Winds of Fate: A Pygmalion Romance Novel

By Jo Anne Barnes

She wants a baby, but where will she find a husband on his isolated horse farm? He needs her to train and show his prize Arabian stallion in an upcoming international horse show in Paris. She says she's quitting her job and moving to Dallas to meet more men. He says he'll find her a husband, but he doesn't plan on falling in love with the raving beauty he creates. What could possibly go wrong? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jo Anne Barnes
• Release date: Jan 31, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224685578

Jo Anne Barnes

/Users/joannebarnes/Desktop/JO ANNE BARNES grew up in a small parish in northeastern Louisiana 2.docx

Book preview

Chapter 1

Danielle heard a commotion and rolled out of bed. The barking was easy to identify. It came from her Standard Poodle that was lunging at the front door. She had a sneaking suspicion she recognized the man’s voice too and knew exactly why he was there. What she couldn’t understand was the smart-mouthed wind that rattled her bedroom windows and sent a quiver down her spine. She would almost swear the gypsy’s forecast was coming true.

It’s written in the tea leaves, little one. See for yourself. The winds of fate will blow your way and within the next six months you’ll fall in love with a rich, handsome man and get married. I tell you this man will make your heart sing like never before, and soon the pitter-patter of little feet will surround you.

Dani, let me in! More pounding. And will you do something about Gina? She acts as if she doesn’t know who the hell I am.

Her boss’s deep baritone voice made a smile curve her lips despite the sleep he’d cost her. Nothing subtle about Lloyd Hampton Massey. Even his nickname was bold. Why people started calling him Truck was a mystery she never solved, but it suited him. If she didn’t open the door, he’d hammer it down.

Too tired to search for her robe she stumbled to the living room, stashed Gina in her crate, swung open the front door and gazed into dark bedroom eyes that never failed to interest her, eyes the color of sin and twice as intriguing.

Surprised the night was so clear and the moon and stars twinkled like Chinese lanterns strung across the sky, she peered around Truck’s broad shoulders to her front lawn where the wind bent her willows to the ground. It stirred Truck’s hair, tossing an unruly wave over his forehead that fell in place like a thick, inky comma.

Tell me it’s not true, Dani.

She answered his steely command with as reasonable a voice as she could muster considering the hour and the black-magic tension in the wind. What’s not true?

I heard what you’re planning, so don’t deny it.

I’m not denying anything. Did you enjoy Scottsdale?

Yes, I did. And stop trying to change the subject. If you’ve got a complaint, let’s hear it now.

I don’t know what you’re talking about, Truck. I’m not complaining about anything. This has nothing to do with the way I’m treated around here.

A strong gust of air ballooned her gown away from her body. His quick glance slid to her legs, and his mouth instantly softened. He propped his elbow against the doorjamb and leaned against it. You know how much I depend on you, Dani.

Too much, Truck. That’s part of the problem.

Why do you want to quit a good job like you’ve got? I don’t understand.

Moonlight glinted over the sharp angles of his cheekbones, his stubborn jaw. No, he wouldn’t understand. Unlike her, Truck wasn’t as lonely at his isolated horse farm. When he’d called from his airplane on his way home from Arizona, she’d heard a woman’s voice in the background.

Women went for rich bachelors. They would go for Truck if he wasn’t rich. His physique? Imposing, a tall man as muscular and agile as his stallions with the sexiest-looking behind she’d ever seen. Something casual and comfortable about him too. It showed in the clothes he wore, the charcoal tweed vest that hid behind a corduroy sports coat. Subtle simplicity.

"I’m not sure I understand. The gypsy at the Texas State Fair triggered a loneliness she had felt lately but managed to shove it from her mind. You see, Truck, I’m hanging up my training whip and finding another line of work. Sorry you had to find out from Rosalie. I planned to tell you myself in a day or two." His housekeeper meant well, but she talked too much.

The pompous wind acted out again, whipping her hair into her mouth. For some reason she couldn’t fathom, she quickly added, I haven’t had time to look around yet, to see what kind of work is available.

Truck victoriously pumped his fist. All right!

She untangled her hair. But I’m pretty sure I’ll find something suitable.

Animation fled his face. He waved away her response. Never mind. We’ll talk about it later. I’ve got something I want to show you. Now that you’re awake, you might as well come on down to the barn and see it.

Now that you woke me up, you mean. She dared not go with him no matter how much she wanted to. Truck was unrelenting when he wanted to convince someone of something, and the night was too off-kilter to trust her own resolve. Don’t you want to hear how we did at the fair?

Tell me about it on the way. Salah won. That’s the best part.

Salah was Truck’s pride and joy, an impressive stallion he’d pinned his dreams on. Everyone knew that. He longed to sell his consulting firm and expand Massey Farms until it became a self-supporting operation. The reputation of his breeding stable hinged on Salah’s success in the show ring, as did Truck’s dream.

Someone told you, she said.

No one had to. You and Salah always win.

The corners of her lips crimped upward. Thanks. I appreciate your confidence in us. Look, it’s late and I’m tired. Hauling four horses to the fair isn’t easy. Do you realize how early I’ve got to hit the road tomorrow?

C’mon, Dani, go with me. We’ll hurry, I promise. I talked to Juan. The surprise I got for you arrived about an hour ago, just before I got here from the airport. I haven’t even seen it yet.

She was about to refuse, but a strong puff of air flowed in her face, Truck’s musky cologne floating on top of it. Why don’t you tell me what the surprise is, then I’ll know whether or not I want to make the effort to see it tonight?

I’m disappointed in you, Dani my girl, and in myself. If I haven’t made you curious by this time, I’ve done a sorry job communicating. Just humor me, why don’t you?

It’s something I want, right?

You’re going to love it.

Danielle drew a deep breath and inhaled the sweet smell of a nearby leaf pile. It probably wouldn’t hurt to go to the barn with Truck, as long as she remained adamant. Hold on a minute while I throw something on.

An easy smile ruffled his lips. Mind if I wait inside? Something’s eating me alive. Must be mosquitoes, though I haven’t heard any buzzing.

Neither had she. She wondered fleetingly if gypsies utilized insects in spells they cast or just wind. I’m such a wimp, she grumbled under her breath. Holding the door open for Truck, she followed him inside, doubting her sanity.

What was she doing trotting after Truck Massey in the middle of the night and feeling all giddy inside? A pox on the gypsy and her tea leaves!

Truck didn’t want to lose a good hired hand, but he hadn’t realized until now how desperately he wanted her to stay at the horse farm. He needed her to manage his stables and show his horses, but his need plowed deeper than that. Something about this night was different. Maybe she was right. Maybe he depended on her too much. Or maybe this was the first time he’d ever seen her dressed in anything but jeans or riding breeches and her femininity had gotten to him. He had never seen Dani look lovelier.

She glided across her living room with a swift grace, shimmering like a tawny angel in her soft pink nightgown. Chestnut hair framed her pretty face in a moonlight cascade that tumbled to her shoulders, hair she usually wore in a tight little braid that slanted her almond-shaped eyes.

Dani flicked on a small lamp beside the sofa. Eyelids puffy with sleep, she stretched her arms over her head and inhaled deeply. His gaze shifted to her breasts straining against the soft material of her gown, and she quickly lowered her arms and folded them across her chest. She’d not shown the same inhibition outside when the wind had billowed the gown away from her body.

I won’t be long, Dani said. Did you find the breeding stock you wanted?

Sure did. He caught the strain in his voice and cleared his throat. I bought two mares. I’m hoping for a good cross with Salah after he wins the Paris show. Take a look at them while we’re at the barn.

She nodded. Hold on, I’ll be ready in a minute.

Don’t go sneaking back to bed on me now.

She smiled, and his determination not to let her quit grew stronger as he watched her pad barefoot down the hall, wondering what was happening to him. Was it because that wind had cast a spell on him? Ridiculous, he thought. It was because she was thinking of leaving. Just the thought of it made him feel like a needle with no thread.

When she’d first arrived, he’d felt the strongest attraction to her he’d ever felt for a woman. But she’d been so young and innocent back then he hadn’t wanted to take advantage of her. Vulnerable over the loss of her husband, she’d blinked the saddest eyes he’d ever seen, eyes that had challenged him to put a sparkle in them. He’d spent weeks cheering her, then shielded her from men like himself. Men who ran like hell from anything that reeked of marriage and families. Those things weren’t for him. He’d learned his lesson early in life, and he’d learned it well. Still, the hardest and the noblest thing he’d ever done was push Dani away when she’d shown interest in changing their friendship into something more.

Through the years they’d enjoyed a professional relationship they were careful not to breach. Dani was like the kid sister he never had but always wanted, yet here he was with his mouth wide open, panting. He'd tear anyone apart who treated her badly, but he doubted that would happen. She was small, but she could look after herself. That sharp tongue of hers carried a wallop.

When Dani returned, she had donned tight jeans and a soft white sweater he had seen her wear to the barn a hundred times but never had it looked so alluring. It contrasted with her vivid coloring—red-brown hair and dark brows. White becomes her, he thought. He watched her buckle a belt around her slender waist and felt an itch around his jawline that he rubbed to relieve.

She smiled. I’m almost ready. Don’t you want to sit?

I’m fine. He studied her enchanting smile and wondered if she was aware of the effect she was having on him. Apparently not. She sat on the edge of the sofa and wiggled her fanny as she extended a shapely leg and pulled on a sock and rubber riding boot.

I’m ready if you are, she said, standing.

Let’s go, child. He needed outside air to clear his mind if he was going to convince Dani to keep working for him and to quench the fever burning inside his veins. He reminded himself that fever was a symptom, not a disease.

In the darkness, Truck’s eyes slid sideways and caught a glimpse of soft moonlight on Dani’s face as they stepped away from the storage building then lost it again when they passed through the shadow of Juan and Rosalie’s bungalow. He could see the shadowy profile of her nose tipped upward, pleasantly so.

What made you so late tonight? she asked. Juan expected you before dark.

I got held up. Nothing urgent.

Nicole again?

Truck heaved an impatient breath of air, but her keen observation amused him. Now why would you go and say something like that?

When you called the barn looking for Juan, I heard the broad giggling.

There you go again with that racetrack trash talk. Truck sighed. Missy. Her name’s Missy and she could probably teach you a thing or two about manners, child.

A proud tilt of her chin. I’m not a child, Truck. I’m a woman.

Yes, she was a woman. Very much so. When had this happened? You were a child when I first started calling you that. How old were you, twenty-two?"

Have I been here eight years? She tossed a grin his way and looked more enchanting than ever. Guess you’re right. I was pretty naive, huh?

Afraid so. Of course, I was twenty-seven and wheeling and dealing, so who knows for sure? I thought I was hot stuff.

A bubble of warm laughter floated from her throat and mingled with the wind rounding the corner of the bunkhouse. He loved the wind with a curious respect he couldn’t explain. Maybe because he had no power over it. Tonight it was a breath-taking wind he’d never felt before. It tugged at his clothes and sent a chill down his neckbone.

He studied the mysterious smile that paraded across Dani’s face. She feels it too, he thought. The wind and its magic. You were going to tell me about the horse show.

Oh, yeah, she said. Merilee came in fourth and Bay Fyre refused a jump, but Salah won halter. The judge raved about him.

"Think he’ll win the Salon?"

"He has a chance at it."

Truck nodded in agreement, more to himself than to Dani. I want the world to see what a great horse he is. And I want to be sitting on the front row watching him when spectators cheer him on.

A faint smile swept her face. I hope you find a decent handler willing to go to France to show him. Rough handling upsets him. You know how antsy he gets.

Truck’s muscles tensed. He hadn’t considered what it would mean if Dani didn’t show Salah at the Salon du Cheval. The future of Massey Farms depended on his once-in-a-lifetime stallion earning international recognition. So did Truck’s happiness. More than almost anything, he wanted to rid himself of the boring consulting firm that occupied most of his waking hours. He wanted to breed and raise Arabian horses. This was his chance.

You’re going to show him, aren’t you?

She shrugged. If I’m around.

You could anyway. I’ll make it worth your while.

She laughingly brushed away his comment. December seems so far away.

Think of the fun we’ll have. Have you ever been to Paris?

No, but there’s no rush. I’ll go one day.

Come with me, Dani. You’re dying to go. You know you are.

She lifted her chin a notch. I refuse to discuss it, Truck. You can’t entice me with Paris to get me to stay here.

Is that what I’m trying to do? Okay, I’ll change the subject.

For now. Sometimes it paid to fold your cards, to bring out a fresh deck later. And did he have a card to show her! Did you see much of the fair, other than the horse show?

Some of it. I looked at the exhibits, ate cotton candy…had my fortune told.

Did I hear you right, Ms. Skeptical? Or did dogs howling in the distance muffle the last part?

A small smile tugged her lips. I have a problem believing it myself.

He laughed and took her hand as they