Cowboy Kind of Hooked: Only an Okie Will Do, #8

By Becca Turner

The moment Chance Nash bumps into a sassy blonde at the local bar, he knows she's The One. She might play hard to get, but he gradually wears her down and even learns her name on their first date.

 

Isla Michaels has come to Oklahoma under false pretenses. Sort of. Although she grew up with privilege, her family life lacked warmth. She recently learned she has a half-brother she never knew about. In order to meet him, she pretends to be interested in one of his horses. Maybe if it goes well, she'll tell him who she is. What she doesn't expect is to be charmed by Chance. He's cute, he's caring, and he immediately breaks through the walls she's erected to keep her heart safe.

 

But pressure to return home is mounting and Isla's still not sure she wants to spill the truth about her family history. Her deepening feelings for Chance complicate everything she planned for her future. And even though he promises to follow her anywhere, she knows it's wrong to take him away from his family legacy. Isla's decisions will either lead her away from the cowboy she's hooked on or back home to the austere life she built before Chance.

___

The West isn't won until a cowboy holds your heart. Filled with stubborn and swoony cowboys and heroines with backbones who star in heart-warming small town romances, the Only an Okie Will Do storyverse ticks all the boxes.

 

If you enjoy emotional closed door romance stories with low level heat, you'll want to read them all.

 

Book 1: Cowboy Kind of Trouble
Book 2: Cowboy Kind of Commitment
Book 3: Cowboy Kind of Reckless
Book 4: Cowboy Kind of Peace
Book 5: Cowboy Kind of Spark
Book 6: Cowboy Kind of Harmony
Book 7: Cowboy Kind of Courage
Book 8: Cowboy Kind of Hooked
Under Oklahoma Skies: An Only an Okie Will Do Collection
Under Oklahoma Stars: An Only an Okie Will Do Collection

• Language: English
• Publisher: Becca Turner
• Release date: Jan 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223039938

Book preview

Prologue

Dare you to get in the pen with that bull."

Chance Nash eyed the two-year-old black Angus cross, then looked at his cousin Spencer. It wasn’t the craziest thing one of them had ever dared to do. Chance wasn’t afraid of anything on four hooves. The trouble was, Papaw had forbidden them from entering the pasture. He claimed it was for their safety, even though his grandkids had been around livestock since they were old enough to sit on horses. For how long?

Thirteen-year-old Spencer thought about it as he chewed on the piece of hay sticking between his lips. Thirty seconds.

Spencer’s younger sister Felicity wrinkled her nose. Don’t do it, Chance. You’ll get in trouble if you don’t get killed.

Spoilsport, Spencer muttered.

Chance sure as shit wasn’t dumb enough to do it for no reward. What will you give me?

Thirty bucks for thirty seconds.

Felicity scoffed. Where’d you get thirty dollars?

Nawnaw gave it to me for my birthday. I’ve been saving it. Spencer raised his eyebrows. What’ll it be, Chancy?

I’ll do it. Chance tipped his cowboy hat back. Why the hell not?

Don’t you dare. I’m getting Papaw!

Felicity started to turn but Spencer grabbed her by the shirt collar. Lighten up. He’s not gonna get hurt.

Let me go! Felicity pulled away. You’re gonna get killed, Chance. Boys are so dumb.

A bolt of nerves rattled Chance as he climbed the gate, but he wasn’t about to turn down thirty easy dollars. Papaw had warned them about messing with the new bull but what their grandpa didn’t know wouldn’t hurt anything.

Clock starts when your feet hit the ground, Spencer called.

Here we go. Chance swung over the gate and dropped into the pen. He walked closer to the bull.

The bull looked up from his grazing. He blew out a breath and in the next second, bolted for Chance.

Oh, shit.

Run!

Felicity’s screech was less inspiring than the bull’s thundering hooves. Chance turned and ran.

He didn’t make it. One second he was running for the fence. The next, the animal’s head hit him in the ass and launched him into the air.

Help him, Spencer!

Chance hit the ground on his back. He didn’t have time to be surprised. A couple of years’ worth of bull riding had sharpened his reflexes. He bounded up as the bull turned to him.

It charged again, and he sidestepped, narrowly missing another head butt.

It faced him and paused, breathing hard.

Don’t run. Spencer warned. Just stay still.

That advice was good for about five seconds before it lowered its head.

Chance crouched slightly and as it barreled toward him, he dodged again, spinning out of the way.

Man, that thing is pissed.

I’m getting Papaw!

Chance didn’t have time to worry about whether Felicity did. He danced toward the fence, narrowly avoiding the angry bovine.

What the hell is going on here?

He turned at his cousin Barrett’s sharp voice. One second, he was on his feet and the next he was face-first in the dirt getting pounded on the legs and back by the bull. He covered his head with his arms but didn’t have time between blows to get up.

An involuntary yelp left his mouth as hooves came down on his right thigh.

Hey, hey, get away from him! Move!

Papaw’s voice was as commanding as the crackle of electricity from the shock prod he carried.

Chance was aware of boots near his head and the snorts as the bull backed off.

You alive, Chance?

Barrett grabbed his shoulder. All Chance could manage was a moan.

Papaw swore as Chance lowered his arms from around his head.

His back throbbed and his leg felt like it had cracked into a dozen pieces.

What do we do, Papaw? Barrett sounded worried.

Where ya hurt at, boy? You bleeding anywhere?

I don’t know if we should roll him over. Do we call an ambulance? Aunt Sarah’s gonna freak out.

Barrett wasn’t wrong. The pain was nothing compared to what would happen when Chance’s mom found out what he’d done. She’d ground him till he was thirty. Chance gritted his teeth then let out a long breath. He pushed up on his elbows.

I don’t need a damn ambulance.

Language, Papaw barked.

Sorry, Papaw. Can you help me up?

Papaw and Barrett hooked their arms through his. It was all he could do not to curse as they hauled him to his feet.

Chance wobbled and his right knee buckled. Barrett held him steady.

Papaw ran his hand down his weathered face. I’ll call Nawnaw and tell her to bring the truck. Kid ain’t getting on his horse any time soon.

I can. Don’t bother Nawnaw. Chance leaned on Barrett. He’d rather crawl back to the house than ride with his grandmother.

He loved her but letting her behind the wheel of Papaw’s old farm truck was as dangerous as getting in the corral. She’d hit every pothole from here to the ranch house if she didn’t run over a cow first.

He met Spencer’s wide-eyed gaze. And he grinned, right before his knee gave out for real.

Felicity slapped her hands against her face in shock. Chance!

Even as Barrett lowered him back to the ground, he managed a hybrid smile grimace. I’m fine.

You kids are gonna be the death of me. Even your daddy wasn’t this dumb at your age. Papaw pulled his phone from his pocket and punched in a number. He paced as he waited for an answer.

Barrett’s blue eyes bore into Chance. What were you thinking, you idiot?

Spencer offered me thirty bucks if I’d do it.

The adrenaline was fading, and the pain was getting worse. He blinked back tears as Papaw spoke into the phone.

"You messed with a bull even though you know better for money? Barrett looked between him and Spencer. How incredibly stupid."

Chance would’ve laughed if it didn’t hurt so bad. Like Barrett had never done anything stupid.

Nawnaw’s on her way. Papaw put his hands on his hips. I’d bust your ass if I thought it’d teach you anything. I already know it won’t.

He lifted a finger to point at Spencer. I ever hear about anything like this happening again, I’ll take you boys out to the back forty and leave you for coyote bait. You understand me?

Yes, sir, Spencer muttered.

Yes, Papaw.

And you better hope like hell that bull ain’t hurt. Papaw took off his hat and beat it against his thigh. When God was handing out brains, you two thought He said trains and got in the wrong line.

Spencer’s chastised expression became a half smile but quickly faded as Papaw rounded on him again.

I thought you boys knew better. Did you really think this was gonna end up any other way? What have I said any time you get off a bucking bull?

Get away. Let the bullfighters take care of him, Spencer answered.

Barrett laughed. I don’t see you having a career in bullfighting.

At fourteen, Chance knew for a fact he’d already ridden more bulls than Barrett, who had five years on him. Papaw put all his grandsons on steers to start with, but it had quickly become apparent Barrett was no bull rider.

Stick to your dumb ol’ reining horses. He started to call his cousin a coward but caught a sharp look from Papaw.

The old quad cab Dodge truck Papaw used for the farm came rolling up to the corral. Nawnaw sat behind the wheel looking tense.

Up you go, Chancy. Spencer took a hold of one arm while Barrett helped pull Chance up again.

Papaw steered his granddaughter toward the truck. Lissy, you go on with them now.

Okay, Papaw, Felicity whispered.

Chance bit the inside of his cheek to keep from groaning. He couldn’t put any weight on his leg. It wouldn’t hold. By the time they made it to the truck, he wasn’t sure if he had sweat or tears in his eyes.

In the front passenger seat, his younger cousin Tucker stared wide-eyed.

Nawnaw’s brow furrowed. What in the world did you do to yourself?

Got up close with the new bull. Chance flinched as he slid into the backseat. I’m okay.

Spencer and Felicity piled in beside him.

Your mother said to take you to the ER. She’ll meet us there. Nawnaw started the truck again. You’re pale as paste.

Aww, I ain’t hurt that bad.

He’d never hear the end of it if he made his mom miss work because of this. His dad would give him a lecture that would blister his ears, but his mom... Sinners in Hell would have an easier time getting forgiveness.

Felicity wagged her finger at him. You be quiet. You’re in enough trouble as it is.

You sound just like Nawnaw. He leaned his head back and tried not to grimace every time the truck hit a pothole.

Tucker turned to look at him around the seat. A couple of years younger—and born deaf—he didn’t look like much except a string bean, but Papaw was already sure Tucker would be a bull rider despite Tucker's parents being pissed Papaw ever let him on a steer. It wasn't the first time anyone in the truck had been hurt by an animal.

I’m okay, Tuck. Really.

Tucker nodded and signed something that equated to you better be. Because of Tucker’s inability to hear, the whole family had to learn ASL. Not that Chance minded. For a kid, Tucker wasn’t too bad. He was tougher than Barrett when it came to bull riding. Even if everybody knew he was Nawnaw’s favorite.

Compared to Tucker, Chance was an all right bull rider. But Barrett’s comment got him thinking about bullfighters. Why couldn’t he learn how to dodge a bull the right way? He could be the first bullfighter in the family.

Chapter One

Luke Michaels gestured at the horse in the round pen. As you can see, he’s got a great gait even at a trot. He doesn’t jar his rider too much. Hey, Dusty, kick him up to a lope.

The young girl on the back of the black blanket appaloosa nudged the gelding with her heels. His trot morphed into the lope she’d silently asked for without hesitation.

From the corner of her eye, Isla Michaels watched Luke. Looking for mannerisms she recognized in herself, her brother, or their father.

Aside from his blond hair and icy blue eyes, Luke could’ve been another stranger on the street. Those eyes were definitely a Michaels characteristic.

What do you think? Luke signaled Dusty to rein in the horse.

Isla studied the horse through her sunglasses. He’s a gorgeous mover. Could he be trained for show jumping?

Luke put his hands on his hips and gave the horse another look. I guess so. That’s not something I do. You’d need a different trainer. I cover basic groundwork, cutters, reiners, trail, barrels, and pleasure. I don’t know much about English riding.

Isla smiled. No problem. I actually do a bit of training myself.

Oh. Are you looking for a show horse or something to teach lessons on?

Truthfully, she wasn’t looking for either. She’d come to Oklahoma specifically to find Luke after doing one of those goofy DNA tests. She’d done her research, learned about the whole mess he and his half-brother had gotten into a few years ago, learned about his horse training and stock contracting.

Luke was making quite the name for himself. Last year he’d trained a young reining horse that had already racked up an impressive amount of money. His rough stock was nothing to sniff at either.

The girl—Dusty—dismounted. She led the gelding out of the pen and stopped in front of Luke. You want me to cool him off or...?

Luke looked at Isla. Want to try him out?

Not today, thanks.

No problem. Cool him down then turn him out. Luke smiled at the girl. Good job, Daisy.

Thanks, Dad. She beamed before she walked off with the horse.

He’d introduced the girl as his assistant when he met Isla at the barn.

I thought you said her name is Dusty.

He laughed. It is. Long story. She’s my wife’s daughter from her first marriage. It’s a silly nickname.

That surprised her. He hadn’t updated his information on the genealogy website in a while. There was no mention of kids.

I wouldn’t have guessed she isn’t yours. You sort of look alike.

He grinned. We get that a lot. Her brother’s fair-haired too. I only have one of my own. Of course, he’s a blond. The wife and I both have those Nordic genes, I guess.

No guessing. They were very much Swedish or Norwegian according to the website results. Even if she and Luke did have different mothers.

So three kids. Two of them from your wife’s previous marriage?

His brow furrowed a bit. Yeah.

Too nosy, Isla. Well, your stepdaughter was amazing on that colt.

She’s a natural. Doesn’t hurt that my sister has taught her a few trick riding stunts.

You have a sister? She feigned surprise. Luke’s profile did mention his half siblings. The ones he knew about. Isla cleared her throat. I knew about your brother because of the, uh...

He shrugged. "The lawsuit against the Pickerings? Unfortunately, we’re well-known for surviving that."

His brother’s deceased wife had a lover who blamed Will for her death. He’d attempted to frighten or kill Will—and Luke once—on multiple occasions, resulting in leaving Will wheelchair dependent for life. Will’s first wife had gotten involved with the would-be murderer after his father tried to purchase the Tumblin’ B.

At least you’re still alive. She smiled. Does your sister train as well?

Not in the traditional way. She’s got her trick horse and she’s working on another one.

That, she hadn’t known. What a fascinating family.

He relaxed and smiled. We like to keep busy.

He obviously wanted to ask her whether she liked the horse but didn’t want to come off as pushy. She did like the horse.

I’ll think about taking him. It’s a big decision. I actually have a brother to consult about it. She smiled. Rhett would likely tell her to do what she wanted as she was going to anyway. He hadn’t exactly been thrilled when she told him she was going to Oklahoma to find out about Luke.

Especially after they learned about the whole attempted murder trial against the Pickerings. She’d told Rhett to give Luke the benefit of the doubt if for no other reason than to satisfy her curiosity. He didn’t understand why she cared.

Sure. Give me a call or a text any time. He looked down at her. I keep thinking you look familiar.

Isla frowned and shrugged. Maybe I have one of those faces.

He nodded. Could be. I, uh, had a head injury a while back. Most everything came back to me but there are still times when the word or memory I want eludes me. Might’ve seen you somewhere before and it’s just jiggling around in my brain.

Her frown deepened. Was the injury from the real estate guy’s son?

He gave her a wry smile. I got kicked by a horse. Hazards of working with them.

Oh. True. As long as he set aside the idea that he’d seen her before. She didn’t think so, but knowing their dad had left when Luke was two, she couldn’t help wondering if something about her struck a note in Luke.

A whirring noise and the crunch of gravel caught her attention. She turned at the same time Luke did.

Luke gestured at the dark-haired man in the wheelchair with a boy who looked like him at his side. Hey. Isla, my brother Will and his son, Bear.

Will smiled quickly, although it faded.

Bear touched the brim of his cowboy hat. His smile was a whole lot friendlier than his dad’s. Ma’am.

Hi. Nice to meet you. She smiled at the kid, who was maybe five years old. Interesting name.

Bear beamed. It’s my great-grandad’s name. This was his ranch. Someday it’s gonna be mine. Part of it. I guess I gotta share with Dusty, Shep, Huck, and Bethie. Bethie’s my sister but she’s real little. Only a couple months old.

Sharing is good. Having a brother her dad never mentioned might’ve been a nice thing to share.

Dusty was showing off Dillinger. Isla here is looking for a jumping horse. Maybe. Luke shrugged. She might be a hard sell.

Bear’s whole face lit up. Dillinger is awesome. He’s really fast. Dad won’t let me ride him yet, but I bet he could do anything. I mean if Uncle Luke trained him more. He’s real good under saddle right now for just a horse but he needs a job. Someday I’m gonna have a horse like him.

Don’t rush it. You’re doing just fine on Cielo. Will half-smiled. The kid’s growing up too fast. So, where you from, Isla?

Will’s eyes were as dark as his hair, inquisitive and as sharp as his cheekbones. For a man in a wheelchair, he had a big air around him. Something about his scrutinizing gaze made her nervous.

Flagstaff. Not from there originally but I’ve called it home for a few years.

Will nodded. Been there a couple times. Wouldn’t trade it for Swells but it was all right.

Too much city. Luke put his hands on his hips. Is there anything else I can show you? I have a couple of younger horses I’m just starting under saddle.

Oh, no. I definitely don’t need anything so young and frisky. I’d like to find my next champion ready to be groomed for show jumping. I really appreciate your time. I want to think about Dillinger.

If you change your mind about riding him, let me know. Happy to let you tack him yourself then take a ride.