License to Deceive

By Ruby Raynes

In the captivating novel "License to Deceive," Sidney Cantrell, a renowned horse trainer, finds herself drawn to Trent, a charismatic real estate man and rancher. Despite her initial attraction, suspicions arise as her brother's question Trent's intentions. As a romance blossoms, Sid's nemesis shows up, leading to a heart wrenching revelation that shatters Sid's trust. Overwhelmed by her emotions, she flees to the mountains, leaving Trent behind.

     Determined to salvage their love, Trent turns to her brothers, who provide him a clue about her whereabouts. In a last ditch effort, Trent reaches her and gets a hope for their future. Until she witnesses him sharing kisses with two women at the Cheyenne rodeo. Trouble escalates when the FBI becomes involved with Trent's real estate business. Sid questions herself whether to abandon their relationship. As she fights to stand her ground and confronts the challenges they face, Sid wonders if love can overcome the threats that face them in this suspenseful tale of passion, betrayal and redemption.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L R Hill
• Release date: Oct 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223034230

Ruby Raynes

     Ruby Raynes is a multifaceted woman and once a Rodeo Queen. Her diverse career entails real estate, bail bonds, and bounty hunting. During a creative writing course, she discovered her calling and realized the potential of a creative mind.      Her writing delves into contemporary romance, mystery, action, and thrilling narratives. Her stories feature robust characters who possess a sensitive side, adding depth and complexity.      She currently lives in Texas. She's also aiming for the New York Times Best Seller list. Website: www.RubyRaynes-novels.com

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Sidney spots a tall cowboy standing with his hands on his hips, leaning on one leg. His rich bronze tan caught her eye quickly as she noticed he was bidding on the horses. Although she was trying to watch the horses selling, the tall man pulled her attention away. She notices from the corner of her eye he keeps looking her way. Trying to be inconspicuous, she eyes him then turns away, as he turns his head her way. He’s one of the few men that really attracts her, and this one is yummy. Her skin tingles as she stares at him with his broad shoulders and dark blonde wisps of hair sticking out from under his hat. She could see the muscles in his legs as he shifted around. What can I do to get his attention? He’s so fine, my goodness! If he tried to hide those muscles, he couldn't. He doesn’t even have a woman around him.

She looks down at herself for a moment at her clothing. Darn, why didn’t I wear jeans instead of shorts and tennis shoes? At least I have a nice satin top on. Oh well, here goes anyway. Looking back up, she stands up and exhaling; she heads his way. Looking at him closer, there’s no wedding ring. That’s maybe a good sign. He steps away from the railing for a moment, just long enough she walks right in front of him. Then she struts her walk sensually and flashes a smile as she passes him. She saw his eyes meet her gaze with a lift of his brow as he quickly browses her body. She felt his intense blue eyes swallow her up for a second.

Then he turned to his companion and said, I guess you get all kinds of women here too. She probably doesn’t know the head from the ass of a horse. Then the men chuckled and turned back to the last horse coming into the arena.

Sidney’s heart sank for only a moment as she walked on past him. Maybe he was looking at someone else. However, he wasn’t going to get by with that comment if she could help it. She went on to the barn stalls and checked on the horses she bought. It wasn’t long before she noticed the man heading for the barn. Quickly she walked out the back, so he didn’t see her. She waited a moment, then came back in the front again.

The men were standing just inside the barn talking. The handsome tall man was leaning on his elbow on a stall’s ledge. He spotted Sidney coming and started joking with his friend. Poor thing looking at the horses and doesn’t probably know a thing. The other man chuckled again, but never said a word.

Sid stopped a woman that was leading a horse past her and whispered, Hold up a moment, if you would please. The woman knew Sid and stopped with her horse and waited to see what was going to happen. Sid turned back around to face the man, rubbed the horse’s haunches and said, You know, it doesn’t matter how big or how short, even how gorgeous or ugly. She paused to let this sink in. There’s one thing about an ass. They all blow hot air and talk shit. About that time, the horse lifted his tail and let it out. The men stood straight up, this time being put in their place. She pointed at the manure. That’s all they do. She smiled her best smile at the men. Then she nodded for the woman to go on as the woman laughed loudly at the men.

This time the man really took notice of Sid looking her up and down thoroughly. He went to say something but got interrupted by another man. Sid! She turned around to see Curtis as he approached her. I got everything paid up and the horses in the trailer. You’ll have to get him, though. He won’t handle for me today. He’s wanting your attention, I think. I’ll just go open the tailgate for you, then we’re ready to head out. The man turned and went back to the trailer that he had just pulled up in.

The two men just looked at her funny in hearing everything. She turned and went five stalls down and went in. A minute later, she came out with a very well-built large blue roan stallion. The stallion was colored so perfectly. He was really blue with four long white stockings above the knees. The bald face was pure white with blue spotted lips. His mane and tail were striped like a beauty shop had worked on him. He was prancing but behaving as she spoke to him. As she approached the men, she smiled again and led the stallion right into the horse trailer.

The men were awe-struck of the stallion. The moment the truck drove off, they galloped to the stall and read the posting of the horse. Ah man, Butch, that’s Sidney Cantrell. It’s a woman, not a man. She’s got the Big Bar C Ranch south of here I’ve heard about. That stud is a topnotch World Champion too. We just bought three of her horses. I guess I never paid attention to the rodeos. I sure don’t remember anyone looking like that there.

Butch pushed his hat back and scratched his chin. Well, Trent, I guess she pegged us right. Butch slapped Trent’s back. She didn’t look like a horsewoman to me either, too darn pretty.

You got that right. Did you see those sexy legs? With her hair up in a bun and shorts, I thought she just came for something to do. He shook his head. I guess we better load the horses and head out too. Trent slapped his leg disappointed, he made a fool out of himself and started walking off. I may just have to go out there and apologize to her one day. Butch looked at him. I want one colt out of that horse. Butch grinned at him, knowing he liked what he saw. After all, she made a point of getting his eye on purpose. She had to of known he was watching her.

That night, Sid went out to Dino’s Bar to relax with the guys. They sat in the back of the club. Sometimes Sid just wanted to watch what was going on. She was a people watcher. It wasn’t their usual place, but it was a little closer to the house.

As the night started, it got more crowded than Sid hoped it would. No matter, she just sipped her beer as the guys started dancing with the women. Sid sighed at seeing Ellen come in the door. She had no respect for the woman. By ten o’clock, the door opened and in walked the tall, handsome men from the auction. Now she perked up and watched him closely. The two sat on a stool at the bar and talked while drinking a beer. Sid did not let her presence be known as she just watched things.

An hour later, she had to go to the restroom, though. She fought it for a bit, but it was inevitable. She pulled the rubber band out of her hair and let it all down to hide her face. Going to the restroom, she kept her face hidden. As Sid returned to her seat, she knew the men were watching her.

The tallest man spotted her and pointed. Hey Butch, look at that one. She’s gorgeous. I wonder where she came from. Ellen, of course, overheard him and thought he was talking about her.

She approached him and smiled, just as Sid was coming out of the restroom. Hello guys, how are you tonight? Sid watched as the conversation got started, but turned her head before they saw her, if they even looked.

We’re doing fine. How are you? Trent muttered.

Sid plopped down in her chair and sighed. Darn her, and she’s dressed to kill. Here I am just... dressed. Oh well, if that’s his taste, fine. She watched, and it seemed like they actually knew each other. That or else Ellen was pulling out all stops to get them interested.

Curtis noticed her face and said, Come on, let’s dance a couple. He stood up, pulled his pants up, waiting for her. She finally got up and went to the dance floor. She relaxed and ignored the men. Then a man came in the door she knew.

Ellen was busy flirting when the tallest man noticed Sid again this time. Ellen turned to see what caught his eye and frowned. Then she smiled at seeing the man that had just come in the door.

The man spotted Sid, then went out onto the dance floor and tapped Curtis on the shoulder. Curtis gave him a strange look, then looked back at Sid. It’s okay, Curtis. Sid danced with the man. What do you want, Brock?

Now Sid, come on, you know I miss you. Can’t I even say I’m sorry? The tall man was watching closely now and knew this would not be good for some reason. I hate the way we broke up. As they came around the dance floor just in front of the tall, handsome man, she let go of him to leave. He grabbed her by the arm. Can’t we talk about it?

We did, remember? She sighed. How dare you! She threw his own words back at him and went to walk off again. He stopped her again. She glared at him and said, It will never happen again. I told you there was no coming back years ago when you walked out.

Just as the tall man went to step in, Curtis beat him to it. He shoved Brock backwards into Ellen, ready to fight. She said, get lost Brock, your history and she means it.

Brock looked at who he fell into and then smiled at her. I am so sorry, miss. Did I hurt you? He stood up, strutting his stuff as Ellen gave him a flirting smile. The tall man stepped back as Curtis took Sid home.

A few days later, it came time to get back to the grunt work. Sweating in the sun, Sidney rises off her knees and wipes her forehead off. It’s hot and cleaning the horse’s troughs isn’t easy. Sid’s strands of dark brown hair were wet from sweat as she looks around, hoping for a breeze to come up. Clearing her throat to get the dust out, a horse comes up looking for water. Easy boy. I’ll get you some fresh water in a few minutes. The horse sniffs the empty trough and looks at her like, hurry up. Sid reaches out and pets the horse gently. Okay Boomer, it won’t be long now. Drink from the other trough so I can clean it later.

The horse then looks around, drawing Sid’s attention to the dust flying. A pickup is heading her way that she doesn’t recognize. However, she ignores it, thinking it’s an oil pumper going to check a few wells. As she continues scraping the last of the caked-on mud and hay, the pickup pulls up to the corral. Sid glances up, thinking, oh great, I don’t need any distractions. I got to finish watering all the horses. However, she keeps scraping, determined to finish the last trough for the day.

The truck door opens after the dust settles a bit. A tall man steps out and looks around for a moment. He finally spies Sid in a trough and heads her way. She still won’t look up. The man steps over the irrigating pipe. Then he steps over the hot wire fence and saunters over to her. Ma’am, can you tell me about these horses? They sure are fine and built right.

Sid stands up and grabs the broom to sweep out the loose dirt now and said, Yes sir, I take care of them and train the colts. She paused and looked the man over. May I help you? He was tall with broad shoulders, with sky-blue eyes. She could see the large muscles in his arms as he moved closer to shake hands.

My name is Trenton Mason, and I was looking at the horses. I’m always looking for excellent horses. He reached his hand over the side of the trough for Sid to shake his hand.

Sid shook hands. Nice to meet you, Trenton. I am Sidney. What are you looking for? There are a few grade horses, but the majority are registered. The herd started coming up to where Sid was.

Trenton looked around and saw the horses coming up. Wow, here they come. That’s unusual. Most of the time, you have to chase them down.

Sid smiles at him for a moment. They are friendly and think they’re going to get some hay. It’s about time to set some hay out. She watched him looking the horses over. He walked over to the one that was already there. That’s the stud, Boomer. You can’t have him. Trenton petted the stud as he sniffed at the man.

He sure is gentle. And he’s a nice-looking horse too. Definitely built right all the way around. Sid got a glimpse of the man’s nicely shaped buttocks and smiled. What she called a wrangler butt. Something now seemed familiar about this man, and so did the name.

Yeah, he’s a lover and smart. He’s already let me know he wants fresh water, not the water in that trough. Sid pointed at the trough next to her. It’s not even that dirty. He just knows the well water is cooler and wants it.

Trenton let out a hearty laugh. He is smart. Here are the other ones too. May I look at them?

Only the foals will be for sale in this pasture. The mares are too good to let go. Otherwise, go ahead. I’ll finish sweeping up the dust and get this done. Trent moved around the mares and foals, then asked questions. Sid answered him and gave some bloodlines as she swept.

Trenton made notes on the foals, then asked, What about those in the corral? He pointed up to where he parked.

Sid finished up quickly and walked him back to the corral. These are fillies. A couple of two-year-olds are left. The rest are yearlings, all of these are for sale. She then began answering questions again as they went into the corral. Careful Trenton, they are spoiled and will crowd you for attention.

Trenton looked at her funny. Seriously? She nods at him. Oh, just call me Trent.

Well, Trent watch this. They went farther into the corral. Coco, come here. Coco immediately came to her and gave her a kiss.

That’s the way it should be. That’s cool. Which one is that one? The red dune with four socks. Sid loved on Coco since she called her over. She then told Trent the name, and he said, Baby Doll come here. Baby turned and came right up to him.

Now you better give her some attention, or she’ll pout. Sid handed him a brush. They like their spa treatment, and they know what that means, too. Then it dawned on Sid that she must look like a fright, all sweaty and strands of hair hanging out of her cap. Thank goodness most of her hair was tucked under the ball cap. However, the baggy pants were covered in dust. It must look like a fright. Her top was ripped on one side as well. She knew she looked like a bum. After all, Trent was dressed well and mighty handsome, in her opinion. Then she realized where she had seen him. He brushed Baby down as he looked her over carefully. Sid knew he liked Baby and told him about her bloodline. You sure know how to pick the top end. He smiled, then asked prices and she told him. Next thing, all the fillies came over for attention, making Trent laugh. I told you they’d all come over. If one gets attention, the others get jealous, just like kids do.

I can see that. Do you have any colts? I’m really more interested in the colts at this point. Maybe. Sid thought on that comment.

Well, if you don’t like girls, I’ll show you the boys. Come on, you’ll have to ride with me while I water. Sid waited for a response, trying not to laugh.

He turned to her. I didn’t say I don’t like girls. Of course I like girls. I meant the fillies; I mean the colts. Sid giggled at him for a moment. He realized she was teasing him. He had to chuckle then. She even noticed he didn’t have a wedding ring on again. Even though that meant little.

Sid walked over to the trough and set the pipe on the edge. Then she opened the valve for when she turned on the pump. Ok, come on, I’ll show you the colts. She pointed across the other pasture. They’re over there. He followed her and got in the pickup with her. She drove over to the other pen. I only have one two-year-old here, the red dun. The others are yearlings, and they will want attention too. As soon as they opened the truck doors, the colts came right to the fence to greet them.

They’re loveable too, I see. Can I go in the pen?

Sure you can. They don’t kick. Sid pointed out the two grade colts and the two-year-old. Now all the names I’ve given, isn’t their registered names. It’s just their nicknames I gave them. Sid pointed at a colt and said, That one with the big star, Bubba, may lightly nip your knee, though. That’s how they play with each other. I think I got the idea across. I’m not a horse, so no biting.

Ah, yes, young studs do that. Yet you broke them from that already, I see. Trent paused, then pointed. What about this roan? He started thinking when he saw the roan. A blue roan stud, I know this... somewhere. He looked at Sid closely this time, but it wasn’t registering with him. She looked dirty and, well... bad, in his opinion. Although she had beautiful blue eyes.

That one I call Romeo. He’s registered and the reason we separated them already. If you know what I mean. Sid giggled and smiled at Trent, who laughed. She liked his deep tenor voice. She then kept answering the questions as she filled their troughs from the water tank sitting by the fence.

Then, when she said the colt was out of Rock Star, it hit him where he was. He looked at her again; she said her name was Sidney, now he knew. It’s her. Oh crap, I should’ve known. But I didn’t see the usual entrance to such a large place. Now, just in case you didn’t know, this is the head and not the tail. She smiled at him, knowing it just hit him where he was. He knew it was her then for sure as he dropped his head.

He half stuttered, I’m so sorry for my comment at the sale. I deserved what you said. You were just... dressed differently... for being a horsewoman. She had to agree and smiled at him. Why are you cleaning the troughs and not the hands?

She had to laugh then. Men don’t do a good job. It’s like doing the dishes to them. Besides, I want my horses to have fresh water, not green algae crap in it.

Trent looked over at the barns farther down the road for a second. Is Rock Star in the barn? She nods. Any in the barn for sale? She shrugged. May I go see the horses? I’m thinking I want this roan since he’s out of Rock Star.

Sid thinks about it for a moment. Hmmm, maybe I can keep him around for a bit. He’s so handsome. I guess so, but there’s thirty more in the other pasture, too. She’s looking at his full lips, powerful jaw, and bites her lip without realizing it.

He smiles at her finally. Now, I don’t want to take up your day. But if you don’t mind, I’d like to see your place. He pauses. I mean all of your horses.

Oh, now we’re getting somewhere. I’ll just have one of the guys finish up with the watering. She tries not to blush as they leave the corral. Come on, let’s ride up to the barn. He gladly follows her back to the pickup. She finally pulls her cap off once in the truck and lets her hair fall out. After starting the truck, she runs her hand through her hair, shaking it. It’s going to be a hot day, I’m afraid, and we sure need some rain. She turns the AC on full blast, letting it blow her hair.

He looks over at her and her long, gorgeous brown hair. Now he knew that was her at the bar as well. You got that right and a breeze sure would help a lot. Trent is now impressed with Sid working so hard. Where is your help? I don’t see anyone.

Sid pulls up to the house and parks under a tree. I got them busy repairing the fences. I may need to call them in though, as hot as it is today. They can work in the inside arena; I got easier work for them in there. She headed for the barn as Trent followed. Excuse me a moment, please. You can go ahead and look around. She then texted the men to come on in. Replies came back happy.

She caught up to Trent as he turned back to her and waited. This stud is gorgeous, I have to admit. He’s got the most unusual markings. Sid smiles at Rock Star as he reaches for his affection. Do you spoil all of your horses? I’ve noticed the ones I bought are quite gentle, as well.

Well, I do to a point. We work with them when I wean them. I don’t like horses that jerk you around. She pointed at a stall and headed for it. I bought this filly, and she barely leads. As big as she is, she could hurt someone. I’m teaching her some manners already. Thank goodness she learns fast, but she has a problem.

The filly came to the door and stuck her head out for affection. Trent reached out to her and petted her for a moment, then she suddenly bit him. Ouch! Sid didn’t have a chance to tell him about the filly biting.

She fooled me too, that’s the problem. Sid looked at Trent's arm after he pulled up his sleeve. Wow, she broke the skin on that one. Come up to the house and let me take care of it for you. You don’t want that getting infected.

Trent didn’t argue either, he secretly wanted to see the house. He was more interested in Sid than he let on and tried to play it cool. Following her to the house he watched her­­... swing and grinned. She could feel his eyes though and gave him just a little extra.

Just as they got to the steps a man came out of the house making Trent frown. It was the same one at the sale and the bar. Hey Sid, what’s for dinner?

Sid looked at him and said, It’s Friday, is anyone going to hang around? The man shrugged. Well, Curtis, I guess you better ask. Don’t you think? She then saw Curtis looking at Trent. Oh, this is Trent, and this is Curtis. The two shook hands as they exchanged greetings. I want you to work that chestnut filly tomorrow until she sweats. She bit Trent and drew blood this time. We can’t have that going on.

Curtis frowned. Yes, ma’am, I’ll work on her. She bit me too. Trent then wondered if Curtis was an employee, boyfriend or neither. After all, he sure was ready to fight to defend her.

You know how to handle a horse that misbehaves. She has got to break that habit. Use the arena also and turn on the fans. It’s too hot outside.

Curtis turned back again. That other filly kicks too.

I’ll work with her to stop that. Tell everyone else to leave her alone. Curtis smiled and nodded, then went