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Chapter 13: Gifts
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Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 14: Skittish
Chapter 14: Skittish"I need to go see about the horses," Cole announced. "Would you like to come with me?"Instantly, Jenny felt a stab of fear. Outside felt dangerous. Anyone could see her outside. Including Victor and his goons. Cautiously, she peered out the window."It's dark now," Cole said. "Besides, like I said before, my nearest neighbor is miles away. And I keep the gate locked. Nobody's coming on the property." Jenny deliberated, weighing her fear against the desire to please Cole. Finally, she nodded and was awarded with his glowing grin."All right! Let's go. You can say hello to Dahlia."Jenny shivered in the cool night air as they walked side by side toward the barn. Blue snuffled happily along the ground, running ahead, then circling back around to them. About halfway between the house and the barn, Jenny paused, gazing up into the sky. High overhead, millions of stars twinkled like diamonds as on the eastern horizon, the full moon had just begun its clim
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 15: Where Did You Come From, Jenny?
Chapter 15: Where Did You Come From, Jenny?In his study, Cole poured himself a bourbon and took a sip, savoring the burn as the liquid rolled down the inside of his chest. Jenny had gone to bed shortly after they'd returned from the barn. He had a few things to take care of, but he also felt restless. He sipped again and exhaled with relief. Thank God, she's not a minor. The worry had been swirling through his mind since he'd considered the fact that if she were under the age of eighteen, he would be guilty of concealing a minor. The idea of calling Beth nagged at him anyway. She'd know how to handle the issue of someone chasing after Jenny. Then there was the brand, which he couldn't un-see. Maybe he could ask Jenny about it. Quickly, he discarded the idea. Over the last twenty-four hours or so, he'd gained a bit of trust, but that was a huge leap. She didn't realize he'd seen it, either. He sighed deeply. That was a topic for another day.She'd seemed happy to help
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 16: Getting Their Story Straight
Chapter 16: Getting Their Story StraightBehind the wheel of the big black SUV as it barreled down I-5, Slater slid a sidelong glance at Wilcox who was seated in the passenger seat. The other man was eyeing him cautiously."What?!" Slater growled."What what?""You're looking at me like I stepped in dog shit or something." Irritation painted his already ruddy face a deeper shade of red.Wilcox shrugged. "I'm just wondering what you're going to tell Sorkin about this clusterfuck you created."Slater glared out the windshield and gripped the steering wheel tightly, his jaw shifting in annoyance. The truth was, he had no idea what he would tell their boss beyond what he'd already told him.When they'd arrived in San Francisco, they'd been missing one red-haired freak. Before heading to the Four Seasons, they'd made a little detour, with Slater calling ahead as Wilcox navigated the congested city streets."Why didn't Mr. Sorkin tell me himself?" the voice on the other end of the line
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 17: Terrifying Memories
Chapter 17: Terrifying MemoriesThe Rolling Stones blare from Chelsea's MG. It's like the classic car's radio dial is perpetually stuck in the sixties. Jenny is too excited about the upcoming party to be annoyed.In her driveway, she grabs her purple JanSport and hops out, slamming the car door. "I'll call you tonight," she promises, as Chelsea launches backward and waves goodbye.She swears the house feels different when she walks inside. But how could that be? She doesn't know anything yet.Her father is tied to the chair in the middle of the family room. How is it she didn't notice that on the actual day? In her dreams, she sees little details she missed the first time around.Then he's there. Victor. Only she doesn't know his name yet. That comes later. He tells the men with him to hurt her and her mother. One of them is Slater, also something she'll learn later. The one who smells like salami. All she can think is that it was supposed to be Greg Morgan. Not some bal
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 18: What The…
Chapter 18: What The…Cole awoke with a start. He wasn't sure of the time, but it was dark, save for the moonlight streaming in through the window. He yawned, stretching his arms over his head, and rolled over to check the clock. 3:12. He still had a good couple of hours before he needed to be up, but now that he was awake, nature called. Tossing back the covers, he stepped out of bed and immediately tripped over something on the floor. "Dammit!" he swore sharply as he sprawled on his hands and knees. He rolled onto his behind to see Jenny sitting up, wide-eyed, all wrapped up in a quilt. Blue sat beside her, watching his master curiously."What the hell? Jenny, what are you doing sleeping on the floor?"She shrugged slightly, pulling the quilt higher around herself.Cole ran a hand through his hair, belatedly realizing that he was dressed in only his skivvies, a pair of grey boxer briefs."Geez, Jenny, you scared the shit out of me." He grabbed the throw folded across the
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 19: Meet the Other Horses
Chapter 19: Meet the Other HorsesCurled on the cot, the rest of Jenny's night was blissfully dream-free. It was still dark when she heard Cole's alarm and his soft curse as he quickly turned it off. She remained motionless as he gathered up his clothes and headed into his bathroom to shower and get ready for the morning. After he tiptoed out of the room, she slid from beneath her quilt. Cole's bed stood unmade, probably due to the fact that with the cot in the way, it would have been difficult to make without waking her. Quickly, she made his bed, rendering it neat and tidy. She neatly folded up the cot and leaned it against the wall before she headed back to the bedroom she'd left earlier.Once her bed was neatly made, she dressed in a pair of black skinny jeans and a black and white print top. In the hall bathroom, she brushed her hair and pulled it into a ponytail. Close inspection in the mirror showed that her eye was looking much better, the bruising having faded from p
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 20: Complicated
Chapter 20: ComplicatedLunch was once again an informal affair of sandwiches and chips. Cole looked at Jenny seated across the table from him. She'd gotten a little sun that morning, judging by the pink on her cheeks and a few new freckles across her nose. He made a mental note to pick up some sunscreen for her. She noticed him watching her, and a frown flashed across her face just before a self-conscious smile. She was a pretty little thing, not even the remnants of a black eye could hide that. He wondered if he should be thinking that way but figured 'pretty' was just an honest observation. He wondered for the thousandth time where she'd come from, and who, if anyone, might be looking for her. She seemed convinced someone was. Last night had been unexpected. He'd nearly broken his neck tripping over her. And she'd been out like a light once she'd settled on the cot. She feels safe near you, he told himself. Just another stray he'd brought home, his sister would say.
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 21: Running the Gauntlet
Chapter 21: Running the GauntletAfter Cole left, Jenny aimlessly wandered around the house. She gazed again at the photos hanging in the hallway, making a mental note to ask Cole about them sometime. In the kitchen, she found the chicken he'd mentioned, a package of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. She chewed her lip thoughtfully, then opened an upper cupboard. There she found flour, salt, pepper, olive oil, and a small container of dried parsley. She frowned. Dried parsley would do if he didn't have fresh, she supposed.In the fridge, she found butter, grated Parmesan, a lemon, and a partial bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. She surveyed everything on the counter, frowning.Capers. If only he has capers. Dragging a chair from the table, she climbed up and peered into the upper cabinets once more. Shoving aside all the items in the front, she leaned up on her tiptoes, straining to see what else might be in there. All the way in the back, she spied a small round jar. She had
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Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 220: Epilogue
Chapter 220: Epilogue"And the award for best picture of the year goes to…The King of Iron Rise!" Anna's heart momentarily stopped, and the world around her shifted into slow motion. She turned to her left where Angus beamed at her, his azure eyes sparkling, before he pressed a warm kiss to her lips. "We did it, love."Through ears that pounded in rhythm with her pulse, all sound was muffled as she watched him step into the aisle, button his black tuxedo jacket, and make his way up the steps to the stage where a woman in a glittery silver gown stood holding a golden statuette. The woman handed the award to Angus and murmured words of congratulations before stepping back out of the spotlight that illuminated the lone microphone in the center of the stage. As the applause died down, Angus gazed down at the trophy in his hands and shook his head in disbelief. "Och, aye, and it's a hell of a thing," he sighed, and applause broke out again. Anna clapped too as a tear ran down her
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 219: Near Aspen
Chapter 219: Near AspenRight arm resting on the back of the low tan leather couch, Angus glanced over his shoulder and out the window of the Gulfstream 100. Heading west, they were chasing the sunset, and far below, the agricultural land of the plains states spread out like a patchwork quilt in the late afternoon light. Anna's soft sigh drew his attention back inside the cabin of the leased private jet Cooper had procured for Angus's trip to Florida. The pilot had been more than happy to wait at the airport in Orlando. Because either way, Angus would be returning to Colorado.He looked down at Anna, fast asleep with her head resting on a pillow in his lap. When she'd crashed nearly as soon as the jet was in the air, the lone flight attendant had helpfully produced the pillow and a blanket. Since then, Anna hadn't so much as stirred.She must have been done in, he mused, thinking of his own emotional exhaustion over the past weeks since they'd been apart.Angus closed his eyes a
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 218: Unexpected Guest
Chapter 218: Unexpected GuestA week and a half after the beach fiasco, Anna was grateful for a set routine. If she wasn't happy, exactly, at least she felt settled. She'd decided she'd try to fly home to Wyoming for Thanksgiving, and while the holiday was still weeks away, she wanted to touch base with Janine to give her plenty of notice. Being able to cross off the days on her calendar until she went home to visit lifted her spirits somewhat.It was mid-afternoon when she finished leading her final session for the day, so she decided to pop in to have a chat with Janine. On her way into the ranch office, she passed a shiny black SUV parked in front.Maybe Janine has found a big donor, Anna thought hopefully. The ranch can use so many upgrades.She pushed open the door and entered the empty office. Janine wasn't at her desk, but the door that led to the rest of the house was ajar, and Anna heard low voices.She rapped on the doorframe. "Hello? Janine?""Anna?" came Janine's vo
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 217: Fight For Her
Chapter 217: Fight For HerGlancing around the restaurant, Angus released a satisfied sigh. They'd done it. He'd done it. Filming was finished. All around him, the cast and crew celebrated the end of shooting, congratulating one another and laughing together at story after story, some tales old, others new to this project.When he'd asked his assistant Cooper to secure a restaurant for the get-together, the young man had raised an eyebrow, but to his credit, he'd carried out the task professionally and without question. It was costing Angus a pretty penny to rent out the high-end Aspen bistro for the evening but treating everyone to a wrap party was the right thing to do. They'd all worked hard, and most of the cast had done so without pay, agreeing to share in the profits from future ticket sales instead. Something that never failed to produce a pang in his stomach when he thought about it. Because suppose no one wanted to pay to watch his gamble? What then?"A toast to our
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 216: Devastated
Chapter 216: DevastatedBeneath the canopy that shaded the production equipment, Angus peered at the digital screen. His actors were in place, and the natural light of the early morning was just about to peak. Nodding with satisfaction, he called out, "Action!"He watched as the scene came to life, an almost exact replica of what he'd envisioned weeks ago in his cabin at Sweetwater Ranch. But even now, the thought of his time in Wyoming was a gut-punch. Shaking off the memory, he focused on what was happening on-camera. It was good, but even so, he had them do a second take before they lost the light.While he was busy working, Angus was able to push off his devastation at having lost Anna and all that he'd imagined for their future. In quiet moments, though, images came rushing back to him.Anna's grey eyes alight with laughter, her cheeks pinkened in an endearing blush, Anna naked in the moonlight, lovingly gazing down at him. Before he'd left the ranch early with a week to
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 215: Florida
Chapter 215: FloridaAlone in her new room, Anna listened again to the voicemail message Angus left. He said the baby wasn't his. She rolled her eyes. Well, of course, he said that. What else would he say? He wanted things to be just the way they'd been before he'd gone to Colorado. Only things hadn't really been the way she'd thought they were at all, had they?A glance at her bedside clock showed that it was 8:30pm. Which meant that at Sweetwater Ranch, it was only 6:30. Dinnertime. She wondered vaguely what they'd have that night. Probably steaks on the grill, she thought with a nagging sense of longing.Here at Horse Heaven, most of the employees lived in their own apartments away from the ranch. Only she and Janine, the owner of the facility, lived on the property, and after the first night, when her new boss had taken her to a local bar-be-que place for dinner, Anna was on her own for meals. She looked across the room at the tiny kitchenette. It was old and outdated
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 214: Angus Returns to Sweetwater Ranch
Chapter 214: Angus Returns to Sweetwater RanchA relaxed half-smile played across Angus's lips as he neared Sweetwater Ranch. He'd headed to Colorado to nail down the details of his film set, but he was coming back with so much more than that. He couldn't stop thinking about the elevated clearing. Perched on the hillside overlooking the valley, he'd defy anyone to find a more beautiful view. On his laptop, he had the initial plans and an artist's rendering of a beautiful, luxurious log home. But with the proceeds from the sale of his Malibu home, he'd be more than able to build anything he could imagine. Anything he and Anna could imagine. In his mind's eye, he didn't see himself living in that idyllic setting alone. The view reminded him of that first day she'd taken him riding, of the view of the ranch from the trail that overlooked the ranch. Everywhere Angus looked, he saw Anna, and he thought of how she'd love the valley and the foothills, and how not far from where he
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 213: Whirlwind
Chapter 213: WhirlwindThe following twenty-four hours were a whirlwind. After accepting the job at the ranch outside Orlando, Anna purchased a one-way ticket to Florida, then began packing what she thought she'd need for an extended stay in the Sunshine State, figuring that the work would be basically the same as she generally did at home. There's simply be a need for fewer coats and jackets.A few hours later, Andy, Simone, the baby, and the elder Graves returned to the ranch in a caravan, with Andy, for once in his life, driving below the speed limit, the better to care for his new family. Anna met them in the lobby. "There's my new nephew!" She stepped closer to Simone, who cradled the infant in her arms. "How ya doing, young Jacob? Welcome to the world."She smiled warmly at Simone. "He's absolutely beautiful.""I know," her sister-in-law sniffed. "I just can't believe he's ours.""Here," Teresa said, "Andy, carry the baby. We'll get all your things. Simone, hon, just
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 212: Nightmare
Chapter 212: NightmareAnna's mind raced. This is Alanna Powell. How did I not recognize her? Thinking back to what Angus had told her about his former fiancée, Anna realized he'd been generous in his description. The woman was a nightmare. "Well, I must. Again, you don't have a reservation. And Angus isn't even here. He left to check on the set for his movie. He won't be back until late tomorrow.""Perfect," the woman beamed. "I'll surprise him when he gets back."Shaking her head, Anna set down her basket on the counter. "I can't let you into his cabin. Besides," she put her hands on her hips, "Angus said that you're his former fiancée. He broke off the engagement months ago.""Well, that's what he would say, isn't it?" the woman snipped. She took a step closer to Anna."I recognize you, you know." Her tone shifted, her words as sharp as daggers. "I saw you with Angus on the news, with all that forest fire nonsense." She leaned toward Anna, her expression shifting f
