Blurb:
From the first time Tansy Adam’s set eyes on Gulch her heart
pounded at the sight of him. His charisma and magnetic personality drew her
into his web. Then he changed into a deceitful, demonic cowboy who mystified
her. Everyone kept telling her he was not who she thought he was. Who was he?
The passionate gentleman whose kisses set her core on fire or the cold hearted
cowboy boss that infuriated her?
Gulch knew he had to do whatever it took to protect the
beautiful Tansy even if it meant driving her away from his life forever. He
hated the way he had to treat her, but if it saved her life, he was willing to
do anything to keep her from the murderous clutches of the rustler out to
destroy the Grow ‘em Feed Yard. How could he expect her to forgive him when he
couldn’t forgive himself?
Author:
Stephy Smith was born and raised in the Northwest Texas
Panhandle. She owns and operates her own ranch. Most of her inspiration comes
from the weather, wildlife, and imagination from country living. When she not
spending time with her three sons, she loves to read, ride horses, watch
rodeo’s and paint. Stephy is a member of Panhandle Professional Writers,
American Quarter Horse Association, and Foundation Quarter Horse Association.
Stephy is an award-winning author of Shining Moon Rises. You
can find her books at www.barnesandnoble.com www.amazon.com www.audible.com
www.smashwords.com and www.kobo.com
Excerpt:
Chapter One
“Mom, you know Mississippi will always be my home. It’s time
for me to strike out on my own. Make a life for myself.” Tansy Adams hugged her
mother, Eva. She wiped the tears from Eva’s face.
“I just don’t like you going all the way to Texas. That’s a
long way off.” Eva’s voice cracked as she tried to talk.
“I know. I can always call and besides, it’s a great
opportunity for me.” Tansy’s heart picked up a beat.
“You better get going. Jema is a bit antsy.” Eva pointed to
the horse trailer hooked to the back of Tansy’s pickup. The five-year-old mare
thumped her hoof on the wooden floor as if to back up Eva’s words.
Tansy slid in the driver side and pulled down the drive of
the old plantation house she had lived in all her life.
After two days of travel the subtropical climate transitioned
to the arid, dust-blown great plains of the northwest Texas Panhandle. Each
state Tansy passed through seemed just as beautiful in its own way. She soaked
it all in. Tansy and Jema rolled into the small town.
“Millstone, Texas. Population 12,356. We made it, Jema.”
Tansy said out loud, even though she knew the horse couldn’t hear her. Her
heart picked up a beat. Light, butterfly-type movements fluttered in her
stomach.
Tansy drove straight for the Grow ‘em feed yard to meet with
Benny Whipple and the cowboy boss. They met her in the parking lot.
She stretched as her feet touched the ground. An older man
rushed toward her.
“Benny Whipple. You must be Tansy Adams.” The old man thrust
his hand out to her. She smiled and took his pudgy hand in hers. “Get your
horse and we’ll get her settled in while we talk.” Benny stood beside the
trailer and waited for Tansy to unload Jema. The cowboy boss leaned casually
against a nearby pipe fence with his feet crossed at the ankles.
Benny owned the feed yard. His blue eyes were clear and
sparkled with a hint of amusement. Although his hair was gray, the fifty-eight
year old man seemed to be in better shape than most forty year olds Tansy knew.
And he was better looking than they were to boot. He had a pleasant, calm air
about him that made Tansy relax.
Jema backed out of the trailer. Tansy caught the lead rope.
She retrieved her tack and tossed the saddle blanket and saddle on the mare's
back. Jema didn’t even flinch. Tansy folded the bridle across her elbow and
followed Benny through the gate he rushed ahead to open. Jema’s ears perked up
and she gazed toward a feed bunk.
“There’s your shed to keep your tack and feed in. We expect
you to clean your own shed and stall. As calm as your horse is, I get the
feeling you’ve put in a lot of hours horseback. It’s your responsibility to
keep your tack in good working order. Here’s a lock and key for the door. We
like to think no one will tamper with your equipment, but the cowboys are
always up for a good, old-fashioned rodeo. They don’t mean any harm even if
they instigate it themselves.”
“I know cowboys are just overgrown kids at heart. As soon as
Jema, my mare, rest up from the trip, I plan on getting her accustomed to her
new surroundings. If that’s ok.” Tansy unloaded her saddle and blanket from the
horse's back and carried them into the shed.
Benny thumbed over his shoulder. “This here’s Gulch. He’s the
cattle manager and he’s in charge of all the pen riders. If you have gripes
about the cowboys, I want to hear about it. If you got questions about the job,
go to him.”
