The Cowboy's Calamity

By Susan Horsnell

The last thing Kyle Johnson needs is to look after a couple of rich, privileged brats who fancy a taste of ranch life.

 

He's a rancher not a babysitter.

 

Taylah Richards has lived in the big city all her life and hates it so, she can't wait to unwind by spending two peaceful weeks on a ranch.

 

Peaceful?

 

Arguments, accidents, and two men fighting over one girl – the fortnight is anything but peaceful.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lipstick Publishing
• Release date: Oct 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223681083

Susan Horsnell

I’m an Australian author who lives in Queensland when not travelling and I write in a variety of Romantic sub-genres, including Western,  Historical, Gay, Mafia, and Contemporary Romance.  I have published over 60 books and novellas, many of which feature strong, independent heroines and rugged, alpha male heroes. Some of my popular series include the Outback Australia series and The Carter Brothers series. My books are known for their well-researched historical details, vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape and real life experiences. My work has garnered praise from readers and critics alike, and I have been a Finalist in both the Rone Awards and Laramie Awards as well as being a multiple times International Bestselling Author and USA Today Bestselling Author. If you're interested in learning more about my books:  Linktree https://linktr.ee/SusanHorsnell   

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Copyright © 2018 by Susan Horsnell

The right of Susan Horsnell to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her under the Copyright Amendment (Moral Rights) Act 2000

All rights reserved. This publication (or any part of it) may not be reproduced or transmitted, copied, stored, distributed or otherwise made available by any person or entity (including Google, Amazon or similar organisations), in any form (electronic, digital, optical or mechanical) or by any means (photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise) without prior written permission from the author.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

Written by: Susan Horsnell

Edited: Redline Editing

Proofread: Leanne Roger

Published by: Lipstick Publishing

Cover Design by Tara from Fantasia Frog Designs:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1556162697844738/ 

Disclaimer

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental or historical. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously.

Chapter One

KYLE

I slam the front door and storm down the front steps of the ranch house. I can’t believe Mom and Dad have sided with my brother, Harvey. Two weeks until Christmas, and I’m going to be stuck babysitting some rich brat and her fiancé instead of managing the C4C.

The C4C is a four hundred thousand acre cattle ranch which has been in our family for four generations. As the eldest son, I expect to inherit it one day when my dad has passed on. I have a sister, Madeleine who at twenty-five years old is two years my junior. The subject of my angst, my pain in the ass brother, Harvey is seventeen.

Hold up, Kyle.

I slow to allow our foreman, Jack Knox to catch up.

What’s going on? I heard the front door slam and thought someone was practicing their shooting. It’s a wonder you didn’t break the front windows.

I drag handfuls of fingers through my hair as I turn to face the man I consider my best friend. Mom and Dad agree with Harvey. He’s to work the ranch while they’re gone and I’m stuck with babysitting two fucking brats from California who wanna play ranch.

So, they agreed he’s too young to look after guests? I hate to say it, Kyle, but I agree with them.

I glare down at my friend who, at barely six feet is seven inches shorter than me. You’re supposed to be my fucking friend. I stalk off but Jack follows, not content to leave well enough alone.

Kyle, knock it off. Your parents have had this trip planned for over a year. They deserve a holiday and you know as well as everyone else, Harvey is irresponsible and not reliable. The ranch depends on the income from the guesthouse to help get us through the lean times, you can’t afford to knock back rich guests.

Fine. You babysit the fucking guests and I’ll do your job.

I storm into the stables, grab a saddle and open the stall where my chestnut mare is munching on breakfast hay. Willow whinnies in protest when I cut her meal short and lead her out.

Jack stands nearby while I saddle up. I don’t see your problem. You love riding, kayaking, shooting and archery. Two weeks of relaxation, indulging your hobbies.

Whatever. I’m going to check on the cattle. If mom and dad come looking for me, tell them I’ll be back before they leave.

I lead Willow from the stable block, mount up and gallop toward the south. The day is cool, but mild for this time of year. I head in the direction of the Butting River which runs through our property, the further away I ride, the calmer I become. I slow my mount to a walk as we approach the herd, I don’t want to spook them. They’re all grazing, their soft lowing fills the air.

Out here is where I belong. In the wide open spaces on the back of a horse. I hate the thought of looking after a couple of city dwellers for two weeks but Jack’s right, without the money they bring in, the ranch wouldn’t be nearly as successful. I check the cattle, all appears fine. I start back to the ranch house.

When I reach the stable, Harvey is waiting for me. I dismount and approach him.

Something happened? I ask.

Yep. Taylah happened.

What’s a Taylah?

The name of our guest.

They weren’t due to arrive for another two hours.

Well, they’re here and they’ve been shouting at each other ever since they arrived. It’s gonna be a real interesting couple of weeks if the last half an hour is any indication.

Fuck.

Mom and dad said to hightail it over there and introduce yourself.

Give Willow a rub down and put her away. I hand the reins to my brother and stride off to the guesthouse.

***

A female voice assaults my ears as I approach the 100-year-old guest house on the south side of the ranch house. I pause at the bottom of the steps leading onto the veranda. "No, You said two weeks away from the city and your job. I’m not going back. If you’re so fucking worried about Miss Laramie Pritchard go back and marry her. I’m done. There have been three people in this relationship for too fucking long. Our engagement is over. Here, take your ring."

A whiny male voice causes the hairs on my arms to stand on end. Sweetheart, you know she doesn’t mean anything to me. Please don’t do this, you know I love you.

My fucking money more like it. If Laramie was rich, I have no illusions, I wouldn’t see you for dust.

Darling, you know that’s not true. She needs my help, you can’t turn your back on a friend.

Just get out. I never want to see you again. Get!

The door opens and I jump to the side as a small suitcase hurtles toward me.

Sweetheart, be reasonable.

Get the fuck out!

Ouch.

I told you, get out, don’t touch me!

I’ve heard enough. I climb the stairs and rap on the door frame. Hello?

The girl screams, I step inside and find her caught in an obviously unwanted embrace. Her fists are beating at the man’s chest and her head swings from side to side as he attempts to kiss her.

The lady said to leave her alone and get out. My voice startles both of them and they turn to glare at me.

The man releases the woman and steps over to me. Who are you and what the hell are you doing in our house?

My name is Kyle Johnson and this happens to be my house.

Your house? The man’s arrogance grates on my nerves.

"Mine. You are