Rodeo Romance Box Set - Books 1 & 2 (Contemporary Cowboy Romance)

By Leah Wyett

Now available as a bundle box set, books 1 & 2 from the Rodeo Romance series.
Turn and Burn #1
Heather Parr, professional barrel racer and owner of the Double P Bar ranch, is competing at the Barrel horse racing Finals. Disaster strikes while she's there, putting Heather in immediate danger. Someone doesn't want her competing this year, and will go to deadly lengths to make sure she's stopped.
With the help of best friend Amy and high school crush, Declan, Heather sets out to find the person responsible. Over the weekend, sparks fly between Declan and Heather, but when the evidence points back to him, will it destroy their new relationship, or will his name be cleared?
High Stakes #2
Heather and Declan are finally going to tie the knot! But problems keep cropping up at the ranch and delaying the wedding. Heather is finally face to face with the man behind all these problems, but will she survive the encounter?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gold Crown
• Release date: Jan 4, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311288998

Book preview

Rodeo Romance Box Set

Books One & Two

Leah Wyett

~~~

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2013 by Leah Wyett

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced in any format, by any means, electronic or otherwise, without prior consent from the copyright owner and publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. All characters, names, places and events are the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Dedication

To YOU, The reader.

Thank you for your support.

Thank you for your emails.

Thank you for your reviews.

Thank you for reading and joining me on this road.

Contents

TURN AND BURN

I - Chapter One

I - Chapter Two

I - Chapter Three

I - Chapter Four

I - Chapter Five

I - Chapter Six

I - Chapter Seven

I - Chapter Eight

HIGH STAKES

II - Chapter One

II - Chapter Two

II - Chapter Three

II - Chapter Four

II - Chapter Five

II - Chapter Six

II - Chapter Seven

Connect with Leah Wyett

Turn and Burn

Chapter One

Heather Parr smiled as she parked Rusty, her ancient, black Ford F350 truck and gooseneck trailer behind the fairground’s stables. Two weeks ago, she had received her invitation to the Women’s National Finals Rodeo and three days ago, she had packed up her barrel horse, tack and best friend Amy and hit the road. Thirteen long hours later, they pulled into the fairgrounds that were hosting the rodeo.

I can’t believe you’ve finally made it! Amy squealed as she jumped out of the truck and happily twirled around in the middle of the parking lot, her arms and curly black hair swinging around as she spun.

Laughing, Heather jumped out of the truck and stretched, pulling her long, light brown hair into a neat ponytail. It’s about time. I’ve only been trying to qualify for years! She headed to the back of the trailer. Heather could hear her horse was anxiously pawing at the metal floor, eager to get out after the long drive. Easy Joker, Heather crooned as she opened the doors. Her chestnut stallion turned and nickered a greeting as she untied him and backed him out of the trailer.

He stood still in the bustling parking lot, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the afternoon light. Heather ran an appraising glance over her horse as she inspected him for injury. Not a hair was out of place on his shining, copper coat. He looks ready to go! Amy complimented, pulling a peppermint out of her pocket and offering it to the horse. Joker took it eagerly, crunching the treat loudly as he sniffed Amy and Heather’s pockets for more.

Heather laughed and rubbed Joker’s soft nose. He better be! We’ve been training for this for months. This is our chance to get the Parr name out there as a legitimate training facility and make some money.

With your past show season, everyone here knows that you two are the pair to watch. It won’t be long before new clients come knocking on your door. Amy groaned and glared over Heather’s shoulder. Don’t look now, but your biggest fan and her hot brother have spotted us and are coming this way. Heather sighed and plastered a smile on her face as she prepared herself for a verbal attack. Cheyenne Seltzer, her long time competitor with an entitled attitude, didn’t disappoint.

I think you’re lost. The Amateur finals were last weekend, the condescending blonde greeted them, placing a manicured hand on her designer-clad hip.

If anyone deserved to be here, it’s Heather, Amy defended her friend, her cinnamon colored skin flushed pink in excitement. Some people actually got here on talent, not thanks to daddy’s wallet.

 Heather snorted back a laugh as she watched Cheyenne’s face turn bright red; the girl was ready to explode. She changed the subject, not wanting to spend any more time or energy on the snotty girl. I need to go check in and get Joker settled. Will you be ok if I leave you here?

There’s nothing to worry about over here, Amy replied sweetly as the girl stomped away in a huff, calling for her brother to go with her. Let me check you in. You and Joker can relax for a minute. She turned, winked and headed to the arena, leaving Heather alone with Declan.

I’m sorry about my sister. He finally broke the silence. Heather turned to glance at him, taking in his work faded jeans, scuffed boots, dusty shirt and stained hat. Where Cheyenne was all about the looks, her older brother seemed to embrace hard work. It showed too. He was tan with well-muscled arms and broad shoulders that only comes from years working on a ranch, not hours spent in a gym.

She’s fine, Heather reassured him, tracing his strong features with her gaze. His eyes were shrouded in shadow thanks to the brim of his hat, but Heather knew they were a deep, navy blue. She had secretly had a crush on Declan since high school, when she had been a freshman and he a junior. Over the years, they had developed a tenuous friendship despite Cheyenne’s obvious dislike for Heather. Shouldn’t you be helping her?

She doesn’t need me. He flashed a crooked grin. But I could help carry your tack to the barn if you wanted.

Are you trying to make her hate me? Heather teased as she nodded and pointed to the truck. Her phone beeped, showing a new text message from Amy with her stall assignment. Looks like I’m in 21E and F, she commented as Declan appeared with a full load in his arms.

We’re across the aisle from you; Cheyenne’s in 20A and B. I guess that means we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other this weekend, Declan answered cheerfully as he led the way through the maze of stalls and arenas until they found the right aisle.

Heather led Joker into the stall and took off his travelling boots and blanket. He immediately went to a pile of hay that was in the corner and began eating loudly. Thanks for your help. Now Amy’s going to have nothing to do, she joked, suddenly self-conscious with him standing so close. What if she had hay in her hair or something in her teeth? Would he laugh at her?

I’m actually surprised you were able to get away from your little ranch to come down here. Like bad acne, Cheyenne appeared again, scoffing at Heather’s work-worn tack. I mean, what will the Double-U do without you running it this weekend? Can you even afford to hire a ranch hand to cover for you?

Not that it’s any of your business Cheyenne, but the Double P Bar ranch is doing great. Heather always felt the need to defend her family’s small horse ranch, especially to those that thought a woman was incapable of running a prosperous property. In the horse industry, there were a lot of nay-sayers and a lot of chances for a woman to prove them wrong. Our training barns are filling up and the mares for Joker’s next stud season will be coming soon. Once we win this weekend, we’ll have even more clients.

Oh no, did I really just say we were going to win? Heather wanted to bury her face and save herself from future embarrassment. Cheyenne appeared to be momentarily shocked by her statement. She recovered quickly, barking out a loud laugh. You really think that you’re going to win the National Finals Rodeo? With that nag? You’re as delusional as your old man.

Heather’s work roughened hands curled into fists as her temper rose. You have no right to bring my father into this! Go annoy someone else and let the adults have a mature conversation. The girl’s face turned pink in embarrassment as Heather’s comment found its mark.

Really Shy, Declan chimed in, his disapproval clear in his tone. That was uncalled for. Either apologize or go back to the hotel.

Brother, start thinking with your brain and stick up for your sister instead of the competition, Cheyenne ground out between clenched teeth before stomping away.

Well isn’t she just the sweetest thing, Amy drawled as she returned, making them laugh and diffusing the tension. And such a lady! Don’t let her rattle you Heather. She’s just saying that because she knows that push button ponies can’t hold a candle to true talent.

Heather smiled uneasily as she watched Declan’s face. What would he think of Amy’s unfriendly comments? A small smile flitted across his lips. As family, I’m neither agreeing nor disagreeing with you Amy. I was about to grab a bite to eat when you pulled in. Care to join me? Although the invitation was aimed at both girls, Declan held Heather’s gaze the entire time.

I, um… need to get Joker settled in, Heather stammered, shocked at the words that were coming out of her mouth. This was her one chance to finally catch Declan’s attention and she was turning him down! What was wrong with her?

What my friend meant to say, Amy cut her off with an exasperated glare. Is that we just ate lunch, but she’s free for dinner. Right Heather? Heather nodded dumbly, too embarrassed to speak.

Declan smiled, stealing her breath and giving her a case of the butterflies. Great. I’ll pick you up at six. He pulled out a business card and gave it to her. Here’s my number in case anything changes. What hotel are you staying in?

After exchanging the important information, he left, giving the two girls a chance to appreciate the view from behind. Amy let out a low whistle. You are one of the luckiest girls I know. Does he have a brother?

They giggled until he was out of sight. Thanks to you, I think I have a date tonight and a lot of work to do to get ready. Heather hugged her best friend. I’m so happy you were able to come this weekend.

I am your number one fan, Amy grinned. Now tell me what I can do to help.

The afternoon passed quickly as they worked to get Joker settled in and Heather’s things organized