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Chapter 56: Choosing
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2022-10-20 14:18:05Related chapters
Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 57: The Next Level
Chapter 57: The Next LevelJenny's eyes fluttered open as an alarm pierced the darkness. Strong arms gently squeezed her before Cole reached to turn off the offending device."It's okay," he whispered, placing tiny kisses on the side of her neck. "It's early yet, not even light. You don't have to get up."Jenny shook her head. "I want to help you in the barn.""Stay here and relax. I'll go get everybody a little breakfast, then I'll come back." He slipped out of bed and headed into the bathroom. When Jenny heard the shower start, a wicked idea formed in her mind. Rolling over onto Cole's side of the bed, she reached into the nightstand drawer to retrieve a little foil packet. With a mischievous smirk on her face, she tiptoed into the bathroom.Through the fogged shower glass, with his back to her as he stood beneath the torrent of hot water, she appreciated the glorious shape of Cole's body. Starting at his muscular shoulders, flexed as he pushed the wet hair away from his f
Last Updated : 2022-10-20Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 58: An Unwelcome Guest
Chapter 58: An Unwelcome GuestAlthough he'd enjoyed meeting the Stevens family, whose new chestnut-colored Morgan was now riding in the old blue and white trailer, Cole was glad to be back on the road and headed home. He knew Jenny would undoubtedly be finished with the cupcakes by the time he got back to the ranch, and he decided maybe they'd grill steaks for dinner. Jenny. He felt the grin spread across his face. When she'd come to him the previous night, dressed only in his white dress shirt, he'd been beyond surprised. But just knowing that she was attracted to him, wanted him, in the same way he wanted her…And knowing about her past, the abuse she'd suffered. He shook his head. She was, without exception, the bravest person he'd ever met.When he was about ten miles away from home, his phone rang. Glancing down, he saw that it was Meredith Wagner was calling. "Shit," he muttered to himself. He picked up the device and swiped it on."Mrs. Wagner, how are you?""Cole,
Last Updated : 2022-10-20Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 59: Man to Man
Chapter 59: Man to ManAfter Jenny left them alone, Cole scrubbed a hand across his lips and paced across to Dahlia's stall. The horse cowered in the far corner, watching him with obvious mistrust."Cole, I just—"Wordlessly, he sharply held up one finger, effectively silencing whatever had been about to tumble out of Meredith's mouth.He turned, leaning back against the stall, the offending device clutched at his side in his left hand as he considered his options.Meredith knelt to pick up her belongings, stuffing them back into her bag. "I don't know why you're taking that girl's word over mine," she muttered. "I didn't do anything wrong. It's my fucking horse, anyway. I'll treat her any way I damn well please."She stood, retrieving a cigarette and lighter from an outer pocket of her bag."Don't even think about smoking in my barn," Cole said, his voice dangerously calm.The woman shrugged defiantly. "Fuck you, I'll do as I please. I pay you." She held the cigarette between
Last Updated : 2022-10-20Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 60: Jenny's Own Horse
Chapter 60: Jenny's Own HorseBy the time he got back up to the house, Jenny was waiting on the front porch wringing her hands in front of her. She met him as he stepped out of the truck."Is everything alright?"He nodded reassuringly. "Yeah, we came to an understanding." Unable to resist her worried green eyes, he pulled her in for a tender hug."I'm so sorry," she murmured against his chest.Frowning, he looked down at her. "Sorry? For what?""I'm sorry for causing such an issue.""Causing an issue? Meredith was the one abusing the horse. You did exactly the right thing, coming to tell me about it. I would never have imagined such a thing." He kissed the top of her head. "You're the hero in this story."He watched as she tried to suppress a pleased smile. "Really?"Cole had to chuckle. "Really. Come on, let's go check on Dahlia."Hand in hand, they made their way to the barn. Everyone seemed to have settled down to enjoy their dinner, even Sheba, the new addition to th
Last Updated : 2022-10-20Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 61: Find Yourself Another Boy Toy
Chapter 61: Find Yourself Another Boy ToyTwo hundred miles away, Meredith Wagner paced back and forth in her husband's home office. He'd always considered it his private oasis, the one place where he could go to be alone with his own thoughts. But as he sat behind the massive bespoke mahogany desk, he knew he'd be getting no work done until he resolved whatever crisis had her worked up.Heaving an impatient sigh, Layton removed his reading glasses and set them on the desk. "What is it, Meredith?"She chugged chardonnay from a Waterford glass that had been a wedding gift. "I'll tell you what it is. That lowlife cowboy and his little whore girlfriend."Mentally, Layton counted to ten. "Would this be the lowlife cowboy you begged me to hire? The one who worked with Azura a year or so ago, the one you called a miracle worker?""Don't be an ass, Layton," she hissed, emptying the rest of the Chardonnay into her glass. "You always have to be an ass.""I repeat, what is it that you wa
Last Updated : 2022-10-20Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 62: Not Crazy
Chapter 62: Not CrazyBrilliant sunlight reflects in the ripples on the lake's surface, like a million twinkling fireflies. As Jenny walks along, the wooden slats of the dock feel warm beneath her bare feet. A summer breeze ruffles her red hair and kisses her skin. Her swimsuit is dry—she hasn't been in the water yet.Chelsea's brown curls bounce as she precedes Jenny toward the end of the dock. The place is familiar, though Jenny's never been here before. The sun is just warm enough that she's looking forward to splashing into the cool, clear water.As they get closer to the end of the dock, Jenny admires Chelsea's swimsuit. It's a red two-piece, and it looks perfect with her dark hair. Chelsea pauses where the dock ends, gazing out over the water, waiting for Jenny to get there, too. There's something on Chelsea's shoulder, though. Jenny squints, trying to see what it is. As she steps closer, she makes out an area of raised skin on the back of Chelsea's right shoulder. It
Last Updated : 2022-10-20Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 63: Private Investigator
Chapter 63: Private Investigator "Unacceptable," Victor growled. "I pay too much for you to come to me with excuses."Joe Russo swallowed hard. He'd known when he'd agreed to work for the man, it was a gamble at best. But the pension from the police force didn't cover his living expenses. Having three children in college was expensive, as was alimony to two ex-wives. Working for Victor Sorkin was his best bet for the foreseeable future. He told himself that as soon as Janie graduated, he'd walk away. He also knew that was a lie. There was no walking away."Mr. Sorkin, as I said, the truck stop was a dead end. Their security cameras weren't recording the day the girl disappeared. My best guess is that she got into a car with somebody. From that point," he gestured to the still photo of the truck stop's parking lot, "she could have gone in any direction. It's a pretty safe bet she didn't head back this way. But beyond that?""I want my pet back. If you can't find her…""I
Last Updated : 2022-10-20Redheads & Ranchers Chapter 64: Family
Chapter 64: Family Although the temperature was average for a spring afternoon, the sun was hot. Cole straightened up from the fence he'd been repairing and took off his hat, waving it to fan his sweat-drenched face. From the small cooler in the truck, he retrieved a chilled bottle of water and made his way toward the shade of a tree a couple dozen yards away. As he sank down to sit at the base of the tree and chugged down half the water, the air immediately felt about ten degrees cooler. He'd been out checking the fence line all afternoon. After working together at the barn that morning, Jenny had stayed home after lunch. She was apparently planning something special for dinner.Cole grinned to himself. Whatever she made, he was sure it would be delicious. She seemed to have a natural gift.He considered the funny way things turn out sometimes. He hadn't been looking for anyone. He'd had his head down, busy building a thriving business. But now he couldn't imagine life wi
Last Updated : 2022-10-20
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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
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