Colors of the Heart

By Ruby Raynes

In the thrilling novel, Colors of the Heart, Pamela, once a famous rodeo star, found herself forced to start anew after a near-death accident. After going into singing, she fell into the clutches of a charming yet dangerous man who became an abuser and stalker. To evade him, she constantly moves, desperate to escape his grasp and the limelight. Struggling financially, she discovers a potential job opportunity but is unsettled by the overly attentive owner, Jack. However, when he learns of her plight, Jack offers his assistance. Yet, complications arise when a coworker causes further trouble.

As Pamela's nightmare, Jacob, inches closer to finding her, she faces a critical decision: fight back or continue running. A battle of wills ensues, with Pamela's survival hanging in the balance. As shocking truths are revealed, Pamela realizes she must confront her demons head on. It's a life or death situation. Who will ultimately emerge victorious and survive?

• Language: English
• Publisher: L R Hill
• Release date: Dec 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223797173

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

There was a full moon slowly peeking over the trees in the deep south as Pam sat in the dining room wondering what to do with her life. She was reaching the age now that finding a job becomes much harder. Adding in the few body aches that limit her abilities on many jobs. Scanning the internet jobs, Pam stops a moment to look closely at her finances. She decides to book one last vacation at a luxury ranch resort to see if she wants to try that kind of work. Cautiously, she picks up the phone, makes her reservation and pays for three weeks instead of four to conserve her funds. Desperation was knocking, and it was time to panic in her mind.

Over the next few days, Pam packs her household things up and puts most of it into storage. She knew she would not return soon but move back to Texas, where her nightmare began. Constantly moving kept her feeling safer from him finding her so easily. She was lucky and always found a place to run from her nightmare. Was her luck running out? Pam soon loads her pickup and a trailer with as many of the essential things she needs to make the move. After calling the property owner again to report the house is now clean, she waits for him to come and inspect the house. He shows up within the hour and is very impressed with the cleaning, so he gives her the deposit back immediately.

Taking in the last view of the tall pine trees and all the greenery the south has, Pam sighs deeply. Then gets in her truck and slowly pulls out of the drive. Driving carefully, she takes in the sights as she goes through the southern states, thinking about working for the resort. Her old way of making a living as a singer was not an option any longer. For her own safety or the ones she loves. She wondered if she should have applied for a job even at the guest ranch resort. The idea of working in customer service makes her nervous. The possibility that people would see her and might recognize her was unnerving. However, it was a chance she had to take; she needed a good-paying job at this point.

Pam is hoping that the company doesn’t realize she is also going to be a guest for three weeks when they review her application. She knew it would take time for them to go over all the applications and maybe she would get an interview while still there. It would be perfect timing and she would get to know the property beforehand. Smiling to herself while driving down the road, she even had to laugh. What a way to check out the company before deciding to work for them. Even if I get an interview.

Reaching Texas made her relax, knowing she was finally home again after fifteen years. It was good to see wide-open land again instead of so many trees blocking the view while traveling. Some of the land became more barren the farther west she drove. The trees certainly were much shorter and thinner. Pam soon got tired and pulled over for a quick meal to refresh herself. She sat outside at a picnic table as she ate to feel the air and the land again. The air was sultry but drier yet soothing to her soul. After eating, she slowly drives on until she finds a hotel for the night. She was eager to reach her destination, hopefully tomorrow.

The next day, Pam was up early and ate quickly. She drove most of the day and then arrived in a little town. She was close to the ranch and found a storage unit, finally. Then she put the trailer inside the unit and unloaded the boxes in the back of the truck. She paid for three months upfront before going on to the ranch to check in.

Arriving at the ranch, Pam looked around, pleasantly surprised the place was so large and definitely upscale as advertised. She walked around for a moment before going inside and checking in. The clerk was very personable as she said, Welcome, Ms. Vickers. We hope you enjoy your stay here and if you need anything, please ask. We are here to give you the best experience possible. She explained the details further as she handed Pam a map of the whole ranch and a key.

Pam smiled, then feeling unnerved, she quickly glanced around pretending to be looking the lobby over. She soon spied a large and tall cowboy out of the corner of her eye. She tried to ignore him. Then she turned back to the clerk and spoke, Thank you, Alice.

Alice motioned for a man who approached. Ms. Vickers, I will show you where you will stay and take your things for you. I am Chad, your concierge, so if you want anything, I will be more than happy to get it for you.

Thank you, Chad. I will just follow you for now. Lead the way, Pam said politely. Chad led her to a cabin that was elegantly decorated and then he brought her bags in for her. This isn’t so authentic, but it is beautiful.

Chad grinned at her comment. We have the authentic rustic cabins, tents, and even tepees if you prefer to change. Of course, most of the tents are large and well decorated as well, back in the campsite area.

Pam took her beach hat off and then set it on the bed. Oh, this will do fine, but I want to see the whole ranch. It is so beautiful here and I miss the outdoors. After several more minutes of conversation, Chad leaves Pam to herself. Then she unpacked her things and relaxed for a little while. Most of the early evening, she walked the closest area around her cabin first. Then she found three different compounds. Each was more authentic than the other. One was the teepees; one was the old shack type cabins and then the luxury tents with a few no frill tents. Off to the side were the barns and corrals. In seeing the barn, she then went into the barn to see the horses. The same big, tall, handsome cowboy she saw at registration was there, doing something. But she ignored him as she looked at each horse. He didn’t speak to her, which seemed odd, but she was grateful he didn’t. Maybe he was a guest for all she knew.

A woman went up to him a moment, then slid her hand down his arm affectionately. She was pleased then and thought, no worries, he has a girlfriend or wife, I just wish he’d quit staring. Or is it my nerves?

She made the most of her time exploring the grounds as she watched the employees interact with the guests. This was something she knew in her heart; she would enjoy working here on the ranch. They dressed everyone as cowboys and cowgirls to fit the environment and Texas. Pam smiled at everyone and spoke to most everyone she crossed paths with.

A few times, a wrangler had a horse with him and asked if she wanted to learn how to ride. She looked at the horse and would close her eyes, rub her neck, then back out. The man looked at her, wondering what was holding her back. Yet he knew something was wrong and didn’t push her at all. He would look off at someone standing by in the shadows before turning the horses away and leaving Pam alone.

Pam noticed it and looked around to see who was looking. It was at the big man that was in the barn when she went to see the horses. Again, the same woman approached him, smiling. She said a few things and rubbed his arm before she left him. Pam walked off quickly, wondering if the big man was the supervisor, the woman’s husband, or just watching her. The thought made her nervous, and a shiver went through her body. Refusing to panic, Pam went to watch the guests, who were riding in a large corral. A woman approached her and asked if she needed anything. Yes, who is that big man? He seems to be everywhere I go, Pam said.

The woman looked around and then said, That’s Jack. He’s nice, but really quiet. Excuse me, I must check on everyone if there’s nothing else. Pam shook her head. The woman then quickly walked off before Pam asked anything else. Which gave her a sense to stay away from him. The woman’s reaction seemed a bit odd. Pam felt as if he was stalking her, and she fought herself to keep from panicking. She left almost at a run to get away from his prying eyes. Pam reached her cabin, quickly closing the door behind her with shaking hands. She stayed inside the rest of the evening and had dinner delivered to her cabin.

The next day as Pam went to the barn; Sam, a worker, was rushing around making Pam ask, What’s going on? You seemed stressed a bit.

Sam spoke as he kept moving. I’m shorthanded, and I have ten horses to get ready within thirty minutes. I have one guy who constantly does this to me. He paused, then asked, How did you know my name?

Pam smiled at him. I heard someone call you by name, and mine is Pam. They shook hands. I tell you what, put the bridles for each horse on the stall door and I’ll bridle them for you. I’ll help as much as I can. However, I just can’t throw a saddle up on the horse. Sam stopped to look at her funny. It’s okay. I don’t mind helping. And no one needs to know if that’s what you’re worried about. Sam smiled and quickly came out of the tack room with a bunch of bridles. Pam took the first one and went into the stall, bridled the horse and led the horse out of the stall to be saddled. Sam laid the bridles over the other stall doors for her as requested. Then she bridled all the other horses, as Sam brought the saddles out and sat them on the horses. Once Pam had all the horses bridled, then she started strapping the saddles down.

Sam saw her and was surprised. Ah, you know how to saddle up a horse. I sure appreciate it. Sam watched her move quickly. He knew she had experience with horses, but kept from prying questions.

Pam smiled at him. I love horses, well, all animals I should say, and I know what it’s like to be shorthanded. Sam talked with Pam as they saddled all ten horses and laughed a little at some of his experiences with the horses and customers. It only took twenty minutes to have all the horses ready for riding. Pam led five horses for Sam as he took five out to the corral. She glanced around and saw the big man, Jack, watching again, but she ignored him as best she could. The same woman was hanging around him again. So, she assumed it was his wife or girlfriend, since he didn’t push her away. Thankfully, deep down, he stayed away from her.

Sam opened the gate and led his five horses inside the corral and Pam followed him, then did as he did in spreading the horses apart evenly. Thank you so much, Pam. You can go now. He gave a quick eye movement, which told Pam he knew he was being watched as well. Pam just smiled and left quickly as she patted the horse’s hip.

Jack waited for her to leave, then approached Sam calmly and asked, Did that lady help you saddle up?

Sam dreaded that question, but he knew better than to lie. Yes, sir, and she knows what she’s doing, too. She offered since I’m short a man today, I hope you don’t mind.

Jack smiled at him. She is a guest, and a guest can do what they want, and she wanted to help. She looks like a classy city girl, so that surprises me she knows horses. It’s just most guest want to be pampered, but she seems different, and she won’t ride for some reason. He paused a moment. I’ve seen you offer her a horse, so keep trying. Maybe she will ride one of these times. Jack pat Sam’s back. You do good work, but I may hire someone else to help you since Glen is frequently not here. Sam sighed in relief as Jack left and appreciated his praise instead of a reprimanding.

Every day Pam walked the grounds and memorized the areas. She enjoyed the atmosphere and meeting the other guests. She listened to how the employees spoke to the guests and handled things. This was her way of learning quickly ahead of time in case she got an interview.

Two weeks later, an email regarding the position Pam applied for came. It had interview times available to choose from, which made her heart jump. Taking her time and rereading the email and times available, she sits still to calm herself down. Thinking of everything, she finally picks the day and time three days out. She picks up the phone to call and confirms her decision with the hiring manager, instead of showing herself. For the next three days, Pam keeps meeting everyone she can and enjoys the spa treatments. 

Waking up early the day of the interview, she showers and, after a nice brunch, she makes it ten minutes early for the interview. Pam’s hopes rose as she thought back to her younger years of living on a ranch. And she remembers what it took to work on a ranch. Besides, now she knows how things are running here and feels confident she can do a good job.

Approaching the registration office, she walks with her head up and tries to appear confident. This is her one shot to land the job. That may be just what she needs to regain her self-esteem and confidence. Pam walks up to the counter and gives her information for her interview. The receptionist is very polite and professional and yet looks at her funny though. Then she takes the info and goes to the hiring manager. Looking around, Pam spies the large, tall, muscular man staring at her again. This time, she looks directly at him. Yes sir, I can stare too. He quickly turns and leaves as he is caught looking at her. It only took five minutes before Pam was called into the office.

The manager comes out of her office and speaks with a pleasant voice, Hello Pam, I am Mrs. Weber, glad to meet you.

Thank you, Mrs. Weber, it’s nice to meet you and I appreciate your time to speak with me. Pam smiles as she shakes hands, then follows the woman back into her office, and is then directed to have a seat.

Mrs. Weber said, I see that you’re from the south. This was quite a distance to travel.

Yes, ma’am, but I enjoyed the drive back home to Texas.

Well, I am impressed with your resume; you have a wide variety of experience working in different types of employment. You are well rounded. Mrs. Weber paused a moment. You have some older experience with horses, cattle, and the hotel environment. What I’m wondering is if you can handle the hot weather again working outside instead of the office work.

Pam wants to fidget and cross her legs, but she remains steady as she says, Living in the south is hot and humid, and after walking around before I came in. It didn’t seem near as hot as to what I’m used to, so yes, I believe I can handle this weather just fine.

Mrs. Weber is watching Pam’s face closely as she spoke then smiles at Pam. Good, that’s what I want to hear. Let me tell you what we offer. You will be provided a travel trailer and two meals a day with the pay listed. If you prove to work out, your pay will increase within sixty days. You’ll be working from six p.m. to six a.m. until we can get someone else hired to help. Pam was trying to hold her excitement as the details of the position were given to her. It was perfect, lodging and meals with time off. Working the night shift would be cooler too, especially with twelve-hour shifts for the time being.

By the time the women were done talking and after the two walked the property, Pam had the job offer. Mrs. Weber handed Pam the keys to the trailer with a schedule set for the coming week. Pam then told Mrs. Weber she was a guest there now. Mrs. Weber was surprised, but Pam explained she wanted to see how things were conducted and wanted to be sure she’d be a good fit. Mrs. Weber laughed at her ingenuity, welcomed her aboard and said, That’s the first time anyone ever did this. I do like the fact you know you can and will be able to do the job. You can move your things over from the cabin as you like, since you have a few more days to relax. Pam smiled. Your first day will be the paperwork and orientation.

Pam shook hands with Mrs. Weber again and then left to check out the trailer. She sat gazing at the nice clean trailer with slide outs smiling at her new home. After the moment hit her, she got up and looked in all the closets. They were supplied with towels and linens as a guest room would be. Sighing in relief, Pam sat back down again, and turned on the TV for a moment. An hour later, Pam moved her things over that evening so the company would have the cabin ready in advance.

Her first day on the job was tougher than Pam thought in learning her duties, since she wasn’t getting much help. The supervisor never showed up to explain anything after she filled out her paperwork. She got the information she could from the day shift by showing up early to get details from him. It finally sunk in that the trainer would not show up. So, she just began doing everything she could to keep the guests happy.

Several weeks passed as Pam enjoyed being back to working and meeting the people as they came into her campsite area. It was a Friday night when one guest asked where there was a country western bar. Pam quickly pulled out a brochure that showed two places with the directions there. Max Stanford, a guest, asks, Hey Pam, why don’t you go out dancing with us tonight? I believe this is your weekend off if I remember what you said.

Gee, Mr. Stanford, I don’t know. I don’t go to bars or dance to that line dancing stuff. Plus, I’ve been called in for work every day off I’ve had. I’d sure hate to be tired and not take care of you as I should. Pam said, smiling and trying to wiggle her way out of going.

Mrs. Stanford quickly said, I’ll go tell the manager we request your presence with us tonight. However, you won’t go in case you get called out for work again. Pam is shaking her head no as the woman took off for the office. Several minutes later, Mrs. Stanford returned. Well, that is taken care of; Mrs. Weber said it was fine that you escort us out, since this is your night off.

Pam smiled at her, as she caught sight of the big man Jack walking past them, and Mr. Stanford said, We’ll see you tonight then, so wear your boots. The big man heard the comment and glanced back quickly at Pam as she agreed. Then she turned to go back to her trailer. Pam went inside and sat down at the table, dreading the night out. She wanted to stay away from the public eye. She worked during her off hours as it was. Since most of the guests came to her instead of Max, the person who worked the day shift.

Jack went inside and talked to Mrs. Weber about Pam. Yes, that is Pam Vickers, and I hired her several weeks ago. You just haven’t seen her since her stay because she is at the campsite working nights. I get nothing but excellent reports on her. Is there a problem?

I knew she was a guest. I didn’t realize she was working here, but that’s fine, no problem. She’s different. She knows horses, but she won’t ride, but that’s okay, too. Jack walked out of the office wondering about Pam. She had definitely escaped from being seen by him for weeks now.

The phone rings, waking Pam up and she answers, Hello.

Pam, this is Robert and I need you to work tonight. I’m sorry; I know it’s your night off.

Ok, I’ll go tell Mr. and Mrs. Stanford that I can’t go out with them tonight as requested.

Pam heard Robert take a breath. Well, okay, thank you for working. Then he hung up before she could respond, wondering why he never gave an excuse. Why didn’t the other worker take up any extra slack? Pam looked at her watch and quickly went to the Stanford’s and explained she had to work again. They weren’t happy, but understood she had no choice.

Pam went on about her business and kept trying to meet the other employees who she had missed. It was harder to meet the other employees with the shift difference, but she met the few she could. It was easier meeting all the guests in her area and having pleasant conversations. In which she quickly made friends with them. It was more of a pleasure to work than she had ever dreamed it would be. Yes, the guests could be demanding, but when the tips came, it was well worth the extra effort.

CHAPTER 2

There were several times when Pam noticed Jack again moving about the ranch. It made her wonder more now who he really was, a boss or an employee. After thinking about it, he had to work there since she had seen him ever since she arrived. He never spoke to her and for some reason, she didn’t speak either. Especially since a woman was always around him. Pushing the thought off she went about her business as usual.

When the time came for the guests to check out, she was there helping them with the loading and double-checking nothing was left behind in the tents. Most of the guests liked her so much they wanted to hug her goodbye. They also gave her one last big tip for her services and pleasing demeanor.

Mrs. Weber told Pam about the rave reviews that were received from all the guests she had met and dealt with. Pam began feeling her self-confidence rise again and peace in her mind. Then, to top it off, Pam got a nice raise that lifted her spirit even more.

Pam stood in the early morning light, now off her shift and looking around the area. The rising dawn was breathtaking, and she smiled as she heard a coyote howl in the distance. The birds sang good morning, and it made her smile again.

It was now time to go to the stables and see the animals that she enjoyed visiting