Page 41 of Saddled in Secrets (Cloverleaf Meadows #2)

I caught Bianca Benson.

Damn, that’s some unbelievable shit.

A chuckle sets itself loose as I watch my rodeo princess wrap the third barrel and race for home. Bandit’s mane whips into the wind from their speed. Much to my pleasure, Bianca’s hair is wild and free as well.

What a ride this has been. After Haunted Harvest Haze, we hit the road. It’s been three weeks of traveling to different Midwestern cities for the last horse shows of the season. Once the ground freezes, it’s over until spring.

This is the final competition Bianca entered and she just won. It’s only fitting that she chose to end the year on Minnesota soil.

I whistle as her time is displayed on the screen. “That’s my girl!”

Her eyes connect with mine and she blows me a kiss. I pretend to catch it, a total fool for this woman. Every cowboy drooling on the fence wishes they were me. But she’s all mine.

The arena lights make her and Bandit glow like the stars they are before the champions disappear through the gate. Spud barks as I lead us toward them. Even in the shadows, I see Bianca’s smile stretch. I open my arms and she leaps from the saddle, giggling as I spin us around.

She kisses my waiting lips. “Not bad, huh?”

“Flawless as always.” When she grimaces, I lower her slowly. “Dizzy?”

“No.” Bianca rubs her chest and makes a pained noise. “There’s this strange burning sensation. It’s been happening on and off.”

I blink at her. “Heartburn?”

She scoffs and removes the reins from Bandit’s neck. “I don’t have heartburn.”

“Sounds like it.” My palm finds the small of her back as we begin walking to the trailer. “It can develop later in life.”

Bianca gasps, giving me an elbow to the side. “I’m twenty-three years young, sir. That’s not later in life.”

I chuckle while darkness swallows our forms. “There are some antacids in the truck.”

“Prepared as always, even though I don’t need them.”

“Sure,” I drawl. “Or maybe give ‘em a try. Might feel better.”

She sighs, tipping her head against my arm. “Have I thanked you for hauling me around?”

“Almost constantly.”

Her eyes roll. “Well, it means a lot. I haven’t done this since Mom passed.”

An ache stabs behind my sternum. “I’m sorry she can’t be here with you.”

Bianca sniffs, nodding slowly. “I like to think she sent you in her place. To take care of me.”

“Damn, Princess.” I clear my throat, trying not to get choked up. “That’s really special. I won’t let either of you down.”

“Colt.”

I turn toward the voice. It’s difficult to see clearly without the floodlights, but there’s no mistaking my cousin. It’s a shock to see him, especially here. Maybe my father left some final wishes before he died. Unlike the thoughts of Marion, the memory of James Keller does nothing for me.

Bianca tugs on my shirt. “Who is that?”

“It’s okay. He’s family.” I lift my chin at him in greeting. “This is a surprise, Walker.”

“Would’ve done this sooner, but you’re tough to track down.”

Which leads me to believe he’s got business to discuss. “Is there something I can do for you?”

My cousin squares his shoulders. Two others are behind him, but they’re too far away to identify. Whatever this is requires reinforcements. Fucking awesome.

“Stay out of our way,” Walker demands.

I almost laugh. What a joke. “Don’t gotta worry about me. I’m out of the game and plan to keep it that way.”

“Wish I could trust you. Unfortunately, the old man said otherwise.”

For fuck’s sake. My father is still pulling strings, even from the grave. “I want nothing to do with the crew. It’s all yours.”

Walker rubs his nose. “Doesn’t work that way and you know it. There was a vote. Even though you abandoned us, the majority is still loyal to you. They want you in charge.”

“Not happening.”

“That’s what I said.” His eyes have a crazed gleam and I can tell that he’s on something.

“Let’s agree to go our separate ways.”

“Not good enough.” And then Walker pulls out a gun, aiming it directly at me. “Need you out of the picture. Permanently.”