied a stunning dapple grey charging away from Courtney’s trailer. Walking quickly into the barn, Heather grabbed the first halter and lead rope she saw and hurried across to a grassy area alongside the driveway. Courtney had started shouting for help, and stable hands were running into the area from all directions, but the big grey was already on his way towards the grass where Heather was standing.

“Wait!” Blake called, waving at the workers. “Heather’s about to catch him. Stay where you are.”

“But he’s only five and he doesn’t know her.” Courtney yelled angrily. “He’ll be too much for her.”

“Trust me, she can handle it. Just stay where you are.”

Quickly looking back at Heather, he watched her lift a treat from her pocket and offer it to the nervous horse. After stepping up and quickly devouring it, the gelding snorted, shook his head, then asked for another. After feeding him a second, she slipped the halter over his head and stroked his neck.

“Thanks, Heather,” Courtney said briskly as she approached. “He’s only five and this is just his second show. He’s a bit wired.”

“He’s absolutely beautiful,” Heather said with a sigh, handing her the lead rope. “What’s his name?”

“King Henry, and he needs to learn some manners.”

“He’s a smart boy. I’m sure he will.”

“He’d fucking better,” Courtney grunted, leading him away.

Hearing the conversation as he approached, Blake shook his head. It was typical Courtney.

“Horses adore you, Heather, every last one of them,” he remarked. “As I’ve said to you many times, you have the magic touch.”

“I figured he’d come over here for the grass and I was right. That’s all.”

“We both know it’s more than that, though I do admire your modesty. But you should probably head over to the warm up ring and get ready for your class. I know you’ll do great. Heck, you’ll probably win the damn thing.”

Building her confidence was an ongoing challenge, and he could see by the look in her eye she wasn’t convinced. As they walked back to the barn and headed down the aisle, Heather called to her horse. The chestnut gelding put his head over the stall door and whinnied.

“I know, honey bunny, I’m coming,” she called back.

“I’ll get your tack out and meet you in the crossties,” Blake said as he continued walking.

“Thanks, Blake.”

He smiled.

She was competing against riders from across the state, but if she held her nerve he was sure could she could win.

* * *

Bringing Apollo out of his stall, Heather led him down to the cross ties. There were eight, four on each side of the aisle, but there was only one other horse being tacked up.

The facility was called The Kimberly Show Grounds. Hank Kimberly, a nationally known show jumper turned trainer, had built it to accommodate all forms of horsemanship. People flocked to watch everything from jumping to roping and reining, and even bull riding. The stalls were oversized, and the amenities were first rate. While Heather had always found the experience thrilling, the thought of showing there was intimidating.

“Hey, fella,” Blake said, placing her saddle on the stand and giving the horse a carrot. “You’ll be a star.”

“I hope so. That ring is so big and there are so many people here.”

“Nothin’ bothers him, does it, boy,” he said, rubbing the horses face. “And Heather, that’s thanks to you.”

“I’m not sure how much his temperament has to do with me.”

“It has everything to do with you,” he replied, placing the saddle pad then the saddle on the horse’s back. “Take a deep breath and hear me when I say you are as good as anyone here, and Apollo is even better.”

“I agree about Apollo.”

“He’ll take it all in stride. Just do what you do at the ranch and forget everything else.”

“You’re right!” she said firmly. “I’m determined to get over these jitters. I know he picks up on my energy, so I have to.”

“Exactly. Here comes Julie. I have to give her a hand. I’ll see you in the warm up ring closest to the barn.”