“You’re serious?” Pepper snorted as she leaned over the table.

“About which part, the asshole trying to steal my cattle or attempting to put holes in the bastards doing the deed?” Amber was uncomfortable as hell and not because of the recent spanking. She hated wearing a dress of any kind. The girlie look just wasn’t her and had never been. The only reason she’d taken her friend’s suggestion was the lack of clean jeans.

“You actually shot at them?”

“Hit one of the trucks twice. Blew out his tire. Hoping the asshole will think twice about pestering me again.”

Pepper eased back in her seat, swinging her leg. “Girl, you are hell on wheels, but you can’t do that kind of thing. You’re going to get yourself killed if you don’t watch out.”

“The Randolph boys I can handle.”

Snorting, she took a sip of her martini. “You talk big, honey. I love that about you but I’m serious. Been hearing a bunch of stories about missing cattle, out of control fires and even some equipment being tampered with.”

“Why? Why do they want to shut everyone down?”

Her eyes sparkling, she held up her glass. “Black gold.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Oil, goofy. There’s oil in dem dare woods.”

Amber narrowed her eyes, trying to comprehend what her friend was telling her. “You’re serious.” First Jorge acting weird, now Pepper’s tall tales.

“I am. My pappy told me that the best thing I could do was purchase as much land in the Valley as possible. He knew in his gut there was oil and lots of it. Oil rigs versus ranching? I know which one I’d bet money on.”

“There’s no oil on my father’s ranch. Daddy would have known, and he would have told me.” Her thoughts drifted to odd comments her father had made during the last months of his life.

Pepper laughed. “Your father loved the land. Do you really believe that he’d even think about establishing drilling sites? Besides, your mother would have killed him.”

She thought once again about her father’s records. After his death, she’d shoved them into a closet, never bothering to crack a lid. She did remember a single discussion not long before he succumbed to his illness about the ranch being special, that there was another reason to keep the entire property intact and in her name. Could her father have known there was oil beneath the turf? “I don’t know. Farfetched if you ask me.”

“Maybe, but you have to ask yourself why Bart Randolph is yanking everyone’s chain. If there is oil, then the pittance he wants to pay everyone means nothing to him, but he’s the only man rich enough to make the purchases. You know how devastating the recent years have been to the entire town.”

That much she did know to be the truth. “I can’t think about this, but Bart isn’t going to sick any more of his goons on me. I have a plan or two in mind.” She grinned and lifted her wine glass. Hard alcohol would put her into a tail spin.

“Drink up, girl and don’t look now, but we might have company.” Pepper nodded off to the right. “Just be cool.”

“Well, what do we have here?”

Jorge had been right. The devil was back in town.

The deep base voice was irritating and always had been. Kyle had always considered himself special, born with a silver spoon in his mouth. And he’d always wanted her. Giving him a curt smile, Amber was now thrilled she’d selected a fiery red dress, just to piss him off. “Do you hear some kind of screeching?”

Pepper wrinkled her nose. “I think I do. Must be a rat somewhere around here.”

“Come now, ladies. Why don’t I buy you a drink and we can party? I do enjoy a threesome.” Leaning over the table, he planted his hands on either edge, sweeping his head back and forth.

Even the cologne he was wearing, outlandish like his ridiculous boots, disgusted her. “I’m sorry, but we only accept real men, not little boys.” The hate she felt for him was palpable. Memories of his antics fueled her anger, creating bile in her throat.

Kyle exhaled and lowered his head until his lips were dangerously close to hers. Placing one hand on her knee, he crawled the material several inches before she slapped her hand on top, preventing him from going any further.

“Get your slimy hand off me or I will cut it off,” Amber hissed between clenched teeth.

“Don’t you talk to me that way. Ever.” While he kept his voice low, he gripped her leg, digging his nails in as deep as possible. “‘Bout time you come to me, begging for what you deserve.”

The stench of alcohol on the man’s breath took her breath away. “Fuck you.”

When Kyle was jerked back, Amber tried to figure out what the hell was going on.

“The lady doesn’t want to be bothered. I suggest you keep your hands to yourself.”

She recognized the voice, but from where?

“My, oh, my. Now, that’s what I call a cowboy,” Pepper whispered and fanned her face.

“And you better mind your own damn business.” Swinging around, Kyle was ready to take a punch.

Camden Dane. Amber was taken aback.

Camden inched back, pushing both sleeves above his elbow. “You heard me. From what I understand, the lady prefers real men.”

“You shithead!” Taking a punch, Kyle missed as Camden merely stepped out of the way. The momentum of the swing, cost Kyle his balance and he toppled against the next table, smashing several glasses.

Amber rose to her feet and glared down at the man just as a bouncer came rushing over. “And this is no real man.” Hearing claps and cheers, she shook her head. So much for a quiet drink.

“You’re out. Don’t come back until you can sober up,” the bouncer stated in an aggressive manner, grabbing Kyle by the shirt and yanking him to his feet.

Managing to get out of the bouncer’s hold, he confronted Camden, pointing his finger. “Watch your back. You just crossed the wrong line.”

Camden tipped his head, a wide grin remaining.

The clapping continued.

“That was one fine show,” Pepper purred and pointed to the empty chair. “Sit down, cowboy. Let us buy you a drink.”

Camden stole a glance at Amber then shook his head. “I appreciate it, ladies but I just came in to grab a burger. Early day tomorrow.”

“Oh, come on. Any man who takes on a creep like Kyle Randolph deserves knighthood in my opinion.” Pepper motioned for Amber.

“No, he has an early day tomorrow and we aren’t going to bother him,” Amber insisted. “But thank you, although I could have handled myself just fine without you.”

“Amber!” Pepper snapped.

Camden held up his hand. “I’m certain Miss Harding would have done just fine and thank you for the kind offer. Maybe another time. Have a good night.”

Amber oozed back into the chair as he walked away, her eyes remaining on his sculpted ass, his muscular forearms.

“To think I used to have a crush on that man,” Pepper sighed.

“Who, Kyle?”

“Yes, Kyle. I know. Don’t say it. I just thought he was exciting. You know, the dangerous type that would be oh-so-delicious in bed.”

She gawked at Pepper and had a feeling her mouth was open wide. “You never told me that.”

Shrugging, Pepper toyed with her drink. “I don’t tell you everything.”

“We tell each other all the delicious dirt.”

“Nope.”

Amber pushed Pepper’s arm. “What haven’t you told me?”

Pepper sniffed and took a sip of her drink. “I will tell you if you promise to keep it all to yourself.”

“Pinkie swear.” She couldn’t help but grin.

“Fine. Kyle and I had one night of passion.” Pepper held up her index finger.

“What? You and Kyle?” The ugly images were almost too much to bear.

“I know. Not my finest hour in life but we found each other in a bar. A little dancing, a little dirty dancing and well, we hit it off.”

Amber wrinkled her nose. “I hate to ask you this, but how was the sex?”

She closed her eyes then grinned. “Actually, not too bad. Except he has this thing for tying up women. It was kinky and I enjoyed it, but not my thing.”

“The visions in my head might make me burn into the ground. Why didn’t you see him any longer?”

“He left for Alaska for one thing. Self-esteem for another. Sadly, he’s a damn good catch.”

“If you like creepos.” They both laughed, and she darted another look at Camden, enjoying the view of his sexy as shit backside. The man could wear a pair of jeans like nobody’s business.

“You’re staring at him,” Pepper whispered.

“Me? No way. Just glancing around the room. I don’t like him one bit.” Who in the world was she trying to convince?

“What in the hell is wrong with you? The man saved you from creepo boy and you act like he’s the plague. Jesus.”

“He’s my new employee. That’s what.” Although I wouldn’t mind sucking his thick cock. She cringed as the little voice hammered on her brain.

“What?” Pepper faked coughing.

Nodding, Amber looked in her friend’s direction, groaning before reaching for her wine. “Sexy. New. Employee.”

“And let me guess. You don’t date your employees. Well, with one notable exception.”

“Drago and I definitely aren’t dating!”

Pepper rolled her eyes. “Whatever. You hired that man to do what? Parade around naked I hope.”

“New ranch-hand.” Amber couldn’t take her eyes off his walk, the way he carried himself. He was full of self-confidence, an attribute she’d mistaken for arrogance. She was going to be in some kind of trouble around the man.

“Mmm… I might have to apply. He’s perfect for my next boyfriend.”

“Not on your life!” The answer too quick and too loud, she absently wiped sweat from above her lip, praying to God that Pepper hadn’t noticed.

“You like him. I need to make an announcement to the world. You really like him.”

“Please lower your voice or the entire bar is going to hear you.” She covered her eyes and resisted staring at him again. This wasn’t good on any level.

“Girl, if you don’t finally settle down, find a good man, you’re going to end up old and alone.”

“I’m twenty-five years old!” Snapping her head, she glared at her friend. The woman was serious. Maybe she was a has been. All work and no play. What was the saying?

Pepper shrugged and swirled the tip of her finger around her glass. “You know exactly what I mean. No man is good enough for you, except to fuck and have him spank you every once in a while. Bad girl, you.”

“Again, would you like me to grab the microphone, so you can tell everyone?” Amber was perspiring all over. Her nipples were hard, her pussy drenched. And her legs were shaking.

“As if you really think folks don’t know about your tryst.”

“They do not!”

“They do too.” Pepper’s voice was lilted, the words almost sung.

“Great. Just what I need.”

“I know exactly what you need, and it has… What’s his name?”

Amber almost refused to tell her. But she knew Pepper would dig and push, dig and push. “Camden Dane.”

“Camden… Camden Dane?”

“That’s what I said and no, I don’t want to date him.”

Pepper narrowed her eyes. “I know that name from somewhere. I swear I do.”

“Don’t go fishing. Don’t bother him. Don’t dig. And don’t push me.”

“On one condition.”

Amber groaned and took a gulp of her wine. “Dare I ask?”

“One dance with Mr. Dane and I’ll back off. One dance.” Pepper held her index finger in front of her face.

Swallowing hard, she noticed Camden had sat down at the bar and was nursing a beer. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. If any of the ranch-hands knew I’d danced with the new guy…” The words trailed off.

“What the hell will they do or say? You’re the boss, so you keep telling me.” Her grin wicked, she pushed Amber’s hand. “One dance. That’s the deal.”

“Fine. One.” Gripping the edge of the table, she steadied her nerves and her quaking legs.

“You go, girl!”

“Remind me to bury you in some deep hole later.”

“Uh-huh.”

Amber took two steps and almost raced back. Why did the man make her nervous? The answer was on the forefront of her mind. He sizzled every square inch of her skin. One dance wouldn’t mean anything. Just a nice thank you. The moment she stood behind him, the honky-tonk changed to a slow dance. Oh, no. This wasn’t going to work.

Camden turned around, smiling when he noticed she was standing there. “Miss Harding. Is there something I can do for you?”

Another bead of sweat was threatening to give her away. She exhaled and inched closer. “I wanted to ask you if… Well, if you’d like to dance. Just as a thank you. Nothing more!”

He gave her a once over before sliding his beer across the bar. “That would be very nice.”

Very nice. The man didn’t jump at the chance or call her ‘babe’. He simply took her hand. Instead of following behind her, he took the lead, walking them into the middle of the crowded dance floor. When he turned, his eyes were penetrating, as if staring into her very soul.

She hadn’t been this nervous dancing with a man since she was in high school. Awkward as hell, she had to remember how to take his hands. But when she did, the sparks flew. Blinking, she was drawn into his world, spun almost instantly, her desire raw, biting.

Camden held her, moving in time to the music, his eyes never leaving hers. “Thank you.”

“For what?” she croaked.

“The dance.” He pulled her closer.

“I’m supposed to me thanking you. Kyle is… difficult.” Inhaling, she gathered a scent of a light cologne, all masculine and full of testosterone and her pussy clenched.

He smiled. “Men like that are all puffed up and have very little else.”

A slice of tension eased. “You know the type well.”

“I’ve worked with them my entire life.” Camden crowded closer.

Amber rested her hand on his chest and realized her mouth was parched, dry as a bone. “You don’t seem like a ranch-hand. You’re intelligent, sophisticated.”

“Now, I wouldn’t go talking like that around the guys. Might hurt their feelings.”

She finally smiled, comfortable, far too comfortable in his arms. As he swung her around, his grip becoming firmer, she rested her head on his shoulder, thankful to be wearing heels. Even though she might tip over. She huffed and closed her eyes, enjoying the music, the way he made her feel. Safe. Protected. He was all male. Sexy.

When the song ended, he didn’t pull away, merely continued the close dance, placing his cheek against her head.

The nuzzling was amazing, driving her into an almost heated frenzy. She knew that a faster song had already begun but didn’t mind being lost in the moment.

Camden eased back, breaking the hold but kept his arm around her. Using his other hand, he lifted her chin. “You’re beautiful.”

“Thank you. I just…” She had no idea what to say.

Lowering his head ever so slowly, he pressed his lips against hers.

She could no longer feel her legs and she fisted his shirt, pulling him in closer. The kiss became passionate, roaring between them as their tongues entwined. The taste of him created blissful sensations dancing down from her spine to the back of her legs. She wanted nothing more than to succumb, to enjoy the unbridled connection. He was in control, of her and of the moment and she… Pushing hard against him, she broke the connection. “I’m sorry. I can’t.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Camden whispered and reached out.

She took a step away, pressing the back of her hand across her mouth. Get control. You can’t do this. But why? Why couldn’t she enjoy? Employee. The man was her employee and could be nothing else.

Ever.

“I have to go.” Her words were stilted.

“Wait. Miss Harding. Amber.”

She made a bee-line for the table.

“Wow. That was a dance and the kiss and what is wrong?” Pepper jerked up from the chair as Amber grabbed her purse.

“We need to go,” Amber insisted.

“Why? Did he do something?”

“Nope. It’s me. I can’t. Can we just go?” She didn’t wait, heading straight for the door.

And all she could think about was her desires. For him to follow and for him to take utter and full control over her.

And she would let him…

“All right, men. You know what you need to do. We have one more herd to move into the corral and we’re done for the day,” Jorge directed from his horse.

Camden yanked off his hat and rubbed his face with his arm, wincing as the ray of sun beat down. He was sweating like a pig and the exhaustion had turned into muscle cramps. This was the longest and hardest working day he’d experienced in years. Grabbing his canteen, he took a swig of water. Trying to stay hydrated was the name of the game.

“Come on, newbie. Let’s see if you can finish out the day.” The man grinned as he rode by.

Most of the crew had been decent, with the exception of the brooding Russian who’d said very little, but his nasty looks had said enough. The man didn’t want anything to do with Camden. But Drago remained watching, studying him as if he were the enemy. The last thing he needed was any trouble at this point, especially from one of the crew. He kept his eyes on the hulking man as he shoved his canteen back into the saddle bag.

Jorge rode up next to Camden and followed his gaze. “Don’t worry about Drago. He’s more bark than he is bite. A hard worker, one of the best I have.”

“Not too keen about me,” Camden huffed.

“Well, maybe it has something to do with the fact you stepped in and helped out Miss Amber last night.”

He tipped his head in Jorge’s direction. “Does everybody know everything?”

“Small town if you really think about it. News travels fast, especially when it involves the Randolph family.” He trotted off in the direction of the cattle, Camden following alongside.

“Who the hell are they?”

“They think they own this town. If they have their way, they soon will.” Jorge tipped back his hat, wincing as he glanced up at the sky. “Tough day today, but you did good. You can hold your own.”

“Thanks.” Camden had done just enough research to realize that Val Verde County was known for cattle ranching through and through. There were hunters, but the money from white tail, turkey and wild boar wasn’t enough to provide a living, simply a hobby. “How?”

“Trying to buy up all the ranches and what they can’t purchase, they’ll try and extort. Don’t go sharin’ that around either. That will scare the good folks around here.”

“Really?” Small town secrets. Why did the name ring a bell?

“Yup and don’t you go tellin’ Miss Amber that I told you either. She has enough to worry about.”

Camden had a sense that the man knew more than he was telling but he decided not to push. There would be time. Besides, he had other things on his mind. The kiss had been amazing, the connection between them unlike anything else in life. The thought alone gave him a rush of shivers or maybe the damn sun was getting to him.

“Come on. Let’s get this done. Thought you might want to stop by the main quarters tonight and have a beer with the guys. Could help if you get to know a few of them.”

While Jorge’s suggestion was no doubt good, he wasn’t certain he wanted company of any type. “I’ll think about it.”

“Heed my words, son. Close knit group around here. I like what I’m seeing in you already. You could do a lot for the ranch. Besides, Miss Amber needs a good man as her second in charge.”

“I’m only here for a short stint.” Camden grabbed his gloves, shoving his hands back inside.

“Damn shame to hear. I think you could really do something with this place. Amber needs someone she can trust. Hard to come by.”

“That’s your job.”

Jorge gave him a smile. “I know. For now.” Riding off, he headed in the direction of the cattle.

Hanging back, Camden sighed. There were secrets in every family, every corporation. He galloped toward the corral and wondered what Amber was hiding, let alone Jorge. Not his problem to deal with. But still, he remained curious.

“I don’t like you.”

He heard the voice before he noticed Drago had remained behind. “You don’t know me.”

“I know the type. Pretty boy coming in, trying to show off. Attaching yourself to the owner.”

The level of testosterone was high, and he was far too exhausted to give a damn. “I’m here to do a job just like everyone else.”

Snickering, Drago rode by, his steely eyes penetrating. “You think you can play games. I know why you’re really here. Soon, everyone will know.”

“What the hell are you getting at?” He glared at the man. What did Drago think he knew? Granted, if anyone found out that he was the CEO of Rush, he would have a difficult time explaining his presence. Maybe he’d been an idiot using his real name, but Jorge would have found out with the simple credit check.

Drago trotted off without saying another word.

He had a terrible feeling they were going to tangle.

An hour later and they were done for the day. After securing the horse, Camden stood outside, rinsing off his muddied hands and arms. Several of the men were hanging around, shooting the shit as they watched him. He was the curious newcomer, a man who had said few words. He wasn’t here to make friends. Then again, he also wasn’t here to make enemies.

A single beer with the crew wasn’t a bad idea.

“You’re the guy from the bar last night.”

Camden shook off his hands before glancing over at the weathered man. “Not sure what you mean.”

“Taking on Kyle Randolph. You got balls. I’ll give you that. No doubt the man will want to cut them off.” He grinned then narrowed his eyes. “Sorry. Chowder Wilson. Good to meet you, son.”

“Chowder?” He shook hands and could tell the man was genuine.

“Old nickname from when I was a kid. When the food is on the table, I come running. Even from miles away.” Chowder laughed.

Camden smiled. “Camden.”

“Know who you are. Pretty much everybody does, but they don’t know you. Come grab a beer. I’m buying. Well, the missus provides but you know what I mean.”

“All right.” Camden followed him to the expansive closed in barn. Walking inside, he hadn’t anticipated the modern quarters. A large living room complete with a stone fireplace and a pool table and he could see a fully equipped kitchen. “Wow.”

“What did you expect, living in squalor? Amber, I mean Miss Harding’s daddy built this, some with his bare hands. Wanted the crew to have a good place to stay.”

“Don’t you have homes?”

Chowder studied him. “Son, you don’t know much about the ranching business. Kinda like oil. You take work where you can get it. This is seasonal for us. A few stay on and live around here but for most of us, we come from at least several counties over. Go home on the weekends sometimes, but not usually. This is home for about six months out of the year. For most of us, we can’t make a living any longer. Ranching in some parts is a dying operation. Sad to say. Salt of the earth.”

“True.”

“Let’s get you a beer.”

Camden nodded to the various men who already had a beer in their hands. “Walt, Mike, this is Camden. He’s going to be with us for a while. Be nice to him.” Chowder gave them a harsh look before winking.

“Hey, old man. Don’t go telling us what to do!” Walt called, lifting his beer bottle.

“Yeah. Yeah. You and that old steed you rode in on,” Chowder mumbled. Grabbing two cans of beer, he tossed one to Camden. “So, what’s your story?”

“I don’t really have one. I needed a job.”

Chowder took two long pulls on his beer then wiped his mouth. “Nah. Sorry, son but I don’t buy that. You come riding up in a forty-thousand-dollar truck. You have no callouses on your hands and you have a hell of a lot more intelligence than some around here. You’re hiding.”

He almost coughed on his beer. “I’m not hiding, except for maybe from myself, the man I’d become.”

“Uh-huh. Well, we all go through that from time to time. This kind of work separates the men from the boys. That much I’ll tell you. You can also find your soul, if you’ll open up.”

“I hope I can,” Camden muttered under his breath. “What’s the story with Drago?”

Walt walked closer. “The Russian mob man? Hell, if I know.”

“Don’t do that shit, Walt. Drago is a damn responsible worker. You just don’t like the fact he’s a hell of a lot better looking than you are.” Chowder grinned.

“Oh! Cold,” one of the men called.

Two others whistled.

Walt shook his head. “He’s an asshole. Never drinks with us. Doesn’t say two words other than to snarl. And…” He looked from right to left. “He’s got it in good with the lady of the house.”

“Don’t go spreading shit like that around. You know better, Walt. Seriously. Miss Amber has been damn good to all of us. She doesn’t need that kind of shit ass rumor floating around.”

Camden glanced at Walt then shook his head. No wonder the lady didn’t want to have anything to do with him. She was already involved. “Seems out of place here.”

Chowder shrugged. “Word on the street is that he’s an oil man. Fired from his last job and couldn’t find another. He does have a mean temper, so I wouldn’t cross him.”

Oil. The word had been used twice and he didn’t believe in coincidences. “Any truth to the rumor there’s oil around here?” What the hell. Shooting in the dark had always been good to him.

“Come with me, son.” Chowder led him to the back and out onto a large deck. “I like coming out here when I have issues. The river is beautiful this time of year.”

“There is oil.”

“I don’t know about that, son. You know how people are. There’s always been talk, but so far, nothing has turned up. A lot of good people were forced to sell off their land after thinking they could strike it rich. They spent every last dime hiring engineers and drill experts only to come up with nothing.”

“You’d be surprised that you can tap around an area for weeks, months and think you’ve lost your mind. Suddenly, and in the last place you might think, you strike oil and big too.” Camden could feel the man’s eyes on him. “I have a friend in the business.”

“I see.” Chowder nodded several times. “Just don’t spout this off to Miss Amber. She doesn’t like anyone talking about destroying her ranch in any manner, and I can imagine especially from the concept of digging for oil.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for the warning.” Camden leaned against the railing.

“You like Amber.”

He laughed. “I don’t know why everybody is asking me about last night. What I don’t like is some jerk-off hitting on a lady, especially in a nasty manner.”

“That’s Kyle Randolph for you. Spitting image of his father, old bastard. Trouble with a capital ‘T’. Trying to run the world.”

“Well, I doubt Amber will let him run her.” Camden shook his head. Fuck, he was sweating just thinking about her.

“She can handle her own. You might be shocked at what that little lady can do. Seen her wrestle a damn steer, birth a colt and fix one of the finest meals this side of the Mississippi. She’s all that and a handful too.”

“Sounds like you know her well.”

Chowder gave him a look. “Been working here on and off for twenty years. I’ve seen a lot, including when her father died. Sad day for all of us. Cut short her college education but the little lady never looked back. She took the reins and from day one, she’s been respected. No one will hurt her without hearing from one of us. No one.”

He nodded several times. “I like being around here.”

“Good to hear, son. Well, I’m gonna wrestle up some food. Can I fix you something?”

“I think I’ll take a walk. Need to get some groceries anyway.” Camden felt a sense of sadness swallowing the man and he had no idea why.

“Gotcha. Careful of that old cabin. Might fall apart on ya.”

He tipped his beer in reverence as the older man walked inside then sauntered off the deck, heading around to the side. He noticed the horses in the adjoining corral and realized he missed Beauty more than he wanted to admit. He kept his eyes on the stunning animals as he walked closer to the fence. Peace only came when he rode Beauty. The hard work had its place, but he wasn’t certain how long he could stay away.

As he headed in the direction of the corral, he could see Drago standing by the barn. Watching. The man was fixated on him. If the Russian was from an oil background, could he have any idea of Camden’s true identity? Could be. What if the man had a hidden agenda? He ignored the harsh stare and continued walking toward the fence.

Noticing a gorgeous black horse, he couldn’t help but unlock the gate and go inside. While some of the others ran away, the giant steed moved closer, dropping his head and allowing Camden to rub his nose. “You’re incredible.”

Whinnying, the horse pawed the ground once before swishing his tail.

“And not a mark on you. Amazing.” Camden patted the horse’s nose then brushed his fingers down the long neck. “Gorgeous.”

The horse snorted and nudged Camden.

“He never lets anyone get close to him but me.”

Hearing her voice, he swallowed before twisting in order to see her. She was sitting on the fence, her face shielded by an oversized pair of sunglasses. Wearing shorts and a tight T-shirt, he had to admit, his breath was taken away. “He’s magnificent.”

“His name is Zeus.”

“Fitting.”

She jumped off the fence, taking long strides toward him. “Had him since he was little. Helped birth him. He’s been by my side ever since.” She cooed as she eased her head against Zeus’ closing her eyes as she rubbed his nose. “My baby.”

“I understand. I have a mare that is closer to me than most humans will ever be.”

While she didn’t react, she didn’t push him away either. “Animals can tell in a dead ass heartbeat if you’re a good person. They are the best early warning signs I’ve ever known.”

“I agree with you.” He was tongue tied. Why? Not because she was his boss, but because he’d interfered on another man’s turf. “Look, about last night. I had no idea you had a boyfriend. I apologize.” He shot a look at where Drago had been standing. The man had disappeared.

“Boyfriend? Are the cowboys shooting that shit off again?” Snorting, she yanked off her sunglasses. “I could and should kick some motherfucking ass. Those cowboys talk trash all the time.”

“A woman of stilling words.” He resisted chuckling.

She glared at him then burst into laughter. “You’re right. I need my mouth washed out with soap at least once a week. That and a hard spanking.” As if realizing what she’d said, she hid behind Zeus, a laugh bubbling from her throat.

He was tingling all over, his heart racing. “We could make that happen.” Just saying the words was enough to make his balls swell. “I mean if you’re game and all.”

“Game?”

“Yup.” He glanced at the sky, wrinkling his brow. He wasn’t necessarily surprised at her comment.

“You’re serious,” she said after a few seconds.

Kicking his boot into the dirt, he nodded. “Little known fact. The best relationships are when the man is in charge. Head of household.”

“Big he-man huh?”

He chuckled as he walked closer. You bet he was pushing his luck. “I’ve known domestic discipline to change relationships, even save marriages. My best buddy is getting married and they wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“I’m not that kind of woman,” Amber said, yet her words were stilted.

“You’re sure about that?” Camden crowded her space.

Tilting her head, she rolled her eyes. “There is no man who understands the concept of domestic discipline.”

“And you do?”

“More than you know.” The words were said as if daring him.

“Drago isn’t your boyfriend?”

She walked closer. “No. You’re not from around here.”

“You guessed correctly.” Okay, he had to admit he was damn glad the Russian wasn’t her taste.

“Then I’ll tell you my dirty little secret.”

“I’d love to hear it,” Camden inhaled her perfume and could see her hardened nipples.

Leaning in, she winked. “He’s my disciplinarian.”

This time, he knew for certain that her words were meant not only to titillate but to shock him. And he was having none of it. He closed the distance and lowered his head. “I can tell that you need one but from what I can see, he’s not doing a very good job.”

“Oh, no?” Amber was breathless.

“Not in the least, because if he were, you’d know how to be a lady as well as how to follow rules. You’d also understand respect.”

“And you think you can do any better?”

He grabbed her wrist, holding her in place. “I know that I can. In fact, by the end of this night, this very night you’re going to ask me a question.”

“What’s that?” she managed, her lower lip trembling.

“For one. Hard. Spanking.” Releasing her, he walked away.