“So?” Tom said as Bella came into the kitchen. Dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, she was heading into town to have lunch with Gretchen Sullivan, one of her fellow midwives.
“So nothing. We had a great time, Vermillion’s amazing, and that’s all you need to know.”
He frowned, running fingers through his thick, unruly hair. “Did you have to go to his bunkhouse? Jeez, Bella.”
She threw up her hands, then went to grab her jacket and purse from the mudroom. “Oh my God, it’s not even eight and you’ve already ferreted that out?”
“No ferreting involved. We’re in the barn by five thirty, and your little rendezvous was the main topic of conversation. The guys were all giving Whip shit. How long were you in there?”
“Long enough to rip each other’s clothes off and go at it, which we didn’t.”
“Ha-ha.”
“This is ridiculous. Just suppose we actually began dating, which we won’t, what would you do then? Forbid me to see him? Fire Whip?”
Tom shrugged, then shook his head, a smile on his face. “I don’t know what I’d do. Nothing, except to warn him that if he broke your heart, I’d have to rip him to shreds.”
“Please don’t do that. Ever. I’m off. Having lunch with Gretchen from work, then doing a little shopping. You want anything in town or at the farms?”
“I can’t think of anything. I’m making chili tonight, but I think we have everything.”
“I’ll pick up avocados and lettuce. See you.”
On her drive into town, Bella thought about Whip and her brother’s objections and wondered if there was something neither man was saying. Whip was definitely a mystery man, but did her brother know things about his past that he wasn’t telling her? Or was he just concerned after Derek? There was also the question of how she felt about the handsome, enigmatic cowboy with whom she clearly shared a fiery attraction.
* * *
Whip met Nick Parker in the barn shortly after noon. “Hey, man,” Nick said, “I was wondering if anyone was around.”
“Just you and me. Remember, Bobby takes Sundays off. Let’s see what the devil horse thinks of the two of us. Bobby’s only here two more days, so he’s gonna have to get used to us or it’s bye-bye for him.”
“Shame,” Nick said as the two headed up to the round pen where Ghost stood alone, watchful.
“Yup, he’s a beauty. The big bosses are stopping by this afternoon to take a look, so hopefully he’ll be cooperative.”
Nick gave him a raised eyebrow. “Got any horse tranquilizers?”
Predictably, Ghost spent most of the morning rearing and snorting at the two men. Just after lunch, Grace arrived to work with Dusty, which got him even more riled up. “Think we should move Grace and Dusty to the far corral?” Whip asked.
Nick nodded. “Probably best.”
The two men worked for over an hour, Nick with the lead line, Whip holding back, then trying to approach Ghost. Surprisingly, despite Nick’s way with horses, Whip seemed to be less threatening to the stallion. Several times, he had managed to approach and actually touch Ghost’s back. At such moments Nick let the lead go slack and Whip spoke softly with lots of “Hey, boys,” as he neared the stallion.
Nick observed the two. “He knows you’re not afraid, man. You’re doin’ great.”
“Who the hell says I’m not afraid?” Whip whispered as voices came from the barn.
“Let’s leave him be for a few minutes,” Nick said. “He’ll calm down.”
“Let’s hope so.”
The two men walked to the edge of the pen to observe Grace and Dusty as she rode him around the pen.
“Hey, Grace, lookin’ good,” Nick said.
“Thanks,” she said. “I’ve never ridden before, so Dusty and I are learning together.”
Nick shook his head. “You’d never know it. Just goes to show that when horse and rider connect, everything falls into place.”
Grace smiled. “Don’t jinx us.”
“Where’s your fiancé today? Has he given up watching you two like a hawk?”
“Had to,” Whip said, “or risk losing his job. They’ve been incredibly busy up there, and Harley depends on him. In addition to all his other talents, Tom’s a much better schmoozer than Harley.”
Nick laughed. “Tell me about it. It was hilarious watching Harley with Morgan’s Run’s snooty clients. He spends a lot of time biting his tongue.” Before Ben and Spark hired him to run Valley Stables, Harley had spent years in charge of the Morgan’s Run stables with Maggie, Jeb, and Nick. “Speaking of the good ole days, here come all four of the big bosses.”
Whip turned to spy Tom and Harley headed up the rise from the barn, Ben, and Spark beside them. “We’d better say a few prayers and get back to Ghost.”
“Hey, guys,” Harley called as the group reached the round pen. “How’s it going?”
“Ups and downs,” Whip said, nodding to the others. Ghost immediately began pacing and snorting, clearly unsettled by the newcomers.
“He sure is a fine animal,” Spark said.
After peering over at Grace and Dusty, Tom leaned against the fence. “We’ve made a little progress, but he’s pretty unpredictable.”
“No saddle, then?” Ben asked.
Whip chuckled. “That’s a ways away, I’m guessing.”
Nick picked up the twelve-foot training rope and held it loosely as Whip climbed into the ring. His eyes never left the stallion. “Hey, Whip, want to take over here? I think he’s better with you.”
Whip took the lead and turned to Ghost. “Hey, boy, good boy.” He began a slow rhythmic twirling of the end of the training rope as he clucked, hupped, and made kissing sounds to encourage the horse to step back. Careful to stay at least three feet back so Ghost could see him and not get spooked, he moved closer.
Nick turned to the observers. “What he’s doing is gently encouraging Ghost to retreat on command, rather than charging. As you know, horses have binocular vision, so they can’t see when something or someone is in front of them within two feet or less.”
Miraculously, the stallion began to step back, snorting, but complying. “Good boy,” Whip said, taking the middle of the rope for shorter twirls at the horse’s eye level. For a few minutes, Ghost remained calm, then suddenly, the rope came too close, and he reared, whinnying. His hooves lashed out. Whip stood his ground, reverting to wide twirls, but the stallion was clearly agitated and continued to rise up, bringing his body closer and closer to Whip.
“Try to tighten up a bit, control his head,” Nick called, just as the stallion hit his mark and Whip crashed to the ground, struck in the shoulder by a black hoof. Nick grabbed the training whip and approached the stallion as Tom and Harley jumped the fence and dragged Whip out through the gate. As soon as the stallion retreated, Nick walked backward, taking his eyes off the horse only long enough to turn and jump the fence.
“I’ll call for the ambulance,” Tom said, as he pulled his cell phone from his pocket.
Grace left Dusty and ran down to meet them. “I can take him in my car.”
“I’m fine, just a bump,” Whip said, “And I’m sure as hell not goin’ all the way to Grenville. He just grazed me. My fault. I pushed too hard.”
Ben Morgan shook his head. “He’s a magnificent horse, but this doesn’t look promising. I’d like to talk to Bobby before he takes off. If he’s not optimistic, we’re gonna have find another place for Ghost. He’s spooking the other horses and he’s taking up too much time. The other horses are suffering, and we can’t have him injuring his handlers.”
Spark nodded. “I agree. Too much at stake.”
Harley gazed over at Tom and Nick. “They’re right, guys. Too much other work to do to spend all day with an aggressive, dangerous horse.”
“Has Patty given him a thorough going-over to rule out any physical issues?” Ben asked.
“When he arrived, Patty looked him over as best she could, but thorough? That involves getting much closer than any of us dare,” Tom said, watching Whip. “I think a doc should look at that shoulder.”
“It’s nothing,” his assistant said as he brushed dust from jeans, then swung his arms in circles over his head. “See? I’ll grab some ice and meds and I’ll be fine.”
“Okay, but I’m having Bella check you out when she gets home, and if she decides you need an X-ray, you’re going. Deal?”
Whip nodded, gazing around at the group. “Sorry. I thought ole Ghost was gonna give you a good show.” As he dropped his arm, he winced. Gotta get that ice and heavy-duty ibuprofen ASAP!
* * *
Gretchen waited on the bench outside Gracie’s Diner. When Bella arrived, her friend and colleague’s eyes were closed, her head inclined upward. “Soaking in the sun?” Bella asked.
“Yes, and it feels heavenly,” Gretchen said, standing to greet her, pale blue eyes warm. She had the thickest carrot-red hair Bella had ever seen, long and curly, tied back in a ponytail today. In jean capris and a white linen top, she looked lovely.
“Hey, gals,” Gracie called, as they stepped into the diner. As usual, the place was packed.
“Sit wherever you can find a spot. We just put in two picnic tables on the back deck. Don’t think anyone’s out there. Just tell Maria if you go out so she’ll find you.”
Bella turned to her friend. “Deck?”
“Perfect.”
They stopped to alert Maria, who was carrying a huge tray of food. “I’ll be right out,” she said. “Know what you want to drink?”
They both ordered iced coffees and headed for the back door.
“Great choice,” Gretchen said as they sat down. “I never tire of looking at those gorgeous mountains.”
“Me either. I feel really lucky. You’re going to have to come out to the farmhouse for dinner with Tom and me. This is our view too.”
“That place is supposed to be spectacular.”
“It is. The long-held dream of two billionaires who have the means to make it happen.”
“So you’re glad you settled in the Valley,” Gretchen said. “I mean it’s beautiful, but pretty quiet, especially when we depend on Grenville for culture.”
Bella laughed. “Tuscon’s not a bad drive. Lots to do there.”
“I ’spose,” Gretchen replied, her voice wistful.
“Are you missing home?”
“Maybe a little. Mostly I’ve been lonely these past couple of years. Not all the time, though, and I was thrilled when you came on board.”
“Have you dated at all since you moved here?” Bella asked as Maria set down their iced coffees.
“Have you ladies decided?” Maria asked, pad in hand.
“I’m going to have the loaded omelet with sweet potato hashbrowns and no toast,” Bella said, handing Maria the menu.
Gretchen looked up from her perusal. “So hard to decide. I think I’ll have the same omelet, but with brussels sprouts hash and sour dough toast.”
As Maria disappeared, Bella said, “Much healthier choice, the brussels sprouts.”
“Sweet potatoes are very good for you. Now, back to my pathetic dating history. I’ve experimented with the whole online dating thing and had a few dinners and lunches. Nice guys, just no spark, you know? I also dated one of the docs at the hospital. Same thing. No spark.”
“Bummer.”
“How ’bout you?”
Bella rolled her eyes, brushing her hair from her forehead. “I came here shortly after a nasty breakup. I’ve been kind of lying low.”
Gretchen smiled, eyeing her closely. “Oh? I could have sworn you’ve had the moony look of a new lover for the past week or so.”
“Well, there is someone, actually. Someone with whom I’d never have imagined myself. I mean, he’s a great guy and drop-dead gorgeous, but also kind of wild and wooly. Plus my brother is vehemently opposed to it.”
“Why?”
“They work together. It’s complicated.”
They chatted a while about Whip, then moved on to other topics and their plans for next few months. Gretchen had just signed up for one of Robbie Morgan’s adventure tours, a short three-night hiking trip in the western mountains, and she encouraged Bella to sign up. “Talk about gorgeous,” she said, referring to Robbie. “Too bad he’s engaged.”
By the time Maria brought the check, Bella had forgotten all about Whip and the confusions surrounding him. They decided to do some shopping along Main Street and at Saguaro Dreams. Saguaro Dreams, or SD as it was known by Valley residents, was a three-story emporium of shops and art galleries specializing in local goods and art. Known throughout the Southwest, it was a draw for many looking for authentic local crafts, clothing, and artwork.
“Oh my goodness,” Gretchen said as they meandered through one of SD’s galleries. “There are some amazing paintings here, aren’t there? Isn’t that a Hope Seymour?”
“Looks like it,” Bella said, stepping closer to a large landscape depicting the western mountains. “Oh, gosh, look at the price!”
“Yes, she gets top dollar. I would kill for one of her paintings, but I’d have to win the lottery to afford even a tiny one.”
“There are some incredible works of hers at Morgan’s Run and over at Spark Foster’s castle,” Bella said. “I don’t know her well, but she seems like a lovely person. Did she grow up around here, do you know?”
“Tin Town, outside of Tucson. She came up to help her good friend Beth Morgan Langdon when her first child was born, and she and Robbie got together. As they say, the rest is history. She’s in my yoga class, but they also live in my condo complex. That’s how I know a little about her.”
“She’s an amazing artist, that’s for sure,” Bella said as she made a mental note to seek Hope out at the next social gathering.
As they were exiting SD, each with a couple of small purchases, Bella’s phone rang. “What? When? I’ll leave now. Be there in ten!” She clicked off and turned to Gretchen. “There’s been an accident out at the stables. Whip’s hurt. I’ve got to go.”
“Of course. Would you like me to drive you?”
“No, I’m fine. This was lots of fun, Gretch. We’ll do it again soon and also get you out to the farmhouse.” She gave her a hug, then turned and ran the two blocks to her car.