Chapter Nineteen
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Gino had just finished his breakfast when Paddy called to tell him he hadn’t spotted any white SUV’s and he was returning to the campgrounds.
“It’s okay, Paddy. I have an idea. I think I can find out exactly where she is. I’ll get back to you shortly.”
Quickly ending the call and leaving cash on the table for his meal, he left the diner and strode out to his BMW. Once settled behind the wheel, he took a breath, then lifted out his phone and found the number for the store across the street where Karen had been shopping.
“Luke’s Western Garb,” a woman exclaimed as she answered.
“Hello, I’m hoping you can help me. I want to arrange a surprise for my daughter and I believe you might be able to help me.”
“I’d be happy to if I can.”
“Mary, that’s my daughter, was speaking to a friend of hers, Karen Harper. She told Mary she has started taking riding lessons in Smoky Hill. I’d like my daughter to join her and I want to call the ranch and make the arrangements then drive Mary there and surprise them both.”
“What a wonderful idea, but how can I help?”
“Karen mentioned to Mary she’d bought the clothes she needed at your store, and I was hoping you might know where she’s taking the lessons. There are so many ranches in the area I’d have a devil of a time tracking it down. ”
“Oh, I see what you mean, and yes, I do know,” the woman replied. “She’s with a trainer named Cade McLean. If you don’t mind holding a moment I can get his address and phone number for you.”
“That would be great. Thank you. Mary will be thrilled.”
* * *
After Karen had changed she left the house to look for Cade, and spotted him leading one of his horses into the ring, remove its halter, and jump on bareback. Hurrying forward, she watched, amazed, as Cade trotted and cantered, came to a quick stop, turned tight circles, backed up, then to her shock suddenly reared. She caught her breath, terrified he’d come off, then realized the horse was doing exactly what Cade wanted. She thought that would be the end, but when the horse came down Cade sent it into a fast gallop around the ring. When he finally came to a stop and walked up, her heart was racing.
“That was unbelievable. Why did you do that?” she exclaimed as he slid off and strode towards her.
“I guess I have a wild side at times.”
“Apparently,” she retorted with a laugh. “But how can you do all that with no reins or saddle? Isn’t it dangerous?”
“Sure, if you don’t know what you’re doin’. When I rescued this boy he was just two years old, barely been handled, and he was scared of his own shadow. His name’s Riley. He’s become one of my all time favorites. We clicked from the first day. But ridin’ without a well-fitting’ saddle or thick pad isn’t good for the horse’s back so we don’t do it a lot. It’s more of a personal challenge to reach that connection.”
“How do you do it?”
“In a nutshell, win their trust and encourage them to use their brains to figure things out so they won’t automatically respond with fright and flight. Now, are you ready for that lunch?”
“I have a million more questions, but I certainly am. I’m starving.”
“Even though Joe’s here I have to settle the dogs inside before we leave. Then I’ll wash up and meet you in the truck.”
“Why can’t they stay outside?”
“They run after the truck, but once I’m gone they’re fine. I’ll only be five minutes,” he replied, then leaned down and lightly kissed her.
“What was that for?” she murmured as he pulled away.
“Just cos!”
* * *
Sitting at a window table in the Moonshine restaurant waiting for the lunch he’d ordered, Paddy was studying the photograph of Karen Harper Gino had sent him. She was standing with her parents beside a horse in the winner’s circle. Paddy grinned. She was a pretty girl with a curvaceous figure. Even the toughest of men surrendered when they saw his knife collection and he explained what each was used for. She’d become cooperative in a heartbeat, and he just might have some fun with her before he sent her to the great beyond.
First, he’d slice off her shirt, but slowly, starting with the fabric around her breasts, then cut her bra straps.
His cock stirred.
He could picture her trying to squirm, but he would have her spread-eagled and tightly tied.
“I’ll move the side of the blade all over your naked tits,” he whispered, but his decadent thoughts were abruptly interrupted by an incoming call from Gino.
“I’m doing your job for you,” his boss exclaimed. “I found her. I know where she’s taking riding lessons.”
“That’s great news,” Paddy exclaimed as the waitress arrived with a bowl of soup.
“She probably spends the afternoons there and returns to the Rutherford estate when she’s done. It’s not like there’s much to do in this pokey town.“
“Are you on your way back?”
“I am, and now we know where she is I want to discuss our plans.”
“Do you want to join me for the fun?” Paddy asked, spying a waitress on her way to his table carrying a plate of steaming pasta.
“Paddy, you know the answer to that question.”
“You’ll be on your way back to Dallas.”
“Correct.”
“Sorry, I have to go. I’m in the restaurant and my lunch has arrived. Will you join me?”
“Probably better not to be seen together just in case.”
“Got it. I’ll let you know when I’m back in my cabin.”
“Will there be anything else,” the waitress asked, her eyes twinkling down at him.
“A glass of your best Cabernet. I’m celebrating.”
“Right away.”
Watching her as she turned and left, he was admiring the sway of her hips when his attention was snatched away by a happy group walking through the door. The restaurant had been quiet, but as they were led to a table he suspected the dining room would soon fill up. Picking up his fork, he twirled the noodles, and wasn’t surprised when the door opened again and a couple entered.
But idly glancing in their direction, he caught his breath.
It was Karen Harper, and she was with a tall, muscled cowboy.
Grabbing his phone, he sent an urgent text to Gino.
“Don’t come here. Karen Harper just walked in the door.”