The Cowboy's Secret (Cowboys After Dark: Book 3) Read Online Free Page A

would,” she replied. “The truth is, I stopped because I was admiring your fencing, and I was hoping to ask you about your shelters. I’ve never put a horse facility together before and I could use some advice,” and you’re kinda handsome. In fact, you’re really handsome. Do you have a Mrs. Hogan, or a wanna be Mrs. Hogan?
    “I’d be happy to help if I can,” he smiled back. “Jump in, I was just makin’ some lunch. If you have the time…”
    “That’s very kind of you, yes I do.”
    You’re takin’ her into your house.
    Yeah, I know.
    Be careful, Clint.
    Down near the barn, Jiminy had just been released in the round pen, and Zane and Mitch were headed to the corral when Zane heard the golf cart start up the driveway.
    “Hey, Mitch, look at that.”
    Staring up Mitch let out a low whistle.
    “Is he takin’ her up to the house?” he asked.
    “Seems like.” Zane nodded.
    “Damn, I never thought I’d see that,” Mitch remarked. “Had to happen at some point, I guess.”
    “Yep,” Zane repeated. “God didn’t make men to be alone, no matter how bad we want it sometimes. Maybe he’s figurin’ that out…finally.”

CHAPTER FOUR
    A s Clint ushered her through the front door the first thing Amelia noticed was how well the house was furnished, and how neat and tidy everything was, but as he led her through the warm, masculine living room towards the kitchen, she saw no evidence of a woman’s touch, nor any photographs that suggested a special someone in his life.
    “I was just makin’ a salad,” he remarked, “got some leftover lasagna in the oven.”
    “That sounds terrific,” she smiled. “This is so kind of you.”
    “You just did me a huge favor,” he replied, and you don’t know it, but this is definitely weird for me. “Have a seat, would you like some coffee?”
    “Sure, thank you,” she replied, pulling out a stool from under the kitchen island. “I have to ask, Jiminy, he’s not exactly the typical horse you have here, or am I wrong?”
    “You’re not wrong. We train and sell barrel racers and western pleasure horses here. Jiminy came in yesterday, one of those freak things.”
    “Will he be staying?” she asked as he put the coffee in front of her.
    “Yep, not sure how long though. A good friend of mine in New York State has twin daughters. One’s a barrel racer, the other one, Caitlin, wants to be a jumper rider. Apparently Jiminy was too much for her,” he explained.
    “But they sent him here, to a western ranch? I’m not sure I understand.”
    “The girls took off to college and Matt got tired of paying the barn and trainin’ bills, so he asked me if I’d take care of them while the girls are away. I’m sure he’ll end up wantin’ to sell Jiminy though. From what he said Caitlin’s eyes were bigger than her stomach with that one. He just doesn’t have the time to deal with it, so I was happy to help him out.”
    “He’s got a huge stride and a scopey jump. He’s just gorgeous,” Amelia remarked. “Mind you I love greys. They’re a bit different.”
    “How do you mean?” he frowned, as he finished making the salad.
    “It’s hard to explain, I’m not even sure I know the answer myself. They’ve got more going on upstairs than the average bear; I’ll leave it at that,” she smiled. “Can I help you with anything?”
    “No, I’m good,” he replied, moving to a cabinet and retrieving two plates. “I have to be honest, I’m not used to company so I wouldn’t know how to delegate in my kitchen.”
    “Your house is so beautiful. May I ask how many bedrooms? Three, four?”
    “Uh, two plus my master, and a study,” he replied, placing a scoop of the salad on both plates, then wanting to change the subject he asked, “What kind of horses do you have?”
    “I rescue thoroughbreds off the track, and other horses I run across that I think I can help. I rehabilitate them, make them people happy, start them over fences, or if they’re better