ONE
Phillip Powers crushed the newspaper in his fists, seeing himself led away in handcuffs from that cowboy hoedown spurred his anger. “My precious Olivia, I will have my revenge over this and it will be so fucking sweet to see you squirm.” He flipped open his phone and punched in the number for Leslie Jacobs.
“Here now.” He commanded into the phone and tossed it on the floor.
Several months later…
The auctioneer announced the next lot of ponies. Olivia spied a beautiful palomino, her coat glistened like gold and her mane was the color of wheat. She was a filly about 14 hands high, the perfect horse for a beginner such as Olivia. “Next up is Shimmer Morn. This filly just turned three and is prime for breeding and saddle broke for riding. What will be my opening bid?”
Olivia wrapped her arms around Garrett’s, “She’s the one, Bear. I think she’s perfect.”
Garret laughed. “Yes, my lovely, I think so too.” He lifted his paddle to join in the bids. His arm went up and down until the gavel pounded, “Sold to the Double Bar T Ranch.” The auctioneer charged.
Olivia jumped into Garrett’s arms. “She’s mine? We can take her home?”
He caressed her cheek, “All yours, my love.” He watched her face light up and planted a huge kiss on her lips.
“Will Master be expecting a reward tonight?” Olivia whispered into Garrett’s ear.
He growled his consent and swatted her butt. “Let’s get Shimmer, before I forget we are in public.”
Olivia squealed with delight, grabbed his arm and led him off to the stalls. She stroked Shimmer’s nose and cooed to her. “We are going to be best friends. Just wait until you meet Obsidian. What beautiful babies you will make.”
Garrett stepped up behind Olivia and kissed her ear. “Ready to lead her out, babe?”
She took the reins and stepped slowly forward. Shimmer didn’t hesitate, followed her right into the trailer. Garrett secured her and took the moment to touch his woman. He pulled her into his arms and pressed his body into hers. “The sight of you with that pony makes me crave your touch.”
She nuzzled her nose into his beard. “Is that so, Bear?” He wiggled his hardness against her tummy for proof. “Then I will just have to ride her naked one day.”
He groaned into her mouth and swept his tongue across her lips. She parted her lips and licked him back. “We better go before we put on a show of our own.” She chuckled.
Garrett led Olivia out of the horse trailer and helped her into the truck. Stolen glances and filched kisses kept the two busy on the way to the ranch. When they pulled up to the gate, an unfamiliar vehicle was parked waiting for them. “Who is that, Bear? Are you expecting someone today?”
The Double Bar T was a small horse ranch, currently the mares were pregnant and the yearlings were spoken for and several others needed saddle broke.
Garrett scowled. “No I even let Homer have the day off since we were going to market and be around the barn today ourselves.”
He drove up to the barn and stopped. “Olivia, please stay in the truck until I see who it is?”
A puzzled expression came over her. “Uh, okay … if you think its best.” He reached into the glove box and grabbed his gun, tucking it behind his back under his jacket. “Bear, you’re scaring me, please be careful.” He quickly kissed her and opened the door.
The door to the other vehicle opened and a tall brunette with non-stop legs emerged. She wore a pair of boots and a short denim skirt. Her top was made of eyelet and hung off one shoulder. Her hair was piled atop her head in a ponytail. She wore designer sunglasses and there was no denying her jewelry was real. “Hello, Mr. Thomas, is it?” Her voice was sultry and smooth.
An unimpressed Garrett spoke sternly. “Yes, I am Garrett Thomas. What can I do for you?”
The brunette slowly lowered her sunglasses exposing the greenest orbs. “I am sorry to bother you, I am Leslie Jacobs. I work for the Meridian Corporation. They have just purchased the adjacent ranch. I was hoping you knew…” she dug in her purse. “Olivia Hughes, her firm comes highly recommended for remodeling.”
They heard the crunching of gravel as Olivia approached. “I am Olivia Hughes, but I conduct business out of my office in Tomitown. So please call and make an appointment. This is our home and we don’t mix the two. Sorry for the inconvenience.” She wrapped her arms around Garrett’s waist in a show of ownership.
Leslie smirked at her, apparently used to getting her way. “I apologize for the intrusion. Perhaps, we can meet on Monday say 10:00?”
Olivia grew impatient with this woman’s impertinence. “As you can see Ms. Jacobs, I am not carrying my calendar but if you care to leave your card I will get back to you as soon as I can.”
Leslie produced a business card. “Of course, Ms. Hughes, I look forward to your call.”
Olivia palmed the card in her back pocket. Leslie sauntered over to her car and drove off.
Garrett exhaled, “Now, that was the finest pissing match I have ever seen.”
She laughed heartily. “Prissy bitch needed to be knocked down a notch or two.”
“We better get Shimmer out of that trailer and introduce her to Obi. I hope they take to each other.” He unlocked the trailer and Olivia led her out and into the barn.
“Obi meet Shimmer.” Olivia waited for a reaction. Instantly, Shimmer chafed her nose on Obsidian. “Aw, I am quite a matchmaker.”
Garrett quickly mucks out the stalls and laid new hay for Shimmer. “Olivia babe, will you get the feed ready? Then we can turn them out for a bit.”
“When can I ride Shimmer?” The excitement of having her own horse welled up in her soul.
“I’d say whenever you’re ready. But I have some other chores today my love. How about we pack a lunch and ride down to the meadows tomorrow?”
She smiled thinking of the beautiful meadow and the memories they might make there. “Yes, I think that would be perfect. I have some last-minute details for the Anderson job to work on as well.”
“What are you going to do about Jacobs?” Garrett continued to brush Obsidian’s dark coat.
She stopped mid stroke on Shimmer. “I am not sure what to make of her yet. Maybe I should call Sarah in on this one. She’ll be home for fall break soon.”
“Promising idea,” Garrett closed the stall. Olivia followed behind him. “I think Erik is joining her.”
She hugged him close. They each went their separate ways.