A Trail to Love

By Kimberly Grace

Cassidy has been checking off her goals one by one and her life appears to be almost perfect. Dream job and dream boyfriend. But lately she feels that she and Danny have been growing apart as her busy work life keeps them from spending a lot of time together. So Danny books a special getaway in the mountains with their two best friends. Could a trip that was meant to bring them closer together actually tear them apart? Their romance certainly gets more complicated with the arrival of hunky mountain man Jack. A fateful meeting in the woods leads Cassidy on a journey of self-discovery and she must decide who she wants to be and who she really loves.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kimberly Grace
• Release date: Jan 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201523275

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

T ell me again Danny , why are we going to this horse ranch up in the mountains? Cassidy asked with a pout. She twirled her long soft blond hair with one finger and rummaged through her purse with her free hand to find her little mirror. It was probably the fifteenth time she was checking her makeup during the long train ride from the city to Hawk Mountain Ranch.

Cassidy, don't put it down before you try it. Scott and Amanda are really excited about this trip. Besides, you said you loved horses growing up.

Danny, I was twelve. Of course I loved horses. Every little girl loves horses and ponies and thinks they are princesses.

Okay, Cass. Whatever you say. But I’m looking forward to having some time away with you. You’ve been very busy with work lately and we hardly get to see each other.

She finally found the mirror at the bottom of her pink designer handbag. An image of young Cassidy entered her mind as she applied another application of lipstick. She never used to be this obsessed with makeup and how she looked, but when you’re striving to be a fashion designer in New York City, there is a certain image that is expected. Cassidy had finally made a big break onto the fashion scene by scoring a position as an assistant to the famed designer Louis Cloven. It was admittedly a very hectic and stressful job, so maybe this getaway trip would help her relax a bit.

You’re right Danny. Thank you for booking this trip. I do need a break and it will be fun hanging out with our friends.

Danny leaned over and kissed the top of Cassidy’s head. He was a tall muscular man with broad shoulders and a towering height of six foot four. Danny had always been the big man on campus – star quarterback in high school and then lightning-fast running back in college. Cassidy and Danny had been high school sweethearts, crowned prom king and queen. They had been together a very long time and they knew how to put up with each other’s dramatic moments.  Cassidy relaxed and settled in under his arm.

They were quite a popular couple in the city and everyone always commented how they were meant to be, especially after being together since high school. Most young people have a new date every few weeks or maybe even days. Cassidy really felt comfortable with Danny, but sometimes she felt like they were in a bit of a boring rut. Perhaps this outdoor adventure vacation could renew their spark.

Cassidy watched as the enormous city landscape started to fade away and a more rural view started to take its place. The sweet smell of pine wafted in through the open window and suddenly, Cassidy was transported back to her twelve-year-old self, running around with her brother pretending to be cowboys at their family cabin in the woods. A small smile formed on her face remembering this happy memory. She closed her eyes and peacefully drifted off to sleep.

CHAPTER 2

Jack looked down and took in the most beautiful scene. Two mountains, one slightly larger than the other, stood majestically off in the distance and rows of sweet-smelling pine trees dotted the rocky hillside below. A large shimmering blue lake sparkled magically at the bottom of the valley. It was his favorite spot to ride to on the mountain trails. There was hardly any sound other than a few animals frolicking and scurrying about. Jack watched amused as two squirrels fought over an acorn and then chased each other around a tree.

Nature had always been Jack’s special place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It was like time stood still out in the woods. The animals went about their day not worrying about bills or relationships. They jumped and hurried about to find food for their stomachs, a nice place to build a home, and perhaps a companion to share it all. Such a simple happy existence, Jack thought. He would stay out here all day if he could, but as he glanced down at his watch, he frustratingly knew his serene break was up.

Come on Silver, we better head for home now.