The Cowboy's Rules: Book Three: 2nd

Edition: Contemporary Western

Romance Maggie Carpenter
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 Contents
Title Information
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
Chaptern Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Epilogue
A Word From Maggie
 THE COWBOY’S RULES
Book Three
Maggie Carpenter
Copyright © 2023 Maggie CarpenterAll 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.
Cover Design: Fantasia
Published by: Dark Secrets Press LLC
Visit Maggie Carpenter
http://www.MaggieCarpenter.com
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 CHAPTER ONE
Cassie yawned and blinked, then rolling over she groaned in disappointment. The bed was empty. Again. It had been the same
every morning for too long. Chad had given a clinic the week before, and because it had been for beginners it had consumed
him. She’d thought he’d be around once it was over, but their dream house was behind schedule and he was micromanaging the
construction. Then there was the expansion of his clothing line. Even their regular Sunday’s off had fallen by the wayside.
Moving slowly from the bed, she padded into the bathroom, but hearing the bedroom door open and Mickey’s bark
announcing Chad’s return, she hurried back to find him rifling through his dresser.
“Chad, why are you back?”
“I need to change my shirt. Look.”
As he turned she saw a large splattering of blood across the front of his shirt.
“What happened? Are you okay? Is one of the horses hurt?”
“Everything’s fine,” he replied, pulling it over his head. “Jeb was sawin’ a piece of wood and caught a knot. Damn thing
slipped and gave him a bad cut. I pulled my shirt off and wrapped it around his finger while Marty fetched the first aid kit. He’s
runnin’ him to the emergency room right now. Are you just gettin’ up?”
“No, I stay in a robe all day,” she muttered sarcastically. “But poor Jeb. I hope it’s not too serious.”
“I don’t think it is, but look at the time. Don’t you have to get the horses out? Aren’t you ridin’?”
“It’s not that late. It just seems that way to you because you get up so early. How long is that going to last, by the way? I’m
tired of waking up alone.”
“Are you feelin’ neglected, hon?” he asked, softening his voice and stepping closer to her.
“Yes, I am,” she admitted, an edge to her voice. “You’re out of here before I’m awake, you’re gone all day. Even if you do
come back you’re locked away in your office, then after dinner you’re exhausted.”
“You’re right, and I’m sorry. It’s just a real busy time right now.”
“That’s not good enough,” she suddenly snapped, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “I feel like I don’t matter.”
“Hey, hon, I’m sorry. I’ll make sure I—”
“No, don’t promise me anything,” she blazed. “Just fix it.”
“Cassie, you don’t wanna be takin’ that tone with me.”
“Really? Should I be worried? Are you going to put me over your knee? I doubt it, you don’t have time. I’ll bet you have to
dash back and, what, fix a fence, ride a new horse, or maybe go into your office and make calls?”
“I’ll always have the time to spank that bottom of yours, and that tantrum just told me you’re overdue,” he declared,
grabbing her wrist and pulling her with him to the bed.
“Wait! I was just telling you how you I feel!” she protested as he sat down and yanked her over his lap.
“I appreciate that, and I’m gonna take care of those feelings right now.”
Though Cassie struggled in his hold, she realized no matter how much time passed, his discipline never failed to excite her.
“I should never have stopped your maintenance,” he continued, pushing aside her robe and placing his leg over the backs of
her calves.
“Chad, I’m sorry I yelled at you,” she wailed as he began spanking her with a steady, fast-paced rhythm. “You can stop
now.”
“It’s been far too long since I tanned your backside. But you don’t have to worry. I won’t be makin’ that mistake again. This
sore bottom will keep you company when you ride today, and tonight I wanna come home to a good meal on the table. I’m tired
of Hannah’s leftovers. I swear, if she didn’t take mercy on us I don’t know what we’d be livin’ on,” he exclaimed, finishing
with a flourish.
“Ooh, Chad, please…that really hurts.”
“Good, and now you’re done. Catch your breath a minute,” he said, lowering his voice and rubbing her scalded skin. “Next
time you’re feelin’ unhappy let me know. Don’t let it fester. That’s bad for both of us.”
“You’re right. So--uh—I have to tell you. I don’t like waking up alone,” she replied.
“Hey, I’ve just been lettin’ you sleep, hon,” he murmured, shifting her off his lap and moving her onto the bed. “I’d love to
start my day with you,” he continued, bringing her into his arms. “Are you sure you don’t mind wakin’ up that early.”
“No, not for a minute.”
“Damn, you feel real good,” he purred, slipping the robe from her body and dropping his lips to her breasts.
“Chad…please…I need you.”
Quickly removing his clothes and tossing them on the floor, he moved his lips to her neck. She gasped and clung to him,
then moaned as he kneaded her breasts and pinched her nipples. But just as she was about to reach for his hardness, he ordered
her onto her hands and knees.
***
Positioning himself behind her, Chad smiled at her glistening sex and placed his hands on her hot, red cheeks.
“How much do you want me, Cassie?”
“More than I can say,” she whimpered. “I’ve missed you so much.”
Placing himself at her entrance and pushing slowly forward, he closed his eyes as he began to thrust, relishing the feel of
her warmth.
“I’ve missed you too, darlin’,” he grunted, gripping her hips, then abruptly quickening his pace, he realized just how badly
he’d neglected her.
He’d neglected them.
He wasn’t sure if it was the epiphany rippling through his body, or because they were both so desperate for each other, but
barely a minute had passed before he felt his climax building.
“Don’t stop, Chad, please don’t stop,” she begged, as if reading his mind. “It’s happening so fast. Please can I come? I need
to, please let me.”
“Give it to me,” he growled, slapping her reddened behind.
As his husky command and his hot smack sent her tumbling into her orgasm, he was hurtled into a powerful release.
Groaning loudly and listening to her wails of pleasure, he exploded inside her, surrendering to the powerful convulsions…
until finally drained he collapsed beside her.
“Chad, that was amazing,” she said breathlessly, falling on her stomach and throwing an arm across his chest. “Why did we
get there so fast?”
“Not a clue,” he panted, “but damn, girl, you get my blood boilin’.”
As she nestled against him, he closed his eyes and savored the moment, knowing all too soon Marty would arrive home
with Jeb. He was drifting into a light doze when his phone chimed. Reluctantly he reached for his jeans and lifted it from the
back pocket.
“It’s a text from Marty,” he muttered. “He’s back with Jeb. I have to go.”
“I understand,” she murmured, then quietly added, “My butt hurts.”
“Good, and I’ll be keepin’ it plenty warm from now on,” he promised, hugging her tightly.
“I’ll be good.”
“Yep, you’ll be good because I’ll make sure of it.”
Slipping from the bed, he dressed quickly, then leaning down he fervently kissed her.
“I love you, darlin’,” he whispered, moving his lips to her ear.
“I love you too, Chad.”
Mickey, still stretched out on the rug in front of the fireplace, sat up and barked, signaling he was ready to head out as well.
“Mickey, stay here,” Cassie called. “You haven’t spent the day with me in ages.” The dog cocked his head to one side, then
laid back down. “Chad, if you promise not to come home too tired, I’ll have a decent dinner ready.”
“You can count on it. And our next dance between the sheets will last a whole lot longer, I can promise you that as well.
See you later, Mickey,” he said, striding across the room and petting his dog. “I know you’ll take care of her.”
Mickey immediately bounded forward, leapt up on the bed beside her and licked her face.
“Dammit, Mickey, I still can’t believe I let you do that,” Chad remarked with a chuckle. “I’ll see you both later.”
 CHAPTER TWO
The powerful orgasm had left Cassie drained, and with Mickey curled up beside her she’d closed her eyes and dozed off. But
Chad’s unexpected return sent him jumping from the bed startling her awake. Opening her eyes she found Chad standing at the
foot of the bed staring down at her.
“Cassie, it’s almost nine-thirty.”
“Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe it, I fell back asleep.”
“You need to get your red butt up to your horses. They should’ve been out of their stalls an hour ago.”
“I’m going,” she mumbled, but with a grin curling her lips, she began crawling across the bed towards him.
“What are you doin’?” he mumbled as she kneeled up and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Just saying hello,” she purred. “It’s lovely to see you again so soon.”
Chuckling, he landed a hot slap on her naked backside.
“Ouch, what was that for?” she exclaimed, jerking back and staring up at him.
“You know you’re already late. It’s time to get your red butt into a shower. Or should I give you another quick trip over my
knee to get you movin’?”
“No, no! I’m going.”
“This place is fallin’ apart,” Chad muttered as she scurried away. “Jeb’s sawin’ off his fingers and my girl’s sleepin’ late.
And you Mickey, why didn’t you get her up?” Mickey whined, then jumped from the bed and rolled on his back. “Yeah, yeah, I
know, you surrender,” Chad said, laughing out loud. “I’m outta here.”
A short time later Cassie emerged from the bathroom, dressed quickly, and as she hastily made the bed, Mickey barked
impatiently
“I’m coming!” she promised as he ran from the room.
Following him down the hall and into the kitchen, while he ducked through his doggie door, she paused to grab a banana
and a bottle of water. Stepping outside she found him sitting in the gator waiting for her.
“You’re so adorable, Mickey,” she said with a grin, climbing behind the wheel. “You really are the smartest dog ever.”
As she started driving up the knoll towards the barn, she placed a call to Hannah, hoping her best friend could join her to
help get the horses out and clean their stalls.
“Sorry, Cassie. I’m baking,” Hannah said urgently. “I didn’t hear from you this morning and I had to get started. This party
at the Goodman’s is my first outside job, and I have to make sure everything’s perfect.”
Hannah had been catering Chad’s clinics. When word spread through the small community that Hannah was an
undiscovered gem, one of the town’s wealthiest couples had asked her to cater their daughter’s engagement party.
“No problem, I can handle it,” Cassie replied. “But do you have a recipe that’s easy? I need to make dinner tonight?”
“Really. You’re going to cook?”
“Chad said if it wasn’t for you we’d be starving. I hate to admit it, but he’s right.”
“Did you guys have a fight?”
“In a manner of speaking.”
“Oh, I get it,” Hannah said with a giggle. “Sure, I have a ton of simple recipes. Do you have any chicken?”
“No, but I can run into town after lunch. In fact, if you need anything, I can pick it up for you.”
“I do, that’s great. Swing by after you’re done with the horses, and give Maverick and Ranger a huge kiss for me. I’ll go up
and ride later, assuming everything turns out okay.”
“Will do. See you in a bit.”
Ending the call, Cassie dropped her phone back in her pocket, and expertly maneuvered the gator past the construction site
of the new home. Her barn and riding ring were located behind it, but as she passed she saw Chad deep in conversation with
Dan Michaels, their contractor, and she immediately noticed it wasn’t a pleasant exchange.
Chad was shaking his head and pointing at a piece of paper the contractor was holding. Slowing to a stop, she watched as
Chad snatched the paper out of the contractor’s hands, tore it up, threw the pieces into the air and marched away.
Torn between continuing to the barn or going after Chad, she chose the barn. Her horses were waiting, and Chad would
want them taken care of first. But driving past the arena, she realized Marty hadn’t dragged it as he’d promised. Pulling up
outside the barn, Mickey immediately jumped out and began sniffing the ground, while Cassie headed into the barn.
“I know, I’m sorry I’m late!” she called as she was greeted by loud whinnies.
Quickly moving from stall to stall, she pulled off the light cotton sheets and handed out carrots.
Except for Shelby, her thoroughbred jumper, she led them down to their paddocks. It was summer, the middle of show
season, but she hadn’t competed and was thinking about entering the last event of the year. It was local, and the same three day
show where she’d taken her disastrous tumble the year before. Shelby had slipped, then fell down and rolled on top of her.
Though Cassie rode the mare almost every morning, they hadn’t jumped anything big since that fateful day.
She hadn’t told anyone, but the truth was, she’d lost her nerve.
Placing the mare in the cross ties, she groomed the gleaming thoroughbred and tacked her up, but by the time she mounted
and rode into the ring it was almost too hot to ride.
“This will teach me to sleep late,” she muttered as she began trotting.
The sun felt hot on her arms, but pushing herself to continue, she began cantering over a few low fences, and ended up
galloping around the ring. Coming to a stop, she pulled off one of her gloves and wiped her forehead. She’d never tolerated hot
days well, and she knew she needed to get off before she became faint.
“Darn it,” she muttered, sliding off her horse’s back. “I hate this. I need to get a roof over this ring and find someone to
work for me. Marty doesn’t have time to make sure the footing is watered and dragged every day.”
Leading Shelby into the barn, Cassie removed the saddle and hosed her down, then led her out to the pasture.
“There you go,” Cassie said with a sigh, taking off the halter. “You can relax under a tree. I wish I could do that, but I have
to go into town.” Knowing she needed a cool shower, and worried about Chad, she hurried back to the barn and climbed into
the Gator to head home. “Come on, Mickey, it’s time to go!”
Getting no response, she climbed out and started down the barn aisle, only to find Mickey sitting next to a wheelbarrow.
“Shit, I didn’t clean the stalls,” she exclaimed. “I can’t Mickey, it’s too hot and I’m too tired. Come on, I need to go.” But
Mickey stood up and barked. “Dammit, Mickey, I want to wait until tonight when it cools off, and I need to go shopping.” But
to her dismay, the dog began running around the wheelbarrow. “I swear, if I filmed this and put it on Youtube people would
think it was fake. You are unbelievable, and dammit, you’re right. Chad will have a cow if he comes up and finds this place a
mess.”
Moving to the back of the barn and grabbing a pitchfork, she walked to the wheelbarrow and pushed it into the first stall.
“Things have gotten crazy around here and I’m not sure why,” she muttered to herself. “Chad’s not normal and I feel all
weird. You’re the smartest one here, Mickey. What are we going to do about this? Something has to change.”
 CHAPTER THREE
Finally finished cleaning the stalls, Cassie wearily climbed into the gator with Mickey and drove to Hannah and Marty’s cabin.
Knocking on the door she heard Hannah’s call to come in, but when she entered the kitchen she stopped and stared.
There were several bowls containing what appeared to be cake batter in various colors, a collection of chopped
vegetables on three cutting boards, the aroma of something baking filled the air, and pots were bubbling on the stovetop. Even
with the air-conditioner blasting it was unmercifully hot. Hannah, wearing a tank top and shorts, was sweating and visibly
upset.
“Good grief, Hannah, why do you have so much happening at once?” she asked as Mickey ran back outside.
“The party! It’s so much more work than I thought it would be,” Hannah replied, picking up a towel and wiping her face. “I
don’t know what to do next and I feel so flustered.”
“You need help!”
“Cassie, you have an extraordinary ability to state the obvious.”
“Sorry. I’d offer to step in but—”
“I know you would, but I don’t have time to show you what to do.”
“What does Marty say?”
“He’s really proud of me, and he’s being really understanding about everything.”
“Give me your shopping list and that chicken recipe and I’ll get out of your hair.”
“Thanks, Cassie. Sorry, I don’t mean to be rude, I’m just crazed,” Hannah said with a sigh, pulling a crumpled piece of
paper from her pocket along with a fifty dollar bill.
“Hannah, take a deep breath and slow down. You’ll get there, but not if you’re spinning your wheels.”
“You’re right, Cassie. Thank you.”
Giving Hannah a quick hug, Cassie drove home, took a cold shower, then kissing Mickey on the head, she drove into town.
***
It was a lengthy shopping trip. There were more items on Hannah’s list than Cassie anticipated, and she ended up with a full
shopping cart. Returning to the ranch she drove straight to Hannah’s, unloaded all the bags, then headed home. The ever faithful
Mickey ran up to greet her.
“Hey Mickey, I wish you could go out and bring in our groceries.” Letting out a whine, he gazed up at her. “Yes, I brought
you something special.”
He followed her out to the car, and after carrying in the two paper sacks that were hers, she pulled out a packet of marrow
bones. The dog immediately began spinning around excitedly, then gently accepted the treat and went out his doggie door to
settle on the back porch. She had just finished putting away the groceries when Chad strode into the kitchen with an angry
frown.
“Chad? What’s wrong?”
“You won’t believe it. Twenty-thousand shirts just arrived at the warehouse with the logo upside-down.”
“No! Let Peter handle it. That’s why you hired that guy.”
“Yeah, but I kinda feel like—”
“Chad, I repeat, that’s why you hired him,” she insisted. “You can’t do absolutely everything yourself.”
“I’ll think about it,” he muttered, dropping into a chair at the kitchen table.
“Do you want a beer? Some coffee?”
“Yeah, a beer. It sure was hot in that ring this mornin’. Do we have anything to eat? It has to be quick. I need to get back to
the barn. Jeb can only do so much with that bad finger.”
“Chad…you’re working too hard, you all are. Even Hannah. She’s trying to cater that big party by herself. She needs to hire
someone, and you need another ranch hand. Ever since those two part time guys left at the beginning of summer, it’s just been
you, Marty and Jeb. There was too much for the three of you, and now Jeb’s injured.”
“I thought we could handle things, but it’s been tough. Maybe I can rustle someone up for the rest of the summer.”
“Besides that, what happened up at the site this morning?” she asked, handing him a beer. “I saw you going at it with Dan.”
“I wanted to extend your closet a few feet, and the money he wanted to charge damn near gave me a heart attack.”
“But you and Dan have been friends for years, and for the record, you don’t need to worry about me and my closet.”
“The hell I don’t. You’ve got more clothes than a bear has stolen honey jars! But that’s not the point.”
“Hey, I know, and you’re right. But I repeat, I thought you guys were friends.”
“Maybe a friend is only a friend until you do business,” he grunted.
“Dan should be bending over backwards after hiring that lunatic who almost killed me.”
“You’d think,” Chad agreed, running his hands over his face.
“Drink your beer. I have something that will help put a smile back on your face.”
 “That would be good, I sure as hell don’t feel like smilin’ much these days.”
“I have a tray of your fabulous cornbread. I’ve been saving it for a rainy day, or a bad one. I’ll pop some in the microwave.
I was going to surprise you at dinner tonight.”
“Does that mean you’re really gonna cook?”
“I certainly am. Hannah gave me a recipe even I can’t mess up,” she said with a laugh.
As Cassie fetched the tray of cornbread and set it on the counter, Chad stood up and ambled over to her.
“Hey,” he said softly, turning her around to face him. “I’m sorry things have been so crazy.”
“I understand, but I need you, Mickey needs you, the horses need you. How can you be there if you’re worried about
messed up T-shirts and a contractor who—?”
But his lips were suddenly on hers devouring her mouth. She fervently returned his kiss, until they finally broke apart,
leaving her breathless.
“Wow, cowboy, you haven’t kissed me like that in a long time.”
“Nope, and that’s gonna change. You need kissin’ and you need spankin’, and that’s what you’re gonna get.”
Falling against his chest, Cassie felt the threat of tears.
“I’ve missed you, Chad, I’ve really missed you.”
“Hey, darlin’, it’s all gonna be fine. I just need to get a handle on some things, and I will, startin’ with hirin’ some help.”
“Put your foot down with Dan, but calmly,” she said, shifting in his arms to stare up at him. “And let Peter do the job you
hired him to do.”
“It’s not easy givin’ away control, but you’re right. Now let me have some of that cornbread. That will help my mood
almost as much as thinkin’ about your red butt.”
“What a thing to say!”
“It’s red though, right? If it’s not I can fix that real quick!”
“I think I’m going to cut that cornbread now,” she replied with a giggle.
“You do that, and I’m callin’ Sheriff Hollister. He might know of someone lookin’ for work, maybe that nephew of his who
did guard duty for us, or his friend, what was his name? He was a horse guy.”
“Eddie, yes, he loved the horses, but I don’t know if he has much experience.”
“I’ll find out. Won’t be long.”
As he grabbed his beer and headed to his office, she stood at the counter cutting the cornbread, and stared out the window
to the round pen below. Marty was working with a colt, and Jeb was in the cross-ties trying to tighten a girth, but struggling
with his bandaged hand.
She was struck by a sudden thought.
Chad needed to get back to what he loved. Working with horses, not overseeing a construction site and dealing with a
shipload of screwed up shirts.
Slicing two large pieces of the bread, she placed them in the microwave, then poured herself a cup of coffee. As she sat at
the table to wait for him, she thought about the terrifying encounter with the laborer who had attacked her and caused so much
havoc. Mickey had saved the day, but if he hadn’t been there, she shuddered to think what might have happened.
“That house is our dream house, and you, Dan Michaels, allowed someone on the site you didn’t check out,” she muttered
to herself. “Now you’re behind schedule, and you’re trying to scam Chad.”
But the microwave dinged, snatching her attention. Rising to her feet and moving across the kitchen, she pulled out the plate
just as Chad ambled back in.
“Damn, that smells good,” he declared, “and I’ve got great news. Eddie quit the sheriff’s office and he’s been lookin’ for a
ranch job. Better still, he can start tomorrow.”
“You’re kidding!” Cassie exclaimed. “That’s fantastic. He really loved this place, and the horses adored him. By the way, I
was watching Jeb from the window a minute ago. He’s having trouble just tightening a girth.”
“Yep, I know, and gettin’ Eddie here will be a big help. Man this looks good,” he said, sitting down and picking up a large
piece of the cornbread. “What a great surprise. Thanks, darlin’.”
“It’s the least I can do,” she said softly, thinking, You don’t know it, but I’m going to do a whole lot more.
 CHAPTER FOUR
Sitting opposite Chad drinking her coffee, watching him finish his beer and devour the last piece of cornbread left on the plate,
Cassie sensed his mood had lightened. As he rose to his feet, he pulled her up and hugged her tightly.
“I’m so glad Eddie’s coming to help you,” she murmured, loving the feel of his muscled arms wrapped around her.
“Knowin’ he’ll be here tomorrow has made me feel a whole lot better,” he admitted, stepping back and staring down at her.
“Thanks, darlin’. I’ll see you later.”
As he headed out the door she began preparing the vegetables for dinner, but her mind was racing. Still preoccupied, she
opened the package of chicken tenders and set them in a casserole dish, then poured in a large can of chicken broth, then paused
to stare out the window.
Pieces of a large puzzle were falling into place.
A few minutes passed, and as her thoughts came together, she broke into a smile.
Focusing back on her task at hand, she dropped the vegetables in with the chicken, added some rosemary and a few bay
leaves, then covered it with the lid and placed it in the oven. Hannah’s recipe called for forty-five minutes, but she’d told
Cassie to check it in thirty, “because,” she’d said earnestly, “not all ovens are created equal.”
Clearing up the mess, she took a deep breath and reached for the phone to call Randy Rutherford, the man who had once
been her trainer and remained a close friend. She needed him, and as she’d hoped he would, he enthusiastically agreed to help.
“Hey, for you and Chad, you bet!”
“Thanks, Randy, I knew I could count on you.”
Ending the call, she hurried out to the gator and headed to the construction site.
Following the terrifying encounter with the laborer who turned out to be a dangerous psychopath, Chad had made it clear
she wasn’t to go near the area or speak with any of the workers. When she passed the area on the way to her barn, she would
glance across to see how the work was progressing, but didn’t slow down.
The fight she’d witnessed between Dan Michaels and Chad was the first time she’d stopped.
As she drove up the knoll, she looked across at the barn. Jeb was talking to Chad at the cross-ties. Hoping he’d stay there
for a while, she pressed her foot on the accelerator.
***
If Cassie hadn’t gunned the engine, Chad wouldn’t have looked up, but he did, and he wasn’t pleased with what he saw. He’d
told her repeatedly not to speed up the knoll.
“I’ve told that girl a hundred times not to race around in that thing,” he said with a frown.
“She doesn’t usually,” Jeb remarked. “I wonder why she’s in such a hurry.”
“She can be so stubborn.”
“I think that’s a female thing,” Jeb said with a chuckle. “It’s almost part of their charm.”
“Almost!” Chad repeated, chuckling along with him.
“Funny thing though, she’s not usually up at her barn this time of day. It’s too early to bring in the horses, and she can’t be
thinkin’ of ridin’ in this heat.”
“Huh. You know, Jeb, you’re right. I’d better go up there and check on things. She knows how busy we are and she might
not want to bother me. Do me a favor and let Marty know. He’s workin’ with that new colt out back.”
“Sure thing.”
Climbing into his Range Rover, Chad started driving up the road to Cassie’s barn, but as he passed the construction site he
saw the gator. It was parked and Cassie was nowhere in sight. With his pulse ticking up, he turned off, drove up next to it and
rolled to a stop. But climbing out he spotted Cassie walking towards him. She paused her step, then continued forward.
“This had better be good,” he said sternly as she approached.
“Sorry, Chad, I just needed to put my own two cents in.”
“You had words with Dan?”
“I did. This is our house and I care about it. I hate that he’s messing you around and I needed to tell him.”
“I don’t know whether to spank you or admire you,” he said gazing down at her. “You’re such a...a...”
“A what?”
“You’re sassy Cassie,” he said with a sigh.
“So…you’re not mad?”
“Of course I am, I don’t want you around these guys, but I admire your moxie.”
“I’m really glad to hear that. I thought you’d be furious. I broke the rule.”
“Yep, and I might just have to give you a swat or two for that.”
“I can handle a swat or two,” she replied with a giggle.
“Is that right? Then I might just make it three or four. Maybe even five or six—with that wooden paddle.”
 “No! Chad, it was something I had to do.”
“I’ll think about it, now scoot. But since I’m here I’ll check in with him and see if he’s adjusted those figures.”
“Okay, I’ll see you back at the house, and Chad, can you help me with the horses tonight? It’s so hot, and Hannah’s still
overwhelmed with her preparations for that party.”
“Sure, in fact I’d enjoy that.”
“Fantastic, thank you,” she said gratefully, then giving him a quick peck on the cheek, she headed off.
But watching her walk away, Chad sensed she was holding something back, though what it could be he couldn’t imagine.
***
As Cassie climbed into the gator, she glanced back at Chad and noticed Dan walking up to him wearing a big smile. Pleased
with herself, she let out a happy sigh.
“Step one, complete,” she muttered, and starting up the gator she headed down to Chad’s barn. Turning off the knoll, she
was relieved to see Marty had joined Jeb at the cross-ties.
“Hey, Marty, can I have a quick word?” she called, rolling to a stop under the shade of a tree.
“Sure, Cassie.”
“You must be so proud of Hannah,” she said as he approached.
“I am, and I get to taste all her new recipes,” he added with a grin. “I’m dyin’ to try this new chocolate cake she’s been
workin’ on.”
“The clinic that starts this weekend, it’s the last one, right, and the easiest?”
“Yep, it’s advanced. It’s more like a reunion. Lots of trail ridin’ and usually some showin’ off.”
“That’s what I thought. There’s something I want to talk to you about. Do you have a minute for a private word?”
“Sure. Jeb can’t hear us from over there.”
“Okay…hold on to your hat. As Chad would say, this here’s the deal.”
Marty listened attentively as Cassie laid out her plans, and when she’d finished, he crossed his arms and frowned.
“That’s pretty ambitious, Cassie. Are you sure?”
“I know it is, and to be honest, no, I’m not sure, but I’m going to do it anyway. I have to. Can you fill Hannah in for me? I’m
afraid to step foot in that kitchen. She won’t let me help, not that I could,” she added, rolling her eyes, “but I don’t want to
interrupt her work.”
“Hey, I get it,” he said, breaking into a grin. “You can count on me, and I’ll do everythin’ I can to help you. But I’ll have to
tell Jeb at some point. You can’t keep a thing like that a secret once it starts up.”
“This is true!”
“Chad might have a cow when he finds out I knew and didn’t tell him, but hey, I think it’s great, and he’s mighty lucky to
have you in his corner. I’m behind you a thousand percent.”
“Thanks, Marty. I’ll see you later,” she said gratefully, but as she turned towards the gator, she spotted Mickey running
towards her.
“Hey, Mickey, where have you been? Do you want to come home with me?”
The dog barked, then ran to the gator and jumped into the passenger seat.
“I guess that’s your answer,” Marty declared, laughing out loud.
“I guess it is.”
Climbing behind the wheel, she started up the lane towards the house.
“That’s step two, Mickey. A couple more and I’m home free.”
As Mickey cocked his head Cassie burst out laughing.
“Sorry, I keep forgetting you speak english. When we get home I’ll fill you in.”
 CHAPTER FIVE
To Cassie’s delight the chicken dish was delicious and Chad was full of compliments. He was on his second helping and they
were chatting about the upcoming weekend when the house phone rang.
“You stay put,” Cassie insisted. “If it’s Peter with some drama, or—”
“You’ll give me the phone!”
“Nope, not tonight, you’ve had enough for one day.”
Chad grinned. He hated to admit it but she was right. The day had been a long one, and he was more tired than usual.
“Chad, it’s Mandy,” she said with a worried frown, carrying the phone to the table. “I think it’s important. She sounds
really upset.”
Chad had contracted Mandy Parsons, a trick rider he’d known for years, to take over his show for the summer tour.
“Hey, Mandy, what’s up?” he asked, taking the receiver as Cassie sat down.
“Is there any chance you could pinch hit for the last three shows this weekend?”
“What happened?”
“I hurt my back rehearsing a new stunt. Chad, I can’t ride, I can’t do anything. You’re probably so busy you’ve forgotten,
but this weekend is the last one of the tour.”
“Mandy, I have a clinic, and there’s so much going on here. I’m not sure I can get away.”
“Today’s only Monday. You’ll have all week to get ready and arrange things. Can’t Marty do the clinic without you?”
“I guess he could. Let me think about it. I promise I’ll get back to you soon.”
“Okay, thanks, Chad.”
“I take it she wants you to fill in,” Cassie remarked as Chad placed the receiver back on the cradle.
“She hurt her back and can’t ride, let alone do the show.”
“Chad, you should do it,” Cassie said earnestly. “It would be great for us to get away for the weekend.”
“How can I leave with so much goin’ on?”
“The construction stops on the weekend anyway, and Hannah will have Eddie to help her with the horses. Besides, isn’t
this last clinic the easy one? Can’t Marty deal with it? We really need a break. You more than me.”
“I admit it would be fun to be back in the ring with Mickey doin’ our thing with Bailey and Captain.”
“You miss it, I know you do,” she said, softening her voice.
“Yep, it’s hard not to, but—”
“Chad, if you don’t step in, all those people will be so disappointed, especially the kids.”
At the mention of the fans, she saw a faraway look in his eyes. She guessed he was remembering how much he’d loved
performing, and how Mickey made the audience laugh out loud. Not wanting to interrupt his thoughts, she silently stood up and
began clearing the table.
“Damn, you’re right,” he suddenly declared. “Of course I have to do it. I’ll have to rehearse, but I’m sure the minute we
enter the show ring it will be like we never stopped. This will be fun! Thanks for helpin’ me see the light.”
As he called Mandy back, Cassie moved behind him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
“I’m really glad,” she murmured.
“Me too,” he whispered. “Hey, Mandy, I’ll be there.”
As he began ironing out the details, Cassie loaded the dishwasher and placed the leftover chicken casserole in a plastic
container. By the time she’d finished, Chad was off the phone, but appeared to be deep in thought.
“Cassie, I’m goin’ to take your advice about Peter. You were right. I hired him to take care of the problems, not ask me
what to do.”
While Chad placed the call, Cassie brewed a fresh pot of coffee, and heated up some left over apple pie Hannah had
dropped off the day before, but she waited to serve it until Chad had finished his call.
“This was a great dinner, darlin’,” he exclaimed as she set the dessert and coffee in front of him. “I just have to let Marty
know about this weekend, then I can relax and enjoy this pie…and you,” he added with a wink.
When Marty answered the phone and Chad told him about the last minute plans, Marty enthusiastically offered his support.
“Marty, are you sure? You’ll have to do that clinic alone, and Hannah will have to deal with the horses as well as that big
catering job.”
“Hey, Chad, we’ll manage, trust me. You need to chew on a piece of straw for a bit.”
The comment made them both laugh.
When Chad had first hired Marty, if the workload became too much Marty would grab a piece of straw, hand it to Chad and
say, “Sit and chew on this for a bit.” Chad would roll his eyes, but take the straw, and the two of them would sit down
wherever they were and have a break. Sometimes they talked, and sometimes they just gazed at the horses.
“You know what, Marty, that’s about the smartest thing I’ve heard in a long time,” Chad said with a sigh. “I’ll see you in the
mornin’.”
 ***
While Chad had been talking to Marty, Cassie had slipped away to their bedroom to make some calls of her own. Mickey had
joined her, lying next to her on the bed as she’d finalized her plans. But as she heard Chad walking down the hall, she quickly
ended her conversation.
“You two look cozy,” Chad remarked as he ambled in. “Who were to talkin’ to?”
“Hannah. I just wanted to know if she needed any help. Why are you looking at me that way.”
“I don’t know why, but I’m not sure I believe you.”
“Who else would it be?”
“No idea, but aside from that, we have some unfinished business.”
“We do?”
“Goin’ down to that construction site. I know you had good intentions, but you broke the rules.”
“You and your rules,” she exclaimed, rolling her eyes, but glad he’d changed the subject. “You said you admired my
moxie.”
“I do, but you still—”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“Don’t you yeah, yeah me. And that’s not the only thing. We agreed Mickey could be on the bed any time, but, you
promised you’d make sure he was cleaned up. No muddy paws.”
“Oh, sorry, I forgot.”
“Cassie, I made you a promise. I swore I wasn’t goin’ to let anything slide.”
“But—”
“Hush. I’m goin’ to sit on the edge of the bed, and what will you do?”
“Lie over your lap,” she murmured, feeling butterflies fluttering to life in her stomach.
“Yep. Mickey, go to your spot by the fireplace.”
As the dog jumped off the bed and settled on his sheepskin pad, Chad sat down, and Cassie crawled over his muscled
thighs.
“You knew you weren’t supposed to be up at that job site, right?” he demanded, quickly delivering a volley of hard slaps.
“Yes, right, ouch.”
Though still dressed in her jeans and shirt, she felt the sting, and wriggled as he continued landing his hard hand.
“You broke the rule, you get the spankin’, that’s how it works, you know that too, right?”
“Yes, I do, but, ouch...”
“And Mickey on the bed with dirty feet? How many times? I’ve been lettin’ that slide too. You’re gettin’ a dozen of the best
on your naked butt. Get up and take off your jeans and panties.”
Crawling from his lap, she stood in front of him, unzipped her jeans, and pushed them and her underwear down her legs.
“Leave them around your ankles! It’ll stop you kickin’!”
With her pulse ticking up, and feeling a warm flood between her legs, she stood in front of him waiting for further
instructions.
“Good. You remembered to stand there while I decide what to do with you.”
“You said a dozen of the best.”
“Cassie, the rule is, you stand there quietly and wait.”
“Sorry, it’s been a while,” she whispered, lowering her eyes.
“Lay over the bed. I’ll be back.”
As she nervously stretched across the bedspread she vaguely smelled manure. Knowing it would have been left by
Mickey’s dirty feet, she let out a heavy sigh.
But a moment later, she smiled.
Things really were getting back to normal.
 CHAPTER SIX
“Our life has have been out of sync lately but I’m puttin’ things right, in large part thanks to you,” he began, his hand caressing
her red, naked cheeks as he sat on the edge of the bed. “I’ve hired Eddie, I’ve made sure Dan Michaels knows not to screw
with me, and I’ve told Peter to get off his ass and earn his big-time salary. Now it’s time to remind you about a few things.”
“Chad, I—”
“Argue all you want, but I made it real clear, Mickey’s not allowed on the dang bed with dirty feet,” he exclaimed,
spanking her with gusto.
“Sorry, sorry, I’ll make sure in future!”
“Put a towel down for him,” he ordered, stopping abruptly. “If you weren’t as thorough as you should be you can just throw
it in the wash. Tonight you’ll bring in the bedspread from the guest room, and tomorrow you’ll take this one to the cleaners. It
smells like a stall waitin’ to be cleaned.”
“Uh, yes, Sir, but…uh…”
“Now what?”
“Sometimes I go in the guest room to sketch my designs. The light is really good, and I open up the patio doors. And…
uh…”
“And...?”
“I haven’t been as fussy because no-one sleeps in there.”
“You are a bad girl, Sassy Cassie,” he scolded, spanking her again. “You’ll take them both into the cleaners, and tonight
you’ll fetch the blankets from the linen closet.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Stay there and think about things for a minute.”
Leaving her to ponder, he walked across to Mickey curled up on his rug, kneeled down, and lifted the dog’s head.
“You’ve gotta get back in trainin’,” Chad said softly, staring into his eyes. “You and me and Bailey are goin’ back to the
show ring.”
At the word Bailey, Mickey jumped to his feet and spun around, panting excitedly, then stopped and barked.
“That’s my clever boy. We’ll start rehearsin’ tomorrow.”
Rising to his feet, he moved to his dresser, collected what he wanted, then marched back to Cassie.
. “Cassie, the rules are the rules, right?”
“Yes, Sir, the rules are the rules.”
“I’m gonna give you somethin’ extra just to make sure you remember that. Put your hands behind you and spread your
cheeks.”
While she groaned and did as he instructed, he lubed the dildo and pressed it against her rosebud.
“Take it like a good girl, a girl who obeys the rules, a girl who doesn’t have to be spanked twice in one day.”
“Yes, Sir,” she replied breathlessly.
“There, nicely impaled. You can stay there a while and think about things,” he murmured, then fondled her reddened skin
for a moment before quietly walking away.
***
As Cassie heard Chad leave the room, she realized she hadn’t just felt neglected, she’d been on edge, and in spite of the
humiliation sweeping through her, she was calmer. She was also optimistic. The weekend away was what they both needed.
She just hoped and prayed he’d be okay with what she had planned.
***
In his office Chad was studying the numbers for the end of the quarter. The expansion was bringing in more revenue, but Peter’s
salary significantly cut into it.
“Damn, maybe I’ll just go back to what I was doin’,” he muttered to himself. “I could handle that and I sure as hell wasn’t
as stressed.”
Feeling a semblance of relief at just the thought, he headed back to the bedroom. When he walked in and saw Cassie bent
over the bed and the flange of the butt plug clearly visible, his cock began to stiffen. Quickly removing his clothes, he stepped
up behind her and roamed his hand over her red skin, eliciting a loud gasp.
“Have you learned your lesson?”
“Yes, Sir, definitely.”
“Do you want me?”
“Yes, please, Sir, so much!”
As he touched between her legs and felt her slick wetness, his cock surged to full attention. Placing himself at her entrance,
he slowly pushed forward, then pressed the button on the base of the flange sending the dildo to life, but on the lowest speed.
“Don’t you dare come without permission,” he warned.
“No, Sir, but you and that vibrator together…I can hardly stand it.”
“Let me hear you beg.”
“Ooh, Sir, please don’t make me wait too long.”
“Will you do as you’re told?” he demanded, spanking her again.
“Yes, Sir, I will, I swear,” she bleated, arching her back as if asking for more.
He obliged, moving his flattened palm from cheek to cheek, then listening to her gasps and groans, he stroked for long
minutes. But as he felt his orgasm beginning to build, he stopped and stayed buried inside her. Closing his eyes, he savored her
warmth, and the vague pulsing from the imbedded vibrator.
“Sir…I’m there,” she suddenly cried, snapping him from the trance -like state. “Please, Sir, I won’t be able to stop it.
Please, please…”
“That’s what I wanna hear,” he grunted, gripping her waist and slowly thrusting. “I’m gonna really fuck you now. I’m gonna
fuck you until you come. But remember, I’ll whip your ass and keep your pussy hungry for a week if you don’t do as you’re
told!”
“Yes, Sir, I’ll be good. Please ride me, please ride me and let me come.”
As he pushed the button on the flange to the highest speed, she let out a wail, threw back her head and sucked in the air.
A sudden thought flashed through his mind.
It had been months since he’d thrust into her forbidden back hole.
Every instinct was telling him to do just that.
It was time to reassert his ownership of her body.
Quickly turning it off, he carefully pulled it out, and slipped from her depths.
“Sir…please…?”
“Put your finger against your clit and rub,” he ordered gruffly.
***
Cassie knew what was coming and felt a ribald need to experience his ultimate act of possession. When he started to press
against her forbidden entrance she didn’t resist, but relaxed and accepted him. He stroked slowly for a minute or two, then
gathered momentum, and began spanking her cheeks with one hand while he held her hip with the other.
“Sir...may I come?” she pleaded, suddenly feeling her orgasm about to break. “Please, Sir? Please… please…”
“Yes! Give it to me. Give it to me right now!”
She had been on the edge for what felt like forever.
Now, finally, he’d demanded her release.
Urgently massaging her clit, she triggered the explosion, wailing loudly into a pillow as the power of the consuming
convulsions cascaded through her body…
***
Chad could hear Cassie’s muffled cries, but in the grip of his own rocketing climax they seemed almost distant. His entire body
shuddered as his cock exploded between her glorious, red cheeks, until completely drained, he slipped out and fell next to her
on the bed. As she curled against him, he moved his arms around her, cradling her against his pounding heart.
“Chad,” she murmured softly, “where have you been?”
“I guess just too caught up in work, darlin’,” he mumbled. “But don’t worry, darlin’. Your cowboy’s back and he’s not goin’
anywhere.”
 CHAPTER SEVEN
As Chad began preparing for the upcoming performances he realized how much he had missed doing the show. But with the
heat of the summer sun he had to pace the sessions and schedule them for the early morning or near sunset.
Cassie had been waking up when he did. She needed to ride, and by nine-o’clock it was already too hot. But as the days
passed, she thought he was looking weary, and the night before they were leaving she finally voiced her concerns.
“I’m a bit worried, you look tired. Are you sure you’re up for this? It’s a two hour drive and three performances. It may not
sound like much, but I know what it’s like to haul, then perform.”
“I admit I’m feelin’ weary,” he admitted, “but a part of me is energized. The horses are as well, and Mickey! You should’ve
seen the leap he made today. Yeah, I’m tired and I need to rest, but not like I was feelin’ a couple of weeks back.”
“I still think we should have an early night,” she remarked. “Why don’t you take a shower while I clean up? I’ll be in
shortly.”
“That’s a deal,” he replied, standing up and stretching. “I’d probably just fall asleep on the couch anyway.”
As he ambled away, though somewhat reassured, she was still concerned, but as she carried the dishes to the sink her mind
shifted gears.
“I hope you’ll be happy with my surprise,” she mumbled under her breath. “Good grief, what if it’s too much?”
** * **
Standing in the stream of the hot water and washing away the dust and dirt, Chad was running through his show in his head. The
more he imagined Bailey and Captain captivating the audience, and Mickey making them gasp in delight, the happier he
became. Finally stepping out and toweling himself dry, he walked into the bedroom and found Cassie already between the
sheets. Climbing in beside her, he pulled her into his arms, loving the feel of her body as she snuggled against him.
“I’m really looking forward to this weekend,” she said with a happy sigh. “You know Randy will only be an hour away at
an event with his junior riders. You never did go to his barn and give those lessons.”
“Is that a hint?” he said with a grin, rolling on to his side and staring down at her.
“A hint?” she repeated innocently. “Not at all. I was simply stating a fact.”
“Uh-huh. Statin’ a fact or tryin’ to throw a bit of guilt my way?”
“Well, maybe just a hair, and I do have a point.”
“You know what tomorrow is?” he murmured, leaning down and kissing her neck.
“Um, the night of your big comeback.”
“Comeback? Who said anything about a comeback?”
“It kind of is. I’ll bet there’ll be a ton of people lined up to see you.“
“I doubt that. You know the old sayin, outta sight, outta mind. It’s more likely they’ll be disappointed Mandy won’t be
there.”
“Nope. You’re wrong. You’ll be knee-deep in fans.”
“You just diverted the conversation,” he said, lowering his voice.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“The hell you don’t. Back to my question. Do you know what tomorrow is?”
“You mean, as in, the day of the week? Of course, it’s Saturday.”
“Cassie, you know exactly what I’m talkin’ about.”
“Fine, maintenance day, or night, depending upon when you want it to happen.”
“What else?”
“Okay, okay, it will be the first maintenance day since—I don’t know the date exactly—but it’s been ages.”
“Have you felt neglected these last couple of nights?”
“Not at all. That afternoon you totally ravaged me was enough to last me for a month and it was only a few days ago.
Besides, I know you’ve been exhausted. It’s so damn hot, and getting your show ready in just a few days is a big task.”
“That’s not why I haven’t been jumpin’ on your bones. I’ve been waitin’ for tomorrow night,” he murmured, moving his
hands across her breasts. “A blindfold, some ropes, some toys...”
“Ooh, Chad, you’re such a tease,” she groaned, closing her eyes as he tweaked her nipples.
“I’ve been lettin’ things settle, but when we’re outta here...” he whispered, dropping his mouth to her ear.
“Can we just do a little something now to tide me over? I could worship your cock, you wouldn’t even have to sit up.”
“Not yet.”
“Why not?”
“I’m makin’ sure you don’t forget whose in charge around here.”
“I should have realized,” she muttered with a sigh. “There’s always a method to your madness.”
“Getting back to my performances this weekend…don’t forget, darlin’, Marty used to be my wingman. I know it hasn’t
seemed like much here, but when we get to the fairgrounds you have to stay focused and be there if I need you.”
 “I will, you can count on me. Anything, from getting you a cup of coffee to grooming the horses. Whatever it is, I’ll be at
your beck and call.”
“When we arrive, we have to walk Captain and Bailey around the ring. They need to get a feel for it again, and Mickey
will be right there with us doin’ the same thing. If there’s a suitable spot nearby we’ll take them out to graze, otherwise we’ll
leave them at the trailer and let them eat their hay for a bit.”
“Did you make up your mind about the stalls? Last time we talked you said you weren’t happy having them at the
fairgrounds.”
“I’m not, but Mandy made arrangements at a place close by, and we’ll be stayin’ there as well. It’s called Rose’s Ranch.
They have a few guest cabins.
“I thought we’d be at a hotel.”
“Does stayin’ at a ranch bother you?”
“Nowhere bothers me as long as I’m with you.”
“It’s a much better situation. I’ll be close to the horses and Mickey will be happier there. Not only that…” he said, pausing
dramatically, “hotel’s tend to have thin walls.”
“Ah, yes, of course,” she murmured, pressing her body against his. “Will you please kiss my neck?”
“Sure, but that’s all I’ll be doin’ until tomorrow.”
“What about our morning cuddle?”
“That might happen if we wake up early enough, but there’s a lot to do.”
“Chad Douglas you’re a hard taskmaster.”
“That’s because you need one!”
“I plead the fifth. But what if you’re too tired to do anything but sleep after your performance tomorrow night?”
“Don’t bet on it. After a show I’m tired, sure, but I’m also wired. You’d better be on your best behavior.”
“Ohh. I’ll remember that, and now I’m going to sleep,” she said with a yawn, cuddling against him. “Assuming that’s okay
with my hard taskmaster.”
“Yep, it’s okay,” he replied, reaching across and turning off the bedside lamp. “I feel bad for Mandy hurtin’ herself like she
did, but I’m real happy to be headin’ out tomorrow.”
“Me too. Sometimes timing in life is everything.”
“Huh?”
“Nothing, Chad. Goodnight.”
 CHAPTER EIGHT
The following morning, eager to hit the road, Chad woke up even earlier than usual.
“Stay in bed,” he murmured as Cassie stirred from sleep. “I’m gettin’ myself together then wrappin’ up a few things in my
office.”
But after he left, Cassie quickly showered and dressed, then hurried into the kitchen to cook a full breakfast. When she
called him in, and he saw the bacon, eggs, tomatoes, toast and coffee on the table, he gratefully hugged her.
“You’re the best!” he declared. “This is just what I need before that drive.”
“You’re welcome, and I’ve made a thermos of coffee for the trip.”
He hungrily devoured the delicious meal, then marched down to the barn to pack his equipment in the horse van. An hour
later, when Cassie arrived in the gator with her bag, he had just loaded the horses, and Marty and Hannah were there to wave
them off.
“Have you given any more thought to visiting Randy on Monday?” she asked as Chad rolled down the driveway.
“It depends on what’s happenin’,” he replied, maneuvering the rig onto the road that would take them to the main highway.
“Don’t forget, the clinic will be underway. Marty can handle it, but I really should make an appearance.”
“But you don’t absolutely have to. Besides, I’d love to see Randy.”
He glanced across at her.
“Maybe you’re right. I’ll see how I feel after the shows, but damn it’s good to be headin’ off for a few days.”
Mickey was excited too.
Panting happily, he was perched up on the center console staring out the window. Strapped into the doggy seat belt Chad
had designed for him, he couldn’t fall forward or tumble off.
“I meant to ask you,” Cassie began, “I know you worked things out with Dan Michaels, but did you get anything in
writing?”
“Yep, He sent me the revised cost sheet yesterday, and it’s exactly what I told him it should be.”
The main highway came into view. As the big van rolled up the ramp and Chad accelerated, Cassie broke into a wide
smile.
“This is fantastic. Do you remember our first time on the road in my van?”
“Remember? How could I forget? It’s chiseled into my brain. You were such a brat!”
“I wasn’t that bad.”
“Yes, you were. I don’t make a habit of pullin’ over and spankin’ a girl I just met.”
“I wondered about that,” she replied with a giggle. “I couldn’t believe it, but that’s when I fell for you…kind of.”
“Kind of?”
“Well…yeah. I did,” she admitted with a giggle. “How could I not, even though I was mortified.”
“I might just give you that maintenance spankin’ early. I could pull over to check on the boys.”
Not knowing what to say, she shifted her gaze back to the highway.
“What, no smart ass comment?”
“Apparently not…except...”
“I knew it was too good to be true. Except what?”
“Except, if you do stop I’ll simply stay here.”
Chad laughed out loud.
“You tried that the last time.”
“Last time you caught me off guard,” she retorted.
“I guess you must really want me to stop this van and spank your butt. You know I can’t ignore a challenge like that.”
“That wasn’t a challenge,” she exclaimed, staring at him.
“The hell it wasn’t, and I accept.”
“Shit.”
“Hey, no cussin’ in front of the dog.”
“Micky, close your ears,” she said as she laughed.
“And you, Cassie, stop distractin’ me! I need to concentrate on my drivin’.”
***
They’d been on the road for just over an hour when Chad slowed the rig and rolled into a wide turnout.
“Cassie, take him for a quick walk while I check on the boys,” Chad said, unbuckling his harness.
“Sure, I’d like to stretch my legs too.”
Climbing out of the van, Cassie walked Mickey in the low, dry brush until she heard Chad calling her. Turning around, she
saw him closing the side door of the van. She hurried back, but as she neared he broke into a wide grin.
 “What’s so funny?”
“So much for a challenge.”
“Oh, Chad, it never was.”
“Do you honestly think you can get out of it that easily?” he asked with a chuckle, moving towards her. But It was a good
try, I’ll give you that. Put Mickey back in the cab.”
She stared at him for a moment, then walked to the front and opened the door. As Mickey effortlessly bounded up into the
passenger seat, and she saw Chad staring at her, an idea suddenly popped into her head. Quickly climbing in beside Mickey,
she closed her door and locked it. Chad had no choice but to get into the driver’s seat, and with Mickey between them he
wouldn’t be able to reach her.
“Aren’t you a clever girl?” he said as he settled behind the wheel. “But do you really wanna play this game? I’ll give you
one chance to change your mind and cooperate, but just one. If you don’t I’ll spank you harder. Unlock your door and step out.”
“Chad, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she replied, feeling her heart pitching against her chest.
Chad glanced down at his armrest, and in that moment Cassie realized her fatal mistake. Before she had a chance to speak,
he’d clicked the button that unlocked both doors, and set it to hold it place.
***
Jumping from his seat, Chad jogged around to the front of the van, pulled open her door, and just as he had done a year before,
he grabbed her wrist, yanked her from the cab and effortlessly threw her over his shoulder.
“No! Chad! Wait!”
“Seriously?”
“I’m sorry.”
“No, you’re not, you’re just sorry you didn’t think it through,” he retorted, and placing his foot on the first step, he deftly
flipped her body down and over his thigh. “Just consider yourself lucky I won’t be barin’ your backside.”
“But—”
“This should make things a tad uncomfortable for the rest of the drive,” he announced, cutting her off as he began spanking
the back of her thighs. “I’ll save your butt cheeks for tonight.”
“Ow, Chad, please, I’m sorry, really I am.”
“Maybe, but we both know you’re gettin’ exactly what you asked for. You threw down the challenge, tried to outfox me,
then pretended none of it happened.”
“I did, I did, I confess, and I’m sorry!”
“Of course you are,” he declared, pausing his hand. “Have you learned your lesson…again?”
“Yes, Sir. I have. I swear.”
Pulling her up, he clutched a fistful of hair and tugged back her head. She was breathless, her eyes sparkled up at him…
suddenly his lips were on hers in a fervent, demanding kiss.
***
Cassie felt herself being swept away on an erotic wave. Unable to stop herself, she hastily unzipped his jeans, reached in and
wrapped her fingers around his hardness.
But abruptly he took control.
Spinning her around, he pressed her body against the side of the van, jerked down her jeans, pulled her hips towards him
and thrust his thick shaft inside her. Completely oblivious to the cars speeding by on the other side of the van, he whispered
lascivious words into her ear and pummeled her pussy. They were soon crying out their passion, and with the van as their
support, for endless minutes, breathless and spent, they clung to each other.
 CHAPTER NINE
As they continued to the fairgrounds, while Cassie grinned happily about their unexpected moment together, Chad was relieved
no-one had pulled up behind the van to make sure they were okay.
“If I saw a horse van or trailer on the side of the road like that, I would,” he exclaimed with a chuckle.
But as they exited the interstate and headed towards the fairgrounds, their focus changed and they began talking about the
show.
“Look at all the cars,” she remarked as they drove past the public parking area. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many
people here.”
“You’re right, it does seem busy.”
Approaching the secure area where the van would be parked, the attendants on duty opened the gate. Chad was so
preoccupied with maneuvering the van it was Cassie who saw the crowd first.
“Holy crap, look,” she exclaimed, pointing off to the side.
“What is it?”
“Pull up the van and look.”
Rolling to a stop, he peered past her and caught his breath. A huge throng holding signs bearing his name were lined up
along the length of the security fence.
“What the hell?” he muttered. “I’m speechless. What should I do?”
“I figured your fans would come out to see you, but I didn’t expect it to be like this. Jeez, Chad, you’re a rock star. You
have to go over there.”
“What about Bailey and Captain?”
“Leave them to me. Take Mickey and go. All those people are dying to see you.”
“Thanks, darlin’,” he said with a grin, unsnapping Mickey’s seat belt. “Come on Mickey. They’re probably waitin’ for you
more than me.”
As he climbed out of the cab, Mickey jumped down behind him, and Cassie heard the crowd cheering. Watching them hurry
across the field to the fence, her heart was filled with love and pride. But needing to check on the horses, she carefully climbed
to the ground and walked around to the side door.
Glancing across at the adoring fans she noticed one of the guards had opened a gate, and Chad and Mickey were about to
move among the throng. She wasn’t sure it was a good idea, but turned her attention back to Bailey and Captain. As she
entered, they looked up from their hay, appearing content and in no hurry to go anywhere. After giving them some carrots, she
moved back outside and looked for Chad, but he had disappeared among the fans. With a sigh, she sat on the grass, pulled her
phone from her pocket and called Mandy.
“We’re here, Mandy,” she said as Mandy anwered.
“I know, I saw you come in. How was the trip?”
“Terrific,” Cassie replied, smiling happily. “It’s great to get away.”
“I’m sure. Do you want to come over? Look across at the arena. The trailer I’m in is the yellow one with the green
awning.”
“Yes, I see it, but I’ll wait for Chad. Do you happen to know how long all those people have been here?”
“They started arriving early this morning. There are way more than we expected. All I did was call a couple of radio
stations, and of course the PR folks here at the fair sent out press releases announcing Chad would be stepping in due to my
injury.”
“Speaking of your injury, how are you?”
“Healing, and I’m so glad Chad agreed to do the show. It would have been a shame to cancel the last weekend. I assume the
horses are okay in the van, or do you need to get them out?”
“They’re fine, and Chad wants us to walk them around the arena for a while.”
“Of course. When you’re ready just come on over. I can’t exactly go anywhere.”
“I’m sure we’ll be there soon...actually...I see him on his way back here now. I have to go.”
“Okay, Cassie. Bye.”
Ending the call, Cassie dropped her phone back in her pocket just as Mickey bounded up to her.
“Are you having a good time?” she asked making a fuss of him.
“Man, I haven’t seen him that happy in a long time,” Chad remarked, striding up to join them.
“How was the crowd? I was worried about you amongst all those people.”
“They were great. A couple of the security guys were around, but it was—honestly—I can’t describe it.”
“That’s wonderful! What’s next?”
“We get the boys out and take them for a walk.”
***
With Cassie leading Captain, and Chad leading Bailey, they moved the horses down the ramp into the field. Bailey lifted his
nose in the air, snorted, then let out a loud whinny. Captain followed suit, then started to fidget.
“Cassie, you know what to do.”
And she did. Chad had taught her how to calm a restless horse. In just a few minutes Captain was licking his lips and
sighing, a sure sign his brain had clicked in and he was settling down.
“See that, you’ve become a pro,” Chad declared.
“Hardly a pro, but it’s amazing how simple things can have such an impact.”
They headed towards the arena, and when they entered Chad stopped and stared up at the empty seats.
“How does it feel?”
“Like I never left,” he murmured, “and excuse my language, but it’s fan-fuckin’-tastic to be here.”
“I think you’ve missed this as much as the crowds have missed you.”
“Darlin’, you’re right, and I didn’t realize it until just now.”
“Chad, you make a difference. Not everyone can afford to attend your clinics, and you can only handle a limited number
anyway. But a ticket to one of your shows is doable for most people, and I bet they all take something away, something
positive, something that helps them with their horses.”
He dropped his head, kicked the dirt for a minute, then looked at her.
“You knew,” he said quietly.
“Knew what?”
“You knew this would happen if I came. That’s why you pushed. You did it subtly, but looking back I can see how you were
determined to get me here.”
“I—uh—I felt it was the right thing.”
“I don’t know how to thank you,” he said, moving his arm around her shoulders. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened
to me. The absolute best.”
“Back at ya,” she whispered, feeling an unexpected swell of emotion.
“I’ll never forget this moment,” he murmured. “Not as long as I live.”
“Chad…I don’t know what to say.”
“That’s because there isn’t anything,” he said with a sigh, and looking at his two horses standing calmly but with their ears
pricked, he added, “It looks like Captain and Bailey are happy too.”
They began leading the horses around the ring with Mickey, until Chad asked Cassie to sit in the audience. Taking a seat,
she watched, fascinated, as Chad rehearsed. Seeing how the horses responded to him, and how Mickey appeared to know what
Chad wanted even before the command was given, she was reminded just how gifted he was.
Dr. Doolittle, that’s who you are. You shouldn’t be worried about shirts showing up with logo’s upside down, or anything
else. This is what you were born to do. This is what feeds your soul. This is how you make a difference in the world. All that
other stuff is crap.
 CHAPTER TEN
After a full rehearsal, Chad let Bailey and Captain graze outside for a short time, then left them munching on hay nets at the van.
With a security guard in place to watch over them, Chad and Cassie stopped at Mandy’s trailer and knocked on the door.
“It’s open,” she called.
“Is it okay to bring Mickey with us?” Chad asked, poking his head in.
“Of course. I’d love to see him.”
Stepping inside the spacious trailer, they found Mandy lying on a wide couch with a brace around her neck.
“What took you so long?” she asked with a smile.
“Sorry, you know how it is. I had to make sure the horses were settled,” Chad replied, sitting across from her as Mickey
walked up and licked her hand. “How are you? Where’s Jennifer?”
“I’m doing fine. It will just take a few days for the inflammation to subside, and Jennifer is hauling the horses over to
Rose’s Ranch. When she gets back she’ll be taking me over there so you’ll have this trailer for the shows. But how are things
back at Horse Haven?”
“Life has been hectic,” Cassie replied, “especially for Chad, hasn’t it sweetheart? Between the clothing line and the clinics
and trying to make sure everything’s right with the construction, he’s barely had time to eat and sleep.”
“Chad, you know what they say about all work,” Mandy remarked.
“Believe me, I’m startin’ to remember what my life used to be like. I got a bit derailed over the last year. A bunch of things
happened and just sort of, pulled me along.”
“I hope doing these shows isn’t too much for you, but you’re going to make your fans very happy.”
“Yeah, seein’ that crowd was some welcome,” he said with a grin. “I figured a few loyal fans would show up, but I had no
idea I’d be greeted with anything like that.”
“I’m not surprised. I know people enjoyed my show, but it’s not like yours, and I don’t have Mickey! Right, fella,” she said,
patting his head.
“There is that,” Cassie interjected. “Is there anything we can do for you?”
“No, Jennifer has it all under control. We’ll lock up and leave the keys behind the front left tire. There are plenty of
supplies here. Cream, milk, coffee, cereal, some beer in the fridge. Jen’s picking up fresh stuff for the cabin at the ranch.”
“Then if there’s nothin’ else we should head out,” Chad declared. “I need a hot shower and something to eat. Take care of
yourself, Mandy, and we’ll see you at Rose’s ranch or back at Horse Haven. Just call if you need anything.”
“Thanks, and good luck with your show, though I know you don’t need it. Bye, Mickey, it’s time to be a star again.”
Mickey barked, then turned and ran to the door. Cassie and Chad followed him out, walked across to the van and loaded the
horses. As they drove from the fairgrounds and turned down the street, the fans waved and yelled.
“Chad, you’re going to have a fabulous time. Your audience will be so excited.”
“To tell you the truth, I’m a bit nervous,” he said with a sigh. “It’s been a while.”
“I know what you mean. I used to get that way before a big jump-off.”
“Will you take Shelby to that local show?”
“Um, I’m not sure yet. Maybe. I might be local, but it’s still a big one.”
“We never talked about it, but I thought you’d be showin’ through the summer. I’ve been meanin’ to ask why you didn’t?”
“I guess…with the house being built and not having Randy, it just didn’t feel right, but it doesn’t matter. Right now I want to
focus on you and the show.”
But glancing across at her, Chad sensed there was more to the story.
***
Though Rose’s ranch was only a ten minute drive from the fairgrounds, by the time they checked in, unloaded the horses, and
made their way to the cabin, they were exhausted.
“I hope this place has a comfy bed,” Chad remarked.
“And a bathtub, a deep one,” Cassie added.
Mickey barked, making them think he had his own wish list.
Reaching the rustic cabin and stepping inside, they found it warm and inviting. A comfortable living area boasted charming,
antique furnishings, the bedroom offered a four poster bed, and the bathroom included a Jacuzzi tub along with a stall shower.
Dropping their bags, Chad pulled her into his arms.
“We can finally relax,” he murmured with a sigh.
“Thank goodness,” she breathed, sinking against him. “I’m so tired, but I’m also starving.”
“Let’s see if there’s anything in the kitchen.”
They ambled through the swinging doors and discovered a basket of goodies on the table with a card propped up against it.
Opening the envelope, Chad read it out loud.
 Dear Mr. Douglas.
We are honored to have you as our guest. In the crockpot on the counter you’ll find chicken and dumplings and the
refrigerator is stocked with other items you might find useful. If there is anything we can do to make your stay more
comfortable please don’t hesitate to dial 9 on your phone.
Warmest regards,
Rose and Clyde Thomas
“How great is this?” Cassie exclaimed, moving across to the counter and lifting the lid. “It smells fantastic. That’s what I
should do, buy a crockpot. A crockpot is almost foolproof. I really want to cook for you more,” she said, turning to face him. “I
know I’ll never be like Hannah, but I—”
“Hey, why do you think I want you to be like Hannah?”
“Well, the way she cooks and everything.”
“Darlin’, you don’t need to be like anybody except yourself. I love you just like you are.”
“But she’s such a happy homemaker, and I’m hopeless at that stuff.”
“You’re not hopeless at anything, besides, if I came home to a big dinner every night I’d get fat, and you might end up
runnin’ a catering business like she’s tryin’ to do. That wouldn’t work for me at all,” he said, shaking his head.
“But I do want to do more for you,” she said solemnly. “It’s really hit me these last couple of days.”
“You already do a lot, and just bein’ with you makes me so damn happy,” he said, lowering his voice.
“I still want to get a crockpot.”
“Then we’ll get you one, and you can use it to your heart’s content, but don’t feel any pressure. Not ever. About anything.”
Mickey’s bark caught their attention, and looking down they saw his eager face.
“Oh, Mickey, you’re tired and hungry too,” Cassie exclaimed. “Don’t worry, we’ve got your dinner and your rug.”
Mickey barked again, then stood up and wagged his tail.
“I think he’s telling us he wants it now,” Chad said with a grin. “I’ll take care of him. Why don’t you set the table and see
what else is in the refrigerator?”
***
After a delicious meal and a glass of wine, Chad took a shower while Cassie cleaned up their dishes, then chased him out,
commandeering the bathroom for a long soak in a hot bubble bath.
As she relaxed into the comforting foam she almost fell asleep, and when she finally pulled herself out, dried herself off
and crawled slowly into bed, she found Chad fast asleep. Glancing across the room she noticed Mickey was also in the land of
nod. Turning off the bedside lamp, she curled against Chad, and mere seconds later she had joined them.
 CHAPTER ELEVEN
Cassie woke up to an empty bed, but smelling the vague aroma of bacon, she slipped from between the sheets, found her robe,
and wrapping it around herself she made her way to the kitchen.
“What’s going on?” she asked, seeing Chad at the stove.
“Mornin’. Come on over here.”
She started to move across the room, but paused to pat Mickey who had trotted up to greet her.
“So he gets priority?” Chad asked with a grin.
“Apparently. Besides, isn’t he the top dog around here?” she said, then giggled at her joke. “How long have you been up?”
“A while. I woke up with an idea. I’m going to open the show with something new. Coffee’s ready if you want some.”
“I definitely do, thanks. Isn’t it risky changing it this late?”
“I won’t change what I do with the horses and Mickey. I’ll be givin’ a small speech before we start.”
“What about?”
“You said I make a difference,” he said solemnly. “That got me thinkin’. The show is just a bunch of tricks. I want to
explain how it comes from the trainin’ methods I’ve developed. But really, it’s what the horses have taught me, not what I’ve
taught the horses.”
“I’m sure people know that.”
“Yeah, but I want to take this a step further. Mandy’s been successful and I don’t want to take that away from her.”
“Sorry, Chad, you’ve lost me.”
“You said something about only a handful of people can come to my clinics. You were right. I want to do my shows, but
make them a demonstration of my methods…maybe even invite people to bring their horses. I’m not sure about the logistics, but
I want to go back on the road next summer. How would you feel about bein’ with me, doin’ what Marty used to do?”
“Are you kidding? I’d absolutely love it.”
“That’s great. I’m not sure I’d want to travel without you. So…that’s how I’ll start the show. I’ll announce that I’ll be back
next year, but with a trainin’ show, and I’ll ask Mandy how she’d feel about a double bill.”
“What about the clinics at the ranch?”
“I’ll pass them on to Marty, and there’s something else.”
“There is? Did you sleep at all?”
“I did, strangely enough. It’s the clothing line. I want to go back to just the shirts and forget about all this expansion
business,” he said, placing their breakfast on the table.
“Chad, that’s great. You’ve been in your office more than the barn.”
“Exactly. Let’s finish breakfast and head out. I know there’s plenty of time but I want to get over there.”
“Hey, I understand. It takes time to mentally prepare.”
But as she spoke, she thought about how much she loved showjumping, and wondered if her horses missed the competition
too.
***
A short time later they had loaded Bailey and Captain and were on their way. As the fairgrounds came into view, Cassie leaned
across Mickey and kissed Chad on the cheek.
“You’re going to be absolutely amazing. Heck, you could stand on your head and the crowd would cheer.”
“Thanks, hon, to be honest, I can’t remember feelin’ so nervous. It’s crazy. Maybe it’s because all those people were
waitin’ when we arrived.”
“Just remember what you always tell me, and your students as well.”
“What’s that?”
“Our horses pick up our energy. If I’m calm and confident, they will be too. I’m their leader.”
Taking his eyes off the road for a quick moment he glanced across at her.
“Damn. Thanks, Cassie! Believe it or not I needed to hear that.”
“We all have our moments,” she replied with a wink, then staring ahead to the parking area, she saw cars were already
lining up to get a spot. “Look at that. The arena will be packed.”
“I can’t wait. What about you, Mickey, are you excited?” Chad asked as he slowed the van and turned through the gates.
Rather than bark his usual response, Mickey sat up, raised his nose in the air and howled.
“That was impressive,” Cassie said with a laugh. “You should work that into your show.”
“Not a bad idea,” Chad replied, rolling to a stop. “Okay, let’s get the boys out and take them for a walk, then move my
clothes and props into the trailer.”
“You got it, boss.”
“Good answer,” Chad quipped. “You keep thinkin’ that way.”
“I’ll try, but no promises!”
 Shaking his head he stared back at her.
“Cassie, I may be focused on the show, but I haven’t forgotten that it’s Saturday. Tonight is maintenance night. You might
wanna remember that.”
 CHAPTER TWELVE
It was show time. The packed arena fell into darkness, and a hush swept over the noisy crowd. As a spotlight suddenly burst to
life over Chad standing in the middle of the ring, cheers and applause erupted. Smiling and waving, Chad waited patiently for
the audience to settle.
“Thanks so much for such a tremendous welcome,” he began. “It’s been almost a year since my last performance, and bein’
called back because of Mandy Parson’s unfortunate accident was a total surprise. I know you all join me in wishin’ her a
speedy recovery. I’m here chattin’ with you all because gettin’ ready for this last minute show with my horses reminded me
how much I enjoy it. I’m already plannin’ a new one for next summer.”
The crowd immediately whistled and cheered, excited to hear their hero would return.
“But it won’t be like the one you’ll see tonight, or any from the past. A wise woman suggested I go back to doin’ what got
me here in the first place. Sharin’ my own method of trainin’. If you have a minute, drop me an email, or just a regular letter. I’d
love to hear about any problems you’re havin’ with your horses. My website will have the contact info and other details as they
develop, but I’ll select a few people to join me with their horse in his ring, and I’ll work with them. Does that sound like
something you’d enjoy?”
The audience rose to the their feet, clapping and shouting out their support, but as tit began to subside, a lone, tiny voice
piped up.
“Will Mickey be here?”
“I reckon so,” Chad called back with a grin. “Where are you?”
The house lights flicked on, and a few rows up from the front, a small boy dressed like a cowboy stood up and waved.
“I’m over here.”
“Hello! Why don’t you come on down and join me for a minute?”
There was a titter through the crowd as the youngster, helped by his father, made his way into the ring.
“What’s your name, son?”
“My friends call me Stitches.”
“Why is that?”
“Because I’m always gettin’ ‘em,” the boy said seriously.
“I see. What’s your real name?”
“Samuel Cooper Jackson,” he proclaimed proudly.
“And Mickey is your favorite part of the show?”
“Yes, I want to be a dog trainer. I saw you and him last year and he was the best.”
“Would you like to meet him?”
The little boy’s eyes grew large, his mouth fell open, and he was so overcome at the prospect of meeting his canine
superhero, all he could do was enthusiastically nod his head.
“Hey, Mickey,” Chad called, “you have someone here who wants to say hello.”
In the wings, Cassie was holding Bailey’s and Captain, and Mickey was sitting in front of her. When Chad called his name,
he bolted into the ring, but Chad moved his hand slightly, sending a command. The dog raced straight to the little boy, sat down
and lifted his paw.
The spontaneous, brilliant beginning to the show was a harbinger for the rest of the performance. Returning to the spotlight
after so much time off, Bailey and Captain sparkled with energy and enthusiasm, and Mickey, with his hilarious antics and
extraordinary athleticism, brought the house to his feet.
After his third curtain call, Chad waved his final goodbye and jogged from the center of the ring with Mickey trotting along
beside him. Reaching the wings he grabbed Cassie and kissed her, his lips pressing against hers with a demanding, insistent
passion that left her breathless.
“I’ve gotta sign a million autographs,” he panted huskily, “then we’re outta here.”
***
Cassie watched him march away with three burly security guards. It was late afternoon, and being the matinee performance
there were a large number of children present. As she led Bailey and Captain back to the van, she watched Chad crouch down
with Mickey and interact with the teeming throng of young fans.
Being raised in the cold, austere house with her difficult mother, and an older brother whom she loved, but wasn’t around
very much, she had no experience with children. Chad’s warm ease and confident manner filled her with admiration, but also a
sense of inadequacy. Feeling slightly unnerved, she shifted her focus back to the task at hand. After securing the horses next to
their hay nets, she brought them water buckets, and began to groom them. By the time Chad was on his way back she had
finished her chores and the horses were ready to load.
“Hey, there. Are you ready to head off,” he asked as he neared. “Yep, let’s do it.”
 In a few minutes they were on their way back to Rose’s Ranch. As Chad drove down the main street towards the outskirts
of town, Cassie put her arms around Mickey.
“You’re such a star.”
“Wasn’t he great?” Chad exclaimed, a comment more than a question.
“Yes, he was, and you were too, and so were Bailey and Captain, and Stitches was so adorable. The best moment
though...”
“The best moment? What was the best moment?”
“The very end,” she said softly. “That kiss...that kiss will be with me forever.”
“Cassie, I’ve never felt like that,” he said, lowering his voice. “Knowin’ you were in the wings, feelin’ you there…I don’t
know how to put it into words, but I never want to do a show without you.”
“Really?”
“Hell, yeah. Don’t you know how much you inspire me?”
“But you’re the amazing one. You’re one that does it all. And the way you were with those kids…I could never do that.
You’re just so talented. Watching you I feel so...I don’t know...small.”
“Small? Are you crazy? Girl, you’re about as small as Horse Haven. I don’t know where this crazy notion is comin’ from,
but nothin’ could be further from the truth.”
“My head is spinning. One minute you’re kissing me like Rhett Butler, and the next you’re scolding me.”
“You bet, and I’m happy to keep doin’ both, but outta the two I’d rather be kissin’ you,” he declared, shooting her a wink.
“Sorry, it’s just…when I saw you with those kids I felt all funny. I guess because I’d never be able to deal with them like
you did. You made it look so easy.”
“It is, and thank goodness we’re back,” he exclaimed, rolling into the ranch and pulling up near the barn. “I’m starvin’ and I
need a beer.”
“I’m sure you are and you do! What about you, Mickey? Are you starving, do you need a beer?”
Mickey barked and tried to crawl on her lap, but the seat belt held him back.
“You can sleep on the bed with us tonight,” she said softly, and before Chad could comment, she added, “He’s as clean as a
dog can be!”
“You see? That’s one of the things that makes you so amazing?”
“Because Mickey is clean?”
“Because you never give up.”
 CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Stepping into the cabin they were surprised to find a large platter of sandwiches and cookies on the table, along with another
note.
“I love these people,” Cassie said with a grin. “Beer or coffee?”
“Beer,” Chad replied, “and let’s see what they have to say.”
Dear Mr. Douglas:
After your show today you must be hungry and tired. I hope these sandwiches and cookies will help.
We took our three grandchildren to see you, and how marvelous it was. Your idea about doing training shows is
wonderful news. We know many people will benefit.
Do you offer private lessons? I ask because I have a mare that is very spooky about her ears, which makes it difficult to
bridle her. I’ve had the vet out and he assures me there’s nothing wrong. I would be happy to exchange the charge for the
cabin for some time with you if that’s possible.
Warm regards,
Rose and Clyde Thomas
“You should do it!” Cassie exclaimed. “We should stay over and you should help her. She needs you.”
“I thought you wanted to visit Randy on Monday.”
“There’s no reason we can’t do both. You could help Rose on Monday, we could stay an extra night, go and see Randy on
Tuesday and head home on Wednesday.”
“Or, I could help Rose on Monday morning, see Randy in the afternoon, and head home on Tuesday.”
“I guess,” she muttered, handing him the open beer bottle, “but if we’re going to see Randy, wouldn’t it be better to stay
there all day? I don’t want to show up then have to rush off a couple of hours later.”
Taking a drink, he narrowed his eyes and studied her.
“Cassie, why do I get the feelin’ something’s goin’ on here?”
“What do you mean? There’s nothing going on! I just haven’t seen him in ages and—”
“Come on, out with it!” he said, raising his one, wicked eyebrow.
“I have a surprise for you,” she blurted out, unable to withstand his unwavering gaze, “but I absolutely refuse to tell you
what it is. If I do it won’t be a surprise. What’s the point of going to all that trouble to create a surprise if it’s not going to be
one? A surprise, I mean?”
“Why are you so nervous? And what does seein’ Randy or helpin’ Rose have to do with—ooh—it’s something back at
home and you need me to stay away longer.”
“I’m not saying another word about it,” she declared vehemently. As he wordlessly sat down and began munching a
sandwich, she did too, but her mind was racing.
“Why do you look so worried?” Chad finally asked, taking another drink.
“Worried?” she replied, staring back at him and feigning innocence.
“Yes, you do, and you know you do. Won’t I like this surprise?”
“I hope you will,” she said with a sigh. “It’s just…it will be unexpected.”
“Maybe I should be the one worryin’,” he remarked with a chuckle. “Please don’t tell me you’re havin’ the house
remodeled while we’re gone.”
“No, no, I’m definitely not having the house remodeled, and that’s a crazy thought. You’re building us a new home! Why
would I remodel the old one?”
“Damn, I must be tired, you’re right.”
“You can stop trying to guess and you can stop asking me questions. I’m not going to tell you anything!”
“I see,” he said, finishing his beer. “Cassandra Davidson has spoken.”
“Don’t mock me. I’m serious.”
“Okay, okay! I take it things would be better if we didn’t go back until Tuesday, or is it Wednesday. Were you plannin’ on
findin’ a reason to keep me away until then?”
“Kind of,” she mumbled.
“What? You can tell me that much. I love how that mind of yours works.”
“Um…actually…I was going to disable the van.”
“Disable the van?” he exclaimed, his eyes wide. “Isn’t that a bit extreme?”
“Desperate measures,” she replied, shrugging her shoulders. “But now I’m really glad this came out. It’s going to save me a
lot of trouble.”
“Apparently, and me too. I won’t be runnin’ around lookin’ for a mechanic.”
“Are you upset with me?” she asked softly, leaning across the table and running her fingertips over his hand.
“I won’t know the answer to that question until I actually see what your big surprise is. You were lucky though. If Mandy
hadn’t hurt her back—wait! Did Mandy really hurt her back?”
Cassie shifted in her chair, then abruptly snatched up a cookie.
“I asked you a question, young lady. Did Mandy hurt her back, or was that part of the scheme to get me away from the
ranch?”
“Um, well, yes,” she admitted. “But she was just a part of it. You needed to be here. You needed to get back to the show.
You were getting lost in all that other crap.”
Suddenly rising from the table, Chad strode to the refrigerator, pulled out another beer, then turned to face her.
“Damn! I know what this is about. You felt me slippin’ away...us...slippin’ away. You saw me startin’ to sink into a
quagmire. I was takin’ on too much and gettin‘ too stressed. You wanted me to get back to what I love…and be the man you met
a year ago. How am I doin’ so far?”
“That’s it exactly. Things were upside-down and getting worse. I thought if you did your show again it would help you, put
you back in touch with who you are…and it has.”
Placing his bottle of beer on the counter, he moved slowly across to her, tightly gripped her arms and pulled her to her feet.
“I should spank you into next week for pullin’ a stunt like this, and I would if I wasn’t so hell-fired grateful that you did.
You are one amazin’ woman, you know that?”
“Not really.”
“Now that I will spank you for. You told me a year ago that I’d saved you. Do you remember?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Now you just saved me, so don’t let me hear you say you’re not something special. Darlin’, you are, you’re real special,
and don’t you forget it, you hear me?”
“Yes, Sir,” she managed, though she had trouble finding her voice.
“I don’t even know...” he began, then suddenly letting out an odd grunt, he lifted her off her feet and carried her into the
bedroom.
***
Resting his weight on top of her, he moved his lips to her neck, sucking in her skin eliciting a long, low moan, hen sliding
down her body he unzipped her jeans and pushed them down her legs.
“I want you so bad,” he growled, abruptly leaving her to remove his clothes.
Just as quickly climbing back on top of her, he yanked her T-shirt over her head and hastily unsnapped her bra.
“Chad, I want you so much,” she groaned, throwing her arms around him.
Placing his rigid cock at her entrance, he thrust forward and began vigorously stroking. He was taking her, owning her,
possessing her, and she cried out as he quickened his pace. His lips returned to devour her neck, but quickly moved to her
breasts to hungrily suck in her nipples.
But he abruptly paused, and staying buried inside her, he grabbed her wrists, pinning them on either side of her head, and
stared down at her.
“Do you feel me inside you?” he panted. “Can you feel me takin’ you?”
“Totally.”
“You know where it comes from?”
She took a breath, not sure of the answer.
“Say it, you know, say it.”
“From your love—your heart.”
“That’s right. When I possess you like this, when I spank you, when I hug you, when I scold you, when I fuck you, it’s all
from my heart.”
“Why are you telling me this?” she mumbled, fighting back a wave of emotion.
“Because what you did—whatever it is you’re doin’ for me, it’s from, your love, your heart, and that makes me crazy for
you...crazy in so many ways.”
As he lowering his mouth on hers in a long, lingering kiss, he began pumping with slow, strong thrusts.
“I’m not stoppin’, not until you come, and when you do you’ll come so fuckin’ hard.”
His words sent a surge of energy rippling through her body, and as he accelerated, pumping with urgency, she felt the
tingling promise.
“Chad…”
“Go with it,” he whispered, his breath hot in her ear. “Go with it and give it to me.”
“Yes, I am, I am…”
“Right now! Come for me right now!”
As the powerful orgasm rocketed through her, shooting pins and needles through her limbs, his fingers tightened around her
wrists and he let out a loud groan…then a deep cry...
“What was that?” she asked breathlessly as fell beside her.
“Ever hear of Huey Lewis and The News?” he panted.
“It rings a vague bell. “
“They were big back in the 80’s and 90’s. One of their hits was
The Power of Love. Listen to the lyrics sometime.”
 CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Cassie and Chad were stirred from a long nap by Mickey asking to go outside. While Chad took him for a quick walk, Cassie
heated up the remaining chicken and dumplings for dinner. As they sat at the kitchen table enjoying their meal, the request from
Rose crossed Cassie’s mind.
“Chad, are you going to help Rose with her horse before we leave?”
“I’m happy to, but I won’t let her exchange it for the cost of the cabin.”
“Call me crazy, but—”
“I’m happy to do that as well,” he interrupted with a chuckle. “I still can’t believe you’d planned to disable the van. How
were you going to do that?”
“I have no idea, unscrew something, maybe pull off a cable,” she admitted sheepishly, “but getting back to Rose, I have an
idea.”
“I’m sure you do. You have more ideas than a leopard has spots.”
“Are you complaining?”
“Hell, no, I love how your mind works. Go ahead, tell me.”
“If she’s willing, why don’t you ask Rose to bring her horse to your show tomorrow afternoon and work with her in the
ring?”
Laying down his knife and fork, Chad leaned back in his chair.
“Damn, Cassie, that’s a great suggestion. Let me think about this a second. You’ll need Mandy’s help, but since there’s
nothin’ wrong with her back that’s not a problem,” he said, raising his eyebrows.
“Why do I need Mandy?”
“I don’t want the horses standin’ around in the back of the arena or outside at the van with so many people around,
especially when I don’t know how long I’ll be. It would be better if you and Mandy were both there to load them and get them
settled.”
“Oh, yes, I see your point. But I’m excited and I’m so glad you like the idea.”
“First things, first,” he said, reaching for his phone. “I’ll call Rose and see if she’s up for it.”
***
Rose Thomas, a slightly overweight, greying woman in her fifties, was stirring a bubbling pot of berries. Her three-berry jam
was legendary, and she wanted to make a batch to give to Chad Douglas before he left. When the phone rang, her husband,
Clyde, who bore a startling resemblance to his wife, answered the call.
“It’s Chad Douglas,” he exclaimed in a hushed whisper. “He wants to talk to you.”
“Oh, my goodness. You have to keep stirring,” she exclaimed as she hastily took the phone from his hand. “Hello, this is
Rose.”
“Hello, Mrs. Thomas. Thank you for all the wonderful food you’ve been kind enough to provide. It’s been a Godsend.”
“Mr. Douglas, it’s my pleasure.”
“Please, call me Chad.
“And you must call me, Rose,” she replied. “How can I help you?”
“I have a proposition.”
Rose listened carefully, then slowly sat down.
“Chad, would you hold on a moment please?”
“Of course.”
Holding her hand over the mouthpiece, her eyes wide, she stared at her husband,
“Clyde, you won’t believe this,” she began breathlessly.
As she outlined Chad’s suggestion, Clyde nodded earnestly. “Tell him yes, and be quick. Don’t keep the man waitin’!”
“I’d be thrilled, Chad,” she said excitedly, “but I’ve never been in front of a crowd.”
“You’ll be just fine, and I’ll be right there with you. What’s your horse’s name?”
“Willow.”
“Tomorrow morning I’ll load Willow into my van and transport her to the fairgrounds. Your name will be on a list at the
security gate. Just arrive about thirty-minutes before the start of the show so I can explain a few things.”
“I’m sorry, but Willow’s not real good about getting on trailers.” “You leave that to me.”
“If you say so… and thank you, Chad, thank you very much.”
***
“I take it she agreed,” Cassie said as he ended the call.
“Yep, and I have just enough time to call Mandy before we have to leave.”
 “Don’t be mad at her for…you know…her back thing.”
“Hey, I’m not mad at anyone, especially not Mandy. I know how persuasive you can be. You could sell stripes to a zebra.”
“Funny,” she exclaimed as she heard her cell phone ringing in the bedroom. “I should get that.”
“Funny but true,” Chad called after her as she hurried from the kitchen.
Moving quickly to the dresser, Cassie picked up her phone and was delighted to see Hannah’s name on the screen.
“Hey, Hannah, how is everything?”
“Hi, Cassie, not so good.”
“What’s happened? Are the horses okay?”
“It’s me and this stupid catering thing. I can’t handle it. I’m baking and cooking for fifty people. I lost my temper today and
yelled at Marty for no reason. He’ll be home soon and the place is an absolute mess, way worse than when you saw it. I don’t
know what to do, and Cassie, I almost bought a pack of cigarettes today.”
Cassie sat down on the edge of the bed and took a deep breath.
“Hannah, you need to tell Marty exactly what you just told me.”
“But he’s so proud of me. I feel like I’m letting him down.”
“Apparently there’s a virus at Horse Haven and it’s called, Taking On Too-much-itis.”
“Sorry, what?”
“Everyone is trying to do too much and that’s what I’m calling it, Taking On Too-much-itis. Chad came down with it, but
he’s seen the light. Trust me, Marty will be more proud of you if you admit that you’re overwhelmed and ask him for help, than
he will if you make your lives crazy because of this stupid party.”
“I’m an idiot. I should have known.”
“Stop being so hard on yourself, and stop spinning your wheels. Take a deep breath, grab a glass of wine and sit down for
five minutes. And I’m really sorry I put the horses on your shoulders. I shouldn’t have done that.”
“I’ve only been up there once,” she confessed, her voice cracking. “That guy, Eddie, he’s been doing it all, and he’s so
good. I feel guilty about that too, and I miss them. Shit, Cassie, what have I done?”
“Hannah, take a deep breath and listen to me. Do what I said. Have some wine, calm yourself down, and wait for Marty to
come home. Tell him everything you just told me. This will be okay, I promise.”
“I love cooking, and catering lunch for the clinics was fun, but this party...what was I thinking?” she muttered with a sniffle.
“Hannah, you tried something and now you know it isn’t for you. That’s a good thing. Almost like Coca Cola.”
“Huh?”.
“The guy who came up with the formula for Coca Cola said that what made it so unique, wasn’t what he put in it, but what
he left out,” Cassie explained. “Finding out what we don’t want, is just as important as finding out what we love to do.”
“Who are you, and what have you done with Cassie?”
“Excuse me?”
“Where’s the crazy girl I grew up with?”
“She grew up and fell in love with a Superhero. Seriously, Hannah, talk to Marty. He loves you. He’ll understand and help
you through it.” “Okay, I will. thanks so much, Cassie.”
Ending the call and sliding the phone in her pocket, Cassie returned to the kitchen to find Chad had cleared the table,
washed the few dishes they’d used, and was putting them away
“I’m so lucky to you have you,” she declared, walking over and hugging him.
“Was that Hannah?”
“Yes, and she caught your virus. Taking on too-much-itis, but I’ve convinced her tell Marty how she’s feeling.”
“Good advice. Talkin’ beats persuadin’ people to do things and movin’ them around like pieces on a chess board. You get
my drift?”
“Chad, if I had suggested you pull Mandy from her shows this weekend so you could take her place, no way would you
have done it.”
“Maybe, maybe not, and like I said, I’m not upset with either of you. And she knows that, I spoke with her while you were
talkin’ to Hannah and told her my idea about a double act.”
“That’s great. Can she be there tomorrow?”
“Yep, and she’ll there tonight in case she’s needed. Now we have to leave.”
“Just for the record,” she said, pulling back and staring up at him, “you’ll never convince me that talking would have ended
up with you in that arena tonight.”
“Maybe, maybe not, but we’ll discuss this more later.”
 CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Glancing across at Chad as he drove to the fairgrounds, Cassie sensed he no longer felt the nerves he’d had before the first
performance.
“Hey, Chad, no more pre-show jitters?”
“Not a one. It’s like I never left. I just wish I didn’t have to wait so long before goin’ back on the road. I’m havin’ a blast.”
“That’s fabulous! And don’t worry, you know how time flies. You’ll be touring again before you know it,” she remarked as
they rolled through the gates. “Oh, look, Mandy’s already here. The lights are on in the trailer.”
“Good, she can help you.”
“Help me do what? Hold a lead rope?”
“After the show I need to talk to the stage manager about the change in the matinee tomorrow afternoon. She can help you
get Bailey and Captain back in the trailer ready to go home.”
“Ah, right, I wouldn’t say no to that.”
As he slowed to a stop and they climbed out, Cassie saw Mandy leave the trailer and hurry across to meet them.
“Hi, Mandy,” Cassie said as Chad began opening the side door to unload the horses. “Where’s Jennifer?”
“Still at Rose’s Ranch,” she replied as Mickey ran up to greet her. “We had a dramatic day.”
“That doesn’t sound good. Do you want to talk about it?”
“No quite yet…and it looks like Chad needs you.”
Turning around, Cassie saw him leading Bailey down the ramp. Walking quickly across to meet him, she took the lead rope
while he went back inside to get Captain.
“How are you, Mandy?” Chad asked as he came back down and they started walking towards the arena. “I know I just
sprung it on you, but have you given any thought to my suggestion?”
“I’m sorry, Chad, but when I spoke to Jennifer she was about to tell me she’s tired of the traveling. And I hate to admit it,
but the back injury could have been real. I’m exhausted, and that’s when things can go wrong.”
“You’re right about that, and I know how bein’ on the road can take it out of you. I’m okay goin’ solo, but I think I’ll cut
down on the dates, and try arrange things so I can get home for mid-week breaks. ButMandy you’re always welcome at Horse
Haven.”
“Thanks, Chad. I love it there. Jennifer said she wants to live in California, or somewhere with lots of sun and no snow.”
“Personally I love the snow,” Cassie piped up, “but hey, each to his own. As long as you’re with the person you love, that’s
what matters.”
“Amen to that,,” Chad exclaimed, “and now I need to get changed.”. ‘I think Mandy and I can manage. Text us if you need
anything.”
***
As Chad and Mickey jogged towards the trailer, Mandy turned to Cassie and hugged her.
“Cassie it’s been great finally getting to know you a bit. I wish I could have spent more time with you. Chad’s a really lucky
guy.”
“Thanks, Mandy, but honestly, I’m the lucky one.”
“I guess you’re both lucky. You hold on to him, he’s one of the good guys.”
“Believe me, I intend to. It’s not long until the wedding now. We’re getting married on the anniversary of the day we met.”
“Really? That’s so romantic.”
“I know. I’m not sure Chad’s aware of it. He asked me to pick a date, and that’s what I chose.”
“Aren’t you going to tell him?”
“Maybe on the day. I’ll keep it as a surprise.”
“You and your surprises,” she said shaking her head.
“When are you heading home?”
“Tomorrow, after the show. We’d originally planned to stay the week we decided to get back so we can start making
plans.”
“Ah, well, prepare yourself. When you get back to the ranch you’ll be in for a bit of a shock.”
“Why?”
“Sorry, you’ll just have to wait and see.”
“You’ve painted the house purple!”
“Dammit, who told you!” Cassie demanded, then laughed out loud. “But we need to get these boys ready for the show. We
can’t have Chad standing in the ring wondering where they are.”
“He wouldn’t be too happy.”
“No, he wouldn’t,” Cassie said with a giggle. “It would be fun to see it though.”
 “You can be such a brat,” Mandy declared, staring at her with wide eyes, then she started laughing too. “Poor Chad.”
“Why poor Chad? ”
“I was thinking about what you said. That there’s a shock waiting for us back at Horse Haven.”
“Oh. Yes, it’s pretty amazing, and I can’t wait to see his face.”
***
Once again Chad and his horses wowed the audience, and the fans fell in love Mickey all over again. After the crowd had left,
Chad met with the crew to review the changes for the following day’s show, while Cassie and Mandy took care of Bailey and
Captain and stayed with them in the van. Cassie was sharing some of her show jumping stories when they heard Chad walking
up the ramp.
“Wow, look at the time,” Mandy exclaimed, checking her watch. “Jennifer will have my guts for garters.”
“That is the oddest sayin’,” Chad remarked, shaking this head as he walked in. “Where did it come from?”
“I have no idea, but you’re right and now I’m curious. I’ll look it up when I get back to Rose’s.”
“Hey, Mandy, thanks for your help tonight. I sure appreciate it. Come on, Cassie, let’s get these boys home.”
While Chad closed up the van, Cassie watched Mandy walk across to her car to make sure she got there safely, then
climbed into the cab with Mickey, who laid down on his spot.
“Man, I’m glad we had that nap this afternoon,” she remarked as Chad settled in behind the wheel. “I’m really tired.”
“Uh-huh.”
“And you must be totally exhausted after doing two shows then meeting with the guys and figuring everything out for
tomorrow.”
“Not too exhausted to keep my promise,” he said as he drove forward.
“Seriously? Now? This late?”
“Yep.”
“Are you sure? I mean, we could wait until tomorrow.”
“When we get back I’ll drop you at the cabin and take care of the boys by myself. You take a shower and wait for me in bed
—naked! Any questions?”
“No, Sir,” she said with sigh. “No questions.”
 CHAPTER SIXTEEN
After settling Bailey and Captain in for the night, Chad walked back to the cabin and broke into a smile. Cassie had tried to
wriggle out of her maintenance spanking simply because it was in her nature to test.
He wasn’t about to disappoint her.
Moving inside and stepping into the bedroom, he paused to take in the sensuous sight of her naked body. A single lamp on a
nearby dresser cast a soft amber glow across the bed, enhancing her curves and giving her skin a golden hue.
It was one of the most beautiful sights he’d ever seen.
Silently lifting his phone from his pocket he snapped the picture and stared down at the photograph. He thought it looked
like an oil painting, or even a marble statue of an ancient Goddess.
Swallowing back an unexpected wave of emotion, he walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Though he
longed to lovingly ravish her, it was imperative he stay true to his word. But after he’d spanked her, he would take her in his
arms and adoringly devour her.
***
Woken from a light doze by the sound of the shower, Cassie stretched and yawned, then slowly opened her eyes.
“I’m glad you’re awake.”
Raising her head she saw him standing in the door of the bathroom, but the light behind him had transformed him into a
silhouette. His tall, muscled frame resembled a charcoal sketch.
“Chad…you look amazing.”
“Back at ya,” he said, his voice soft and deep as he moved slowly forward.
Perching on the edge of the mattress he ran his fingers down her arm.
“Sassy Cassie, you tried to wriggle out of this. You can be such a naughty girl.”
“I can’t seem to help myself.”
“But you know I keep my promises. Maybe one of these days you’ll get it through that head of yours.”
“It’s not that I don’t believe you, it’s…”
“You need to be reassured, and darlin’, my hand will reassure you all you need. Come here and sit on my lap.”
“Don’t you mean crawl over your lap?”
“Nope, I mean sit on my lap with your back to me.”
“I don’t understand?”
“Just do as I say, or do you want me to add to your—?”
“No, no,” she said quickly, cutting him off and straddling his thighs.
“Now lean all the way down and put your hands on the floor, then stretch your legs out behind you. I’ll make sure you don’t
fall.”
As she tentatively began bending down she felt him grasp her thighs, holding her securely until her palms were flat on the
rug.
“Chad…this is so weird.”
“Trust me, it’s a real nice view from up here,” he quipped. “Are you balanced?”
“Yes.”
“Yes, what?” he demanded, roughly squeezing her cheeks
“Yes, Sir! But can’t you please just put me over your lap?”
“Nope, now quit fussin’, and no loud hollerin’. We don’t need Rose knockin’ on the door.”
She felt lewdly exposed. Though it was disturbing it was sparking her erotic hunger, but all thought left her as his flattened
palm began spanking from cheek to cheek. When he finally paused, she couldn’t stop herself squirming.
“Cassie, do you remember what we do during a maintenance spanking?”
“Uh-huh, but please won’t you let me up?” Her request was met with a volley of stinging smacks. “Sorry, sorry, Sir… I
used to tell you what I’d done wrong during the week.”
“Correct. What sins do you have to confess, besides the obvious lie about Mandy?”
“Uh, I, uh...”
“Don’t make me wait, Cassie!”
“I didn’t tell you the whole truth about my conversation with Dan Michaels, and I really don’t want to.”
“Is that so? Why don’t you want to? Are you afraid I’ll be upset with you?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Does it have anything to do with why he sent me revised figures for the project and that small addition?”
“Uh-huh,” she replied, wriggling to find a more comfortable position.
“I’ll spank you for not tellin’ me the whole truth when I asked, then you’ll tell me what you said to him. Understood?”
 “Yes, Sir.”
His hand began landing with hot slaps, moving from her sit spot, across her cheeks and back down again, then abruptly
stopped. As he began rubbing her hot skin, he pushed his finger into her wetness, eliciting a moan of pleasure.
“Now tell me what you said to him?”
“I repeated what you told me, that you weren’t born yesterday, and...and...”
“And what?”
“And if he didn’t make some serious costs adjustments, not just for the closet extension but for the whole project, I’d have
an army of lawyers sue his ass for not screening that creep who attacked me, and that my father was furious that I wasn’t
already suing him, and if he googled my dad he’d find out just who he’d end up dealing with if he tried to fuck you over,” she
exclaimed, her words tumbling out of her without pause. “Those were pretty much my exact words...oh...and I also told him
he’d better have the house finished on time or earlier, or he’d have a real mess on his hands.”
***
She had blurted out her confession so fast Chad had barely kept up, and when she’d finished he was so shocked he realized his
finger was still buried in her sex.
“Chad, are you angry?”
Her question broke his momentary trance.
“Crawl down and come up here—and no, I’m not angry, not one bit.”
Cassie lowered herself onto the floor, and as she started to climb on the bed, he helped her up, then stretched out and
brought her into his arms.
“You don’t need to fight my battles, but what you did…I don’t even know what to say,” he murmured, picturing her standing
in front of Dan Michaels, her eyes blazing as she railed at him. “Cassie, you are impressive.”
“Impressive?”
“Yes, very, and I sure as hell don’t know how I ended up with someone like you.”
“For starters, you’re the only man I ever met who isn’t scared of me.”
“Not to mention the only one who dared to spank your ass,” he added, then lowering his lips to her neck he began sucking
in her skin. “Oooh…Chad…I love it when you do that.”
“I know,” he murmured, then moved his lips across her body, kissing, licking and nibbling while his hands caressed,
fondled and teased. Finally sliding inside her warmth, he stroked slowly, then abruptly accelerated with powerful, spine-
tingling thrusts.
As she surrendered to an intoxicating orgasm, calling out his name as the spasms rippled through her, she wondered for the
briefest of moments how she had ever lived without him—and knew she never could.
 CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Slipping quietly from the bed and letting Cassie sleep until almost ten-o’clock, Chad surprised her when she walked in the
kitchen by whipping up pancakes for breakfast.
“These are delicious!” she exclaimed, pouring maple syrup over her third helping. “Chad Douglas, you’ve been holding out
on me!”
“Hey, you’re not the only one with a surprise or two up their sleeve,” he retorted with a grin. “Now finish up. We have to
meet Rose at the barn in fifteen-minutes.”
She hastily devoured it, finished the last of her coffee, then quickly washed the dishes and left them to dry.
The Rose’s Ranch stable and riding ring was a short walk, and when they approached they found Rose glancing nervously
at the horse van as she lead Willow from her corral. Cassie guessed the mare was only about fifteen-hands high, and didn’t
seem to be giving Rose any problems. But as she led the mare past a grassy patch, Willow darted her head down to graze,
almost yanking Rose off her feet.
“Sorry,” Rose called, struggling to lift Willow’s head. “This is another thing she does.”
With a smile on his face, Chad walked over and took the lead rope.
“Not to worry, we can fix this.”
“Really?” Rose said, staring at him. “That would be wonderful.”
“Yes, really, but regardless, you need a pair of leather gloves. Good ones. Even though this issue will soon be a thing of the
past, it’s always wise to wear gloves. Now let’s get this girl thinkin’,” Chad declared as he insisted Willow lift her head.
“Why don’t you stand next to Cassie and watch.”
“Oh, yes, of course. I’ll get out of your way.”
Quickly walking across the path to stand next to Cassie, Rose watched Chad move her little mare backwards and forwards,
then turn her in a circle.
“Cassie, why is he doing that?” Rose asked quietly.
“He’ll explain,” Cassie replied. “Just give him a minute.”
“There, Rose, you see her lickin’ her lips,” Chad called. “That means she’s thinkin’. You can’t get a horse to listen if it’s
brain isn’t engaged. Now I have her attention, and she understands she needs to go where I tell her, whether it’s forward, or
backwards, or in a circle.”
“Does that mean she might listen and go in the van?”
“Let’s see,” he replied with a grin.
“She probably won’t. She’s funny about trailers, and she’s never been on anything like that.”
“Have faith,” he replied, shooting her a wink as he walked towards the ramp. When the mare hesitated, Chad began moving
her again, then, to Rose’s astonishment, Willow followed him up the ramp and into the van.
As she watched, Cassie remembered how she once had the same problem with Shelby, her thoroughbred jumper. When
she’d first met Chad, he’d loaded her with no issues, and at the time Cassie thought it miraculous.
“Can I come up?” Rose called
“Sure, come on in and see your mare.”
“It’s okay, Rose,” Cassie said reassuringly.
“I don’t want to upset the apple cart.”
“You won’t. I’ll walk in with you if you want.”
“Thank you, Cassie. I don’t know why I’m so jittery.”
Taking her hand, Cassie walked up the ramp, and when they stepped inside Rose let out a gasp. Her difficult mare was
inside one of the compartments happily eating hay from a net secured against the wall.
“I can’t believe it! Whenever she’s in a trailer she starts stomping her feet. It’s so scary,” she exclaimed, then looked
around, her eyes widening. “My goodness, this is huge.”
“It can carry up to eight horses, but we rarely transport that many at a time.”
“Land sakes, wait until I tell Clyde about this. I wish he was here. He calls her Willow the Witch.”
“She’s not a witch, she’s just a smart little mare who has you hoodwinked,” Chad said with a chuckle. “But I have to get
moving. I’ll see you when you get to the fairgrounds. Remember, your name will be with the security guard at the gate. I’ll
either be in the arena or the yellow trailer. Willow will probably be outside the van next to Bailey and Captain. I won’t work
with her again until you’re with me at the show. The demonstration has to be spontaneous and legitimate.”
“This is so exciting. How can I ever thank you?”
“Rose, I’m honored you trust me with your girl and I’m grateful you’re allowing me to use her for my demonstration. Oh,
and don’t forget her bridle.”
“It’s just as well you reminded me. I’m in shock right now. I would have forgotten.”
“Hey, what you’re goin’ through with Willow is more common than you might think,” he said, lowering his voice and
putting his arm around her shoulders. “That’s why I want to do this as part of my act, so people like you can learn a few things
that might help. Why don’t you go home and have a nice cup of tea and tell Clyde all about it?”
“He won’t believe me, not at first,” she said with a happy smile. “I just can’t wait to see what you have in store for us. I’ll
see you at the fairgrounds, and thank you…thank you so very much.”
As the kindly woman walked back towards her house, Chad and Cassie closed up the van, then climbed into the cab with
Mickey.
“I’ll never get tired of seeing what you just did,” Cassie remarked, “And it’s not just your technique, it’s some kind of
energy you have. I could practice what you do all day and still not have that.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. Look at how Shelby responds to you now. Speaking of Shelby, have you made up your mind
about entering any of the jumper classes at the show?”
“I’m still thinking about it.”
“I’m happy to visit Randy tomorrow if you want. We could leave the van here and rent a car. I’m sure Rose won’t mind
feedin’ the boys dinner if we get held up.”
“Yes, definitely. That would be great. I really want to see him,” she said with a frown.
“Cassie, are you okay?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Cassie…I’m here for you,” he said, lowering his voice. “I can tell something’s on your mind. If you need to talk…”
“Uh—not really. At least—not yet.”
“Okay, darlin’, I won’t push, but I’m here when you’re ready.”
 CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Concerned about whatever was bothering Cassie, Chad kept his eye on her as they drove to the fairgrounds. As they rolled
through the gates Cassie seemed to brighten up, and when he pulled to a stop, she put her arms around Mickey and gave him a
hug.
“Are you ready for your last show, Mickey?” she asked. “You’ll have fun, but I bet you’ll be happy to get back to Horse
Haven. I think you’re a bit tired.”
“We’re all gettin’ tired,” Chad remarked. “I’ll have to make sure everyone is trained up for next summer, myself included.
Bein’ on the road takes a lot of stamina.”
“I’m not surprised Mandy’s ready to call it quits,” Cassie said as she unfastened her seat belt. “But I have a feeling she’ll
be in touch asking if she can come back.”
“You might be right. She’s a natural performer. She might miss it like I did, but if Jennifer’s against it—”
“She’s here,” Cassie interrupted, seeing the pretty trick rider jogging towards them.
“Hi, Mandy, thanks for comin’,” Chad said, poking his head out the window.
“Hi, Chad, Hi Cassie.”
“There’s another horse with us today. Her name is Willow,” Chad said as he climbed out. “She needs to come out first.
She’ll have a heart attack if Bailey or Captain leave before her. I’ll keep her with me while you and Cassie follow with the
boys.”
***
The horses were unloaded and secured to the side of the van. Willow appeared content, but Chad insisted Mandy or Cassie
keep watch on her at all times.
The morning passed quickly.
Chad was busy with the sound and lighting crew making sure the cues for the second act were set, while Mandy and Cassie
were taking turns walking the horses so one of them could stay behind to watch Willow. When Rose and Clyde arrived, Cassie
and Mandy were grooming Bailey and Captain at the side of the van.
“Hello,” Cassie said as they walked up to join her and see how Willow was coping. “You must already know Mandy.”
“Yes, of course, hello Mandy. We’ve loved having you and your friend at the ranch,” Rose said happily. “You’re so
talented. Clyde and I couldn’t believe those stunts you did at your show.”
“Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ll find Chad for you. He’s probably in the ring.”
“See, Clyde, I told you. See how calm she is?” Rose said with a sigh, staring at Willow standing quietly eating her hay.
“It’s hard to believe that’s Wicked Willow,” he remarked shaking his head. “But will it last?”
“She’ll be good for you too, Chad will help you,” Cassie assured him, “and here he comes now.”
“Rose, Clyde, good to see you,” Chad said as he marched up dressed in his show clothes.
“Goodness, you look like a movie star,” Rose exclaimed.
“To be honest this outfit isn’t very comfortable, especially since I’ve put on a few pounds since last year.”
“Oh, Chad, you’re too funny.”
“Unfortunately, Rose, it’s true, but I’m managing,” he replied with a grin. “Your seats are just inside the arena. That security
guard, the one with the orange vest, he’ll take you to them. About thirty-minutes after the show starts, he’ll fetch you to join
Cassie waiting in the wings with Willow. I’ll say something like...to demonstrate how to help a horse with problems I have a
volunteer. Rose Thomas, and her horse, Willow, or something along those lines.”
“But, Chad, Willow will be very nervous in a situation like that. I might not be able to handle her,” Rose said fearfully. “I
mean, with all the lights, and things around, and all the people. She can be so spooky.”
“Don’t worry, Cassie will bring her in with you. She’ll be able to handle anything that crops up.”
“Thank goodness.”
“I’m sorry, I should have mentioned that earlier. I’d never put you in a situation that could be unsafe.”
“Of course you wouldn’t, and I should have realized,” Rose said, shaking her head. “What about the bridle? I remembered
to bring it.”
“Great. Once Willow is settled—”
“You don’t know our mare, Chad,” Clyde interjected. “Perhaps my wife hasn’t told you, but when Willow gets scared or
excited, there’s no calming her down.”
“Clyde, I’ll tell you what I told your wife. That is one smart little mare, and she has you hoodwinked. Trust me.”
“I know you’re famous for working with horses, but that mare! Don’t get me wrong, I love her to pieces, but damn, she’s
stubborn.”
“She’ll be just fine, and you’ll soon know how to handle her,” Chad promised. “But getting back to the show—Rose, after a
short conversation I’ll ask you to put her bridle on. I assume she’ll back up and lift her head, right?”
 “Yes, that’s exactly what she does.”
“And if you touch her ears?”
“Oh, that’s bad, she really throws up her head then. It’s just terrible.”
“Don’t you worry, Rose, Willow will soon be Willow the Wonderful, not Willow the Witch. It’s time for me to leave, so
just go to that security guard and he’ll take you to your seats. If you have any questions find Cassie. If she’s not out here with
the horses at the van, just ask the security guard. He’ll know where she is.”
“My goodness, this is just too exciting for words,” Rose exclaimed. “I do hope Willow won’t disappoint you.”
“Come on now, Rose,” Clyde said, taking her arm. “Chad said he has to go, and we need to take our seats.”
“Yes, I know. I’ll see you soon, Chad.”
As Cassie watched them head off, she looped her arm through Chad’s.
“You’re going to make that woman very happy, and help Willow become the sweet mare she can be. This is so right, Chad,
so utterly and completely right.”
Turning around, he stared down at her.
“What’s right is you and me, and yeah, this is too. I owe you, Cassie. I owe you big time.”
 CHAPTER NINETEEN
After Chad and Mickey had brought the crowd to its feet with their daring performance, Chad made his announcement and
signaled Cassie to bring Willow into the ring. As she led the edgy mare forward, Rose nervously followed carrying the bridle.
Chad took the lead rope and waved her over to join him. But the moment she approached, the fractious horse saw the bridle
and threw up her head. Ignoring Willow’s behavior, Chad began talking to the crowd, joking and smiling, then took the bridle
from Rose and asked her to step back.
Standing in the wings Cassie watched as he continued talking to the audience while he was moving Willow around him.
The more he walked and continued his banter, the more relaxed Willow became. Her head dropped, and she stopped reacting
to the audience.
Bringing the mare to a stop, he rubbed her shoulder and mane, then offhandedly moved his hand up and lightly brushed it
over Willow’s right ear. He repeated the gesture several times, and after only a few minutes, to everyone’s astonishment, he
purposefully wrapped his fingers around the ear and Willow didn’t react.
“Now I have to repeat this on her left ear,” Chad announced. “Most of you probably know a horse has only one brain, but
there are two sides and they’re not connected.”
For almost thirty-minutes Chad continued to work with Willow. When he’d finished, he could not only slide on her bridle,
but leave it hanging half-on and half-off as she stood quietly, not seeming to care about anything.
Rose had been standing with Cassie off to the side, astounded by what she’d witnessed. When he called her back to join
him, he asked to her rub Willow’s ears, then put the bridle on and take it off. Though Rose was still a bit worried, she did as
Chad asked and encountered no problems. Finally leading her horse from the arena, she was wiping away happy tears .
“Cassie, how did he do that?” she sniffled as they stood in the wings. “I never thought my mare would be normal, not ever.”
“It’s a technique, but with Chad it’s more than that. It’s as if he speaks horse,” Cassie replied, swallowing back her own
surge of emotion.
“It’s wonderful, sweetheart,” Clyde said, suddenly walking up and standing beside her. “Let’s get you home and have a
brandy. You can collect Willow and put her in her paddock when Chad brings her home.”
“A brandy, yes, we should celebrate with a brandy.”
“I’ll text you when we’re on our way,” Cassie said, taking Willow’s lead rope.
“Thank you, Cassie,” Clyde exclaimed. “We can’t begin to express our gratitude.”
“I know the feeling. I’ve been there,” she said with a smile.
As the thrilled couple walked away, she turned back to look in the ring. Chad was taking his final bow with Mickey at his
side doing his extraordinary flips, then the brilliant dog faked being shot by Chad’s finger.
“See you all next year,” Chad called with a wave as he and Mickey jogged into the wings. “That went well,” he said with a
grin, giving Cassie a hug.
“Well? Chad, that was fantastic!”
“Thanks, darlin’. I really enjoyed it. Now I need to get out of these clothes. I’ll see you at the van.”
***
As Cassie led Willow outside, she noticed Mandy lying on the ramp with her eyes closed. Glancing at Bailey and Captain, she
saw they too were napping in the sun.
“Hey, Mandy,” she called as she neared.
“Man that sun felt good,” Mandy mumbled, slowly sitting up.
“Did you miss Chad working with this wild mare?” Cassie asked with a laugh as she secured Willow next to her hay net.
“Only a bit. I need him to teach me that stuff.”
“I’m not sure how he can with you in California.”
“True. How did he learn it all?”
“I don’t know, but I think a lot of it is just in him,” Cassie replied. “What about you? How do you do all those amazing
stunts?”
“Practice, I guess, and I love it. Like you love jumping those big fences! How do you manage that?”
“Training,” she muttered, then looking across at the trailer she saw Chad marching towards them. “Thank goodness, here he
comes. I’m so ready to leave.”
“I’ll start loading,” Mandy offered, slowly standing up.
“Hey you two, the crew just invited us to an early dinner,” he said as he joined them.
“Um…I’m not really in the mood, but maybe I will be after I relax for a bit. Actually,” she said, lowering her voice, “I
need to talk to you about something back at the cabin.”
“That’s good, darlin’. Whatever’s on your mind, it’s time to get it out.”
***
When Chad and Cassie rolled into Rose’s Ranch, they found Rose and Clyde waiting for them with a wicker basket. As Chad
climbed from the cab, Rose hurried over to him.
“Here are four jars of my three-berry jam. I made it just for you,” she said proudly. “The berries grow right here on the
ranch and I pick them myself.”
“Oh, wow, thanks. I haven’t had homemade berry jam since I was a kid. My mom used to make it. I can’t wait to taste it,
thank you, Rose.”
“When you run out you just let me know and I’ll ship you some more. What you’ve done for Willow…we can’t thank you
enough.”
“She wasn’t so bad. Believe me, I’ve dealt with much worse. I’ll give you some more pointers before I leave, and be sure
and let me know any time you run into a problem. By the way, Cassie and I have to be somewhere tomorrow. Would you mind
keepin’ an eye on our boys? We should be back by dinner time, but—”
“Don’t you worry about a thing,” Clyde interjected. “We’ll make sure they’re fed on time. Come on, Rose, let these
wonderful people get to their cabin and put their feet up.”
But stepping closer, Rose pecked Chad on the cheek, then turned and walked away with Clyde hugging her.
“I’m takin’ a shower the minute I walk in that door,” Chad declared as they unloaded the horses, “then you can tell me
what’s goin’ on with you.”
***
A short time later they were back in the cabin, and as Chad disappeared into the bathroom Cassie placed a call to Hannah.
“Cassie, it’s great to hear from you,” she exclaimed. “How is everything?”
“Fabulous. Did you talk to Marty about the party and how overwhelmed you were?”
“Yes, and he was wonderful, just like you said he’d be. I’ll tell you everything when you get back.”
“I’m so pleased. And what about my surprise for Chad?”
“Oh, my gosh, it’s absolutely amazing. Marty is really excited. It’s incredible, honestly.”
“Thank goodness. I’ve been worried about unforeseen problems. Shoot, the shower just stopped! I have to go, but I’ll call
you later, and tell Marty and Jeb I said hello.”
“Will do, bye.”
“Who was that,” Chad mumbled, walking towards her wearing just a towel around his waist.”
“I called Hannah.”
“Did you need to talk with her about what’s bothering you?”
“God, no. I’d be too embarrassed…it would be weird. No, I just wanted to see how she is.”
“Cassie, things usually aren’t as bad as we think they are,” he said softly, placing his arm around her shoulders and sitting
her on the edge of the bed.
“This is,” she mumbled. “I don’t want to even say it.”
“Can I take a guess?”
“Uh…okay.”
“Are you afraid to jump Shelby?”
“How did you know?” she stammered before he could respond. “I want to, and there have been a couple of times at home
I’ve managed to find the courage, but when I think about going into the show ring…”
“Hey, I understand, I do,” he said holding her tightly. “You’ll get past it. I’ll help you, and Randy will too. Have you told
him?”
“No, I’ve been too embarrassed. I was his star, and now...”
“I assume that’s why you want to see him tomorrow, not just because you need to keep me away from the ranch for this big
surprise you have planned.”
“Yes, but I’m still not sure I can tell him,” she said, swallowing back tears.
“Cassie, Randy’s a great trainer, and he’s been one for a long time. I’m sure you’re not the first rider who has suffered from
a bout of nerves. He’ll know how to help you through it.”
“You really think so? Jumping is my passion, like what you do is your passion. What if I just can’t anymore?”
“Hey, you will, I know you will.”
“I’m sorry, everything is going so well for you and I don’t want my problems to spoil things. That’s one of the reasons I
didn’t want to mention any of this.”
“Cassie, I’m relieved you finally told me. You’ll jump big fences again, you will, just keep the faith.”
Sighing heavily she curled against him and closed her eyes.
“I want to believe you,” she whispered, “I really do.”
“Trust Randy. Trust me. You’ll get past this, I promise.”
 CHAPTER TWENTY
Taking a taxi into town, Cassie and Chad joined Mandy, Jennifer and the stage crew for dinner. The wine flowed and the
delicious food was devoured. Returning to the cabin drained and a little buzzed, Chad took Mickey for a walk while Cassie
crawled into bed. He came back to find her sound asleep. Slipping between the sheets he soon joined her.
The following morning, after breakfast and checking on the horses, Mandy arrived to take them to the car rental agency.
Chad had booked a Mustang Convertible for the drive. When they returned to the cabin and were getting ready to leave, Cassie
decided to take her boots and breeches.
“I’ll might want to ride when I’m there,” she exclaimed, as they walked out to the car. “And Chad, we need our weekends
back. No more working seven days a week,”
“I agree, and I’m officially pullin’ the plug on the expansion of the clothin’ line.”
“You are? That’s great. It’s too much work. You can’t run that business and the ranch. They’re both full-time jobs.”
“You’re right, I can’t, and I don’t want to. I had a very successful sideline, and that’s what I’m goin’ back to. I let myself get
talked into becomin’ a cowboy Ralph Lauren.”
“You already are,” she quipped with a giggle as he drove from the ranch. “You’re the sexiest, best-dressed cowboy I’ve
ever seen.”
He laughed out loud, then settled in to enjoy the drive through the towering trees and open fields. But when they entered the
outskirts of the town where the show was being held, and the event venue came into view, Cassie’s pulse ticked up. Slowing
the car, Chad skirted the grounds until Cassie spotted Randy’s green and white awning.
“There’s his trailer,” she declared, pointing to a horse van similar to Chad’s but smaller.
Turning into the field, Chad stopped the Mustang nearby.
“How do we find him. This place is huge. How many rings are here?”
“Four,” she answered as she climbed from the car, “and finding him won’t be a problem. We’ll just go to his tent.”
Assuming the show had a leash policy, Chad clicked Mickey’s on his collar, and they began walking across to Randy’s
area. As they approached they saw several young girls in their show clothes running around and squealing excitedly.
“Someone must have won a championship,” Cassie remarked.
“They look so adorable in their boots and breeches,” Chad said with a chuckle.
“Excuse me,” Cassie called, interrupting them, “do you know where Randy is?”
“Yeah, he’s over in the warm-up ring with Amanda,” one of the girls replied breathlessly.
“Why are you celebrating?”
“Susie, that girl over there, she’s show champion.”
“For the whole show?” Chad asked, his eyes wide.
“No,” Cassie said with a laugh, “don’t you remember? There are divisions, she’s show champion for her division. But it’s
still a big deal. Let’s go, and we can walk. The warm-up ring isn’t far.”
As they made their way past various barns, passing horses, trainers and riders, Chad kept Mickey close to his leg.
“I’d forgotten what mayhem this is.”
“It’s the biggest show until the last one of the season next month. This is seen almost as a rehearsal to that one. Don’t you
remember how crazy it was when you were with me last year? You should, you were doing performances there.”
“I didn’t explore much beyond where I was.”
As the warm-up ring came into view, they could see Randy standing next to a jump instructing a rider as she galloped up
and over it.
“That was nice,” Cassie said with a sigh. “I wish it was me.”
“Are you okay?”
“Kind of, except I’ve got goosebumps and I feel a bit queasy.”
“It’ll be okay,” he whispered, taking her hand.
They waited until Randy starting walking to the out-gate, then hurried across to meet him.
“Hey, you two, I’m glad you could make it,” he said as they approached.
“Do you have many classes this afternoon?” Cassie asked as Randy hugged her.
“One now, then I have a break for an hour or so before two at the end of the day.”
“Can I have you for part of that break?”
“Of course. You can come with me now and watch this class if you’d like to.”
“Thanks, but I want to check out vendors. We’ll just meet you back at the tent.”
“Okay, I’ll see you there shortly,” he promised, then hurried away to catch up to his rider.
“Does he think you brought me here to keep me away from Horse Haven because of your big surprise?”
“He does, though if I’m being totally honest, he’s been a bit more involved than that.”
“How?”
“Sorry, I can’t tell you,” she shot back with a grin as they entered the vendor’s area. Cassie found a belt she liked, and
Chad bought a thick, short riding crop with a tongue shaped like a hand. “What’s that for?” she asked as they walked away.
“Exactly what you think,” he replied with a grin. “Is there anywhere to sit and have a bite to eat?”
“Sure, there’s an outside cafe near the main entrance. It’s just a few minutes from here.”
***
Finding a table, Chad and Cassie settled in to enjoy hot coffee and a selection of muffins. After a bowl of water provided by
the staff, Mickey was chewing on a rawhide Chad had brought along.
“This is so relaxing,” Cassie said with a sigh. “It’s kind of nice being at a show without the pressure of riding.”
“Yeah, it’s good to unwind. Mickey sure seems to be enjoyin’ the change in pace. But tell me, how long are you plannin’ to
keep me away from home?”
“I was hoping we’d drive back no sooner than Wednesday, but I guess it doesn’t matter if we get back tomorrow. One day
won’t make that much difference.”
“What the hell are you up to?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
“We can stay at Rose’s ranch tonight, but I do need to get back and make an appearance at the clinic.”
“Um…actually…you don’t have to worry about that. Marty has taken the group out on a four day trail ride across the back
hills. They would have left this morning.”
“Marty’s in on this?”
“I couldn’t have done it without him! And while he’s gone Hannah can get their house back in order. You don’t know this
but she had a terrible time trying to cater that party. She had to throw in the towel.”
“I’ve only been gone two days!” he exclaimed. “How can all this have happened? Why didn’t I know about any of it?”
“You would have asked too many questions. But it will be quiet when we get home. You won’t be met by a bunch of clients
and lessons.”
“Damn, girl, you’ve involved everyone, includin’ Randy and he doesn’t even live there.”
“Speaking of Randy, here he comes. Hey, we’re over here.”
“I could use some coffee myself,” Randy declared as he strode up to join them.
. “I’ll get it,” Chad said, rising to his feet. “Cassie do you want a refill?”
“Yes, please,” she replied, then looking across at Randy settling into a chair, she took a deep breath, lowered her voice,
and said,“Randy, I’m not sure how to tell you this…I have a problem. A big one.”
“Just tell me. If I can help I will.”
“It’s about my riding.”
 CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Chad returned with the coffee, and Cassie shakily told Randy she’d lost her nerve and was worried her show jumping days
were over.
“The first thing I need to do is see you ride. I’ll put you on Beau Chavall. He’s big, but I’ve been using him as a kid’s
jumper. He’s smooth as silk and safe as houses.”
“Um…if you’re sure.”
“Yes, Cassie. I’m sure,” he said confidently, “and there’s no time like the present, assuming you have your riding gear.”
“It’s in the car.”
“Fetch it while I finish this muffin and coffee and talk to Chad. I haven’t had anything all day.”
“Okay,” she muttered, pushing back from the table.
“Chad, ask her if she wants you to stay,” Randy said the moment she was out of earshot. “If she’s not sure you should leave,
but please try to watch without being seen. If something happens you can come running.”
“What do you mean if something happens? Are you worried she’ll take a fall? That’s the last thing she needs.”
“I wouldn’t have suggested she get on if I thought that, but she might panic and suddenly pull up and jump off. I’ve seen it
before. I don’t think she will, but if she does you should be there for her. I’m taking her to the indoor arena.”
“What are you two deep in conversation about,” Cassie asked walking towards them carrying her bag.
“You, of course,” Chad said honestly. “Do you want to me stay and watch?”
“Uh, I don’t know. I haven’t thought about it.”
“Then I’ll take another wander through those vendors. If you change your mind you can text me,” he said, rising to his feet,
and unable to stop himself he hugged her tightly, then walked away.
“Okay, Cassie, are you ready to change clothes and do this?” Randy asked, rising to his feet and heading towards the barn
allocated to him.
“Yes and no, but mostly yes.”
“You’re in this position because you didn’t listen. Today you’ll you do exactly as I say. Deal?”
“Yes, Randy, it’s a deal.”
“Good. Now let’s get you in the saddle.”
He began striding down the aisle, then stopped at a stall, lifted the halter off the door, stepped inside, and led out a dapple
grey gelding. The horse was big and solidly built.
“Wow, he’s gorgeous,” Cassie exclaimed “What’s his breeding?”
“I have no idea. I found him in a backyard, something that used to be your speciality,” he said with a smile as he moved him
into the cross-ties. “Nothing phases him, and he has a lot of scope. He hardly ever hits a pole.”
While Randy saddled him, Cassie slipped into the tack room to change. As she walked out, she found Randy and the
handsome horse waiting for her.
“I wish we were at your barn.” she said with a sigh. “There are so many people in the warm-up ring.”
“We’re not going to the warm-up ring. I’m taking you to the indoor arena. Come on, I’ll give you a leg-up.”
“How did you manage that?” she asked as she settled into the saddle.
“The manager is a friend of mine, Kevin Brandt, you might remember him. Anyway, I called him and we’re all set.”
***
Walking around the vendors, Chad had no trouble following Cassie as she’d made her way through the crowd. Beau Cheval
was a big-boned, dapple grey and easy to keep track of.
When he was sure they were inside he hurried forward and stopped just inside the doors, standing in the shadows where he
knew he couldn’t be seen. Randy had set up a low vertical, and Cassie was cantering around in a circle and jumping it.
“You look as balanced as you ever did,” Randy said, his voice clear in the empty space. “You look great.”
“It’s not that I haven’t be riding and jumping, I just can’t do anything over three feet,” she called back.
“Just keep going and keep everything the same. Your pace is perfect.”
Cassie jumped the low fence again, but as she landed, he quickly raised the rail up to the next hole, thee inches higher.
Continuing on the circle, she sailed over it.
“How many times am I going to do this?”
“Just keep going,” he said sternly. “Do exactly what I tell you.”
“Sorry,” she yelled as she turned yet again, riding up to the same.
“Don’t be sorry,” he yelled back, lifting the rail another three inches after she’d cleared it, “just listen.”
Randy continued the exercise. Cassie would canter the same circle, jumped the fence twice, then Randy would raise the
pole.
“How high is that now?” Cassie called as she landed. “He feels great.”
“Never mind how high it is, just stay steady on that same track and keep jumping.”
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 — Oh, e, minä en naura enkä ollenkaan luule teidän valehdelleen
minulle. Siinäpä se onkin, että minä en sitä luule, se on, paha kyllä,
totinen tosi! No, sanokaa, oletteko te lukenut Puškinia, Oneginin…Te
puhuitte äsken juuri Tatjanasta?

— En, en ole vielä lukenut, mutta aion lukea. Minulla ei ole

ennakkoluuloja, Karamazov. Minä tahdon kuulla kummankin puolen
kannan. Minkätähden te kysyitte?

— Muuten vain.

— Sanokaa, Karamazov, halveksitteko te minua kauheasti? —

tokaisi äkkiä Kolja ja ojentautui suoraksi Aljošan edessä aivan kuin
asettuen asentoon. — Olkaa hyvä, aivan kiertelemättä.

— Halveksinko teitä? — sanoi Aljoša katsellen häntä ihmeissään.

— Mistä syystä? Minusta on vain surullista, että niin oivallista
luonnetta kuin teidän, joka ei vielä ole päässyt aloittamaan elämää,
on jo turmellut kaikki tuo karkea ja jonninjoutava.

— Älkää olko huolissanne minun luonteestani, — keskeytti Kolja

jossakin määrin itserakkaasti, — mutta että minä olen epäluuloinen,
se on kyllä totta. Tyhmän epäluuloinen, karkeasti epäluuloinen. Te
naurahditte äsken, ja minusta tuntui heti, että te ikäänkuin…

— Ah, minä naurahdin aivan muulle. Tiedättekö, mille minä

naurahdin: luin äskettäin erään Venäjällä asuneen Saksanmaan
saksalaisen lausunnon nykyisestä opiskelevasta nuorisostamme.
»Näyttäkää», kirjoittaa hän, »venäläiselle koulupojalle tähtimaailman
kartta, josta hänellä tähän saakka ei ole ollut minkäänlaista käsitystä,
niin hän palauttaa teille huomenna tuon kartan korjattuna.» Ei mitään
tietoja ja äärettömän suuret luulot itsestään — sitä tahtoi saksalainen
sanoa venäläisestä koululaisesta.

— Ah, sehän on aivan oikein! — alkoi Kolja yhtäkkiä nauraa

hohottaa, — ihan superlatiivissa oikein, aivan prikulleen! Bravo,
saksalainen! Ei huomannut kuitenkaan kollo myös hyvää puolta, vai
mitä arvelette? Suuret luulot itsestään — olkoon menneeksi, se
johtuu nuoruudesta, se korjautuu, jos vain sen korjautuminen on
välttämätöntä, mutta sen sijaan on myös itsenäistä henkeä miltei
lapsuudesta asti, sen sijaan on ajatuksen ja vakaumuksen rohkeutta
eikä tuota heidän makkaroilla kasvatettua orjailuaan auktoriteettien
edessä… Mutta joka tapauksessa saksalainen sanoi hyvin! Bravo,
saksalainen! Vaikka saksalaiset pitää sittenkin kuristaa. Olkoonpa,
että he ovat vahvoja tieteissä, heidät pitää sittenkin kuristaa…

— Miksi sitten kuristaa? — hymyili Aljoša.

— No, minä lörpöttelin kenties, myönnän sen. Minä olen toisinaan

hirveän lapsellinen, ja kun joskus pääsen alkuun, en jaksa hillitä
itseäni ja olen valmis lörpöttelemään kaikenlaista roskaa. Mutta
kuulkaahan, me täällä lavertelemme joutavia, mutta tuo lääkäri
näkyy takertuneen sinne omituisen pitkäksi aikaa. Hän saattaa
muuten tarkastaa siellä myös »äitikultaa» ja kipeäjalkaista
Ninotškaa. Tiedättekö, tuo Ninotška miellytti minua. Hän kuiskasi
minulle sisään tullessani: »Miksi ette ole tullut aikaisemmin?» Ja
semmoisella äänellä, moittivasti! Minusta hän näyttää hyvin
hyväntahtoiselta ja säälittävältä.

— Niin, niin! Kunhan rupeatte käymään talossa niin näette,

millainen olento hän on. Teille on hyvin hyödyllistä tutustua tuollaisiin
olentoihin, jotta oppisitte pitämään arvossa vielä paljon muutakin,
minkä opitte tietämään juuri tutustuessanne tämmöisiin olentoihin, —
huomautti Aljoša lämpimästi. — Se kaikkein parhaiten tekee teistä
toisenlaisen.

— Oi, kuinka olen pahoillani ja soimaan itseäni siitä, etten tullut

aikaisemmin! — huudahti Kolja katkerin mielin.

— Niin, se on hyvin ikävää. Te näitte itse, kuinka suuresti te

ilahdutitte onnetonta pienokaista! Ja miten pahoillaan hän olikaan
teitä odotellessaan!

— Älkää puhuko minulle siitä! Te raatelette sydäntäni. Muuten se

on minulle aivan oikein: minä en tullut tänne itserakkauteni takia,
itsekkään itserakkauden ja alhaisen vallanhimon takia, josta en koko
elämäni aikana pääse vapautumaan, vaikka ponnistelen koko
elämäni ajan. Minä näen sen nyt, minä olen monessa suhteessa
konna, Karamazov.

— Ei, te olette oivallinen luonne, vaikka pilattu, ja minä ymmärrän

erinomaisen hyvin, miksi teillä oli vaikutusvaltaa tuohon
sairaalloisesta vaikutuksille alttiiseen kelpo poikaan! — vastasi
Aljoša tulisesti.

— Ja tätä sanotte minulle te! — huudahti Kolja. — Ja minä kun

luulin, ajatelkaahan, jo usean kerran nyt täällä ollessani, että te
halveksitte minua! Jospa vain tietäisitte, kuinka suuressa arvossa
pidän teidän mielipidettänne!

— Mutta oletteko te todellakin noin epäluuloinen? Tuossa iässä!

No, ajatelkaahan, minä juuri ajattelinkin tuolla huoneessa
katsellessani teitä teidän kertoessanne, että te mahdatte olla hyvin
epäluuloinen.
 — Joko ajattelittekin? Kylläpä teillä on silmä, te näette, näette!
Lyön vetoa, että se tapahtui siinä paikassa, kun minä kerroin
hanhesta. Juuri siinä paikassa minusta tuntui, että te halveksitte
minua syvästi sen takia, että minulla on kiire esiintuomaan uljuuttani,
ja aloinpa yhtäkkiä vihatakin teitä siitä ja rupesin puhumaan puuta
heinää. Sitten minusta tuntui (se oli äsken juuri täällä) siinä paikassa,
kun minä sanoin: »Jos Jumalaa ei olisi, niin hänet pitäisi keksiä»,
että minä olen kovin kärkäs esiintuomaan sivistystäni, etenkin kun
olin tuon fraasin lukenut kirjasta. Mutta minä vannon teille, että minä
en pyrkinyt loistamaan kerskuakseni, vaan muuten vain, en tiedä
miksi, ilosta, totta totisesti, se oli ikäänkuin ilosta… vaikka se on
syvästi häpeällinen piirre, että ihminen tuppautuu kaikkia
vaivaamaan ilosta. Minä tiedän sen. Mutta sen sijaan minä olen nyt
vakuutettu siitä, että te ette halveksi minua, vaan että minä olin
kaiken tuon ottanut vain omasta päästäni. Oi, Karamazov, minä olen
hyvin onneton. Minä kuvittelen toisinaan Herra ties mitä, että kaikki
nauravat minulle, koko maailma, ja silloin minä, silloin olen valmis
tuhoamaan koko olevaisuuden.

— Ja kiusaatte ympärillänne olevia, — hymyili Aljoša.

— Ja kiusaan ympärilläni olevia, varsinkin äitiäni. Karamazov,

sanokaa, olenko minä nyt hyvin naurettava?

— Älkää ajatelko sitä, älkää ollenkaan ajatelko sitä! — huudahti

Aljoša. — Ja mitä on naurettava? Vähänkö on tapauksia, joissa
ihminen on naurettava tai näyttää siltä? Mutta nykyjään melkein
kaikki lahjakkaat ihmiset hirveästi pelkäävät olevansa naurettavia, ja
se on heidän onnettomuutensa. Minua vain ihmetyttää, että te olette
niin varhain alkanut sitä tuntea, vaikka minä muuten kyllä jo kauan
olen huomannut tämmöistä muissakin. Nykyjään melkein jo lapsetkin
ovat alkaneet potea tätä. Se on melkein hulluutta. Tähän
itserakkauden haamuun on pukeutunut itse piru ja tunkeutunut koko
sukupolveen, — piru juuri, — lisäsi Aljoša ollenkaan naurahtamatta,
niinkuin häneen kiinteästi katsova Kolja oli luullut hänen tekevän. —
Te olette niinkuin kaikki muutkin, — lopetti Aljoša, — se on niinkuin
monet, mutta ei pidä olla sellainen kuin kaikki ovat, siinä se on.

— Siitäkin huolimatta, että kaikki ovat sellaisia?

— Niin, siitä huolimatta, että kaikki ovat sellaisia. Olkaa te yksin

toisenlainen. Te olette todellakin toisenlainen kuin kaikki muut: tehän
ette nyt hävennyt tunnustaa sitä, mikä on huonoa ja naurettavaakin.
Mutta kuka nykyjään sen tunnustaa? Ei kukaan, on lakattu
tuntemasta itsensä tuomitsemisen tarvettakin. Olkaa toisenlainen
kuin kaikki; vaikka te yksinänne jäisitte semmoiseksi, niin olkaa
kuitenkin sellainen.

— Suurenmoista! — Minä en ole erehtynyt teihin nähden. Te

kykenette lohduttamaan. Oi, kuinka minä olenkaan pyrkinyt
läheisyyteenne, Karamazov, kuinka kauan olenkaan etsinyt
tilaisuutta kohdata teidät! Oletteko todella tekin ajatellut minusta
samaa? Äsken te sanoitte ajatelleenne minusta samaa.

— Niin, minä olen kuullut teistä ja ajatellut samoin teistä… ja jos

osaksi itserakkauskin pani teidät nyt tätä kysymään, niin ei se tee
mitään.

— Tiedättekö, Karamazov, meidän selityksemme muistuttaa

rakkaudentunnustusta, — lausui Kolja omituisen raukealla ja
häpeilevällä äänellä. — Eikö se ole naurettavaa, eikö se ole
naurettavaa?
 — Ei ole ollenkaan naurettavaa, ja vaikka olisikin naurettavaa, niin
ei se mitään tee, sillä se on hyvää, — hymyili Aljoša valoisaa hymyä.

— Mutta tiedättekö, Karamazov, myöntäkää, että teitä itseännekin

nyt hiukan hävettää minun kanssani… Minä näen sen silmistä, —
naurahti Kolja hieman viekkaasti, mutta samalla miltei onnellisena.

— Mikä hävettäisi?

— Miksi te sitten punastuitte?

— Tehän sen niin teitte, että minä punastuin! — alkoi Aljoša

nauraa ja tuli tosiaankin aivan punaiseksi. — No niin, hiukan
hävettää, Jumala ties miksi, en tiedä miksi… — mutisi hän miltei
hämillään.

— Oi, kuinka minä teitä rakastan ja kunnioitan tällä hetkellä, siitä

juuri, että teitäkin jokin hävettää minun kanssani! Sillä tekin olette
aivan niinkuin minä! — huudahti Kolja aivan riemuissaan. Hänen
poskensa hehkuivat, hänen silmänsä loistivat.

— Kuulkaahan, Kolja, teistä tulee muun muassa myöskin hyvin

onneton ihminen elämässä, — sanoi Aljoša äkkiä jostakin syystä.

— Minä tiedän sen, tiedän sen. Kuinka te tiedätte kaikki noin

edeltäpäin! — vahvisti heti Kolja.

— Mutta kokonaisuudessaan te kuitenkin siunaatte elämää.

— Aivan niin! Hurraa! Te olette profeetta! Oi, meistä tulee ystävät,

Karamazov. Tiedättekö, minua ihastuttaa kaikkein enimmän se, että
te kohtelette minua aivan niinkuin vertaistanne. Mutta me emme ole
vertaisia, ei emme ole vertaisia, te olette korkeammalla! Mutta
meistä tulee ystävät. Tiedättekö minä olen koko viime kuukauden
ajan sanonut itselleni: »Joko meistä hänen kanssaan tulee heti
ikuiset ystävät tai me jo ensikerrasta asti olemme vihamiehiä
hautaan saakka!»

— Ja näin puhuessanne te tietysti jo rakastitte minua! — nauroi

Aljoša iloisesti.

— Rakastin, hirveästi rakastin, rakastin ja haaveilin teistä! Kuinka

te tiedättekin tuon kaiken edeltäpäin? Kas, tuossa on tohtorikin.
Herra Jumala, hän sanoo jotakin, katsokaa, millaiset hänen
kasvonsa ovat!

7.

Iljuša

Tohtori tuli ulos tuvasta taas turkkiinsa kääriytyneenä ja lakki

päässä. Hänen kasvonsa osoittivat miltei suuttumusta ja inhoa,
ikäänkuin hän yhä olisi pelännyt tahrautuvansa jostakin. Hän silmäsi
sivumennen ympäri eteisen ja katsahti tällöin ankarasti Aljošaan ja
Koljaan. Aljoša viittasi ovesta ajomiehelle, ja vaunut, joissa tohtori oli
tullut, ajoivat ulko-oven luo. Alikapteeni riensi kiireesti tohtorin
jäljessä ja taivuttautuen melkein vempeleeksi hänen edessään
pysähdytti hänet saadakseen kuulla viimeisen sanan. Mies-raukan
kasvot ilmaisivat masennusta, katse oli pelästynyt.

— Teidän ylhäisyytenne, teidän ylhäisyytenne… ihanko todella?…

— alkoi hän, mutta ei puhunut loppuun, vaan löi vain kämmeniään
yhteen epätoivoissaan, katsellen kuitenkin yhä vieläkin rukoilevasti
tohtoriin, aivan kuin tohtorin sana nyt tosiaankin voisi muuttaa poika-
paran saaman tuomion.

— Minkäpä sille voi! Minä en ole Jumala, — vastasi tohtori

huolettomalla, vaikkakin tavan mukaan vakuuttavalla äänellä.

— Tohtori… Teidän ylhäisyytenne… Ja tuleeko se pian, joko pian?

— Val-mis-tau-tu-kaa kaikkeen, — sanoi tohtori pannen painoa

joka tavulle, ja luoden silmänsä alas hän valmistautui harppaamaan
kynnyksen yli vaunujen luo.

— Teidän ylhäisyytenne, Kristuksen tähden! — pysähdytti hänet

alikapteeni vielä kerran pelästyneenä. — Teidän ylhäisyytenne!…
Eikö siis mikään, eikö mikään, kerrassaan mikään nyt pelasta?…

— Se ei nyt rii-pu minusta, — lausui tohtori kärsimättömästi, —

mutta kuitenkin, hm, — pysähtyi hän äkkiä, — jos te esimerkiksi
voisitte… lä-het-tää… potilaanne… heti ja vähääkään viivyttelemättä
(sanat »heti ja vähääkään viivyttelemättä» tohtori lausui ei vain
ankarasti, vaan melkein vihaisesti, niin että alikapteeni ihan vavahti)
Sy-ra-kuu-saan, niin… uusien suotui-si-en il-mas-tol-lis-ten
olosuhteitten johdosta… voisi kenties ta-pah-tu-a…

— Syrakuusaan! — huudahti alikapteeni aivan kuin ei vielä

ymmärtäisi mitään.

— Syrakuusa — se on Sisiliassa, — tokaisi äkkiä kuuluvasti Kolja

selitykseksi. Tohtori katsoi häneen.

— Sisiliaan! Herranen aika, teidän ylhäisyytenne, — joutui

alikapteeni aivan ymmälle, — tehän näitte! — Hän levitti molemmat
kätensä osoittaen ympärillä olevaa sisustusta. — Entä äitikulta, entä
perhe?

— Ei-ei, ei perhettä Sisiliaan, vaan perheenne on vietävä

Kaukaasiaan, varhain keväällä… tyttärenne Kaukaasiaan ja
vaimonne… sen jälkeen kuin hänkin on ollut Kau-kaa-si-as-sa
jäsenkolotustensa takia… on heti sen jälkeen lä-he-tet-tä-vä
Pariisiin, psy-ki-at-ri, tohtori Le-pel-le-tier'n parantolaan, minä voisin
antaa teille hänelle osoitetun kirjelipun, ja silloin… voisi kenties
tapahtua…

— Tohtori, tohtori! Tehän näette! — levitti taas alikapteeni käsiään

osoittaen epätoivoissaan eteisen paljaita hirsiseiniä.

— Se ei enää ole minun asiani, — naurahti tohtori, — minä sanoin

vain sen, mitä tie-de saattaa sanoa teidän kysyessänne viimeisiä
keinoja, mutta kaikki muu… valitan…

— Älkää olko huolissanne, lääkäri, minun koirani ei pure teitä, —

tokaisi Kolja kovalla äänellä huomattuaan tohtorin hieman
levottomana katsovan kynnykselle asettunutta Perezvonia. Koljan
äänessä oli vihainen sointu. Sanan »lääkäri» tohtorin asemesta hän
oli sanonut tahallaan ja, kuten hän itse myöhemmin ilmoitti,
»loukatakseen».

— Mitä tä-mä on? — tohtori nakkasi päätään katsoen ihmeissään

Koljaan. — Mi-kä tämä on? — kääntyi hän äkkiä Aljošan puoleen
ikäänkuin tahtoen tältä selitystä.

— Tämä on Perezvonin isäntä, lääkäri, älkää huolehtiko minun

persoonastani, — tokaisi Kolja taas.
 — Zvonin? — toisti lääkäri tajuamatta, mitä Perezvon oli.

— Hän ei tiedä missä on. Hyvästi, lääkäri, me tapaamme

toisemme
Syrakuusassa.

— Kuka t-tä-mä on? Kuka, kuka? — kysyi tohtori aivan

vimmastuneena.

— Hän on täkäläisiä koulupoikia, tohtori, hän on kujeilija, älkää

välittäkö hänestä, — sanoi Aljoša kiireesti ja rypistäen kulmiaan. —
Kolja, olkaa vaiti! — huudahti hän Krasotkinille. — Ei pidä välittää
hänestä, tohtori, — toisti hän jo hiukan kärsimättömämmin.

— Sel-kään, sel-kään pitää sille antaa, selkään! — polki jalkaansa

tohtori, joka oli hirveän raivostunut.

— Mutta tiedättekö, lääkäri, minun Perezvonini voi ehkä purrakin!

— lausui Kolja värisevällä äänellä, hän kalpeni ja hänen silmänsä
leimahtivat. — Ici, Perezvon!

— Kolja, jos sanotte vain sanankin vielä, niin minä katkaisen

välimme ainaiseksi, — huudahti Aljoša mahtavasti.

— Lääkäri, on ainoastaan yksi olento koko maailmassa, joka voi

käskeä Nikolai Krasotkinia, ja se on tämä mies (Kolja osoitti Aljošaa);
häntä minä tottelen, hyvästi!

Hän syöksähti paikaltaan, avasi oven ja meni kiireesti

huoneeseen. Perezvon syöksyi hänen jälkeensä. Tohtori seisoi vielä
viitisen sekuntia kuin jähmettyneenä ja katseli Aljošaa, sitten hän
sylkäisi ja lähti nopeasti vaunuja kohti toistellen kuuluvasti: »Tämä,
tämä, en tiedä, mitä tämä on!» Alikapteeni kiiruhti auttamaan häntä
vaunuihin. Aljoša meni huoneeseen Koljan jäljessä. Tämä seisoi jo
Iljušan vuoteen ääressä. Iljuša piti kiinni hänen kädestään ja kutsui
isäänsä. Hetkisen kuluttua tuli alikapteenikin takaisin.

— Isä, isä, tule tänne… me… — alkoi Iljuša lepertää hyvin

kiihtyneenä, mutta ei nähtävästi jaksanut jatkaa, vaan ojensi äkkiä
molemmat laihtuneet kätensä eteenpäin ja syleili niin kovasti kuin
jaksoi yhtaikaa heitä kumpaakin, sekä Koljaa että isäänsä, yhdistäen
heidät syleilyynsä ja painautuen itse heitä vastaan. Alikapteeni alkoi
yhtäkkiä nytkähdellä kuulumattomista nyyhkytyksistä, Koljan huulet
ja leuka alkoivat vavahdella.

— Isä, isä! Miten sääli minun onkaan sinua, isä! -— voihki Iljuša
katkerasti.

— Iljušetška… kullanmuruni… tohtori sanoi… sinä tulet

terveeksi… tulemme onnellisiksi… tohtori… — alkoi alikapteeni
puhua.

— Ah, isä! Tiedänhän minä, mitä uusi tohtori sinulle sanoi

minusta… Näinhän minä! — huudahti Iljuša ja puristi taas lujasti,
kaikin voimin, heitä kumpaakin vastaansa painaen kasvonsa isänsä
olkapäähän.

— Isä, älä itke… ja kun minä kuolen, niin ota sinä hyvä poika,
toinen… valitse itse heistä kaikista, ota hyvä, pane sen nimeksi Iljuša
ja rakasta häntä minun sijastani…

— Ole vaiti, ukko, sinä tulet terveeksi! — huudahti äkkiä Krasotkin

aivan kuin vihastuneena.
 — Äläkä sinä, isä, unhota minua koskaan, — jatkoi Iljuša, — käy
haudallani… ja tiedätkö mitä, isä, hautaa minut sen meidän ison
kivemme luo, jonka luokse me yhdessä kävelimme, ja käy siellä
luonani Krasotkinin kanssa iltaisin… Ja Perezvon… Minä odotan
teitä… Isä, isä!

Hänen äänensä katkesi, kaikki kolme seisoivat syleillen toisiaan

eivätkä enää puhuneet mitään. Ninotškakin nojatuolissaan itki hiljaa,
ja yhtäkkiä, nähdessään kaikkien itkevän, äitikin alkoi kyynelehtiä.

— Iljušetška! Iljušetška! — huudahteli hän.

Krasotkin irtautui viimein Iljušan syleilystä.

— Hyvästi, ukko, minua odottaa äiti päivälliselle, — lausui hän

kiireesti. — Kuinka ikävää, että en ilmoittanut hänelle aikaisemmin!
Hän on varmaan hyvin levoton… Mutta heti päivällisen jälkeen tulen
luoksesi koko päiväksi, koko illaksi, ja kerron sinulle niin paljon, niin
paljon! Perezvonin tuon myös mukanani, mutta nyt vien sen
mennessäni, sillä se alkaa poissaollessani ulvoa ja häiritsee sinua;
näkemiin!

Ja hän juoksi ulos eteiseen. Hän ei tahtonut itkeä, mutta eteisessä

hän kuitenkin rupesi itkemään. Tässä tilassa hänet tapasi Aljoša.

— Kolja, teidän on ehdottomasti pidettävä sananne ja tultava,

muuten hänelle tulee hirveä suru, — lausui Aljoša tiukasti.

— Ehdottomasti! Oi, kuinka kiroan itseäni, että en ole käynyt

aikaisemmin, — mutisi Kolja itkien ja häpeämättä itkemistään.
Samassa alikapteeni aivan kuin hyppäsi yhtäkkiä ulos huoneesta ja
sulki heti oven jälkeensä. Hänen kasvonsa olivat raivostuneet, huulet
värisivät. Hän asettui molempien nuorukaisten eteen ja ojensi
molemmat kätensä ylös.

— Minä en tahdo hyvää poikaa! Minä en tahdo toista poikaa! —

kuiskasi hän rajusti, hampaitaan kiristellen. — Jos unhotan sinut,
Jerusalem, niin tarttukoon kieleni…

Hän ei puhunut loppuun, vaan oli kuin läkähtymäisillään, ja vaipui

voimattomana polvilleen puisen penkin eteen. Painaen molemmat
nyrkkinsä päätään vastaan hän alkoi nyyhkyttää oudosti vikisten,
ponnistaen samalla kaikki voimansa, ettei hänen vikinänsä kuuluisi
tupaan. Kolja riensi kadulle.

— Hyvästi, Karamazov! Tuletteko itse? — huudahti hän jyrkästi ja

vihaisesti Aljošalle.

— Illalla tulen ehdottomasti.

— Mitä hän puhui Jerusalemista… Mitä se oli olevinaan?

— Se on raamatusta: »Jos unhotan sinut, Jerusalem», — toisin

sanoen minä unhotan kaikki, mikä minulle on kalleinta, jos vaihdan
semmoiseen, joka viehättää…

— Ymmärrän, riittää! Tulkaa vain itse! Ici, Perezvon! — huusi hän

hyvin tuimasti koiralleen ja lähti pitkin, nopein askelin harppaamaan
kotiinsa.

Yhdestoista kirja Veli Ivan Fjodorovitš

 1.

Grušenjkan luona

Aljoša suuntasi kulkunsa Kirkkotorille, kauppiaanleski Morozovin

taloon, Grušenjkan luo. Tämä oli jo aikaisin aamulla lähettänyt hänen
luokseen Fenjan tuomaan hartaan pyynnön, että hän pistäytyisi
Grušenjkan luona. Kyseltyään Fenjalta Aljoša sai tietää, että rouva
oli ollut jonkin suuren ja erikoisen levottomuuden vallassa jo eilisestä
lähtien. Koko tuon kahden kuukauden aikana, joka oli kulunut Mitjan
vangitsemisesta, Aljoša oli useasti käynyt rouva Morozovin talossa
sekä omasta aloitteestaan että Mitjan asioilla. Noin kolmen päivän
kuluttua Mitjan vangitsemisesta oli Grušenjka ankarasti sairastunut
ja oli nyt ollut lähes viisi viikkoa sairaana. Yhden viikon noista
viidestä hän oli maannut tiedottomana. Hänen kasvonsa olivat
suuresti muuttuneet, ne olivat laihtuneet ja kellastuneet, vaikka hän
oli jo melkein kaksi viikkoa saanut olla ulkosalla. Mutta Aljošan
mielestä hänen kasvonsa olivat tulleet tavallaan vielä
puoleensavetävämmiksi, ja hänestä oli mieluisaa Grušenjkan luo
astuessaan kohdata tämän katse. Siinä katseessa oli ikäänkuin
vahvistuneena jotakin lujaa ja järkevää. Se ilmaisi jotakin henkistä
murrosta, siinä ilmeni jokin muuttumaton, nöyrä, mutta jalo ja
peruuttamaton päättäväisyys. Kulmakarvojen väliin otsaan oli
ilmestynyt pieni pystysuora ryppy, joka antoi hänen kauniille
kasvoilleen keskitetyn miettiväisyyden leiman, mikä ensi silmäyksellä
näytti melkeinpä ankaralta. Entisestä kevytmielisyydestä ei ollut
jälkeäkään näkyvissä. Omituista oli Aljošasta myöskin se, että
kaikesta onnettomuudesta huolimatta, mikä oli kohdannut
naisparkaa, morsianta, jonka sulhanen oli vangittu kauheasta
rikoksesta miltei samalla hetkellä, kun hänestä oli tullut tämän
morsian, huolimatta senjälkeen seuranneesta sairaudesta ja
uhkaavasta oikeuden tuomiosta, joka tuskin oli vältettävissä,
Grušenjka ei kuitenkaan ollut menettänyt entistä iloisuuttaan. Hänen
ennen ylpeistä silmistään loisti nyt jonkinlainen hiljaisuus, vaikka…
vaikka muuten nämä silmät vieläkin toisinaan liekehtivät pahaa
ennustavasta, kun hänen sydäntään ahdisti eräs entinen huoli, joka
ei ensinkään ollut tukahtunut, vaan vieläpä kasvanutkin. Tämän
huolen esine oli yhä sama: Katerina Ivanovna, jota Grušenjka
sairastaessaan oli muistellut houreissaankin. Aljoša ymmärsi, että
hän oli tälle hirveän mustasukkainen Mitjan tähden, vangin tähden,
siitä huolimatta, että Katerina Ivanovna ei ollut kertaakaan käynyt
tätä tervehtimässä vankilassa, vaikka olisi voinut tehdä sen milloin
hyvänsä. Kaikesta tästä muodostui Aljošalle eräänlainen vaikea
tehtävä, sillä Grušenjka uskoi vain hänelle sydämensä salaisuudet ja
pyysi alati häneltä neuvoja; hän puolestaan ei toisinaan kyennyt
sanomaan Grušenjkalle kerrassaan mitään.

Huolestuneena hän saapui Grušenjkan asuntoon. Tämä oli jo

kotona; noin puoli tuntia sitten hän oli palannut Mitjan luota, ja jo siitä
nopeasta liikkeestä, jolla Grušenjka hypähti nojatuolista pöydän
äärestä häntä vastaan, hän päätti, että tämä oli odottanut häntä
hyvin kärsimättömästi. Pöydällä oli levällään kortteja, ja ne oli jaettu
niinkuin turakkapeliä varten. Nahkasohvalle toiselle puolelle oli
laitettu vuode, ja siinä loikoi puoleksi istuen viitta yllään ja
pumpulikankainen yölakki päässä Maksimov, joka ilmeisesti oli
sairas ja heikko, vaikka hymyilikin imelästi. Tämä koditon ukko oli
silloin, jo kaksi kuukautta sitten, palannut Mokrojesta yhdessä
Grušenjkan kanssa ja siitä lähtien jäänytkin hänen luokseen
olemaan. Tultuaan silloin Grušenjkan kanssa räntäsateessa hän oli
läpimärkä ja pelästyneenä istuutunut sohvaan ja luonut ääneti
silmänsä häneen hymyillen arasti, ja rukoilevasti. Grušenjka, joka oli
hyvin murheissaan ja jo alkavan kuumeen vallassa ja oli miltei
unohtanut hänet ensimmäisen puolen tunnin aikana puuhaillessaan
kaikenlaista tulonsa jälkeen, — oli äkkiä luonut häneen kiinteän
katseen: Maksimov oli surkeasti ja hämillään silloin nauraa hihittänyt
katsoen häntä silmiin. Grušenjka oli kutsunut Fenjan ja käskenyt tätä
antamaan Maksimoville ruokaa. Koko sen päivän oli ukko istunut
paikallaan melkein liikahtamatta; kun sitten ilta pimeni ja
ikkunaluukut pantiin kiinni, oli Fenja kysynyt rouvalta:

— Miten on, rouva, jääkö hän sitten tänne yöksi?

— Niin, laita hänelle vuode sohvalle, oli Grušenjka vastannut.

Tarkemmin kyseltyään oli Grušenjka saanut selville, että

Maksimovilla nyt todellakaan ei ollut mitään paikkaa, mihin menisi, ja
että »herra Kalganov, hyväntekijäni, ilmoittivat minulle suoraan,
etteivät enää huoli minua luokseen, ja lahjoittivat viisi ruplaa». —
»No, Jumala kanssasi, jää sitten tänne», päätti Grušenjka
suruissaan ja hymähti hänelle osaaottavasti. Ukkoa liikutti hänen
hymynsä, ja mies-paran huulet alkoivat väristä hellämielisestä
itkusta. Siitä saakka oli sitten kuljeskeleva elätti ollutkin Grušenjkan
luona. Tämän sairastaessakaan hän ei ollut lähtenyt talosta. Fenja ja
tämän äiti, Grušenjkan keittäjätär, eivät ajaneet häntä pois, vaan
syöttivät häntä edelleen ja laittoivat hänelle vuoteen sohvalle.
Myöhemmin Grušenjka tottui häneen niin, että tullessaan Mitjan
luota (jota hän tuskin tervehdyttyään oli heti alkanut käydä
katsomassa) hän suruaan haihduttaakseen istuutui ja alkoi puhella
»Maksimuškan» kanssa kaikenlaisista joutavista asioista, ettei vain
ajattelisi suruaan. Osoittautui, että ukko osasi toisinaan kertoakin
yhtä ja toista, niin että hän lopulta oli suorastaan välttämätön
Grušenjkalle. Paitsi Aljošaa, joka ei kuitenkaan käynyt joka päivä ja
aina viipyi vain lyhyen ajan, ei Grušenjka ottanut vastaan juuri
ketään. Hänen ukkonsa taasen, kauppias, oli tähän aikaan hyvin
sairas, »teki lähtöä», kuten kaupungilla sanottiin, ja kuolikin vain
viikko sen jälkeen kuin Mitja oli tuomittu. Kolme viikkoa ennen
kuolemaansa, tuntien lopun lähenevän, hän vihdoin kutsui luokseen
ylös poikansa vaimoineen ja lapsineen ja käski näitä pysymään
luonaan. Palvelijoitaan hän tästä hetkestä lähtien kielsi ankarasti
ensinkään vastaanottamasta Grušenjkaa, ja jos tämä tulisi,
sanomaan hänelle: »Käskee teitä elämään kauan iloisesti ja
kokonaan unohtamaan heidät.» Grušenjka lähetti kuitenkin melkein
joka päivä tiedustelemaan hänen terveydentilaansa.

— Viimeinkin tulit! — huudahti hän heittäen pois kortit ja tervehtien

iloisesti Aljošaa. — Maksimuška jo kovin peloitteli, että sinä kukaties
et tulekaan. Ah, kuinka sinua tarvitaan! Istuudu pöydän ääreen; no,
saako olla kahvia?

— Ehkäpä, — sanoi Aljoša istuutuen pöydän luo, — olen hyvin

nälissäni.

— Siinäpä se; Fenja, Fenja, kahvia! — huudahti Grušenjka. — Se

on jo kauan ollut kiehumassa, odottaa sinua, ja tuo piirakoltakin,
mutta kuumia. Ei, odotahan, Aljoša, näitten piirakoitten johdosta
syntyi tänään myrsky. Minä vein niitä hänelle vankilaan, mutta hän,
uskotko, heitti ne minulle takaisin eikä syönyt. Yhden piirakan hän
suorastaan paiskasi lattiaan ja polki sitä jaloillaan. Minä sanoin:
»Jätän ne vartijalle; jos et syö niitä iltaan mennessä, niin silloin sinua
tietysti elättää ilkeämielinen viha!» ja niin lähdin matkaani. Taaskin
siis riitaannuimme, uskotko sitä. Joka kerta, kun menen sinne, me
riitaannumme.
 Grušenjka sanoi tämän kaiken henkeään vetämättä, kiihdyksissä.
Maksimov hätääntyi heti, hymyili ja painoi silmänsä alas.

— Mistä te tällä kertaa riitaannuitte? — kysyi Aljoša.

— Minulle aivan odottamattomasta asiasta! Ajattelehan, hän on

alkanut olla mustasukkainen »entiselle»: »Miksi, mukamas, sinä
ylläpidät häntä? Sinä olet siis alkanut ylläpitää häntä?» On kaiken
aikaa mustasukkainen, aina vain mustasukkainen puolestani! Hän
on sekä nukkuessaan että syödessään mustasukkainen. Kerran
viime viikolla oli jo mustasukkainen Kuzjmallekin.

— Hänhän tiesi, miten ovat »entisen» asiat?

— Siinäpä se onkin. Aivan alusta asti ihan tähän päivään saakka

hän on tietänyt, mutta tänään yhtäkkiä nousi ja alkoi torua. Ihan
hävettää sanoakin, mitä hän puhui. Senkin hölmö! Rakitka tuli hänen
luokseen, kun minä lähdin pois. Kenties Rakitka häntä yllyttää, vai
mitä? Mitä luulet? — lisäsi hän hajamielisesti.

— Hän rakastaa sinua, siinäpä se juuri onkin, rakastaa suuresti.

Mutta nyt hän on samalla kiihdyksissä.

— Kuinka ei olisi kiihdyksissä, huomenna tuomitaan. Minä menin

sanoakseni hänelle sanani huomisen johdosta, sillä minun on,
Aljoša, kauheata ajatellakin, mitä huomenna tulee! Sinä sanot, että
hän on kiihdyksissä, mutta miten kiihdyksissä olenkaan minä. Ja hän
alkaa puhua puolalaisesta! Senkin hölmö! Pian aikaan hän tulee
vielä mustasukkaiseksi Maksimuškalle.

— Minun vaimoni on myös hyvin mustasukkainen minun tähteni,

— pisti sanasensa väliin Maksimov.
 — No, sinun tähtesi, — alkoi Grušenjka tahtomattaan nauraa, —
kenelle voisi olla sinun takiasi mustasukkainen?

— Palvelustytöille.

— Ah, ole vaiti, Maksimuška, ei minua nyt naurata, ihan vihaksi

pistää. Älä vilkuile piirakkoihin, minä en anna niitä, ne ovat sinulle
epäterveelliset, enkä anna myöskään palsamia. Tuonkin kanssa
tässä pitää rehkiä; aivan kuin minulla täällä olisi jonkinmoinen
vaivaistalo, totta tosiaan, — alkoi hän nauraa.

— Minä en ole teidän hyvien töittenne arvoinen, minä olen

mitätön, — lausui itkunsekaisella äänellä Maksimov. — Kohdistaisitte
hyväntekeväisyytenne mieluummin niihin, jotka ovat tarpeellisempia
kuin minä.

— Oh, jokainen on tarpeellinen, Maksimuška, ja mistä sen tietää,

kuka on tarpeellisempi kuin toinen. Kunpa ei tuota puolalaista olisi
ollutkaan. Aljoša, hänkin on tänään sairastunut. Olin hänenkin
luonaan. Nyt lähetän hänelle aivan tahallani piirakoita, minä en
lähettänyt, mutta Mitja syytti minua siitä, että muka lähetän, niinpä
nyt uhallakin lähetän, ihan uhalla! Ah, tuossahan on Fenjakin ja tuo
kirjeen! No, niin onkin, taas puolalaisilta, taas pyytävät rahaa!

Herra Mussjalovitš oli todellakin lähettänyt sangen pitkän ja

tapansa mukaan kaunosanaisen kirjeen, jossa pyysi saada lainaksi
kolme ruplaa. Kirjeeseen oli liitetty kuitti, jossa tunnustettiin
rahamäärä saaduksi ja sitouduttiin maksamaan se takaisin kolmen
kuukauden kuluessa; kuitin alle oli kirjoittanut nimensä myös herra
Vrublevski. Tämmöisiä kirjeitä ja tämmöisiä kuitteja oli Grušenjka
saanut »entiseltään» jo monta. Niitten tulo oli alkanut silloin, kun
Grušenjka pari viikkoa sitten oli tullut terveeksi. Hän tiesi myös, että
molemmat herrat olivat hänen sairautensakin aikana käyneet
tiedustamassa hänen vointiaan. Ensimmäinen kirje, jonka Grušenjka
sai, oli pitkä ja isokokoiselle kirjepaperille kirjoitettu, suurella perheen
sinetillä suljettu ja hirveän hämärä ja korusanainen, niin että
Grušenjka luki sen vain puoliväliin ja jätti siihen, koska ei ymmärtänyt
siitä mitään. Eikä hänellä silloin ollut aikaa ajatella kirjeitä. Tätä
ensimmäistä kirjettä seurasi seuraavana päivänä toinen, jossa herra
Mussjalovitš pyysi häneltä lainaksi kaksituhatta ruplaa hyvin lyhyeksi
ajaksi. Grušenjka jätti tämänkin kirjeen vastaamatta. Sen jälkeen
seurasi kokonainen sarja kirjeitä, kirje päivässä, kaikki yhtä juhlallisia
ja kaunopuheisia, mutta lainaksi pyydetty summa niissä yhä pieneni,
aleni sataan ruplaan, kahteenkymmeneenviiteen, kymmeneen
ruplaan, ja lopulta Grušenjka yhtäkkiä sai kirjeen, jossa molemmat
herrat pyysivät häneltä ainoastaan yhden ruplan ja liittivät mukaan
kuitin, jonka molemmat olivat allekirjoittaneet. Silloin oli Grušenjkaa
yhtäkkiä alkanut säälittää, ja hän pistäytyi hämärissä itse herrain
luona. Hän tapasi molemmat puolalaiset hirveässä köyhyydessä,
melkein kurjuudessa, ilman ruokaa, ilman puita, ilman savukkeita,
velassa emännälle. Mitjalta Mokrojessa voitetut kaksisataa ruplaa
olivat nopeasti hävinneet jonnekin. Grušenjkaa hämmästytti
kuitenkin, että molemmat herrat ottivat hänet vastaan ylpeän
arvokkaasti ja niinkuin riippumattomat miehet, kaikkia muotoja
noudattaen ja komein puhein. Grušenjka vain nauroi ja antoi
»entiselleen» kymmenen ruplaa. Silloin hän nauraen kertoi tästä
Mitjalle, eikä tämä ensinkään ollut mustasukkainen. Mutta tästä
lähtien herrat takertuivat Grušenjkaan ja pommittivat häntä joka
päivä kirjeillä, joissa pyysivät rahaa, ja tämä lähetti joka kerta
pikkuisen, mutta nytpä tänään Mitja yhtäkkiä sai päähänsä tulla
hirveän mustasukkaiseksi.