Cowboy Christmas: The Hot Cowboys, #11

By Lexi Banks

I'm not an idiot. I keep telling myself, "Colt, you're in too deep."

Still, I don't know what I'm doing. I have too much going on between my ranch and my new restaurant to worry about a woman, even if it is a woman like Cheyenne.

Yeah, I've wanted Cheyenne for a while. She's a kind woman who has devoted her life to rescuing horses.  She's also damn hot. Scorching hot. Just being near her is uncomfortable for any man with a pulse.

But even though my sister works closely with her, Cheyenne's never seemed interested in me. She's always cared more about her work than men. Something closed off her heart, and I need to pry it open.

It doesn't help that I've fallen for her. It all started when her barn burned down, and it was no accident. Maybe it was stupid to let her keep her horses at my ranch. Someone targeted her, and they might target me.

I don't care. Like I said, I'm already in too deep. A little danger doesn't scare me, especially if the prize is a woman like Cheyenne.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DM
• Release date: Jul 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393481089

Book preview

Chapter 1

Cheyenne

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Horses had always fascinated me. I often wondered what drove my obsession, but I couldn’t place it. Perhaps it was the horse I’d ridden as a child on a day when I was feeling sad, or maybe it was the toy horse that I squeezed each night before going to bed. Or maybe I had just been brought to earth to save as many of these magnificent creatures as possible. It didn’t really matter why I was the way I was because nothing would ever make me choose another path in life. All roads had led me to the place I was today, and I was happy with it.

Serenity Sanctuary was the name of the horse rescue that I’d recently opened, and every single day when I saw the sign, I would smile. I had moved to Green Point with this dream, and it had only taken me just over a year to watch it all come to fruition. I had saved up for years, and I’d worked hard to see this dream turn into a reality. I’d fashioned a big wooden sign at the entrance of the long driveway, and the words Serenity Sanctuary greeted me every single day. I wanted the horses to feel like it was a safe place and for them to know that I would do everything possible to give them a better life. Not everyone understood why I did what I did, or why I felt the need to save the horses, but I didn’t need to explain it to them. I knew in my heart that I had done the right thing. The very fact that I was so excited to come to work every day told me everything I needed to know.

Of course, that didn’t mean the work was easy, or that I didn’t worry. It was hard work, and the fear remained in me all the time. It was this very fear, though, that probably kept the sanctuary alive. I would never become too complacent in life. I was a fighter.

Spider! I yelled and ran out of the barn. I was very aware of how much of a girl I sounded like at that moment, but I didn’t care. My fear of spiders always took over.

Seriously? said Tiffany, my new ranch hand, as she walked out of the barn shaking her head and laughing. She was holding a piece of paper with the spider hanging onto it, and I watched in horror as she placed it on the floor.

Don’t put it there! That’s too close, I said as I jumped away.

She chuckled. You’re such a baby. This thing is far away from you.

It is now, but you do know that those things can jump, don’t you? I said.

She laughed again. You know, you confuse me, Cheyenne.

I do. Why?

You’re one of the strongest women I know, and you’re not afraid of anything in this world. If you want something, you’ll go out and get it, and you’re not afraid of getting your hands dirty. But the moment you see a spider you turn into a wimp.

I’m not a wimp. Did you see the size of that thing?

Uh, it was the size of my thumbnail. That’s tiny.

I shook my head. Not to me. The smaller they are, the more potential they have to run up your arm and bite you. No way. I can do many things in life, but don’t put me near a spider.

Tiffany chuckled. What would you prefer? To have a snake crawl on you or a spider?

A snake. Any day, I answered, without a moment’s hesitation.

Are you crazy? You’d rather have a snake crawl all over you then a tiny little spider? You’re not serious, are you?

Dynamite comes in small packages, Tiffany.

You are hilarious.

Tiffany continued to mock me as we made our way to the feed the horses. She hadn’t been working for me for long, but the help was a welcome relief. I’d been doing almost everything myself since starting the place, but it was becoming more and more obvious that I needed help. Tiffany was just the type of girl I was looking for. She was a little thing, and not someone you would consider good at a job like this, but that was what I liked most about her. I liked nothing more than people who surprised you. She was quiet and rather sensitive, but she was a hard worker. Just like me, she seemed determined to help the horses despite many of them coming from situations of abuse and neglect. I had a feeling that there were things about Tiffany that I didn’t know, things that had caused her to be the way she was today. I had no proof, nor had I intruded on her personal life, but I got the impression that she preferred being around animals more than humans. I had taken an instant liking to her and decided to give her a chance. As it turned out, my gut instincts had been correct. She was a wonderful help to have.

The horses are looking good, don’t you think? I asked her as I surveyed the group of horses that we currently had at the sanctuary.

Tiffany nodded. Yeah, they’re doing so well. It’s always amazing to see how quickly they recover. You never really think they’re going to ever look this way again, but they surprise you. These creatures are fighters, that’s for sure. You know, I don’t understand how some people can neglect their animals this way. Remember how bad this guy looked when he came in? she said as she stroked the mane of a large and rather regal-looking horse.

I smiled at the sight of him. Yeah, and look at him now. You would never guess he was the same horse. His fur practically shines now. He looks like he could be in one of those hair advertisements.

She chuckled. Oh, absolutely. So, do you have any good leads on anyone who might be interested in adopting them?

I do. I’m hoping it all comes through. One look at these horses and they’ll hopefully take them in a heartbeat.

Bittersweet though, isn’t it? she mused. I mean, I want them to go to a good place, but it’s always going to be hard saying goodbye.

I know what you mean; I get so attached to them, I said. But I suppose that’s a good thing. It means we care.

Before Tiffany, I had spent most of my time just talking to the horses or simply to myself. I had forgotten how good it was to talk to another human being. While we fed and cleaned the horses we held a good conversation. Soon, talk turned to Tiffany’s brother, Colt, a former rancher who had recently opened a small restaurant and bar. I spent most of my time working so I very rarely went out. Because of this, I wasn’t always up to date with what was happening around town. Unlike the other people in this area who were so prone to idle gossip, I always seemed to be out of the loop.

So, how’s he enjoying his new venture? I asked. Having started something on my own myself, I was always interested when other people did the same. Following your heart despite what everyone thinks was one of the hardest things to do.

Oh, he’s doing so well. Have you been?

I nodded. I have. Only twice though. I keep meaning to go back, but you know how busy I am. Both times I went, it was packed. The place is obviously very popular. I’m glad he’s still doing well.

Me too. Pretty risky move considering he had the ranch just given to him, but I guess it’s what he wanted to do.

Think he’ll ever go back to ranching? I asked.

Tiffany shrugged. Actually, I’m not sure. I used to think so, but he seems good at this whole restaurant thing. He’s such an easygoing guy and so sociable. I think that’s why he’s doing so well. I mean, imagine I owned a pub? I would fail miserably at it. It’s just not the right thing for someone like me. But it’s great for him. I thought he was happy before but it’s nothing compared to the way he is now. Don’t get me wrong, he liked ranching well enough, and he was good at it, but it was almost just something he did because it was a family business. It was never his.

Never his true passion, I said.

She nodded. Exactly. And if anyone can understand what it’s like to follow your passion, it’s you.

But I’m not in the people business like your brother, I said, and chuckled as one of the horses made a funny sound, almost as if he agreed with me.

Tiffany chuckled. Nothing wrong with that.

I could easily understand why her brother was so popular though, and why he had chosen this new venture. He was a handsome guy, with such an easygoing attitude that it was impossible not to feel comfortable around him. If anyone could convince a group of strangers to hang around at his restaurant and bar, it was him. And, despite being a new business owner, he still looked like a rancher with his cowboy hat. Perhaps it was this look that made him so relatable to everyone. I was about to mention that to Tiffany when my phone rang.

Hi, Cheyenne speaking, I said cheerfully into the phone.

Cheyenne, it’s Jacob, came the surly voice on the other end. Jacob was the vet from the large animal clinic in town. He was a gruff, no-nonsense guy who always said things as they were. Our conversations were always short because he never bothered with niceties and always got straight to the point.

Hi, Jacob, what can I do for you? I asked.

We had a new horse dropped off, and I need you to come and get it.

What happened? I asked.

I have no idea, but someone came in the middle of the damn night with the horse. He’s in a bad way, that’s for sure.

I groaned. In what way?

Well, he’s definitely malnourished. The poor thing looks so skinny I can see its ribs, and that is not something you want to see on a horse. Also, I would say there is some evidence of direct physical abuse.

I felt anger well up inside me, and I fought the tears away. It didn’t matter how many times I heard stories like this; it always made me upset. What the hell is wrong with people? I said.

I have no idea. If you ever find out, come and let me know, he said. Anyway, I have treated and stabilized the horse as much as I can, but at the end of the day, I’m a vet and not a horse rescue. So, I need you to come and take him off my hands as soon as you can.

Absolutely. And thank you so much for helping out. I really appreciate it, Jacob. I’ll come by and pick him up in a few hours.

Great.

With that, the call was cut and I told Tiffany what had transpired. I could see that she felt just as angered by the conversation as I was.

What the heck? Why would anyone do that to a horse? Or to any animal, for that matter? There are some sick people out in this world.

I nodded. Yeah, there sure are. I despair about the kind of person who wouldn’t want to take care of and love an animal, especially one as majestic as a horse.

Chapter 2

Colt

The Iron Stallion was pumping, and as I gazed around at the endless stream of people coming in and out of the restaurant, I couldn’t help but smile. This was my restaurant. I owned it. I took an idea and turned it into a reality. There had always been the chance of failure, even though I had told everyone that I would be a success. I couldn’t tell them the truth, though; that I had worried every single night before the launch, and that I still worried every day after it. That was normal, though. A bit of fear went a long way.

Tonight was the first night, however, that I felt more comfortable in my success. This was by far the busiest night we’d had since we opened, and I couldn’t have been prouder. I poured a drink for someone and smiled at them. Even though I owned the place, I still enjoyed bartending as often as I could. I generally tried to keep a low profile so that the staff didn’t think I was watching over them, but I couldn’t help but get enjoyment out of being a part of the process too. I loved to be as involved as possible and bartending meant that I got to mingle with the public and make sure that everyone was happy. Soon, though, I was going to have to get more staff. If things continued to be as busy as they were tonight, then I was definitely going to have to think about hiring some more employees.

I noticed a familiar face walking towards the bar, and when our eyes locked, we smiled at one another. It was Michael, the man who owned a small ranch adjacent to mine. Even though we lived right by each other we had only exchanged polite words with each other. He had helped me out once when I’d needed some tools, and I’d been meaning to go over and get to know him properly but life had simply gotten in the way. He was a nice guy, the sort of guy that you couldn’t help feeling comfortable around. There was something about his lack of pretention that made you feel like you could be friendly with him even when you didn’t know him well at all.

Hey, neighbor, I said as he took a seat at the bar. What can I get for you?

Hi, Colt. Ah, a beer, please. Any kind, as long as it’s cold.

I poured him a drink and slid it over to him. On the house, I said.

No way. This is your business! I can’t take this for free.

Sure you can. Anyway, I’ve been meaning to come over and say thank you for helping me out with those tools, so take this as a thank you.

He held up his beer. Thanks, man, appreciate it. Wow, this place is pumping. I haven’t been here since you opened. It was pretty busy then already, but nothing like this.

I couldn’t help the big grin that immediately formed on my face at his words. Thank you. I was just thinking how I’m going to have to hire more staff at this rate. I’m pretty pleased with how busy it is.

And so you should be, Michael said. It’s always a nice feeling to know that this is something you did yourself. I have heard so many people say how great this place is, and I can see why. It has a nice feel to it. It’s got the sort of atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer.

I smiled. That’s always good to hear. Hey, want to get a seat in the corner? It’s probably a bit easier to talk there, I said as I noticed a free seat.

Sounds good. Will you get a beer too?

I grinned. Of course. The perks of being the owner.

I poured myself a beer and another one for Michael, and we went to sit at the corner table. It was the best table in the house because it gave you the view of the outside world or the inside restaurant, depending on where you turned your head. It was where I sometimes sat with my laptop to do the admin side of the business.

Isn’t it amazing how quick your life can change? Michael mused as we took our seats.

I knew exactly what he meant. One minute I had been a rancher, and the next I was the owner of a thriving restaurant and bar. Michael was speaking from experience too. I knew that he had also gone through some major life changes over the past few months.

You used to be a big shot lawyer in Portland, didn’t you? I asked. I was glad to be finally getting the opportunity to talk to my neighbor. I’d been curious as to why he had made such a big life change, but it simply didn’t seem like the sort of question I could ask in passing.

He nodded. Yeah, now I’m here in the small town of Green Point. Life sure has changed.

Do you mind me asking why you decided to change? I mean, to go from being in such a high-powered job to becoming a rancher is quite a big change. And I’m guessing you’re close in age to me, so it’s not like you’re going through a midlife crisis or something.

He laughed. "A pre-midlife crisis, perhaps. Look, I was good at what I did, and I won’t lie and say that it was easy to make the change. It wasn’t. It took a lot of thought and going back and forth before I finally made the decision to do it. But the moment the idea of leaving was in my head, it was the only thing I could think of, and I knew I wouldn’t be truly happy until I did it. The pursuit of money was all-consuming, and I didn’t like the person it had turned me into. I never wanted to be that sort of guy. He took a sip of his beer before continuing. I worked mostly for corporate clients, and it wasn’t the way I wanted to do things. It was good money. No, it was great money, but all I was doing was working for people who wanted someone to cover their ass. None of it felt real, you know, and I certainly didn’t feel like I was accomplishing much at all."

It couldn’t have been easy to leave, though. As much as we all know what the right thing is in life, it’s not always easy to follow it through, I said.

Michael nodded. Absolutely. I mean, I had a very easy life, but I knew I couldn’t live with myself if I stayed there any longer. I’m not saying that all lawyers are bad, because they’re not, and I certainly knew a few good ones. But I just came across too many dodgy clients to feel comfortable. Also, deep down, I knew that I wanted a different life. I’ve always loved being in nature, and I’ve always had a strong affinity towards animals and the outdoors. I love working hard, but I wanted that hard work to be outdoors and not inside a stuffy office, you know. So, here I am. How about you?

Oh, I’ve never had a problem with ranch work. It was never the reason why I left. I mean, the ranch is a family business and still is. It’s in our blood, and no matter what I do in life, nothing will ever change that fact.

So why did you start the restaurant, then? he asked. Michael had a way of asking questions that never made it seem as if he was intrusive. He was inquisitive, but in a good way.

Well, I’ve always been more of a people person. I love interacting with others and getting to know them, which is what the restaurant business is all about. The pub life is even more social than that. I was never planning to take over the ranch, to be honest. It was never a part of my plan. But then my parents passed away in a truck accident a few years ago, and I guess someone had to take over the legacy. I did what I thought was right. But my heart was never truly in it. I knew that one day I would get someone else to help on the ranch and that I would end up doing something else. It took me a long time to put that plan into action, but here I am today.

Here you are. And the Iron Stallion was definitely worth the wait and the effort. You’re doing a great job, and I plan on coming here more often. I sometimes forget to take the time to relax like this. I’m glad I finally came over today and got the chance to talk to you. It’s crazy how we live right by each other but never speak.

Well, we’ve been busy, that’s for sure, I said with a grin.

Then let’s do a toast. To new opportunities, Michael said, and held up his beer.

To new opportunities, I said, and held up mine.

I gazed out and noticed a woman driving by with her horse trailer attached to her truck. There was only one woman in town that it could be. Cheyenne.

Cheyenne was a very pretty woman with long, dark hair that she always tied up. She was a natural beauty who didn’t bother all that much with dressing up or wearing makeup, and I had always been attracted to her. I liked women who didn’t feel the need to show off. She’d only moved to the area about a year ago to open the horse rescue, and I had noticed her immediately. My sister worked for her, and Tiffany had mentioned in passing that Cheyenne ran her entire operation on a shoestring budget, funded almost entirely by fundraisers and a few grants. She worked hard in order to keep the place afloat and always put the animals’ welfare before her own. I couldn’t help but have a lot of respect for her. I knew what it took to open something on your own, and I took my hat off to her for doing this. Despite this, I had never bothered to ask her out. I knew she wouldn’t be interested in dating, and I didn’t want to get turned down by someone so pretty.

Man, this beer is good.

I blinked and realized that Michael had been talking while I’d been daydreaming about my sister’s pretty boss. Thankfully he didn’t seem to have noticed, and I quickly turned my attention back to him before he asked me what or who I was thinking about.

Yeah, I only serve the best here, I said.

We carried on talking, but in the back of my mind, I couldn’t stop my thoughts from wandering back to Cheyenne. Would I ever get a shot with her? Or would she forever remain one of those elusive women that you only ever dreamed about?

Chapter 3

Cheyenne

It had been a long morning already and the day had only just begun. I’d gotten the horse from Jacob the night before and had gotten up at first light to check him out properly. I had seen a lot of bad things in my time already, but the condition of this poor horse had shocked me. Jacob hadn’t been lying when he said the horse was malnourished. He was so thin that I could see his ribs sticking out, and so weak that he barely flinched when I ran my hands over him. He had long, jagged scars on his side that had now healed, but that proved to me that he had been deeply cut in the past. Which meant that this horse had been suffering for a long