Page 12 of Saddled in Secrets (Cloverleaf Meadows #2)

“O h, my heart. Just look at her. Jamie hasn’t been this happy in ages.

” Amber glances up at where her daughter is riding the horse I’m leading around the small corral.

“This place is even better than I’d heard.

A true miracle center.” She sniffles and wipes at her eyes before adding, “You’re doing so much for these kids. Thank you.”

Emotion clogs my throat as if I haven’t heard a similar speech countless times. I’m a sap, especially when it comes to children. That’s precisely why I turn into a blubbering mess whenever I volunteer at Camp Cloverleaf. The therapeutic youth program is a blessing, much like Amber said.

“That’s very sweet, but I’m not responsible for much more than this.” I drift a palm along the sorrel mare’s neck for emphasis. “The owners and managers are the real saints, along with the founder.”

Who was my mom.

This camp was one of her many charitable endeavors.

Whenever she would visit, the sparkle in her gaze was extra bright.

That’s another reason I get choked up from being here.

Her presence is reflected in each smile and laugh.

Mom was always moved to see how many benefited from the free services.

I blink away the threat of tears. Her spirit lives on and I’m so grateful.

“You’re doing your part,” Amber counters. “There are many other places you could be instead. I wouldn’t have willingly offered to be here when I was your age. Trust me, your goodness is showing through.”

A sting attacks the bridge of my nose. This kind woman is determined to make me cry.

“That means a lot. I appreciate it,” I murmur.

My fingers comb through Toffee’s brown mane while I try to rein in my feelings.

The trusty horse dutifully walks on, picking up the slack for me.

She’s extremely reliable and doesn’t need me to guide her, but it’s required for novice students.

Since this is Jamie’s first lesson, her mom joins the session too.

Her comfort and well-being are why we’re all here.

My grin lifts to the little girl sitting in the saddle. Jamie is quiet, but there’s a serene expression on her face. Like she’s at peace. It’s a common occurrence for the kids that enroll in services here. Instinct tells me that this one will become a regular.

After guiding Toffee to the center of the pen, I signal her to stop. I turn to Jamie and smile again. “All done, kiddo. You did awesome.”

She blinks at me and remains silent.

Amber moves to stand next to her, patting her bent leg. “What do you think, sweetie? Was it fun to ride a horse?”

The little girl rests her hand on Toffee’s neck, stroking her glossy coat slowly. A few seconds pass. Her mom doesn’t move or speak, just waits for a response. I almost hold my breath in anticipation.

After what feels like a full minute, Jamie nods. The motion is slight, but visible. If that’s not enough, Amber’s wide grin snuffs out any doubt that this was a major success.

I mentally pump my fist. That’s what we’re aiming to achieve.

“And this was just your first stop,” I chirp. “Next on your schedule is the petting zoo.”

After helping Jamie dismount, we exit the corral and I point to the trail they need to take.

It can be a bit confusing to navigate for first-timers.

Camp Cloverleaf is set on thirty-five acres of repurposed farmland at the edge of town.

The property was donated to Youth First—a local organization—after Mom got the initial plans in motion.

From tending the vegetable gardens to molding clay in pottery class, the list of therapeutic services is extensive.

Call me biased but the horse stables are my favorite.

“Hopefully I’ll see you again soon.” I wave to Amber and Jamie when they begin walking away.

The gracious mom beams at me over her shoulder. “You can count on it. Thanks again, Bianca.”

With my heart full and a pep in my step, I stride toward the barn with Toffee in tow. The distance allows me to get lost in my thoughts for a moment. I tip my face to the sky and exhale. This is what I needed after the past several days trapped under Colton’s overbearing reign.

Camp Cloverleaf is one of the few spots that he relents slightly.

He’s probably wearing a path into the grass over at the picnic tables.

That’s his usual place to pace obsessively until I’m done with my shift.

Jamie was my final student for the afternoon, which doesn’t give me long to enjoy the peace.

I can’t complain too much. Aside from my mom leaving us far too soon and potential danger lying in wait, I’ve been very fortunate.

There’s just this urge to break free from the judgment Dad and Brody still hold over me.

I had a rebellious and reckless phase, like any teenager fighting for independence.

It’s not as if I did anything that bad. But here I am, struggling to be treated like a responsible adult.

These restrictions are meant to protect me, but I feel smothered.

I can’t even remember the last time I went on a date.

Not that I’ve been in the mood for romance since losing Mom.

Lust is one thing, and I can feed that beast on my own, but it takes effort to build a real connection with someone.

Maybe I should try. It could be fun, comforting even.

While I’m considering the possibility, a woman materializes from the shadows of a horse stall. The sight of her startles me and I yelp, freezing on the spot. She prowls forward in a predatory motion that raises my hackles higher. Her strapless leather bodysuit might as well be gasoline on the fire.

“You’re a tough woman to get alone,” the redhead purrs.

I tie Toffee to a hitching post while squinting at this stranger, searching my memory for recognition. “Do we know each other?”

“Colton hasn’t mentioned me?” She pouts her ruby-stained lips in an exaggerated manner. “I’m offended.”

A spike of terribly misplaced jealousy tries to rattle me. “I don’t think he’d care.”

Her head dips in acknowledgment. “Some things never change. That’s why the boss sent me. He figured his son wouldn’t pass along his appreciation.”

“And you’re here to do the honors. How completely unnecessary.”

Her shrug is graceful. “You’ll want to hear what I have to say.”

Disbelief snorts from me. “I don’t see how that’s possible.”

“A little birdie told us that you’re having trouble leaving town on your own. We can help you escape.”

“Ohhhh,” I laugh while wondering which gossip is responsible for outing me. “The cowboy criminals want to make me disappear. Convenient.”

“Is that what you’re calling us?” She flips red hair over her bare shoulder. “I’ll have shirts made.”

“That’ll have you dressed more appropriately at a family-friendly facility,” I mutter.

Her glare is sharper than her stiletto nails. “Bitchy, huh? Makes sense.”

“Excuse me?” I bristle and straighten to my full five-foot-three height. If she wants to talk shit, I’ll gladly bring out my own claws.

“Don’t get your thong in a twist,” she huffs. “That’s just what Colton sees in you.”

“Guess he has a type,” I fire in return.

Flames dance in her eyes and she steps closer. The air shifts, swirling with hostility. Those self-defense classes are about to finally pay off. I grin while bracing for her next barb.

But just as she’s about to pounce, a blur of motion races into the barn. The adorable bundle of energy launches herself at the redhead’s legs, cinching them in a fierce hug. It must be a very happy day. Those have been rare for Ronnie lately. Maybe this stranger is good for something after all.

I realize the villainess is frozen in place.

She stares at the little girl and her demeanor instantly changes from the child’s onslaught.

Gone is the badass bombshell. In her place is a subdued version, unaware of where to put her hands.

She lifts them like this is a hostage situation and nobody has to get hurt.

Ronnie’s father arrives a moment later. My oldest cousin bends at the waist to catch his breath. “Gosh, she’s fast.”

“Found someone of interest.” I nod at the two still locked in an embrace.

Byron’s lips part at the sight. “What’s happening?”

“She’s a superhero, Daddy.” Ronnie snuggles the unresponsive woman as if she’s her new favorite stuffy.

Byron admires the skintight outfit in a very different light. “She’s something.”

The little girl parks her chin on the redhead’s thigh, gazing up at her with blatant adoration. “Will you be my mommy?”

My heart clenches. She looks so hopeful. Meanwhile, the spandex seductress appears horrified.

Her dagger nails pry off Ronnie’s arms, allowing her to stumble backward and away from the clutches of affection. She glances at the little girl before whirling on her biker boots and running off.

Ronnie sighs, a goofy grin painting her lips. “I like her.”

“Why’s that?” I can’t help wondering.

Her slim shoulders bounce while she stares off in the direction the stranger went. The peaceful gleam in her eyes is almost adorable. “Dunno, but she’s super pretty.”

“Sure is.” My cousin is wearing a similar expression. “Who is she?”

“Don’t even think about it,” I scold. “She works for Colton’s dad.”

Byron’s eyes snap to mine just as my devoted bodyguard appears out of thin air. It must be a trick of the trade.

Colton stands entirely too close to me. “Who works for him?”

“Your lover,” I croon.

Ronnie clasps her palms to her chest. “She’s gonna be my mommy.”

“Is this a regular thing?” I ask her dad from the corner of my mouth.

Byron looks lost. “No, she’s never done this.”

“Could’ve picked a more likely candidate,” I mumble.

Ronnie shakes her head. “She’s gonna take away my sadness.”

I share a look with Byron. The sweet girl lost her mama at the start.

Nina died during childbirth. She didn’t even get to hold her precious angel.

That tragedy has stuck with my cousin all these years, but Ronnie didn’t seem to feel her mother’s absence.

Not until recently, right after her fifth birthday.

Her abrupt attitude shift is what initiated her frequent visits to Camp Cloverleaf.

My cousin whips off his hat, dragging an agitated hand through his hair. “What should I do?”

“Tell me her name,” Colton interjects, his gaze heavy on me.

“Don’t know, but she was stunning. You know how to pick ‘em, Cowboy.” I bat my lashes at him.

“You dated her?” There’s an accusation in Byron’s voice.

“I don’t have an ex,” he spits at my cousin before returning his glare to me. “What did she say to you?”

I inspect my manicure that’s crusted with dirt. “Just some stuff.”

“Be specific.”

“Ask me nicely,” I clap back.

His jaw clenches. “Don’t be a brat, Princess.”

“That’s like asking me not to breathe.”

Byron clears his throat and turns Ronnie in the direction of the playground. “We’ll just leave you two alone.”

I watch them go as Colton fumes next to me. He’s absently snapping something on his wrist. My eyes narrow on what looks like an elastic band. It’s pink and braided, fraying from age. Weird. But his strange habits aren’t my biggest issue at the moment.

“You’re ruining my good mood,” I tell him.

“Bianca,” he growls. “Cut the shit.”

“You first.”

“Just tell me what that woman said to you.”

My exhale is done with his bossy attitude. “She offered to whisk me away for a few days or longer. The timeline was a bit fuzzy.”

“You better be fucking joking.”

“Seemed pretty serious to me.” Not that I’d ever agree to go along with them, but he doesn’t need to know that.

“Stay away from her.”

“Ditto.”

“Don’t even know who she is.”

“The notches on your bedpost are that insignificant, hmm?”

Colton moves with lethal speed, trapping me against the stall at my back. His breath mingles with mine when he leans in. “None of them are worth counting.”

My chest bumps his with my next labored breath. “Why not?”

“They aren’t you.”