Rancher's Seduction

By Nicole Simon

In the Wild West, the heat of passion between Detective John West and Emily Adams is threatened by a sinister mystery. Sparks fly as they join forces to unravel the case on Adams Ranch, but a rival ranch owner casts a shadow of doubt and suspicion over their investigation. With danger lurking around every corner, can their love endure? Find out in "Rancher's Seduction," where hearts are tested and true love conquers all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nicole Simon
• Release date: Feb 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224176106

Book preview

Chapter 1: Mysterious Happenings on the Ranch

The Adams Ranch was a hearty place that was built on the rolling hills deep in the heart of Texas. Plenty of people walking by in the small town were able to see the pastures filled with grazing horses. Some were lucky enough to see the woman attending them, Emily Adams, the beautiful daughter of the owner of the ranch.

But no one in town knew what happened behind the walls of that large estate built on those gorgeous hills, and the Adams family wanted to keep it that way.

Daddy, it’s happening again! exclaimed Emily nervously.

Yeah, yeah, I got it. Hold on to something, her father replied.

As father and daughter got ready to have a meal together, the walls of their perfect home began to shake. Emily ran into the living room, grabbing ahold of a large cabinet to make sure the family pictures and antique paintings stayed upright. Back in the kitchen, the owner of the ranch, Richard Adams, held tightly onto his plate of food. Around him, all the utensils, containers, and other cluttered items tremored and shook along the marble counter tops.

The shaking got stronger and stronger. Richard let go of his plate to cover his ears. As if the entire house came to life, every nook and cranny of shared space shook and banged together.

Daddy! cried Emily.

It’s almost over! Richard said, trying to stay calm. He looked to his right. An analog clock that ticked rhythmically looked back at him. Thirty more seconds.

As the shaking grew even stronger, Richard clambered out of his chair to hide underneath the table as items began to fall to the floor. Glass shattered, food splattered, utensils clanged. A knife fell from the kitchen table, nicking Richard on his finger. He winced but didn’t move, keeping his eyes on the clock.

Once the full minute was over, the house stopped shaking and everything went silent.

Richard sighed with relief as Emily ran back into the kitchen. Daddy, are you alright? She kneeled, gasping at his finger. You’re bleeding!

Richard got out from underneath the table, waving her off as he stood up. It doesn’t matter. I’m fine. Are you alright? Nothing fell on you, did it?

I’m okay, answered Emily as she grabbed a napkin from the table. She took her father’s hand, placing it against the wound. Keep it compressed, and I’ll get the first aid kit!

Don’t worry about it. It’s just a scrape. He held the napkin to his finger, frowning. I’ve about had it with this place. I’m calling that detective.

Emily stepped closer to him. You can’t be serious. What is a detective going to do about some earthquakes?

These aren’t earthquakes. I’m sure of it. Texas doesn’t get earthquakes like this, muttered Richard.

Are you saying we’ve got ghosts? Shouldn’t we be calling a priest instead? gasped Emily.

I don’t believe in ghosts. He turned to glare at his daughter. And detectives can investigate all sorts of things. These earthquakes, plus those cuts Marabelle got on her legs.

Emily shook her head as she cleaned up the kitchen. She began organizing the marble counters. So, we’ve got some rodents attacking the horses. What’s that got to do with anything?

Yeah, but why only Marabelle? It’s not a coincidence that she’s our oldest horse and the only one being attacked. We even had some ducks turn up dead the other day, her father pointed out.

Emily stopped cleaning, giving her father a worried look. I thought we both agreed it was some coyote.

Coyotes wouldn’t have just left the carcasses there, he reasoned. Emily shook her head again, turning around to keep cleaning. Look, Emily, I’m being serious. I feel like someone is trying to scare us. I’ve got to protect this ranch. It’s my life. We have plenty of enemies in this town. Maybe some whack-job is coming onto our property—

So how do we explain the shaking then? Is that because of a whack-job too? asked Emily.

Richard walked over to his daughter. I’m calling the detective whether you like it or not. It’s the least we can do. If they don’t come up with anything, we’ll move on, and I’ll forget about it. Deal? Emily continued to organize the counter, not responding. Richard stepped closer, pushing his daughter’s hair behind her ear. I’m just worried, that’s all. I’ve got to make sure this place is still safe for you. I don’t want you to get hurt, he said softly.

Emily stopped. She didn’t say anything for a moment before sighing. Fine. But I don’t like it. We should be figuring this out on our own. I know we can.

I think this is bigger than we can handle, Richard frowned.

***

That night, Emily hopped onto her bed and made a call to her best friend Sarah Turner. As she got comfortable under the covers, the house creaked and groaned around her. Emily shut her eyes, trying to tell herself that the house was just old and that old homes creaked like this all the time.

Sarah picked up the call on the second ring. Hey Em! How’s it going?

Her voice instantly calmed Emily down, and she found herself smiling like the stressful day never happened. It’s going, I guess. Dad called a detective.

Sarah went quiet for a few moments. Is that a bad thing?

No, not really. Just... I don’t see why he needs to spend money on someone for something like this. Don’t you think if we put our heads together, we’d be able to find out what’s happening around here on our own? asked Emily, taking a deep breath.

Not really, Em. We’ve been trying to figure it out since we were kids, answered Sarah.

But that’s when we were kids! We’re adults now, smart adults, prodded Emily.

Sarah giggled. Debatable.

You know what I mean, laughed Emily. Daddy thinks something paranormal is going on. How’s a detective going to help with that?

"Your dad said something paranormal was going on?" asked Sarah, confused.

Emily kicked the blankets off her body in frustration. Okay, that wasn’t exactly what he said.

When’s the detective coming over? asked Sarah.

In a couple of days. Friday, replied Emily.

Tell you what, why don’t I come over on Friday? I’ll give you some support since I doubt you’ll be a fun camper with that detective guy running around, reasoned Sarah.

You’re right. Plus, he’s a city boy, said Emily, rolling her eyes.

How do you know that? asked Sarah.

All the detectives are, answered Emily.

Sarah clicked her tongue. This isn’t some movie, Em.

Well, just come over. Help me out with exercising the horses or something, mumbled Emily.

Alright! You heading to bed? asked Sarah.

Already in bed, yawned Emily.

Go to sleep then! giggled Sarah.

I can’t, Emily said, frustrated.

Sarah paused. Ah. Is the house too loud?

With all that stuff Daddy was talking about, I’m paranoid, Emily said quietly.

Want to sneak me in? Sarah said with a smile.

Emily chuckled. Sure, come on over. We can have a sleepover.

A couple of days passed, and it was time for the detective to arrive. Richard Adams sat on a rocking chair on the front porch, dressed in one of his many formal suits.

From the pastures, Emily leaned against the metal fence with Sarah standing next to her. They both watched Richard sit stoically.

Sarah frowned. I just hate it when he gets like this, she mumbled. He gets so scary.

Emily scoffed. He looks constipated. I keep telling him to lay off the stare. He won’t get any friends looking like that.

Sarah giggled, leaning on the fence next to Emily. When’s that city boy coming?

Any minute now, Emily said as she looked around.

He hasn’t even gotten here yet and you’re already holding a grudge? giggled Sarah.

I still think we can figure this stuff out on our own, answered Emily with a shrug.

Sarah clicked her tongue. I’ll always be here for you, Em. But I’ve got to say, for this, leave it to the professionals.

Emily huffed. Our house is just a house. Nothing else to it. Now come on, let’s let the horses out.

Sarah reluctantly followed Emily as they headed to the stables.

Over on the front porch, Richard straightened his posture as a taxi rolled up to the ranch behind the open front gate. Detective John West smoothly exited the vehicle. After the taxi driver got John’s suitcase out of the trunk, the detective tipped him handsomely with some cash. The driver thanked him, turning to wave at Richard. Have a great day, Mr. Adams!

Richard waved back. Great seeing you, Kevin.

The driver got back in the taxi and headed out. John stood at the front gate for a couple of minutes, clenching and unclenching his fists. It was already too hot for him to handle in his khaki pants and button up shirt. The sun beat down on his shoulders and the top of his head, his skin already turning a light shade of pink.

John looked around and tried to ignore his discomfort. He glanced at the iron gate, scraping a finger on it. He rubbed the dirt on his fingers as he walked down the path to the house.

Richard stood up once John made it to the front porch. The detective paused, slightly intimidated, before grinning. He held out his hand. Mr. Adams. It’s a pleasure. Detective John West.

Richard firmly shook his hand. John’s smile wavered, his hand throbbing as he let go. Please, just call me Richard. We’ve been waiting a while.

John lowered his head in a small bow. Apologies. It took me a while to find someone who could take me out here.

Richard unlocked his front door. No worries. He opened it, stepping to the side. Come in. We have a lot to talk about.

Of course. Thank you. John stepped into the house, looking around as the door closed behind him. Quite the home you’ve got. Luxurious. Leather furniture?

Richard led the detective into the living room. Yes. I wanted a mix of rustic and elegant. Wooden floors, wooden tables, leather furniture, and the like. Set your bags down anywhere. I’ll show you to your room after the tour.

John set his suitcase down next to one of the leather couches, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he began to waltz around the room. So, tell me the history of the place.

Richard crossed his arms, watching the detective like a hawk. "We’ve had this house for decades. It was my grandfather’s. The ranch