The cowboys ultimatum na.., p.1
The Cowboy's Ultimatum: Naked Cowboys of Smoky Hill Book 2, page 1
Contents
Title Page
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chaptter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Epilogue
A Word From Maggie
Maggie's Novels
Maggie's Novels Continued
THE COWBOY’S ULTIMATUM
By
Maggie Carpenter
All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher. This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.
Published by: Dark Secrets Press LLC
Cover Design : Fantasiafrogdesigns
Visit the author at:
https://www.Amazon.com/author/maggiecarpenter
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CHAPTER ONE
Sitting on Maverick, his big-boned gelding, ambling towards the barn after a peaceful trail ride, Andy Baker readied himself to meet his girlfriend, Helen Rutherford. She’d been away at a show for the weekend, and on the phone the night before she’d been frustrated and angry. He knew it was best to just let her vent, but now the time had come to spell out some home truths.
There was nothing wrong with her horse.
The problem was her.
As he slid off Maverick and moved the rope from around the horse’s neck, Andy began wiping him down and thought about how best to approach the touchy subject. Whenever he tried to discuss her ongoing issues she became defensive and often walked off in a huff.
“I don’t know what to do about that girl sometimes,” he muttered as he started to leave the barn. “Come on, fella, I’ll take you into your paddock.”
Though the horse was wearing no halter, and Andy had no lead rope, Maverick followed him like a faithful dog. As they started towards the pasture, Andy heard the sound of a truck and glanced up the driveway. Helen’s familiar white pickup was slowly rolling towards the barn. By the time he released Maverick and closed the gate, she had rolled to a stop and was opening the back of her trailer.
“Hold up, hon, I’ll help you,” he called, breaking into a jog.
“Thanks, I’m exhausted,” she called back, then stepping aside as he joined her, she added, “It was the weekend from hell.”
“It can’t have been that bad.”
“I don’t know why I bother,” she grunted. “I feel as if I’m spending a fortune just to fight a losing battle. My trainer will be in the area tomorrow and she’s going to stop by to give me a private lesson. Is that okay?”
“Sure, but it probably wasn’t as terrible as you think,” he said, opening the back of the trailer. “I’ll take Daisy over to join Maverick and we can go inside and talk about it.”
“There’s nothing to talk about. It is what it is. Do you mind if I go up to the house? I’m desperate for a shower?”
“Go ahead. I’ll be right behind you,” he replied as the chestnut mare backed out.
“Thanks.”
“Don’t worry, Daisy,” he murmured, stroking the mare’s neck as Helen marched away, “I’ll get through to her one way or another.”
As if understanding she gently nudged him, then let out a snort and shook her body.
“Yeah, I know, you need to stretch your legs and hang out in a big grass field where you belong.”
She walked quietly beside him, but when he released her into the paddock she bolted away, bucked a few times, then dropped to the ground and rolled. Smiling, he continued to watch for a minute, then headed back to the trailer.
As he unhooked it from the truck and cleaned it out, his focus returned to Helen. She was the quintessential fiery redhead, with bright blue eyes, a knockout figure and an engaging smile. But she could be difficult and stubborn. She wanted to show in English Equitation classes, and she insisted, because he was a cowboy they spoke a different language. Especially when it came to training. Marching down to his house he felt a grim determination. She needed to listen to him.
“Helen?” he called as he walked in through the back door.
“I’m in the living room.”
“Can I get you a beer?”
“No, thanks. I have a glass of the wine I brought over last week.”
Entering the kitchen, he grabbed a bottle from the refrigerator, popped off the top and ambled into the living room.
“I thought you were takin’ a shower.”
“I just needed to catch my breath for a minute.”
“Talk to me,” he said, settling into the couch next to her. “What happened?”
“Daisy happened! She just doesn’t listen.”
“Maybe you’re not bein’ clear.”
“Andy, don’t start. What you do and I do are totally different.”
“You’re right there. My horses are naked and I have no issues, but you have all that tack on Daisy and what happens? Problems. What does that tell you?”
“I can’t deal with this right now,” she exclaimed, jumping to her feet. “I’m going home.”
“Hey, take it easy.”
“You keep trying to convince me what you do will work for me, and I keep telling you it won’t.”
“How do you know if you don’t give it a shot?”
“For pity’s sake, it’s like…I don’t know…oil and water. It won’t mix. I love going on the trail with you and riding Big Ben, but Daisy’s isn’t a trail horse. She spooks at everything. I can’t imagine how she’d be with all the things we’d pass going up Smoky Hill.”
“And I’ve told you we can fix that. She doesn’t have to be—”
“I can’t handle this conversation again, I’m too tired, and we’ve talked this to death. I’m going home. My trainer will be here around one o’clock tomorrow. Her name’s Erin, by the way. I’ll get here around twelve-thirty.”
“Okay, get some rest. When I meet her I can talk to her about some of my methods and hopefully we can have a meetin’ of the minds.”
“Andy, please just stay out of it. She’s going out of her way to come here. I don’t want to piss her off.”
“Helen,” he said, lowering his voice and stepping closer, “I’m sorry I upset you. I want to help, and I’m sure I can.”
“I know. I’m sorry too. I didn’t mean to be so short-tempered. I’m just wiped out and frustrated. I just want to go home and crawl into bed, but you have to understand, English riding is totally different to what you do.”
“Darlin’, it’s not about whether you’re jumpin’, or doin’ flat work in an English saddle, or ropin’, or anything else. It’s about helpin’ Daisy overcome her fears and—”
“No! It’s about making her do what I want!”
“You know what, you’re right, you’d better go home,” he muttered, dropping his arms away. “I’ll walk you up to your truck.”
He sensed she was about to tell him not to bother, and though she didn’t, they made their way up to the barn in silence. Watching her climb behind the wheel and drive away, he let out a heavy sigh.
“Daisy isn’t the only one who could use my help,” he muttered. “There’s a conversation you and I need to have. One that’s long overdue.”
CHAPTER TWO
Though Andy’s younger sister Annie was a Country and Western singing star, her fame hadn’t changed her, or their relationship. She’d married a close friend, a local horse trainer named Brody King, and was now the proud mother of a little girl who was just starting to take baby steps. It was a happy time, full of laughter and delight. Needing to share the joy, he settled back on his couch, took another drink of his beer and called her.
“Hey, Andy,” Annie said cheerily. “How did Helen fair at the show?”
“Not so well.”
“Again?”
“Yep, again. Is that adorable little niece of mine still keeping you on your toes?”
“Oh yes. She’s so brave. Nothing fazes her.”
“Just like you.”
“Me? I’m not that brave.”
“Are you kidding me? Against all odds, you went off to Nashville and became amazingly successful, then somehow escaped that psycho
“I admit there were some pretty scary moments when he showed up here, but Andy, why am I hearing tension in your voice? Is it Helen?”
“Is it that obvious?”
“It is to me. I don’t understand why she doesn’t want your help, but you have to get through to her. At the very least she should tell you why she’s so against it.”
“I can’t figure it out either, but you’re right, this can’t go on. The minute I start talking to her about Daisy she turns into another person. And it’s not a person I like very much,” he added, lowering his voice.
“Then you need to take control of things before it really screws up your relationship.”
“Annie, you’re right. Her trainer’s comin’ here tomorrow to give her a lesson. At least I’ll be able to see what’s goin’ on with that mare firsthand.”
“That’s great, and you’ll be able to talk to her trainer directly.”
“I wish I could, but I’ve been asked not to do that.”
“Do what? Have a conversation?”
“Yep.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“I agree, but I’ll have to play this by ear, and honestly, I’m not lookin’ forward to it.”
“Molly! No!”
“Annie? What’s goin’ on?”
“I can’t believe it. She’s managed to open the pantry door. I have to go. But if you need back up I’m here.”
“I know, thanks, Annie. I’ll keep you posted.”
Ending the call and sipping his beer, he flashed back to his college days, and the deliciously decadent times he’d spent with a young woman named Janet Murphy.
She’d been into bondage and spanking, and he’d been happy to oblige. While they’d wanted very different things in life and inevitably parted company, he often yearned for the salacious sex life they’d shared.
“If anyone needs a trip over my knee it’s you, Helen Rutherford,” he muttered to himself.
It had been an idle remark, but his cock immediately stiffened at the thought. Carrying his beer into the bedroom, he quickly undressed, moved into his bathroom and stepped into the shower stall. With the hot water running over him, he took hold of his hardness and let his imagination take flight. He could see himself arguing with Helen in the living room, and as she started throwing her usual hissy fit he gave her an ultimatum.
“If you keep this up, Helen I’ll spank your ass.”
“The hell you will.”
Closing his eyes he imagined he was striding towards her, grabbing her arm and jerking her over the back of the couch. As he hastily pulled down her stretch jeans and panties she tried to kick out and cursed him over her shoulder. Ignoring her protests, he began slapping her backside evoking yelps and squeals. Picturing her curvaceous, naked cheeks turning red sent the blood pumping through his loins.
His climax abruptly loomed.
With the erotic images still dancing in his head, he urgently stroked his hardness. Moments later, letting out a long, deep, guttural groan, he surrendered to the powerful convulsions.
* * *
Helen lived only a short distance away in one of several guest cottages located on what had once been a farm. Deciding to leave the crime and craziness of the city, her wealthy parents had purchased the property and carried out extensive renovations, including the addition of several cabins for visiting guests.
Helen had laid claim to one of them.
Initially she’d enjoyed the quiet, open spaces, but after a few months she began missing the excitement the city offered. Now she would often stay over at the family’s penthouse when she trailered her mare up to a English Hunter/Jumper barn for lessons.
But there was something else she missed.
It was a deep, dark secret.
A biker called Killer Kenny.
Knowing her parents would be horrified if they knew she kept company with such a questionable character was part of the fun. Though he was quick with his fists, the nickname didn’t refer to deadly bodily harm. It was the endless stream of young women who found him irresistible. And he didn’t deny any of them.
He was in the forefront of her mind as she turned her truck into the property and followed the driveway past the main house to her cottage. Surrounded by a low, white picket fence and sitting on a slightly elevated bank above a small, manmade lake, it always made her smile when it came into view. It was the kind of place Andy would love, but Kenny would find uncomfortable.
The two men were polar opposites.
Pulling to a stop under the carport, she stared out at the picturesque pond. While she did love Andy’s kind, gentle demeanor, she sometimes wished he was a bit tougher about things, but not as intense or volatile like Kenny.
Maybe I should push Andy more and see what happens.
A wicked smile crossed her lips.
An idea was beginning to take hold.
CHAPTER THREE
Andy spent the following morning working with three of the six horses he had in training. Their owners would be arriving in two short days, and after watching and learning, they would enjoy a trail ride up a gentle slope called Smoky Hill. If the conditions were right, a mist resembling smoke would rise up from the ground and cloak the trees.
They would be staying at the hotel in the small town, but their day would be spent at the ranch, starting at nine and finishing around six. Lunch would be catered by the upmarket restaurant at the Moonshine Campgrounds.
The facility had been made famous because of Annie, Andy’s sister, a singing superstar. Not only had she been married there, it was where her nefarious manager had stayed when he’d been hunting her down. Because of the highly publicized dramatic events, the campground had experienced a surge of new visitors, but they always made time to cater Andy’s events.
He was working in the round pen, but knowing Helen was about to arrive he led the pretty paint mare back to her paddock. He was closing the gate when he saw Helen’s truck turn into the driveway and he hurried down to meet her.
“Hey,” he said with a smile as she pulled to a stop and leaned out the window.
“Hi. Where’s Daisy?”
“Fine thanks, how are you?” he quipped.
“Sorry, I’m just a bit nervous. My trainer’s not used to places like this.”
“Like this?”
“A ranch.”
“Let me guess. The horses at her barn live in stalls, not outside in paddocks.”
“There aren’t any paddocks where her facility is. Well, not paddocks like you have here. She has turnouts. Anyway, I want Daisy ready before she arrives.”
“She’s where she always is. In the pasture with Buck and Rabbit.”
“Lord, I hope she hasn’t rolled. I won’t have time to give her a bath. I’ll just take her into the crossties and do the best I can.”
“Helen, a little dirt never hurt any horse. They’re outdoor models.”
“I know…it’s just…Andy…don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful to be boarding here, I am, but like I keep saying, you just don’t understand. Are you coming up to the barn with me?”
“Sure, if you want.”
“Just don’t lecture me about my equipment.”
“You mean that curb chain and—“
“It’s necessary!”
“I’m entitled to an opinion, but maybe it would be better if I sat this one out,” he replied with a frown. “Just remember, my only concern is the comfort of the horse, and it should be yours too. Don’t forget that.”
“I know, but as I’ve said over and over again, you don’t understand the whole Hunter/Jumper thing.”
“Helen, what I don’t understand is why you’re trying to do it with a horse like Daisy. She’s not a fit. I’ll see you later.”
As he turned and began walking to the house he felt her eyes on his back, but resisted the urge to turn around. Moving inside and dropping into a chair, he let out a heavy breath.
When he’d first started dating Helen a few months before she’d been funny, warm, and easy to be around. Then a friend convinced her to take lessons and show in English equitation classes. To Andy’s dismay, Helen’s behavior and attitude began to change. Rather than enjoy her new venture, she constantly complained other riders in the lessons were more advanced, their horses prettier, bigger, shinier, or just plain better. When he suggested Daisy wasn’t cut out for the refined English shows, or she might not enjoy it, his comment had been like pouring oil on the fire.
