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Chapter 192: Safe As Houses
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Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 193: Thoughtful
Chapter 193: ThoughtfulJust as Angus and Anna returned the horses to their stalls, Anna's mother came zipping up to the barn in the electric cart. "Oh, thank heavens you're back," Teresa said. "The cooler's on the blink again, and we need to move everything. Ross and Andy are still on the ghost town outing and your dad's up in the north forty seeing to the herd. And I absolutely won't have Simone trying to move the heavy crates of produce and meat.""Do y' need help?" Angus asked."No thanks, dear," Teresa replied, resting a hand on his forearm. "Anna and I can manage. You just enjoy the rest of your day. Did you have a good ride?""Aye, we did at that. Ye have a beautiful ranch."Teresa smiled proudly. "Why, thank you! We're quite fond of it ourselves." She looked at Anna. "Come on, hon, let's go clear out that old cooler before everything spoils. I'll have someone out tomorrow to see whether we can save it, or if we'll have to bite the bullet and get a new one."As Ann
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 194: Campfire Glances
Chapter 194: Campfire GlancesAcross the campfire, Angus stared into Anna's eyes, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly as though he entertained private thoughts. Anna wondered if they were anything like her own thoughts, and she figured it was a good bet that they were.All evening, from dinner onward, they'd stolen an odd moment here and there, a lingering look, a casual touch, but from where Anna sat, she felt the heat intensifying. A glance to her left showed that her mother was watching the pair intently, so Anna stalked moodily back to the snack table."Anna, can I make another s'more?" Mildly surprised, Anna looked down to see Ariel peering up at her, her nose pink from being outside in the sun all afternoon. "If your mom says it's okay, it's fine with me," she told the little girl."Mom, please?"Janine Hilliard smiled indulgently. "Alright, one more, and that's it," she told her daughter."Yippee!" Ariel shouted, jumping up and down.Anna was busy sliding a giant
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 195: A Little Romance
Chapter 195: A Little RomanceAfter she said goodnight to Simone, Anna let herself out the kitchen door. A glance toward the campfire area showed her that everyone had gone. Frowning, she stepped out onto the moonlit path. Where is Angus? Surely he planned to come back when everyone was gone so he could walk me to my cabin. She glanced around, expecting to see him waiting for her, at the same time fearful that she wouldn't.Anxiously, she chewed her lower lip. Had she gotten it wrong? He'd lit out of the campfire like he couldn't get away fast enough. Was he having second thoughts about their time at the overlook? Maybe now, he was trying to avoid her. Her stomach sank, and her heart pounded. Numbness washed over her in a wave, and she forced one foot in front of the other on the march toward her cabin. Of course, she had to pass Angus's place along the way. As she approached Cabin 6, she could see that it was dark. There was no sign of him. Had he gone to bed that qu
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 196: Turnabout
Chapter 196: Turnabout"Alright," he murmured huskily, "that'll be enough o' that. I want tae see you."Heart pounding, Anna stepped back, thankful she'd taken a few minutes that afternoon to shower and to shave pertinent regions, just in case. What just in case? The man had said he was going into town to buy condoms. Something she'd managed to forget when she'd convinced herself he had been merely toying with her. Suddenly feeling shy, she looked away, focusing on a tiny birthmark on to the left of his navel as she slowly unbuttoned her sleeveless plaid blouse. Why had she agreed to sleep with him? Because she wanted him, obviously. But we're talking Angus McGregor. Who had undoubtedly been with dozens of fabulous women, beautiful starlets with their fancy designer underwear and their breast implants and their mani-pedis. Her own perky A-cups were surely no comparison. And hell, the blisters on her feet were still healing. Her fingers stopped on the third button. Fuc
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 197: The Morning After
Chapter 197: The Morning AfterAngus gazed down at Anna, again mesmerized by her pale grey eyes. Her sleep-tousled dark hair hung loosely to her shoulders, which were currently wrapped in a fluffy pink bathrobe. "I'll see ye at breakfast, then?" he murmured, pressing a kiss to her full pink lips.Anna nodded, pulling the robe tighter around herself. "I'll see you there." She cupped his cheek, and Angus's immediate thought was that it had been a while since he'd shaved. Not that Anna seemed to mind. He watched the mood shift in her eyes."Will you come back tonight?" There was something vulnerable about the question."Aye, if ye'll have me," he nodded.In the glow of her dazzling smile, he felt like a king. "Great! I'll, um, change the sheets." Pink flooded her cheeks."Perfect. I may drive back inta town for more condoms." He gave her a wink, and she giggled. "Alright, I'll be on m' way, then. See if I can get in a run and a shower before breakfast." He opened the fron
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 198: It's a Small Ranch
Chapter 198: It's a Small Ranch"What the ever-loving hell?" Anna demanded. She stood in Angus's cabin, fresh towels over her arm, as she watched him tap a few keys on his laptop."Ye'll have tae be more specific," Angus replied with a wry twist of his lips."You asked me out in front of my mother and Simone! Why did you do that?"Looking up from the table, Angus arched a ginger eyebrow. "Because I wanted ye tae be my date for the dance?" he asked innocently."You know what I'm saying!" she hissed. "I didn't want everybody to know my business."Angus pushed back from the table and stood. "Are ye ashamed of me?" he asked softly.Anna felt her eyes widen. "Ashamed of you? That's ridiculous, of course not.""Then why don't ye want yer family tae know we're together?""Just…" She blew out a frustrated breath. "Because!"She watched Angus frown and look at the floor. "Anna, your family seems to have a thing about secrets. I mean look at you. Look at Ross." He shook his head. "
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 199: Founders' Day Celebration
Chapter 199: Founders' Day CelebrationIt seemed to Anna that the week fairly flew. Her daily routine hadn't changed much, except for the extra riding session with Angus every afternoon. And Angus in her bed each night. She worked to ignore the nagging notion that when his time at Sweetwater Ranch was over, he'd jet off to his exciting Hollywood life, and she'd be alone again, teaching yet another group of young riders in support of the family business.There had been a time when she'd had aspirations of finding her own place in the world. Even now, she kept up with the riding program in central Florida via their regular email newsletter, still unable to shake the notion that life in the Sunshine State would be exotic and exciting. And she craved the opportunity to distinguish herself from her family. At one time, she'd even envisioned a life with Sawyer there, with her guiding special-needs children on horseback each day while he did whatever it was he'd do after he gave up hi
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 200: Campout
Chapter 200: CampoutA gentle breeze rippled Angus' red hair as he rode along the narrow trail beside Anna. The pair brought up the rear of the group while Tom and Teresa led the way toward the wilderness campsite.Anna had explained to Angus that they'd be camping in a meadow that edged a mountain-fed stream. While it was merely two miles away from the lodge, it gave everyone ample opportunity to use their riding skills in a real-life context, and those who wanted to would be welcome to sleep out under the stars. For the less adventurous souls, a handful of tents would be set up.While Andy had elected to stay back at the ranch with Simone, just in case, Ross rode up and down the line of riders, making sure that everyone kept up. Ross had been quiet most of the day, no doubt considering the events of the previous evening, and how amenable the Graves had been to his dating Christopher. Angus wondered what kind of scenario Ross had envisioned, and he was reasonably sure it was not
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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
