Trusting the Cowboy

By Tabitha Bouldin

In the charming small town of Redemption, Danny Solomon works to help heal wounded hearts. His lifelong dream is to help children overcome the pain of their past while drawing strength from his own tragic experiences to make a difference.

When Phoenix Nichols, a mysterious and hurting soul, seeks refuge at Danny's equine therapy ranch—a rustic haven tucked away in the heart of the countryside—Danny is hesitant to embrace the wounded newcomer. Yet, he can't ignore the profound sorrow radiating from Phoenix.

Beneath her vulnerable exterior, Phoenix harbors a dark secret. She's seeking solace and safety amidst the tranquility of the ranch. But as Danny's extraordinary ability to see into her past puts them at odds, the malevolence she was fleeing catches up to her, threatening her life.

In a race against time, Danny and Phoenix must learn to trust each other and confront the shadows that haunt them. As the bond between the small-town cowboy and the enigmatic stranger deepens, they discover a love more profound than they ever imagined—one that empowers them to face their fears together.

Disclaimer: This book was previously published under the title, Trial by Patience.

TW: This book contains characters who suffered from child abuse. While no abuse is depicted in graphic detail, the characters discuss their feelings about their past.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tabitha Bouldin
• Release date: Jun 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223081562

Book preview

Chapter One

It’s never going to end.

The realization echoed , chilling with intensity.

Danny Solomon stepped out onto the hard plank boards of his front porch, slamming his hat down over his head with more force than necessary. Coffee sloshed over the rim of his cup, scalding his knuckles. He ground his teeth together against the pain and scanned the landscape.

Tall mountain ranges blanketed in snow stretched out beyond the bright green fields filled with horses. The sight calmed him, reminding him of God’s majesty.

Blowing out a slow breath, he took another step until the sight of the girl sitting on the top rail of his main pasture caused him to halt.

Her silhouette had a sense of belonging as she sat staring out over the horses with her back to the house. Her arms stretched out to either side as she gripped the rough wood on the split-rail fence. One heel tapped rapidly up and down, that single motion breaking the peaceful facade.

Danny frowned and stepped down from the porch with only the thud of his boots breaking the silence. He wasn’t ready to deal with this, not after the nightmare, but business would not wait. At least he’d put on clean clothes and grabbed a cup of coffee before he bolted from the house.

He strode halfway between her and the house before she slipped from the rail, glaring in his direction. Slim arms crossed, fingers clenched her upper arms as he walked toward her.

Every time he took a step, her feet shifted. His foot landed, her foot turned. Back and forth it went, reminding him of a dance until her toes pointed away from him. Her discomfort came as a warning.

Stopping a few feet away, Danny stuck his free hand in his pocket and took a sip of coffee.

When she continued to stare out over his shoulder, Danny spoke. Care to tell me what you’re doing sitting on my fence?

No response. Not even a shrug.

Lord, please, give me patience.

Her dark brown eyes finally met his. Danny’s heart seized as if a vise gripped it. What he could do was a gift from God: the ability to see the past of anyone who made eye contact with him. He only needed one look.

Scenes erupted through a kaleidoscope of color. A younger version of her, locked in a small, cramped space. Well, that explains why she acts like I’m about to pounce on her.

Stepping away from the fence, she wavered, darting from side to side. A rat in a maze. She looked for her escape, shifting from foot to foot, making sure she had a clear way out if she needed one.

Ten years of dealing with kids like her checked off all the boxes.

She was one of them. One of the survivors.

Her chin jutted out. Her gaze penetrated as it raked over him. Her hands clenched and unclenched. She never backed up – the fence behind her acting as both a shield and a prison.  

Every action confirmed his thoughts about her abuse: Years had gone into honing the assessing and evaluating of escape routes. Her past bombarded him until he nearly shook his head. If only the images would be so easily dispelled.

Are you lost? Danny tried again, hoping to break her silence.

She appeared older than he originally thought. Still younger than his age of twenty-eight, but not by much.

Her reluctance and anger made her seem younger. While the attitude bordered on punk-teen, a close look at her face revealed the truth.

She inhaled a deep breath, held it briefly, then let it out with gusto. I’m your new trail guide. Richard hired me last week and said I should be here today.

Her cold voice bordered on hateful. A cover for the fear growing from a culmination of her past. Fear of what? Not him, not exactly. Although her darting gaze bordered on paranoia. She was looking for someone, someone she needed to escape.

The man’s silhouette flashed in simultaneous motion with a picture of her, mouth open in a silent scream. No sound crossed with the images...ever. Danny shook off the replay while it was only shadows. There would be time for that later.

I remember Richard mentioning you. I’m afraid he forgot to say you would be coming today. Danny stuck out a hand. I’m Danny Solomon. Welcome to Break Away.

Slowly, she extended one hand to meet his. Her demeanor warmed a fraction. Phoenix Nichols. Her hand gripped his, her icy fingers sending a chill up his arm. She jerked her hand back before he gave one good shake.

Old memories surfaced. The woman’s demeanor reminding him of his mother, igniting the nightmares that plagued him. Nightmares that sent him racing from the house every morning. Memories of the night his father nearly shattered Danny’s young mind.

A horse snorted before the memory could fully surface. Sweat slicked his palms, begging him to stuff his hands into his pockets before Phoenix could notice. What little coffee he’d swallowed churned in his stomach.

He stared over her shoulder as the nausea rolled. Weak rays of sunlight peeked through the long row of trees on the far side of the barn. A soft fog rolled through, leaving the land shrouded in peaceful mystery.

Leaves on oaks, maples, ash, and hickory unfurled while green grass highlighted the dark brown fence. The smell of summer – blooming flowers and fresh dirt – assailed the air. Danny inhaled, letting the smell calm his heart. An unwelcome chill swept a shudder through him.

Phoenix glanced at him as he shivered. God willing, she would only see the physical appearance and not the mental anguish that still ricocheted around his mind like a stray bullet.

Danny returned the favor, taking a longer look at Phoenix. Booted feet met jean-covered legs and a long-sleeve, grey thermal. That’s where his normal ended and Phoenix began. From the array of hammered copper bangle bracelets and feathered dreamcatcher earrings, she was something casual yet totally foreign to him. Hatless, the sun bounced off the deep red streaks dancing in her coal-black hair. Color he had not noticed until she turned to face him.

Silence stretched between them, hovering between their bodies like a specter.

He cleared his throat. Have you had breakfast or can I get you a cup of coffee? Danny motioned toward the house.

Phoenix shook her head, earrings swaying gently with the movement, the spiderweb of thread shimmering in the morning light. No, I’m fine. I want to get to the barn and meet the horses. I didn’t want to go inside without telling someone. I didn’t expect to see you.

Her accusing tone cut straight through him. Well, I do own this place. Unable to stop himself, his voice turned cold. For years as a child, he was neglected, deemed unnecessary, and a nuisance. Owning Break Away was supposed to change that by giving him something of his own. Something to be proud of. Something people would respect about him. Phoenix had no right to take away that feeling of approval.

I know, Phoenix said with a shrug.

His teeth ground together at her nonchalance.

Unconcerned, her words hammered. That’s why I didn’t expect to see you. Most people who own places like this are never around to see them.

Danny took a sip of coffee, holding in the angry retort. Heat flared across his skin, the anger fanned to an inferno. It burned through him, causing waves to dance in front of his eyes. Stop acting ridiculous.

It took more effort than he liked to keep his voice civil. Follow me, he instructed Phoenix as he headed toward the barn. I’ll show you the horses and talk you through your responsibilities.

Danny glanced around the fields, scanning for problems. Most of the horses were not even awake enough to graze yet. Their heads remained low to the ground as they stood around the pastures in small groups while they slept.

He walked the dirt track with long strides, taking deep breaths as he tried to relax. Vibrations ran up his legs with each footfall. His adopted mother’s words echoed in his thoughts, You stomp louder than a herd of mustangs when you’re upset.

Smart woman, his mother. Since he refused to physically unleash the anger, it always seemed to settle itself in his stride. 

Phoenix stayed behind him, her arms relaxed. The gentle swaying motion caused the bracelets to jingle a bright, happy cadence.

The sound urged him to smile.

Despite his efforts, the anger refused to be satisfied or dissipated. It continued to boil through him, begging to be released. She drifted lightly to one side, allowing Danny to see her from the corner of his eye. She remained far enough behind him that she could bolt if he turned toward her, but she kept pace.

She seemed capable enough. Anyone could ride the horses here, whether they had riding skills or not. Her attitude presented a problem. Her attitude and how it might affect her ability to work with everyone else here, especially the kids. If Richard thought she could do the job, then he would trust the other man’s instincts.

Learning to trust someone else with some of the responsibility around here was something else he was learning how to do. Change and growth. Hard trails. A process he put himself through to improve his own recovery.

Like learning how to control his anger, which had always been a palpable thing. He needed control. To lose sight of himself and the things he loved equaled his greatest fear. He would do anything to keep from turning into his father.

Chapter Two

When they arrived at the closed barn doors, Danny reached for the sliding bolt.

Phoenix’s voice sliced through the morning. Chill, Danny. Take a deep breath and relax. I didn’t mean anything against you personally. You’re stomping around like I broke your favorite toy.

She still didn’t apologize, but sincerity laced her tone, and a hint of surprise, as though she couldn’t believe she was trying to comfort him.

Look, Phoenix, this place is important to me. I don’t know what kind of people you’ve dealt with, but I’m proud of what I have here. Danny slid the doors open with a grunt and motioned Phoenix forward.

Phoenix stepped beside him, angling her body to face him. Dust motes from the hayloft drifted around them in hazy spirals. Sunlight spread through the open doors, its warmth settling on his back.

Tell me about it. She gave a cursory look up and down the rows of horses.

About what?

Phoenix motioned at the horses who stuck their heads over stall doors at the sound of his voice. Tell me about Break Away. What makes it different?

Fine. He ground his teeth together. I started Break Away Acres ten years ago. Its official function is an equine therapy center for abused kids and teens. The kids come ten at a time in two different groups. First set is from seven a.m. to noon, followed by one from one p.m. to six p.m. Every two weeks, the groups change. They’re always sent according to age. Five to ten-year old, eleven to fifteen, or sixteen and up. We spend two weeks with them, making sure every kid walks away knowing life isn’t always bad. They need to know some people still care.

The kids get to ride horses while they’re here?

Yes, Danny nodded. Most of the kids are frightened or angry. The horses help them process their emotions. With God’s help, we give them the skills to survive their past and teach them how to build a future.

Phoenix did not comment.

Nothing new there. For a moment, he’d thought they might connect. At least she carried on a conversation. Sort of. Any companionship Danny might have felt disappeared beneath his boot heel as she puttered around the barn. No change to her expression. No smile. Not even a hint that said Break Away impressed her. She could have been looking at cereal boxes for all the emotion she showed. 

The sting of rejection sent heat flaring up his neck.

He wanted to see her awe at the array of horses watching them from their stalls. If not awe, then he at least had hoped to see respect or even appreciation for what he had created.

Knock it off. You don’t need anyone’s approval. You’re not doing this for approval. 

Danny rubbed the back of his neck, attempting to scrub away the irritation making his skin prickle.

So, you believe in God? Despite the blank expression on her face, her tone remained frigid.

Oh, Lord. Now I see. Help me, God.

Yes. Before she could object or insult, Danny held up one hand. Don’t go there. I won’t preach at you. That’s not what we do here. You will hear me mention God. I know Him to be real. All I ask is that you don’t go around telling the kids God is a phony. Can you do that?

And if I do say God is a phony? She curled her lip. Who even uses that word anymore?

Danny blew out a slow breath, praying for patience. Then I’ll have to ask you to leave. I’m sorry to be so strict, but I built Break Away to honor God. I will not allow anything to jeopardize that. Use whatever word you like, so long as you understand I won’t tolerate any comment disrespecting God.

Lines etched deep grooves across Phoenix’s forehead before she stalked away from him. Stopping in front of a palomino mare, she let one shoulder rest on the wall, her body still angled to keep him within her sights.

Fine. I won’t say God is a phony. I won’t say anything at all. Her expression shifted as the mare stretched across the half door. The lines softened, her face no longer reflecting the trenches of battle. Her arms dropped from their crossed position. The angry punk vanished.

Danny had been hoping for this look. Peace, and maybe even hope, settled around Phoenix like a cloak. He scarcely dared breathe for fear of ruining the moment. He doubted many others, if any, had ever seen the look given to them that Phoenix gave the horse nuzzling her shirt.

Her hands lifted, the bracelets clinking together. She let one hand settle on the mare’s neck with the other held slightly below the muzzle. After the mare sniffed her hand, she lifted her fingers high enough to trace the swirl in the middle of the blond forehead. Her mouth relaxed into what could almost be called a smile.

Did he look like that? Twenty years after his abuse ended, and he still suffered bouts of guilt, anger, depression, and regret. Most days were good and normal. Most days he didn’t even think about his past, at least not during the day. Nights presented a problem. But not the days. He tried hard to focus on his future here and the kids he could help.

That’s Dinah. He spoke softly, hoping he would not startle Phoenix.

Her hand twitched at the sound of his voice before she continued stroking the mare’s neck.

Will I be riding her?

Danny shook his head as he approached. No, she’s one of the special horses I’ve trained for the kids. You’ll be riding either Sully or Calico.

Phoenix took a step back, her hands dropping to her sides and curling into fists. Her posture screamed, ‘back off’. He’d invaded the personal space she needed. On purpose. Wanting to know exactly where her boundaries ended. Now he knew.

Can I see them? Her voice whispered.

Danny heard the hope worm its way through her voice. It didn’t matter that she was an adult. The pain of their youth followed them forever.

He motioned toward the end of the barn, moving toward the stalls on the opposite side. They’re down here.

Horses bobbed their heads as they passed, and Phoenix edged toward them. She spared Danny a glance before focusing her attention on the sorrel gelding who stuck his nose out toward her.

That’s Baxter. You can say hello. I’ll meet you at the end of the aisle. Even though Richard told you to be here today, I still need to see you ride before I know you can handle the trails.

You mean the job isn’t certain? Phoenix closed the distance to Baxter. She scratched the gelding’s neck and grimaced. Even after I agreed to your stupid request.

Danny shrugged. I’m sorry. I can’t take your word that you can ride. You met the qualifications on paper. I need you to prove you’re up to the task.

I worked for five years in several different stables. Phoenix spit the words, cheeks flushing bright red.

I know. I read your application. Again, on paper, you’re perfect for the job.

Phoenix stalked toward him stiff-legged as an anxious cat. I know how to ride.

Danny dropped his voice. He refused to kowtow to anyone. Then you won’t have any trouble proving it.

Phoenix made a noncommittal sound, muttering something beneath her breath.

From the look on her face, Danny didn’t want to ask her to speak up. After you ride, I need to take you out on the trails to make sure you’re familiar with the routes. We only have a week until the kids arrive.

She tensed, her hands freezing in mid-motion. Her voice could cut glass. No, that won’t be necessary. Richard gave me a map when he hired me last week. I’ve been studying the trails every day. I know where I’m going.

Danny started to argue. I don –

She cut him off. Quiz me if you like. I can recite every trail from here to the lake and back to the barn. But I won’t be going out there with either of you.

Her voice stopped abruptly, but Danny filled in the blank. She wasn’t going out there alone with either of them.

Despite the coolness of the barn, sweat beaded along her hairline and her breathing increased until her shoulders heaved upward.

Deciding it wasn’t worth an argument, he switched gears. He could always lead during trail rides. Okay then. Richard isn’t here yet. He’ll be here in an hour. Gail should arrive mid-morning. I’ll introduce you to her when we head in for lunch.

Her stance softened, the rigid posture easing. Mental gears turned as he replayed the conversation. He couldn’t help it. His mind turned the conversation the same way you turn puzzle pieces when you tried to fit them on the board. What made Phoenix Nichols tick? She feared anyone getting too close. Going out on the trails with him or Richard made her freeze. What else hid beneath the tough-girl exterior?

"Does it matter who I saddle up so I can prove myself?"

Her question brought his rambling to a halt.

No, he chuckled. That decision is all yours.

At least I get to choose one thing for myself. Phoenix stomped toward the tack room’s open door, not bothering to ask him which tack she needed to pull from the racks.

Danny chuckled. Phoenix mixed with this crew? Fireworks. Without a doubt.

Chapter Three

Phoenix tried to calm her racing heart. Spots danced before her eyes, causing everything to look hazy and disconnected.

She’d not meant to offer the rush of words at the barn doors. Something in Danny urged her to apologize. Well, maybe not apologize. She had meant to offer something to ease the anger flaring across his face. His ears turned red the instant she mentioned her past experiences.

Funny that something so simple caused his hackles to raise like a dog protecting its territory.

Stepping into the tack room, she shook out her hands. They tingled to life as blood coursed into her fingers Get it together! You can handle Danny Solomon. You’ve dealt with worse.

Danny exemplified the perfect good-ole-boy in his red plaid flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbows. An action displaying forearms worthy of a Michelangelo sculpture.

In her experience, that persona would soon fade.

While Danny might not present a threat, his presence gave her a sense of dread. She should leave. She knew better than to put herself in a position where men had power over her. Especially men as good-looking as Danny Solomon. Good looks did not mean a good heart.

She couldn’t pass up the opportunity to spend an entire summer working with horses. Her love for them gave her courage...courage that nearly evaporated every time Danny stared at her as if he knew everything about her. A cold shiver ran down her spine at the memory.

She needed a job. She’d let herself get low on cash. Too low. Like garbage-bins-looked-good-for-supper low.

That’s why she stood her ground instead of bolting the instant Danny approached from the house. His grace and size put her in mind of her uncle. A fatal flaw.

Even if Danny did seem to understand her boundaries.

Because he’d stopped advancing, giving her room to breathe without the heaviness of his presence hovering over her. His consideration gave her the strength to stay. Not trust him, never trust. But a chance at something normal.

Then he had to go and bring God into this whole mess. Phoenix shook her head. What nonsense. God doesn’t care, not about me. For years, she begged God to help her, to set her free from the prison her uncle created. He never did. She had no use for God.

Glancing around the immaculate room filled with saddles, bridles, saddle pads, and buckets of brushes, she noted the brass nameplates on the wall above each set of tack. Good. At least I don’t have to go ask which tack I need to use.

Moving down the row, reading plates as she went, Phoenix found Sully’s tack on the third rack. The smell of leather and horse sweat mixed into a heady combination that eased the angry buzz inside her head.

Richard made it seem guaranteed.

Danny told her otherwise. The shock of disagreement made her grind her teeth. She hated feeling inadequate. She had no choice. If she didn’t prove her worthiness, Danny would send her packing.

Grunting to ease the weight of the heavy Western saddle, she pulled it from the mount and headed toward the door.

Danny waited in the aisle, right where she’d left him. Probably wanting her to do everything so she could prove she knew her way around horses. Her jaw ached from the words she wanted to say. Gratification waited on the other side of the barbed assault. Making Danny angry made her feel better.

Need help? He started forward, a slow smile revealing straight, white teeth.

Now he asked!

Nope. Got it covered. Phoenix skirted around him, keeping as much distance as possible between them. He followed close behind, too close. Alarm bells clanged. Vulnerable. Her hands full with the saddle. Danny behind her, out of sight. Not the situation she wanted to be in. She breathed in short bursts, almost hyperventilating. She dodged to the side, jerking her head toward Danny. Show me to Sully’s stall.

He gave her a look from beneath the cowboy hat. Something she couldn’t decipher but lasting long enough to make her dance from foot to foot. His eyes were a crazy shade of green, reminding her of mint chip ice cream. Shaggy blond hair coupled with the cleft in his chin and cowboy hat reminded her of the actor from Hidalgo.

With an almost smile, Danny took a step to the left. Second to last stall on the right. I’ll wait here while you get him ready.

She pulled in a deep breath now that his presence no longer threatened. Not even going to offer to help me saddle him?

Nope. Looks like you got it covered. Completely relaxed, he twirled the empty coffee cup around one finger like an old-fashioned gunslinger.

She didn’t miss the sarcasm. Danny had issues. Knowing should not make her happy, but it did. Stalking down the aisle until she reached Sully’s door, anger’s red-hot poker filled her. Despite everything she lost, the anger remained. Anger kept her alive. Anger never abandoned her.

The biggest horse she’d ever seen waited with his head hanging over the stall door. His halter sported a brass nameplate with ‘Sully’ engraved in curly script. He had to be part draft horse. Coal black from nose to tail, with a head as long as her torso, Sully made her think of war horses and conquerors. She gulped a breath.

With a low huff, Sully stretched out his nose until he bumped the saddle.

So, you ready for this, big guy? Phoenix dropped the saddle onto a nearby rack before reaching for the metal ring on the halter strap beneath Sully’s chin.

He snorted at her, the sound reminding her of the horses she spent the summer with all those years ago.

I’ll take that as a yes. Opening the door, she gave a gentle tug.

Sully left the stall, his giant feet nearly clipping her toes. Within minutes, Phoenix had Sully fully saddled.

Bracing herself, she led the gelding toward Danny. Now what?

Now you ride. He pointed to an open archway across from where he lounged. Straight through there. Mounting block to your right, unless you need me to give you a leg up.

Fear skittered across her body like thousands of spider legs. No need for that. I can use the block.

I figured as much. Danny stepped up to Sully’s side, keeping the horse between them. You handled saddling him up without any trouble. If your riding meets requirements, you’re welcome to take him out for a trail ride once we finish.

Not willing to admit how much the offer elated her, she nodded, but her heart bloomed.

Danny moved to the center of the arena once they crossed the threshold. Phoenix stopped at the mounting block, took a deep breath, and swung into the saddle.

Bring him round whenever you’re ready.

Giving a squeeze with her legs and a gentle tug on the reins, Phoenix urged Sully into a turn.

It all came down to this.

Phoenix gave Sully a nudge, asking him to trot. He responded, gliding past Danny. Heels down. Shoulders back. Hands relaxed but firm. Riding came naturally, but she repeated the etiquette to calm her nerves. Before Danny could catch her, Phoenix smiled, letting herself enjoy the thrill.

Bring him back to a walk.

The smile disappeared. Orders. Always with the orders.

As soon as Phoenix slowed Sully to the required pace, another order.

Take him around halfway at a walk, then if you’re comfortable, gallop two laps before moving back to a trot.

You could at least say please. She refused to succumb to his drill-sergeant presentation. Whether he intended it that way didn’t matter. She despised orders.

Do you plan on being this uncooperative the entire summer?

Phoenix used her leg to ask Sully for a gallop. Her voice bounced with every stride. I dunno. Do you plan on being this bossy all summer?

Laughter filled the arena, surprising her. Pulling Sully to