The amber liquid was smooth and warm against her tongue, then infused her throat with spicy heat. Shaking her head and letting out a breath, she pushed the cork back in and returned the bottle to its place.

  “A woman after my own heart. I think I’ve said that before.”

  Spinning around, she saw Brad standing naked in the doorway.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

  “It wasn’t you. Catch must’ve been worried. He jumped on the bed and licked my face.”

  “Oh, no.”

  “You wanna tell me why you needed that?” he asked, walking over to her. “From now on I’ll leave a bottle of something in the kitchen so you won’t have to search it out.”

  “Vodka, please.”

  “You got it,” he murmured, wrapping his arms around her. “Is it the elbow?”

  “No, it’s not hurting very much. Must be all the TLC you’ve given me.”

  “I don’t think it’s a bad sprain. You were more shook up than anything. So, darlin’, what’s cookin’? What got you out of bed in the middle of night searchin’ for a drink?”

  “You know the answer to that.”

  “I reckon I do,” he murmured, letting out a sigh. “Just remember, whatever happens in the mornin’ I’ll be here, and if things don’t work out the way you want, we’ll try to figure out something else.”

  “But it has to. It kills me to think of Bonny being in a regimented training program. I know she has the talent. She’s a beautiful mover, but—”

  “But nothin’. You’ve got your heart set on that mare, period. I think I’m learnin’ once you’ve made up your mind, that’s it.”

  “That’s what Teddy said, and my dad used to tell me I was the most stubborn person he’d ever known, man, woman, or child. He still does.”

  “Seems he’s right.”

  “Isn’t everyone when they really care?” she asked, pulling back and staring up at him. “I bet if you had your heart set on something you’d move heaven and earth to get it, but you probably think I’m crazy wanting a horse so badly.”

  “Maybe I don’t,” he murmured, a frown crossing his face. “Maybe I understand better than you think.”

  “When I lost Miss Piggy,” she continued, still caught up in her own thoughts, “I wasn’t sure I’d ever have that incredible bond again, but when I starting working with Bonny, whatever I asked, she wanted to give it to me, and if she didn’t understand she tried anyway. Haven’t you ever had an animal talk to you? I swear I could hear her. I still can.”

  “Where’s that cognac?” he murmured, letting her go and reaching for the bottle. “I get where you’re comin’ from,” he muttered, pulling the cork and swigging a drink. “I’m gonna tell you a story I’ve never told anyone. I didn’t think they’d believe me, but you will.”

  “What happened?”

  “Lola. That was the dog I had before Catch. She was an Australian Shepherd. When she died I damn near died myself.”

  “I felt like that when I lost Miss Piggy. I couldn’t eat, or sleep...”

  “Yep. I hear ya. I was in a bad way. Jeff, my neighbor, he came over one day and talked me into goin’ to the animal shelter. Said pinin’ away helped no one, especially not a poor mutt waitin’ for a home. I gotta say, I was in no mind to do it—but I climbed in my truck and made the drive into town. I was walkin’ past the cages wondering what the hell I was doin’ there, when I saw this cattle dog. He was lyin’ down, people were walkin’ by, but he wasn’t payin’ any attention. I don’t know why I didn’t keep goin’, but I stopped and looked at him. He lifted his head, stared at me a minute, then blow me down if he didn’t come over and put his paw through the bars.”

  “You’re kidding?”

  “Wait, there’s more. I called to the officer, and he said the dog had been there almost a week and hadn’t reacted to anyone. Then this guy opened the door, and—I swear, Megan, this is the truth—Catch leapt into my arms.”

  “No way.”

  “Yep. Started lickin’ my face, and I was tearin’ up like a kid who’d just skinned their knee. He came home with me right then, and he’s been at my side ever since. So, darlin’, I know what you’re feelin’. When I saw you playin’ with Bonny in that paddock, I couldn’t stand the thought she might be taken away from you.”

  “You do understand,” she murmured, silent tears spilling from her eyes. “If she leaves, my heart won’t be the only one breaking, but Bonny will take it out on whoever tries to bully her into doing what they want.”

  “Hey, listen,” he said solemnly, holding her face between his hands. “Faith can move mountains, and you’ve gotta believe she’ll stay here! You hear me? You’ve gotta believe whatever you’re gonna do will work, and you can’t go out there tomorrow with any doubt in your head or in your heart. She’ll pick up your energy. You know that better than anyone, so you’d better be sending her the right signals.”

  “Brad... I...”

  “What, darlin’?”

  She paused, then took a breath. “You always know what to say. You’re right. You’re a thousand percent right. Thank you.”

  “You think you can sleep now?”

  “If you hold me,” she murmured, sinking into him. “I’ll close my eyes believing I’ll be bringing Bonny in from her paddock tomorrow night.”

  “And every night after that.”

  “Yes! Every night after that.”

  Putting his arm around her shoulders, he walked her slowly from the studio, but as they approached the bed, she suddenly grabbed his arm.

  “Brad?”

  “What?”

  “I lied. I have a confession to make, and I won’t be able to sleep until I tell you.”

  “Then I guess you’d better. Can you tell me in bed?”

  “Uh, yeah, but like I said before, you have to be holding me.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Megan’s heart raced as she searched for the right words. Wrapped up in the arms she never wanted to leave, and afraid what she was about to tell him might bring their relationship to an end, she tried to find the courage to speak. As if sensing her anxiety, he shifted to look down at her.

  “Hey, is it so terrible?” he asked softly. “Does it have to do with Bonny and what you’ve got planned?”

  “No, nothing like that,” she murmured, gazing into his eyes. “It’s, uh, about us. You and me, and I’m scared when I tell you, it might mean this will be my last night here.”

  “You’re makin’ me kinda crazy right now. I can’t imagine anything could be that bad.”

  “I’ll just say it,” she declared, “and if I do need to leave I’ll send someone to pick up my things. There’s no way I’ll be able to do it myself, but if things work with Bonny—”

  “She’s yours,” he said quickly. “Now just tell me, dammit.”

  “Here goes nothing,” she muttered, taking a deep breath. “I love it here, and I loved working with you so much—”

  “But...?” he asked impatiently.

  “But I’m falling in love with you, no, that’s not true,” she said hastily. “I am in love with you, and if you don’t feel the same I need to go.”

  Her stomach churning, she stared up at him, not sure what to think as he rolled his eyes and threw back his head.

  “If I don’t feel the same?” he exclaimed. “Are you kiddin’ me? Can’t you see it? Isn’t it obvious? Of course I feel the same, and the only move you’re gonna make is outta that loft and into my house.”

  “You mean it?”

  “Would I say something like that and not mean it?” he said, lowering his voice. “Megan, I’m not just nuts about you, I love you, and I wanna spend every dang night with you lyin’ next to me. I never thought this would happen, and it’s been tough wrappin’ my brain around it, but, yeah, we’re ridin’ the same horse down the same trail!”

  “Brad...”

  Though she wanted to say more, stammering his name was all she could manage.

  “The crazy thing is, hirin’ you took me by surprise. I guess somehow I knew you were special even then.”

  “Will you please kiss me?”

  As his mouth lovingly glided over hers, she closed her eyes and sank into the sublime moment. Her dreams were coming true. The handsome, take-charge cowboy was everything she’d ever wanted, and though he was gruff, rough, and tough on the outside, his heart was full of love.

  “You know what I just realized?” she murmured as they broke apart.

  “That you should be spanked for keepin’ me in suspense like you did? You damn near gave me a heart attack!”

  “I was just so scared.”

  “I get it, and you’re braver than me. I was gonna tell you earlier, but I chickened out.”

  “What? I should thump you right now. I can’t believe that!”

  “Thump away,” he said with a grin. “What did you just realize?”

  “When Uncle Doug first told me about you, he said you were gruff, rough, and tough.”

  “He did? I didn’t know I came across that way. I don’t pussyfoot around and I tell it like it is, but maybe that’s too much for people.”

  “I happen to think you’re perfect just the way you are, and what I just realized is, gruff, rough, and tough is G-R-T. Great!”

  He chuckled.

  “In my book,” she continued, “that’s what you are.”

  “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again,” he murmured, gently wrapping her up. “You’re something else, Megan Newman. Now we’d best get some sleep. We’ve gotta be on our toes tomorrow. Dealin’ with Jennifer Roberts isn’t easy at the best of times, and I don’t know what she’ll do if she can’t get Bonny in that trailer.”

  “Jennifer get Bonny in the trailer? Ha. Forget the trailer. Jennifer won’t be able to get near her.”

  “You know if she asks me to catch her I’ll have to do it,” he said solemnly. “I’ll have no choice.”

  “Brad, you won’t get near her either,” Megan replied, then suddenly swept up by a long yawn, she snuggled further under the blankets and closed her eyes.

  “Hold on a second. What the heck do you mean? I have no problem with Bonny. She comes right up to me.”

  “And she will again, but not tomorrow morning. I may be exhausted, but I’m so happy I could burst.”

  “Me too, darlin’.”

  As she felt herself sinking into sleep, she heard him sigh, and a soft smile crossed her lips.

  * * *

  Brad was slowly waking up when he felt Megan leave the bed. Memories of the night before flooded his brain.

  Catch on top of him, licking his face and softly whining with worry, then jumping on the floor and spinning in circles. They hadn’t been the happy, excited play with me circles. Something was wrong, and Megan was no longer beside him. Groggily glancing at the clock, he’d read the glowing blue digits. 2:03 a.m. As worried as Catch had behaved, he’d gone in search of her.

  The moment he’d found her in his studio drinking, he’d been consumed with a need to sweep her into his arms and make everything okay. Sharing the story of how he’d found Catch at the animal shelter had created a profound sense of intimacy, and he wondered if that had given her the courage to confess her love. Whatever the reason, he’d been elated, and he still was.

  Sitting up and rubbing his hand over his face, he saw it had just past seven a.m. Climbing from the bed and padding into the room, though he didn’t see her, he heard her muffled voice coming from his studio. Assuming she needed privacy, he moved into the kitchen and filled the hot water kettle to make the coffee.

  “Hi, you’re awake,” she declared, walking up behind him and making him jump. “Oops, sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  “Damn, girl, you’d make a good cat burglar,” he replied, turning around to bring her into his arms.

  “I’d never steal cats.”

  “Can I ask what’s goin’ on? Why were you locked in there and talkin’ on the phone?”

  “Sure, you can ask me anything, but I won’t be able to answer with any details.”

  “Ah, right. So—what can you tell me? You sure look happy.”

  “This gorgeous, great,” she said with a grin, emphasizing the word great, “sexy cowboy loves me. Why wouldn’t I be happy? I’m the happiest woman in the world.”

  “Uh-huh. That’s all good, but what’s the other thing that’s put such a big smile on your face?”

  “I woke up with... how can I put this? An inspired thought. There’s been a change in my plans.”

  “Oh, yeah?”

  “Teddy will be arriving around the same time as Jennifer, but don’t worry, he won’t get in the way. He’ll be there to help.”

  “Help how? I thought the whole idea of him comin’ over was to keep you company.”

  “He will be helping me, and I didn’t really need him for company. He was going to do something else, but—uh—I guess I can share this with you. Jennifer gets uptight when Teddy’s around, but I’m not allowed to tell you why. The more unnerved she is, the faster she’ll want to leave. That’s all I can say.”

  “Why would she be worried about Teddy?”

  “The kettle’s boiling,” she retorted, shooting him a wink. “You jump in the shower. I’ll fix us some breakfast. Eggs and bacon?”

  “Sounds good. How’s the elbow?”

  “It was a bit sore when I woke up, but I popped some ibuprofen and it’s starting to work.”

  “Keep ice on it as much as you can.”

  “I will. It’s not bad. Nothing like it was yesterday when I first banged it.”

  “Megan, you’ve gotta be careful this mornin’,” he said soberly. “I know the injury will be the last thing on your mind, but those tendons and ligaments are fragile. You don’t wanna make the damage worse than it is.”

  “You don’t have to worry. I won’t have to use my arms much at all. In fact, I want Jennifer to see that I’m hurt. I’ll come down at the right time.”

  “What’s that sayin’? A riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. That’s what you are, and I don’t think I wanna hear any more. Feed Catch and cook up that breakfast. I’m takin’ your advice and getting in the shower.”

  * * *

  Needing to get the horses fed and out in their fields, Brad was grateful breakfast was waiting when he returned. With no time to linger, he dressed quickly, devoured his eggs, bacon, and toast, and downed his coffee. Megan walked him to the door, and after hugging her tightly, he strode off down the path with Catch racing ahead, but as he passed the paddocks he couldn’t help but worry.

  Though Jennifer could be charming and extremely friendly, he’d witnessed her temper. It wasn’t pretty.

  Entering the barn, the horses poked their heads over their doors, nickered their welcome and asked for breakfast. Filling the wheelbarrow and rolling it down the aisle, he tossed them their hay, then started for the house. He had about forty-five minutes to respond to emails and calls before turning them out.

  Pulling his phone from his pocket and turning it on as he walked, he found several texts, one from Jennifer marked urgent.

  “Everything with you is urgent,” he grunted as he opened it. “You can never make an appointment and stick to it. You’ve always gotta prove how important you are by changin’ things and makin’ people jump through your hoops.”

  Brad. Debbie and I left early in case of traffic. We’re twenty minutes away. Put Gypsy in the round pen and get that girl to work with her. Debbie and I want to watch.

  Brad fumed. No please and no consideration, not to mention the woman had the gall to refer to Megan as that girl. He was tempted not to respond, lock the gates and pretend to be gone when she arrived.

  “Maybe I should do that,” he muttered. “Let her hang around, but it’s not worth the risk. Knowin’ her she’d find a way in, then I’d have to come outta the house and that would turn into a scene, dammit.”

  Reading the text again, he thought about what to say, then typed in his reply.

  No can do. Megan had an accident and is injured. Gypsy will still be eating when you get here. The horses have just been fed.

  Jennifer’s response was immediate.

  Put her in the round pen anyway. Debbie can lunge her and see how they get along. Gypsy doesn’t have to finish her breakfast. She can eat in the trailer.

  Knowing there was no way to stop her, Brad texted her back.

  Text me when you’re five minutes away.

  Her response was immediate.

  K.

  Brad fumed again.

  K? No thank you, Brad, I hope it’s not inconvenient.

  “Sorry, Megan,” he muttered as he called her. “I hope this doesn’t mess things up for you.”

  “Hey, Brad. You miss me already?”

  “Listen, darlin’, I’ve got some news. It might be bad. Not sure. Jennifer just texted me. She’ll be here in twenty minutes.”

  “What? You’re not serious!”

  “It gets worse. She wanted you and Bonny to be waitin’ in the round pen so she and Debbie Chandler could watch you. I told her you were injured and couldn’t, so then she said to put Bonny in the pen anyway. Debbie wants to lunge her.”

  “There’s no fucking way that’s going to happen.”

  “I’ve gotta do what she asked. She’s the client.”

  “Can you put Bonny in the paddock instead?”

  “Then I’d have to put them all out, or it would look weird when Jennifer gets here, and they’ve just been fed.”

  “Shit. Okay. I’m calling Teddy.”

  “Will you still be able to—?”

  “Yeah,” she said, cutting him off, “but it’s going to be hairy.”

  “Megan, what does that mean?” he asked gravely. “You can’t put anyone at risk.”

  “The only risk is Bonny being taken away. I’ll be down there shortly.”

  As she ended the call, Brad stared at his phone.

  “I don’t like this. I don’t like this one little bit.”