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

suited, under saddle for dressage. I sell them, but I’m fanatical about making sure the homes are right, and believe me I follow up. I know where all my horses have landed. I have a couple myself of course. My love is jumping.”
    “You said you wanted some advice,” he remarked, pulling the lasagna out of the oven. “What kind of advice do you mean? It sounds like you’re pretty experienced.”
    “Your shelters. Why are they at odd angles?”
    “The sun. That angle provides the most shelter, and we get winds from the North,” he answered. “They can bring up dust. Do you eat a lot?”
    “Not really, just a big spoonful would be great. That’s interesting. I’ll have to study my paddocks and figure that out.”
    “I’d be happy to come and take a look if you want,” he offered.
    You would? What exactly are you doing?
    Bein’ neighborly.
    Sure you are!
    “That would be terrific,” she smiled. “Thank you. I’ve rented a cottage until my place is ready to live in, but it’s not far from the property. I was thinking about bringing my horses down regardless, but I’m not sure about having them here during the renovations. I just hate to think of them at home in stalls, getting out for an hour a day for a turnout. Makes me crazy.”
    “Horses don’t belong in cages,” he grunted, “no animals do.”
    Picking up both plates he carried them to the kitchen table; it was set against a picture window that overlooked the property below.
    “This is such a great spot. You can see your paddocks so clearly,” she remarked as she followed him and sat down.
    “Yep. I have a study but I spend most of my time at this table. I bring my calculator and work out here. Problem is I spend too much time gazin’ and not enough time workin’.”
    “I can understand why,” she sighed. “How long have you been here?”
    “About two years I guess,” he replied, shifting in his seat.
    “This lasagna is delicious, did you make it yourself?” Amelia asked, wanting to change the subject, sensing her question had made him uncomfortable.
    “There’s a restaurant that turns into a bar at night called Tom’s Tavern. It’s just about five minutes from here. I buy a pan of this and freeze portions of it. Lasts me while.”
    “Really? Where is this place? I was looking for somewhere to have lunch on my way over here, though this is certainly much nicer than sitting in a place by myself. Thanks again.”
    “Yeah, eatin’ alone, it can get to you,” he frowned, “anyway, when you go back on the main road take the first turnin’ before town. Tom’s is just about a mile down on the left. It’s the local waterin’ hole, but Tom’s a really good cook,” Clint replied. “Try his spicy french fries. He cuts the potatoes up real fat, covers ’em with cayenne pepper, and some other stuff that he won’t tell anyone about. Man they’re good.”
    “Tom’s Tavern, I’ll remember that. Maybe I’ll stop in there tonight,” she said lightly, and maybe if you’re so inclined, you might come and see if I’m there.
    “How many horses have you got?” he asked.
    “Right now I have five,” she answered, wondering if he’d changed the subject deliberately, “but I have three more waiting for me. I have to collect them in the next month or they’re toast,” she groaned. “What about you?”
    “I’ve got anywhere from ten to fifteen. Just depends on the business.”
    A telephone rang in the background, and excusing himself he rose from the table and moved into the living room to answer it.
    Staring out at the ranch she scanned the area and saw a large barn, what looked like an expansive riding ring, and two round pens, one of which was inhabited by the big grey gelding who was having a wonderful time sniffing and rolling, then rolling some more.
    “Half an hour won’t work. Give me an hour…okay forty-five minutes then.”
    His voice was hushed, but his words had been clear, and as he sauntered back to the table she