Reds enemy cowboy, p.1
Red's Enemy Cowboy, page 1
RED’S ENEMY COWBOY
COWBOYS OF SUNRISE RIDGE
BOOK 2
NIKI J. MITCHELL
CONTENTS
1. Auburn
2. Auburn
3. Pete
4. Auburn
5. Auburn
6. Pete
7. Auburn
8. Pete
9. Auburn
10. Pete
11. Auburn
12. Pete
13. Auburn
14. Pete
15. Auburn
16. Pete
17. Pete
18. Auburn
19. Pete
20. Auburn
21. Auburn
22. Pete
23. Auburn
24. Pete
25. Pete
26. Auburn
27. Auburn
28. Auburn
29. Pete
30. Auburn
31. Pete
32. Auburn
33. Pete
34. Auburn
35. Pete
36. Auburn
37. Auburn
Epilogue
Time to Save a Cowboy
Chapter 1
Cowboy’s Cupid
Excerpt
Dedication
Dear Readers
About the Author
Also by Niki J. Mitchell
Chapter One
AUBURN
I raced through the hills, urging my horse west and taking the shortcut through the woods to Glam’s house, excited to see her.
A lone wolf howled in the distance. I patted Gypsy's neck. “There’s nothing to worry about.” Lone wolves rarely meant trouble—or at least not the furry kind. An image of Pete Wolfe’s gloating grin when he won the last barrel race came to mind. My pulse sped up with agitation. I fought to keep from tightening my fingers on the reins.
Forget about him. He’s a jerk.
Sunlight filtered through the trees casting dappled shadows on the trail ahead. Gypsy’s ears flicked as she moved easily through the terrain. I pulled up the hood of my hoodie to ward off the late April chill. The trail was narrow, barely more than a worn path with patches of snow hidden where the sun didn’t hit. I gave my horse her head, trusting her to navigate the low-hanging branches for the last mile or two.
Rounding the final bend, the familiar red roof of the stables peeked through the trees. From this part of the forest, you’d never guess that my grandmother’s house was built three blocks away from downtown Whispering Pines.
Once in her yard, I spotted her signature color hair, blue streaks weaved into red. Such a rebel.
Dismounting, I reached into my saddlebag, pulled out a tin and handed it to her.
“Are these Cook’s oatmeal peanut butter cookies?” Her eyes lit up.
“As if I’d bring anything else. Oats make them healthy.”
“Doncha know it.” I became enveloped in her lavender scented embrace. “I’ve missed you, Auburn.”
“I don’t know how you had time to even think of me. Your pics on Insta were amazing.” She just got back from a month-long Caribbean cruise with her three high school besties.
“I loved every minute. Caribbean sun. Crystal-clear waters. And you wouldn't believe the silver foxes on that ship."
I could just see her and her friends flirting with dozens of men. ‘You've gone totally crackers."
“Life's too short not to enjoy it.” She winked.
“True enough.” I should be a little more like her and not allow horse training to consume a majority of my time. Opening the gate paddock next to the stables, I let Gypsy loose. She immediately ran over to Thor, Glam’s gelding. “Those two are so cute together.”
“They sure are. Let’s go inside.”
I sprinted up the steps and waited on the couch.
She handed me a beautiful, brightly colored rectangular box.
“Thanks. I can’t wait to see what you found this time?” Inside was a gold necklace with a single pearl. “It’s gorgeous. Is that a flame?”
“Yep. Unlike oysters that have two shells, this pearl is made in a single spiral conch. Somewhere in the process a flame forms.” After pulling up my hair, she clasped the back of the chain. “I knew it would look good. The center flame reminded me of your pretty red hair.”
I gave her a quick hug. “I love it. You’re the best. Okay, what’d you bring back for yourself?”
“A little fortification.” She held up two bottles. “You up for a rum runner?”
“What’s in it?”
“Lime, orange, and pineapple juice. Strawberry syrup. Dark and white rum. Blackberry brandy and a dash of bitters. It’s sweet perfection with a kick.”
“Maybe a small glass. I still need to ride home.”
“Or you could spend the night.”
Which sounded tempting. “And end up with a hangover. No, thank you. I need a clear mind to work with Diablo. I’m struggling to get him to jump.”
I really needed things to go well today so I could post my stallion’s success. Online, he drew plenty of attention with comments calling him majestic, on fire, and absolutely stunning. But admiration was easy. I wanted him to be known for his talent.
“You’ll figure it out.”
Glam always believed in me, even when I didn’t quite deserve it.
“You know, the town’s going to recreate the original steeplechase.” She mixed up the drink in a shaker. “Diablo might be a good candidate for that. He certainly has the speed.”
“Maybe. Time will tell if I could get him ready.”
“Don’t doubt yourself.” She handed me a fluted glass with a pineapple garnish.
I took a sip of the sugary concoction. “I can barely taste the rum.”
“The alcohol sneaks up on you.” She smirked.
“Then I better just sip it.”
“Anyway, there’s another thing I want to discuss with you, speaking as the Mayor of Whispering Springs.” She’d been in the position for three years now. “It’s a favor from you.”
“What is it?”
“I’d like you to be on the planning committee to set the steeplechase route. You’ll have access to all the maps, including the original one from well over a hundred years ago.”
“Back when cartographers did everything by hand.” And I couldn’t wait to see it.
“The meeting is a week from Friday at two p.m. Are you free?”
I checked my calendar on my phone. “I can be there.”
“That history degree of yours should come in handy.”
“I only minored in history.” Animal husbandry had been more practical for the ranch, although history, especially the courses about Wyoming, turned out way more entertaining.
“I’m proud of you.”
“You always say that.” Which I didn’t mind. “Anyway, where is that map stored?”
“In a vault in city hall. Judy stumbled on the box last month while she was filing.”
“And my bestie didn’t say anything?”
“I swore her to secrecy till I got back.” Her right eye twitched, meaning she was up to something.
“What aren’t you telling me, Glam?”
“That next week will be crazy. Business owners talking to me about petitions, budgets, the city council meeting next week, plus bakes sales, and who knows what else.” She let out an exaggerated sigh. “Why’d I take on the mayoral job?”
“Because you live to boss people around.”
“What’s wrong with being a take-charge kind of a gal?”
“Not a thing.” She never took guff from anyone while being able to charm even the grumpiest residents to volunteer for town causes. And I respected the hell out of her.
Chapter Two
AUBURN
Friday night, Boot Scoot
“We haven’t had a girl’s night in forever,” Judy said.
“I know. I’ve missed this.” I took another sip of my drink, savoring the sweet burn.
“So have I. To friends and rum runners.” Betsy’s usually sparkling eyes were rimmed with red.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Fred accepted a job in New York and didn’t ask me to come with him.” Her words were barely audible over the steady hum of music, conversations and shuffling boots on the dancefloor. “I would’ve gone.”
“He's a dumbass,” I reassured her.
“True. But that doesn’t make it hurt any less.”
My heart ached for her.
“Our neighbors are here.” Judy motioned to the front entrance when three tall, broad shouldered men wearing Stetsons walked in. Since she lived at the Double J kitty-corner to the Sunrise Ridge Ranch and across the street from my place, I knew exactly who.
I shouldn’t look. The very idea of Pete Wolfe had my pulse skyrocketing with agitation. But I couldn’t stop myself.
He strode in leading the pack like he owned the place, trailed by his brothers Chase and Luke, and Luke’s fiancée, Goldi.
Damn him, why did he have to look so good? On the outside anyway. Inside, he was a self-centered egotistical jerk. He’d been that way for as long as I could remember.
“Hey guys.” Judy waved them over. “Come join us.”
"Traitor," I muttered under my breath.
“We all like Goldi.” Judy flipped her ash brown hair behind her shoulders.
“That’s not the issue and you know it.” Ever since Goldi moved to the Sunrise Ridge Ranch, we’d become friends.
; Pete's eyes locked with mine in a familiar spark of challenge. As he approached, I straightened in my seat, determined not to let him get the better of me.
“Evening, ladies,” he drawled, pulling up a chair right between Judy and me, his knee brushing against mine under the table.
I took a long sip of my drink and did my best to ignore him.
“Red.” The nickname rolled off his tongue with infuriating ease. "Didn't expect to see you here. Aren't you usually tucked in bed by nine?"
I bristled at his teasing tone. "Some of us actually know how to have fun, Petey. Though I suppose that concept might be foreign to you."
His lips quirked into that insufferable smirk. “I know plenty about fun, darlin'. Maybe I could teach you sometime."
I opened my mouth to deliver a scathing retort, but Judy intervened. “Play nice, you two.”
“They don’t know how.” Luke looped his arm around Goldi’s shoulders.
“But they can learn.” Betsy actually smiled.
Taking a generous gulp of my rum runner, I silently cursed whatever cosmic joke made Pete Wolfe my sworn rival. This was going to be a long night.
“How's that new horse of yours coming along? Diablo, right?" Luke asked.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “He's broke well enough for riding, but jumps are giving him trouble. I've tried walking him over branches and even the smallest boards, but he spooks every time.”
"Sounds like you're being impatient.” Pete's deep voice cut in, laced with that know-it-all tone I detested. “Horses pick up on that, you know."
I whipped my head around to face him. "Excuse me? I've been nothing but patient with Diablo."
“Really?” Pete drawled, raising an eyebrow. "Because from what I've seen, patience isn't exactly your strong suit, Red.”
“I suppose you're a horse whisperer now?” I shot back, my temper rising. “Last I checked, your expertise is running your mouth, not training horses.”
“I've broken more horses than you've ridden. Maybe if you spent less time arguing and more time listening, you'd make some progress.”
I spoke in a low voice. “Maybe if you spent less time being insufferable, people might actually want to listen to you.”
We glared at each other, neither willing to back down. I could feel the electricity crackling between us, anger and something else I couldn’t name.
“Can’t you two get along for one night?" Chase asked.
“I’m not the problem.” Pete grinned at me.
“Come on, ladies. ’Cupid’s Shuffle’ is calling us.’” Judy stood up, grabbing my arm.
And just like that, Judy, Betsy, Goldi, and I made our way to the dance floor. I caught Pete scrutinizing me. The stubborn set of his jaw matched my own.
The line dance became a welcome distraction, but I couldn't shake the irritation Pete stirred up. As we moved through the steps, his eyes followed me. The intensity in his gaze built an unwelcome anxiety inside me.
When the song ended, I made my way back to the table, determined to ignore him. I sipped my drink. The ice had melted, but at least it was cold and did the trick.
“You know,” Judy said. “I think Auburn and Pete should practice dancing for the wedding.”
As if I could forget about Luke and Goldi’s wedding in about a month. Being a bridesmaid, I had a feeling I’d get stuck with Pete as my partner. “B-but…” I stuttered while trying to figure out the perfect retort. Of course, my mind spun and spun—going nowhere.
"Careful, Red. People might think you're scared."
"Of you?" I laughed. "Never."
Before I could protest further, he’d taken my hand and maneuvered me onto the dance floor. The first notes of a slow two-step filled the air. His hand found my waist.
"Don't get any ideas." I reluctantly placed my hand on his shoulder.
"Wouldn't dream of it." His grip tightened ever so slightly.
As we moved, I couldn't help but notice how much taller he was than me, but we seemed to fit together. Pete's steps were sure and steady, leading with a confidence that matched my own.
"You know," he said, his voice low, "if you applied half the passion you use arguing with me into training Diablo, you'd have him jumping in no time."
I glared up at him. "And if you quit wasting your energy being a pain in the ass, you might actually get things done."
Pete chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Oh, I accomplish plenty."
"Keep telling yourself that. “Habit had me taunting him instead of just enjoying the moment.
The song ended, and we stepped apart.
"You’re not a bad dancer,” he said. "Though you missed a step or two there at the end."
"You're the one who was off-beat half the time."
He raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Maybe we should go again, and I'll show you how it's really done."
"I've had enough of your two left feet for one night."
"Aw, come on, Red," he teased, leaning in closer. "Afraid you can't keep up?"
I refused to back down. "I can keep up with you any day. It's you who can't handle the heat."
Pete's bourbon-colored eyes darkened, and for a moment, I thought I saw something more than just our usual rivalry flicker across his face. "Is that a challenge?"
"Maybe it is," I shot back, my heart racing. "What are you gonna do about it?"
“Boot Scootin' Boogie” played, and my friends pushed in next to me in the line.
Saved by the song.
Chapter Three
PETE
I’d been finagled into serving on the Founder’s Day committee. From my experience, committees usually meant a group of people getting together to bitch. When Gretta Hood asked me the first time, I’d said, “no.”
Being the tenacious woman that she was, the mayor threatened to sic my sister on me. Anyone who didn’t know my sister would think I’m a lily-livered sissy. But Peggy, the spoiled baby of the family, knew how to push my buttons. I picked the safer of the two options and caved.
Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the conference room door, plastering what I hoped was an apologetic face. I expected at least a dozen eyes on me as I entered the room. "Sorry I'm late, folks. Had a bit of trouble dealing with a runaway calf." I told myself to just power through this meeting and get the hell out of here as fast as possible.
The mayor gave me a warm smile. "No worries, Pete. We're just getting started."
Red’s arms crossed tightly over her chest, as she fixed me with a look that could wither crops.
I took a seat across from her. “Is anyone else coming?”
“It’s just the three of us,” Gretta said.
I stole a glance at Red only to find her staring at me. When she noticed me, her glare snapped back into place.
"As you’re aware, we've been working on ways to revitalize Main Street and give some of the storefronts a facelift. And we think adding a steeplechase race to our Founder’s Day celebration might be just the thing.” Gretta said.
That made sense. Sunlight slanted through the window, catching Red's hair. The rich coppery strands glowed like embers in a dying fire, mesmerizing me with the way each subtle movement of her head sent ripples of flames cascading down her back. I forced my gaze away. This woman was a thorn in my side.
“Reviving the original race might do just that. Luckily, we recently found this map.” Gretta passed around a box of gloves.
I struggled to squeeze my large fingers int0 a supposed one-size-fits-all pair.
“Since this document is over a century old, we need to treat it carefully.” She spread out a yellowed parchment on the table between us, its edges curling with age. "I believe this is the original steeplechase course."
