Silver Dollar: Silver Fox Resort

By Lyz Kelley

If small town romance, second chances, and a family saga tick your boxes for a fun read, look no further. Grab this fun-in-the-sun book and escape today.

Samantha's dream is to build a fitness center for paraplegic athletes. Her goal is within reach, but she's struggling to get across the finish line. Maybe it's because the sexy CEO who has shown up to sell her his latest gadget is causing a distraction. 

Blake, the CEO of 3D Robotics, has come to Silver Fox Resort to evaluate an exoskeleton candidate. He's immediately attracted to the stubborn woman and assumes she will love the robotic suit. He's so convinced the first meeting will go well, he's made plans to spend the rest of the week vacationing at her resort. Then tragedy strikes. Sam rejects his state-of-the-art unit and him. Yet, Blake never gives up once he decides there is something worth fighting for, and Sam Foster is worth every ounce of effort.

If sweet romance,  second chances and family saga tick your boxes for a fun read, download the Silver Fox Resort series today, to start your escape.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lyz Kelley
• Release date: Apr 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201414788

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The journey here was long and twisted, but at forty-two, Samantha Foster finally came home. She tilted her head back and let the sun’s warmth ease the tension in both her mind and body.

Duke, the horse she was riding, shifted and waited for Sam’s signal, but today she wasn’t in a hurry. Time stood still here. She couldn’t believe it had already been four months since her moving trailer had pulled through the front gates of the Silver Fox Resort. She savored the salty air as she gazed out over the rolling hills belonging to her family, more than four hundred acres in all.

To the south were her youngest brother Steel’s vineyards. To the east, her closest-in-age brother Cade’s stables and veterinary practice, and in the middle was her elder sister Zoey’s dream—the Silver Fox Resort and Spa, known as a place where people could relax, indulge, and discover California’s beautiful coast. 

Somewhere among all those acres, Sam had also carved out a niche for herself. In charge of the sports and recreation centers, she maintained the resort’s multiple fitness areas and managed the robust and expanding class schedules. The best part was, not only had she discovered that she was good at her job, but she was having an amazing time meeting new people and helping them discover their best selves.

Nineteen years ago, who would have thought she’d be able to ride a horse, much less live such a splendid life? 

Not her. 

Lying in a hospital bed unable to feel her legs had altered her perspective. The multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation proved she was stronger and more resilient than she first believed. She glanced at her booted feet, held in the stirrups by thick rubber bands, and then the Velcro straps around her thighs securing her to the saddle. Cade helped her figure out what worked and made the adjustments. He groused over the extra work in a brotherly way, but knew if he didn’t help, Sam would have figured out how to ride a horse again one way or another.

Stubbornness had proven to be her ally. 

When the doctors told her she’d never walk again at the age of twenty-three, she set her mind to proving there was nothing she couldn’t do. She just needed to be creative.

Learning to lift herself into her chair, bathe, drive, even ski, weren’t enough. She wanted more. Lots more. The adrenaline rush of trees whipping by, a horse beneath her, the slightest leg pressure to instruct her favorite mare was no longer possible, but she was riding again and that’s what counted.

She let the vast vistas ignite her passions and expand her dreams.

 Stop, dammit! You stupid horse. A man’s plea echoed over the hill.

She guided Duke around and spotted their golden-brown horse, Charlie, galloping along the trail with a man holding onto Charlie’s saddle horn and doing his best not to fall off. He must have spooked the fourteen-year-old gelding, because the big boy had a willing disposition, hardly ever panicked or bucked, and was mostly content walking the trails or grazing in the meadow. 

But where’s Cade? 

Her brother never let a guest, especially a novice rider, take horses out alone. 

She signaled to Duke and held on as a thousand pounds of muscle surged forward to cut an intersecting path. 

She loosened her grip on the reins to give Duke his lead. Come on, boy. We gotta stop poor old Charlie before he hurts himself or slams that man into a fence or the barn door. 

That’s it. 

Almost there. 

As the distance between the two horses closed, she whistled to get Charlie’s attention. The gelding slowed and veered off his intended path toward Sam, knowing she normally carried treats in her bag.

Good boy. She reined in Duke. Come on, Charlie. That’s a good boy. 

The gelding came up alongside Duke carrying a man who looked like he just had a near-death experience. Lady, I don’t know what you did to slow this horse down, but I’m grateful. 

Sam studied the wide-eyed resort guest, who was wiping the sweat off his forehead, and then switched her attention to Charlie’s gait, making sure the big boy hadn’t injured himself.

She looked up at the guest. Would you mind telling me what happened?

He pointed to the closest ridge dense with scrub oaks and other trees. I heard what sounded like a car backfiring or a gunshot. Seconds later, a herd of deer popped out of the bushes right in front of us, and before I could figure out what was happening, the horse turned around and raced back down the trail. 

That makes sense. Sam scanned the hillside. But where’s Cade? Wasn’t he with you? 

He was taking me to see the cliff overhang when all this happened. We were separated, and I don’t know where he went. 

Will you be all right on your own? I’d like to check on my brother. 

The weary man nodded. 

Sam pointed Duke north and then pulled him to a halt when a horse and rider shot out of the tree line in hot pursuit. About halfway down the trail, Cade reined in and trotted toward them. 

As he neared, Sam sensed his smoldering fury. Cade? 

Sam. The muscles in his jaw pulsed. 

Is everything okay? This gentleman said he might have heard a gunshot. She tensed again. 

A car backfired. His eyes flicked to the guest. Mr. Wise, are you injured? 

The clean-shaven man’s button-up shirt, brand-new jeans, and black leather boots screamed city boy, even though he was drop-dead gorgeous with silver-gray hair and eyes that told a story. Come to think of it, his accent, or the little she picked up, said he wasn’t local either.

What he was doing in a saddle was anyone’s guess.

I’m fine. I expect I’ll be sore tomorrow, but it’s nothing a hot shower and time won’t cure. 

Cade studied the resort guest’s movements, and then offered him a nod. If you’re willing, Mr. Wise, why don’t we all head to the barn nice and slow? I want to check the horses and make sure there are no injuries. Sam, that goes for you too. 

Me? She glared at Cade. Why would you need to check me out? I’m fine, she assured him, her voice calm, while aiming her best glare at Cade, telling him he should be worrying about Mr. Wise, not her.

Cade pointed to the ridge behind him that overlooked the meadow. You’ve just started riding again after more than nineteen years, and you rode hard across that field, he shifted in his saddle to glance out over the brush-covered field. If you insist on riding alone, I’m going to ask you again to stick to the trails. You’re my responsibility. 

Older by thirteen months, she wasn’t his responsibility, but he’d always been overprotective, even as a little boy. The possessiveness started when dad took away his baseball glove and pet hamster as a punishment. Later on, he wouldn’t allow Cade to see his best friend. Now anything deemed his, he kept close.

She recognized the cause, but it really pissed her off to be called out in front of a guest. She’d discuss it with him later in private.

If she said anything now she’d support Cade’s point about her being somewhat irresponsible, but what was she supposed to do? Let a guest get dumped and likely injured, maybe badly? That would result in an insurance claim Zoey wouldn’t want to file.

Movement made her turn toward the visitor. 

 Mr. Wise held onto the saddle horn while he dismounted, his moves stiff and slow. I believe I’ve had enough horseback riding for the day. He pulled the reins over the horse’s head and handed the leather strands to Cade. If you don’t mind, I think I’ll walk back and work out the knots in my legs and lower back. 

Sam guided her horse away from the group. I’ll ride back and ask one of the stable hands to look at Duke. 

I sent the crew out to pick up a load of hay, plus Duke needs to be walked out, Cade interrupted, and frowned at her in a way that meant he wouldn’t tolerate an argument. Why don’t you accompany Mr. Wise back to the stables and give Duke time to cool down? I’ll meet you there. I’ll have the medical box ready, he pointed. It looks like you scraped your leg. 

Sam glanced down and, sure enough, her leggings were torn and there was a blackish red stain of blood soaked through the fabric. She didn’t want to spread the rip to see the damage because it would only have highlighted that her brother was right. 

She’d been careless. Something she long ago promised herself she would never be again. 

She reined in Duke as Cade trotted off with Charlie in tow. When her anger slowed to a simmer, she realized Mr. Wise was sizing her up in the way Cade did when he paired a rider with a horse. 

So, Mr. Wise, she said, remembering to engage her customer-friendly manners. What brings you to this part of the country? 

He gave her a cordial smile and took a step toward the stables. I came to complete a business transaction. 

Oh? Sam guided Duke alongside the man, who turned out to be taller than she expected. His head was level with her waist, which allowed her to get a good whiff of his shampoo.

Guests were offered a choice of three scents and he’d picked her favorite, a mix of eucalyptus and cedarwood extracts called Nature.

Time to do her job. Silver Fox is a marvelous place to talk business. The resort is quiet, and you can’t beat the scenery. Plus, the food is wonderful. 

The bourbon isn’t bad either. He shoved his hands in his pockets and glanced her way. I didn’t have a chance to thank you, Miss…? 

Foster. Sam Foster. 

A brief smile flickered across his face and then disappeared. 

What’s up with that? Is there something you find funny about my name, Mr. Wise? Perhaps that Sam is short for Samantha? 

No. It’s just you’re the person I traveled here to see. I didn’t expect we’d bump into each other like this. 

She studied the distinct facial features of the fiftysomething man. If she’d ever met him in person or had a connection, she would have recognized his name or profile. Nothing came to mind. Are you sure you’re looking for me and not my sister, Zoey? She runs this resort. 

You’re Samantha Alison Foster, correct? 

Caution french braided a knot in her stomach. That would be me, but I’m good with faces. Are you sure we’ve met? 

Mr. Wise waved a swarm of gnats away. No, we’ve never met, but you might have heard of my company. I’m the founding owner of 3D Robotics. 

Her mind spun through her contact list, but nothing stuck. Nope. Doesn’t ring a bell. What does your company do? 

We combine the power of robotics and 3D printing to change people’s lives. 

The marketing pitch was made with ease and precision, like he’d said it a million times in various conference halls and business meetings around the globe. He was obviously good at what he did, but why was it that the more this guy said, the more confused she became? He was here for a business meeting, and to meet her, but she couldn’t guess his purpose. She pulled off her leather glove and brushed her hair off her face. That sounds…technical. I still don’t understand what a robot has to do with me. 

There was that suppressed laughter again. The grin might be classified as attractive and sexy if she were in the market, which she wasn’t. At least not for someone who was capable of speed-dialing any number of women for a last-minute dinner date.

I’m not talking about a robot, Miss Foster, but robotics. It’s the name mechanical engineers gave to the field of study, making us entrepreneurs sound smart when we try to sell our products. But, to better answer your question, I’m here to evaluate you and determine whether you’re a candidate for our personalized exoskeleton unit. 

She choked on the word evaluate as a wall of resentment resurrected. Mr. Wise, I don’t know who you are, or exactly why you’re here, but there must be some misunderstanding. One, I didn’t contact you or your company about purchasing an exoskeleton, or any other robotic machine designed to force my legs to move. And second, she wanted to tell him where he could stick his evaluation, but reminded herself he was a guest, I’m not interested in testing new products. I’m satisfied with the equipment I have.

 She took a deep breath. Even Duke sensed her misgivings and leaned away from the businessman—whose sexiness was diminishing by the second. 

"Ms. Foster, my apology. There has been some misunderstanding." 

Figured as much. Sam gripped the reins tighter, adjusting the lead, but kept her distance. 

I’m not here to sell you anything, he said, unbothered by her dismissal. In fact, he appeared to expect her refusal. Your father preordered the unit during our first round of seed-funding before the unit had been developed. That was over two-years ago. It’s already been paid for. I’m just here to determine if you’re fit enough to operate the unit. Once the evaluation is complete, the individualized build can begin. 

Physically capable? What the hell? She just saved his ass by riding at neck-breaking speed and he questioned her fitness? 

The lingering resentment made her stomach queasy. You came here to determine if I’m fit enough? She swallowed the bitterness in her mouth. Too bad this guy was sent here at her father’s request. He would have been a nice visual distraction. You may not be aware, but I’m the fitness coordinator here at the resort. It’s my job to remain in top physical condition. 

I see that now. 

"If I was interested in your exoskeleton, which I’m not, then I hope you would find me—how did you put it—physically capable. She sucked in a breath, hoping it would cool her temper. As for my