More than anything, Sam wished she’d read something about Colorado weather in the early fall, because now, she sat huddled and shivering, her back against a rock that wasn't doing much to shield her from the cold wind. She tried not to think about all the cold water and mud she felt sliding down that rock and over her back, seeping into her clothes.

Whatever win Carla had had with those shoes was completely out the window now. This whole thing had been the worst of terrible ideas and Sam was done. Once she was back and clean, she would hop on the first plane going back to New York. Risks be damned. She would stay out of Carla's way with the deal, but this was just not going to cut it. Vacations were meant to be relaxing, but absolutely nothing about this experience had been remotely close to relaxing.

She was using so much energy and concentration to keep her teeth from rattling out of her head, she didn't notice the rain had stopped until she opened her eyes. The wind still blew a chill across her, but the sun was chasing those dark clouds across the sky now. Her limbs were stiff and slow to uncurl, but once she was straightened out, she took an assessment of her situation.

The tumble she'd taken earlier had well and truly disoriented her. With no idea which way to go to get back to the ranch, she thought it best to stay put. Wasn't that what the experts said? "If you get lost, stay where you are." That made sense, especially since her ankle was still throbbing painfully, even though the rest of her body was numb from the cold.

Her mind wandered, thinking about what it was like to die of hypothermia, or if crawling back was an option, or if there were wild animals out here that she should have known about. And then, Sam thought, wouldn't that just be the best twist of fate - surviving her childhood and the jungle of the corporate world to be eaten by a wild animal.

In the middle of nowhere.

On vacation.

Just as the thought crossed her mind, she heard twigs snapping and something that really did sound like an animal running towards her. Oh god, she thought, this is it. I really am going to be eaten out here in the middle of nowhere!

She was desperately looking around for a big stick, or stone, or something, when the animal broke through the trees. Sam nearly fainted with the relief of what she saw.

A dog. It was a dog. A dog that started to bark, running straight for her.

The huge, brown-furred beauty was soaked through, but seemed overjoyed to have found her. Sam had to admit that whatever joy this animal felt in a job well done, she felt at least ten times that in the relief of being found.

"Oh, you beautiful creature.” She nearly wept to the dog who climbed into her lap and licked her face like he could not contain his enthusiasm.

"Thank you. Thank you for finding me.” She heaved a sigh thick with emotion. “Oh, baby. I thought you were coming to eat me!" The laugh bubbling from her was more like a sound from the edge of hysteria. Calm and collected were not the terms Sam would use to describe her current state.

She shrieked at the sudden sound of a sharp, high-pitched whistle, then turned to face… wow.

A man on a horse, stealing her breath, looking like something from a movie set, or a fantasy. Strong jaw, straight nose, high cheekbones, lips that were perfectly formed and firm looking. Dark hair peeking out from under a black cowboy hat, broad shoulders and chest covered by a dark rain slicker and those eyes... Dark eyes that were boring straight into her, paralyzing her under the weight of his stare.

"Jasper!" He said sharply, easily swinging a leg over his saddle and dismounting a magnificent black horse. "Heel.” The dog immediately moved to his master's side.

The man’s eyes didn't leave Sam’s for a moment. It wasn't until he was towering over her that she realized she hadn't taken a breath and was staring, mouth agape.

Get a grip. She reprimanded herself.

Mouth closed, breath taken, she was just about to speak when he moved to raise his hand and she flinched, then cringed inwardly because she knew better. He watched at her for one heartbeat, a question in his eyes, then he lifted that hand to his ear, tapping it once.

“Found her. Northeast bluff. I'll get her back. Meet me at the cabin."

His voice was rich and smooth, like a perfectly aged scotch that slides into you and spreads its warmth through your body.

"You must be Samantha."

She usually hated her name on a man's lips. She was Sam to those who knew her well. Ms. Covington to the rest of the world, but the way it rolled off this man’s tongue sounded sweet to her ears. The feeling was shocking, but pleasant.

"Are you ok? Are you hurt?” He asked gently, even as he bent and pulled her up to stand on shaky legs.

Finally finding her voice, she answered between the chattering of her teeth “No. I’m not. Hurt badly. Just my. My ankle. I was. Running. To get. Back"

He looked at her, concern creasing his brow beneath that black hat. She was so embarrassed at the stupidity of her actions, at the thought of how she must look - Leaves and twigs in hair that was soaked through and matted, probably a few scrapes on her pale skin, and she was completely covered in mud.

"Ok. Here's what we're going to do,” He took off the dark slicker as he spoke and wrapped it around her. The garment engulfed her. Sam was not a small woman. At five-ten, she towered over most of the women she knew and was at least eye to eye in heels, if not taller than, the majority of men. This man must have been at least six and a half feet, because he was making her feel small. Usually, she hated the feeling, but he was still talking and she needed to pay attention.

"I'm going to put you on my horse. I'll get on in front, and we'll ride back to the cabins. Do you feel strong enough to hold onto me?"

Oh yeah, I can hold onto you. Wait, what?

"Yes, I think so.” She gave a small laugh. “I guess if I fall off, we'll have our answer."

"Don't fall.” He told her sternly. “If you feel like you're slipping, say something so you can readjust. Ok?"

"OK. Got it.” She squared her shoulders and gave a nod.

He instructed her to put her left foot in the stirrup, grab ahold of the horn and swing her right leg over the horse. She couldn't push off the ground, winced, because her foot in the stirrup throbbed with the weight. The man put his large hands on her hips, lifting her effortlessly while she swung her leg across the saddle.

"Ha!” She exclaimed quietly. “My first time on a horse and I’m injured. Not exactly the way I saw it happening, but if this is how I start, it can only get better. Right?"

He smiled up at her, a gentle gleam in his eye, then he put his own foot in the stirrup, maneuvered so his leg swung forward over the horn of the saddle rather than behind, which would have knocked her off, and was quickly settled in front of her.

"Scoot yourself up.” He told her. “As close as you can, hands around my waist."

She complied, sighing at how good the warmth radiating from beneath his shirt felt against her chilled body.

"Like I said, if you feel unsteady, or like you're on your way out, can't hold on, just let me know. We'll stop and get you sorted. Ok?”

"OK.” She answered, a slight tremble in her voice that drove her mad.

"I'm Stone, by the way. Sorry I didn't say so before. This beauty we're sitting on top of is Beauty. You've met Jasper."

With that introduction, Stone Squeezed his legs, whistled to Jasper and they were off.

"As you've correctly guessed, I’m Samantha, but please call me Sam.”

"Alright.” He answered smoothly. “Sam it is."

* * *

Stone felt the tremors running through Samantha as her body fought for warmth and wished he’d thought to bring more than his own rain-slicker on the hunt. The orientation later was all about safety. This one would definitely be getting an earful on that subject. He wanted to ask what in the world had possessed her to go wandering around in the rain, but kept his mouth shut and enjoyed the feel of her arms around him.

They were making decent time getting back to the cabins, only about ten minutes to go and he was enjoying the quiet after the storm when she spoke, bringing him out of his thoughts. Her voice had a little bit of rasp to it that made his mind roam to twisted sheets and tangled limbs, mussed hair and swollen lips. He wondered if her voice was always like that, or if it was because of the cold, or if she'd been calling for help. He dismissed that idea with a smirk. Samantha didn't impress him as the type to call for help.

"Stone?"

"Yeah?" Could get used to the sound of my name on her lips, he thought.

"How many people were looking for me? How long was I out there?"

"Ah, it's just coming eight o'clock now. What time did you set out?"

"I left my cabin around six. Wanted to go for a run and saw the trail. I found that bluff, the one that overlooks the valley with the lake?"

"Mm." He agreed. “It's a beautiful spot, that one."

"Yes. It was breathtaking. I was having a moment, enjoying the view and the peace.” She let out a deep sigh. “Then I heard the thunder, saw the clouds, thought I could run back and beat the storm."

She laughed, a tiny sound that made corners of his lips quirk up.

"Anyway, I tripped going down the hill. By the time I'd stopped tumbling, I was totally disoriented and it was raining. I didn't know what to do, so I curled up against that rock and hoped someone would find me before I froze."

"You're lucky that Ma - Naomi,” He clarified. “Went to your cabin to see how you were getting on. If she hadn't, you might still be out there, freezing. We'd just now be starting to look for you. Had a fair amount of the hands and three of my brothers combing for you. You gave us a teeny worry."

He felt her duck her head into his back. "I'm sorry. I never meant to cause so much trouble.”

"Nah." He answered. “No worries. You're mostly all right and we found you quick enough. Just don't do it again and we're all good."

"Oh no. I won't be doing that again. Lesson learned. Trust me."

Stone chuckled at the adamancy of her statement.

"We're just about at your cabin. I’m gonna help you inside, then call Alex to get you situated at the bathhouse, help you get cleaned up and back to the main house for breakfast" He felt her stiffen behind him with those words.

"Alex is my brother's wife.” He explained. “She's also our resident veterinarian. She oversees the horses."

Stone felt her relax at the explanation. So, this fiery red-head had a modest streak. Okay. Good to know.

"Alex, you still on comms? Can you come on out to cabin two with the gator when you're ready. Take Sam to the bathhouse?"

"Thanks"

He patted Sam’s knee as they stopped in front of her cabin.

"Hold on to the cantle here." He instructed, pointing to the back of the saddle. “I’m going to hop down first, then I'll help you."

“Ok.” She responded. “I’m good. I got it."

Stone could tell Sam was nervous but he was getting the impression that if Samantha was put in a corner, she'd find a way out. She had some grit and he liked it.

He lifted his left foot out of the stirrup, swung his right leg across the front of his saddle, over Beauty’s neck and dropped easily to the ground.

"Alright, let's go.” He instructed her confidently. “Same thing I just did, but I’m going to help you down. I’ve got you. “

Sam looked at him dubiously, but didn't hesitate. She swung her right leg over the front of the saddle so she was sitting sideways, her slender fingers gripping the pommel and cantle for all they were worth.

“I’ve got you, Sam."

Stone kept his voice quiet, reassuring. He looked straight into those beautiful emerald eyes and continued. "I'm going to hold onto your waist and lower you. I won't let you fall."

He wrapped his hands around her slender waist and it felt so good to have them there. Mind the task. He told himself.

"Come on down. Let go of the saddle."

The vice grip she had on the saddle wasn't let go, as much as it was transferred to his shoulders. Her fingers bit into his skin, but he didn't mind. Stone lowered Sam to the ground, steadying her as she relaxed her vice-grip and laughed nervously. She slid her gaze away from his while she worked to get her own footing.

"Thank you."

Was it his imagination, or did she sound a little breathless?

"I'm ok."

Not his imagination because that was much steadier.

“I'm pretty sure I'll be fine now, thank you. I can get my stuff together and wait for Alex."

"I don't mind helping you.” He’d gladly spend as much time with this woman as she would allow. “I can wait until she gets here."

"No. It's fine, really. I can manage."

Then she was trying to slide by him, maneuvering around him, hobbling up the three steps to the door, turning, unzipping her jacket, sticking a hand down her shirt, and that made his eyebrows shoot up. Then he was laughing, really laughing.

"You locked your door?"

"Of course I did.” She replied, like not locking your door would be completely irrational.

"Why on earth would you lock your door?" Maybe he was goading her a little, but he couldn’t help himself.

It was her eyebrows that shot up then.

"One.” She said emphatically. “So people don't mess with my things or steal something. And two,” She put two fingers in the air. "See number one."

"OK." He chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I just don't think I’ve seen someone lock their cabin door before.”

"Yeah? Well, cowboy, there's probably a lot you haven't seen.”

And if that didn't sound exactly like some kind of challenge, he didn't know what did.

* * *

Sam shut herself safely inside her cabin with Stone Montgomery safely outside. She quickly gathered clean clothes and toiletries, shoving them into a small backpack. She thought about going outside while she waited for Alex and her gator, but quickly dismissed the idea with the thought that she’d have to talk to Stone if she did. She had no idea what a gator was. She was reasonably sure it wasn't an actual alligator, but with people like this, you never knew. She found out a few minutes later, when she opened the door, bag in hand, to a woman she assumed was Alex, sitting in what looked like a cross between a topless golf cart and an ATV.

The woman waved and smiled cheerfully. “Hi Sam!"

Sam gave her best smile, lifting a hand in return.

Perfect, she thought, everyone knows me now.

Stone climbed the steps in one big stride and took her bag, then her arm, and helped her down the stairs.

"Thanks.” She said once he'd gotten her to the passenger side of the gator.

"Anytime." He replied smoothly, his warm, brown eyes holding hers in a steady gaze.

Do you have to be so attractive? Sam thought begrudgingly.

* * *

After a shower at the bathhouse, which looked to Sam more like a high-end gym's completely modern locker-room, complete with expensive shampoo, conditioner and body wash, she felt like a new woman.

Her hair was free of forest floor remnants, the scrapes had been cleaned gently, a dab of lip gloss accentuated her lips, a touch of mascara darkened her pale lashes, and she was ready to face the humiliation of being the person who had to be rescued.

Before camp had even begun. With a group of people she would be forced to interact with for the next two weeks.

Sam took a deep breath, reminding herself that she could get through anything. She knew how to handle people. She knew how to deal with discomfort. She was Samantha Covington. A group of dude-ranching hillbillies had nothing on her.

Okay, that feels better. She scoffed at herself, but set her feet to the path anyway.

* * *

Stone sat in his customary spot, his brother Zayne beside him, and watched Samantha walk into the large dining hall at the back of the main house. He would call her Sam to her face, but in his mind, she was Samantha and at that moment, she was looking like every man's fantasy without even trying.

All that fiery red hair fell in still-damp waves around her shoulders, her perfectly pale skin glowed, even with the few scrapes temporarily marring its surface. She was tall. He would guess five-nine or so. Those legs that went on forever were perfectly framed in a pair of jeans that he was getting jealous of. A pale green sweater that looked so soft did nothing to cover her curves, the color accentuating those intelligent green eyes that scanned the room.

“Stop drooling, brother.” Zayne poked him in the ribs.

Stone shot him a glare.

“Not drooling, just looking. She looks a whole lot better than she did when I found her this morning.”

“She’s gorgeous.” Zayne agreed. “Think I'll go have a chat.” He added with a grin, making a move to get up.

“Don’t you dare.” Stone nearly growled.

Zayne just laughed, lifting his hands with mischief twinkle in his eyes.

“Ok, brother, hands off. I got it.”

Stone looked back to the entrance, but Samantha had been swept away by his ma to the buffet table. Leaning back in his chair, he watched as she smiled and greeted various ranch hands and vacationers who had arrived, eager to start their adventure.

There was something in the way she postured herself that he found intriguing. She turned squarely toward each person, eyes meeting eyes, last to look away, firm handshake. He knew she was accustomed to making herself known as the power player in a room. It wasn’t something she thought about though, just something she did. Effortlessly the master of her domain. Whether by practiced habit or natural instinct, he couldn’t tell. She was a puzzle and he was thinking about how much he enjoyed the challenge of a complex puzzle. Two weeks, that was the time he had to figure her out. If he played his cards right, he might have more, but there were no guarantees.

* * *

Breakfast had been... interesting. Sam met a few of the people who would be her fellow adventurers for the next couple of weeks, surprised at the enthusiasm they showed for being cut off from the rest of the world. She'd told Naomi she wanted to leave, that his wasn't for her, had asked about using a phone to get in touch with Carla, but the older woman just smiled. Naomi said she understood how hard it could be and what harm would be done if Sam just stayed for a couple of days? Just to get over the shock of her ordeal and give the ranch a chance? Then she'd told her she looked lovely and waved Stone over, asking if he would help Sam get situated with breakfast and make sure she got to the orientation.

Sam had suspicions that the woman was trying play matchmaker. Poor woman, Sam thought. She obviously had no idea who she was dealing with. After smiling and thanking Naomi, Sam followed Stone to the long, wood-plank table with bench seating on either side.

They ate together in silence for a few minutes, Sam picking at her food, unsure how to ease the anxiety she felt in his presence. Straight into it Samantha.

"I'd like to apologize again for getting everyone out in the rain, looking for me this morning. I don't usually make stupid decisions, but that was definitely not my brightest moment. This whole thing is not me. I’m going to go home when I can secure transportation." A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "You won't have to worry about wandering through the woods to find me again."

Stone regarded her steadily for a moment, knowing he had one shot at this and he'd better make it count. He hit her at her weak spot.

"Didn't figure you for the giving up type. Think you truly can't handle two weeks of semi-country living?"

Sam laughed out loud. “Semi-country living? Stone, the cabins don't even have toilets!"

"Mine does"

"That doesn't do me any good!"

It could, he thought.

"Alright." He said slowly. "I'll make you a deal, Miss Sam." He straightened and leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table, his brown eyes flickering with challenge.

"You hold out for three more days, go to the dance at the barn with me on Wednesday night. I figure you owe me at least that. For rescuing you and all. If you still want to leave, I'll take you myself."

He leaned back and folded his muscular arms across his chest.

Sam narrowed her eyes. "Ok.” She agreed. “Three days and a dance, then you take me to the airport."

"That's not what I said." He countered, leaning forward again. “I said, if you still want to go, I'll take you."

"Since I don't see that changing,” She said haughtily. “You'll take me to the airport. And since all those other cowboys were out there looking, just like you, I guess I should dance with them too?”

She raised one perfectly shaped eyebrow at him and he knew she was goading him. "Recon you should.” He answered slowly, letting a smirk play on his lips. “Just remember one thing darlin’, while you're out there doing all that dancing. The others may have been looking, but I’m the one who found you."