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It was a gift!
Light at the end of a dark tunnel.
But he knew to tread carefully.
“That depends,” he said warily. “Who’s the fella?”
“He said no names on the phone.”
“Describe him.”
“Medium build, darkish hair, kinda short, likes beer, doesn’t smile much. All business.”
“Okay, I think I know who you mean,” John replied, though the description could fit half a dozen horse dealers he knew.
“He said your place is outta the way. That’s where they need to be, then I have to get lost.”
“What’s the breed?”
“Quarter horses. Two bays and a chestnut. I found them about an hour away but my fuckin’ truck died just a few miles outta town. I managed to get them to a friend’s place but it’s centrally located and he wants them gone. With the rodeo in town there are too many people around.”
‘Let’s get real. Any fella who sent you my way would’ve told you I don’t buy. I’ll take ‘em off your hands. That’s it.”
“Fuck.’
“Think about it. If you want me to pick ‘em up call me back.”
“Wait,” the man said, panic in his voice. “Okay, fine. You can have ‘em, but you need to pick ‘em up fast.”
“Do you know The Black Bull?” John asked, wanting to size up the stranger in person. “It’s a bar just east of town.”
“I’ve passed it.”
“I’ll meet you there at six. Just look for the biggest guy in the room.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Opening her eyes and savoring Rick’s hard body next to hers, Bailey couldn’t remember a time she felt so relaxed and contented. She wanted to stay curled up next to him for hours, but the clock was ticking and she had to prepare for her performance.
“I hate to say this but I have to go to the motel,” she said with a sigh. “I need to change into my show clothes, do my makeup and hair, then come back and get Miss Piggy ready.”
“I’ll take you, darlin’.”
“You don’t—”
“Yeah, I do. I don’t trust Big John and what he might do. He was steamin’ mad when he left the tavern. If he saw you he just might—”
“Might what?” she asked, cutting him off. “I highly doubt he’d kidnap me.”
“Hey, he kidnaps horses—it’s not a stretch. Maybe I’m bein’ over-protective, but that’s just how I am with people I care about—especially you,” he added, lowering his voice. “Now will you quit arguin’ or do I have to—?”
“You don’t have to say it!” she shot back as she hastily left the bed.
“Progress, I’m gettin’ somewhere,” he remarked with a chuckle as she began to dress, “but you’d better stop interruptin’ me.”
“And if you want to take me to the motel—you’d better get up,” she retorted, ducking past him to snatch her watch from the nightstand.
He laughed out loud, but seeing a wicked glint in his eye she hurried away, opened the small refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water,
