The Cowboy's Secret (Cowboys After Dark: Book 3) (22 page)

“Uh-oh,” Amelia whispered.

“Yep. I walked in and heard noises comin’ from the bedroom. I snuck up and looked through the door jam; damned if it wasn’t Mario.”

He shifted his gaze back to the fireplace, and Amelia saw his jaw clench. Impulsively she stood up and moved quickly to the bar, pouring him a scotch.

“Thank you, darlin’,” he smiled taking it from her hand. “I could use it. I’ve never told anyone about this.”

“I can tell,” she sighed sitting back down. “So, what happened? Did you punch him?”

“Nope, but it wasn’t easy, I was madder than a bear. I stayed in the city and watched them. Turned out he was there every night.”

“Holy crap,” she groaned.

“I was real hurt, real angry, but I had a hunch somethin’ else was goin’ on, somethin’ bigger, so every night I parked across the street facin’ the alley behind the club, and waited until Mario left. I was beginnin’ to think I was wrong, but Thursday night it happened. After the place closed a van arrived. Mario came out the back door and three guys started unloadin’ crates of booze. Mario paid them and they drove off. I figured he was buyin’ stolen booze, writin’ up invoices from a phony supplier, and creamin’ off the difference.”

“Holy crap again,” Amelia breathed.

“Next mornin’ I went straight to the local precinct, talked to a detective and he set up a sting. Thing was, I had to pretend like everythin’ was okay, I had to be at the club, be around Jen and act totally normal. I was beside myself. They’d been connin’ me for almost a year.” Shaking his head he took a drink, the stared back at her. “I felt like a complete fool.”

“May I say something?” she asked softly.

“Sure,” he replied.

“People like that are brilliant at what they do. It could have happened to Scott, maybe it was going on before he even left.”

“I guess,” he frowned, “but that wasn’t the worst of it.”

“There’s more?”

“Jen had bought this big paintin’ and hung it in the office. Before Mario was busted I was starin’ at it, and I couldn’t stand to look at it another minute so I took it down. It was coverin’ a stinkin’ safe. Next day the detective came over and had one of his men open it. Full of drugs, and Mario’s weren’t the only fingerprints on the containers.”

“Oh, my gosh,” she exclaimed. “I can’t believe this.”

“Jen was dealing drugs while she was servin’ the drinks, right under my nose. I was so damn caught up with…everythin’…I dropped the ball real bad.”

“So, what happened?”

“Mario and Jen were arrested of course, and it was a real mess. I’d been gone way too long so I hightailed it back to the ranch. Couple of days later the detective called me, told me Jen and Mario were connected to some really bad people and said I should take a vacation. I had a cell phone I used in Manhattan, he had no idea I lived on a ranch. When I went back to get my things the apartment had been trashed. I gave Scott a bunch of money for the damage of course. Felt real bad about everythin’.”

“Clint! This is unbelievable, but why did you move here?”

“I had to sign my legal name on the statements I gave the police, and I decided it wasn’t worth riskin’ these people findin’ me, so I sold the ranch real fast and found this place. When I bought it I formed a company, and I use J.C. Hogan for anythin’ personal.”

“Didn’t you have to go back and testify?” she asked.

“Nope, Scott told me they made some kinda deal. I was real happy about that, let me tell you!”

“No wonder you don’t want to tell anyone about all this,” she sighed. “So I guess Clint is your middle name.”

“Nope, my name is James Conway Hogan. Clint’s been my nickname since I was little guy. I used to run around in a cowboy outfit and my grandpa used to say I was like Clint Eastwood in Rawhide. It just kinda stuck.”

“That’s why I couldn’t find anything about you on the internet,” she exclaimed. “I can’t believe all that happened to you.”

“Amelia, I can’t tell you how crazy it all was, and when I finally landed here I felt like damaged goods. I’d lost myself, and I’d let down one of my best friends. I couldn’t believe that I’d been conned like that, and Jen? Man, that just tore me up. I felt like I couldn’t trust myself anymore, so I decided to just focus on nothin’ but my horses; I needed to hibernate, be by myself. Feels like it was a lifetime ago.”

“Clint, I’m so sorry,” she said softly.

“I learned, boy did I learn, came out of stronger and wiser. When I saw you in the driveway with Jiminy, saw how you handled him, how sweet you were, how he trusted you right off, it was like an angel had floated into my life.”

“Really?” she smiled.

“Yep. My heart did a dance. I was still wary though, wasn’t sure, and openin’ those trunks, that was a biggie,” he sighed.

“Because of the memories?”

“Because of the memories, and because it meant I was finally gettin’ my life back,” he said staring at her. “Amelia, that’s what you’ve done, you’ve given me my life back.”

There was a tremble in his voice, and swallowing an unexpected wave of emotion she moved close to him, putting her arms around his shoulders.

“Thank you for telling me all that,” she whispered. “I admire you so much.”

“Don’t think there’s much to admire about all that,” he grimaced.

“How you handled it all, and then moved your whole business here and started over, that’s a huge thing,” she murmured.

“Findin’ you, that was a huge thing, is a huge thing,” he said softly, locking her eyes. “Now you know my secret, and why I can’t let anyone here know my real name. I don’t think those gangsters give two hoots about me, but I can’t risk it, not just for me, but for Sam, and the boys, and my horses. I just wanna live a safe, quiet life, and I wanna live it with you.”

“Should I stop ranch shopping?” she smiled.

“That would be good,” he nodded, “that would be very good.”

“Should I give up my cottage as well?”

“Yep, that’d be good too,” he grinned.

“Can I make another suggestion? Two actually.”

“Sure.”

“First, let’s build an indoor arena.”

“I’ve thought about that, and yeah, let’s do that,” he agreed, brightening up. “Jumps at one end, barrels the other.”

“Perfect,” she laughed.

“What’s the second suggestion?”

“Take the lasagna out of the oven before it burns? I think we could both use a really good dinner, a glass of wine to go with it, and long night cuddling in the rain.”

“Damn, girl, that’s about the best suggestion I’ve think I’ve ever heard.”

T
he following morning they didn’t leave the ranch for their usual day off, but spent their time moving Amelia’s things out of the small house she’d been leasing. Having made the decision to live together Clint didn’t want to wait, and Amelia was in complete agreement. Her furniture was still in storage so it was mostly clothes, though there were a few things she’d picked up in the months she’d been living there. The rain came and went, slowing their progress, and she’d paused in the middle of the day to check on her horses and visit Jiminy.

It was late in the afternoon when she’d finally removed the last of her belongings, and having found Clint’s closet didn’t offer the space she needed she’d laid claim to the guest room.

“Are you sure this is gonna work for you? I could move some of my stuff,” he offered.

“No, this is great. I have my own suite,” she giggled.

“You’ve been goin’ all day, I think it’s time for a break,” he frowned.

“I’m almost done,” she argued. “Won’t be long.”

“You said that half-an-hour ago,” he sighed.

“I promise, just a few more minutes,” she argued.

“Nope, come on, you have somewhere else you need to be,” he insisted.

“I do?” she grinned. “Where’s that?”

“Come on with me and I’ll show you,” he smiled, reaching out his hand.

“All I have to do is hang these-”

“Enough woman,” he interrupted, and grabbing her arm he spun her around, slipped a blindfold across her eyes, then deftly lifted her up and over his shoulder.

“Not again!” she exclaimed.

“I’ll do it whenever I need to,” he declared swatting her butt.

“No fair, you’re bigger and stronger than me.”

“Yep, that’s how God made us,” he replied, carrying her into his bedroom. “Me man, you woman.”

“What are you doing? I need a shower, I need-”

“Shush,” he scolded.

Moving into his bathroom he set her on her feet, and slowly began to peel off her clothes.

“Clint, I’m all dirty from the day,” she protested.

“I really would prefer not to get a gag, but I will if I have to,” he warned.

“Fine, consider me muzzled,” she retorted.

Yanking down her jeans he slapped her butt.

“OW! What was that for?”

“Honestly, darlin’, you really have to learn that bein’ blindfolded and at my mercy is not the best time to have a smart mouth.”

“Point taken,” she sighed.

“Now be a good girl or you won’t get your surprise?” he declared as he continued to remove her clothes.

“Surprise? Why didn’t you say so?”

A moment later, standing naked and self-conscious, she felt him move away, and though tempted to call out she remained quiet and still.

“I’m gonna remove your blindfold now,” he whispered, his lips suddenly at her ear. “You ready?”

“I’m ready,” she murmured, her butterflies fluttering to life.

The silk scarf slowly fell from her eyes, and gasping, she stared in wonder; the only light in the room was from a myriad of candles, their tiny flickering flames reflecting off thousands of bubbles in the tub.

“Clint,” she breathed.

Turning around she found him naked, his hand outstretched.

“Shall we?” he asked.

“Yes, please,” she replied, and taking his hand she followed him into the bath of white foam.

“Oooh, this is heaven,” she moaned as she sank into the warm, frothy water and leaned back against him.

“You rest, darlin’. Just let the day go.”

“Mmmm, what a lovely surprise,” she mumbled. “What you told me, about New York and everything, is that your only secret?”

“Hell no,” he whispered. “Those wooden trunks in my closet have secrets, many secrets.”

“But I’ve looked inside. Those things aren’t secrets anymore.”

“You don’t know what I can do with all those bits and pieces,” he replied, his fingers reaching up to pinch her nipples.

“Oh, Clint,” she wriggled.

“Don’t worry, darlin’, I can promise you one thing,” he murmured, kissing her ear.

“What’s that?”

“You’re going to find out.”

From the first word, I was spellbound by Maggie Carpenter’s wonderful tale. Her wonderful story flows beautifully and you will fall in love with her characters, because they truly come to life and leap off the pages! This book has everything you could want in a story: romance, an exciting plot and a handsome, dominant hero who will capture your heart. This book not only promises passion, it delivers!! A must read!

I loved, loved it. Great characters. please make a second one with a continuing story. Maggie Carpenter, you are a fabulous writer.. Enjoyed it, didn’t want it to end.

This book is a “cannot put down.” Zander and Gabriela’s journey together, then apart and then together again will make your insides feel good and remind you of life’s unexpected thrills that tend to come our way when least expected. Once again Maggie has developed her book’s characters in such a manner that we feel we are right there with them. Well done Maggie!!!

This book was like all my favorite things in one. What was not to like?!?! Strong hot man meets lady who desperately needs to be taken in hand all with a horse show/ranch back drop. More please!!!!

I’m a Maggie Carpenter fan, and I snatched this one up as soon as I saw it. NO disappointments here. Don’t want to give any spoilers, but a naughty “good” girl gets what she deserves and so does a very naughty bad girl. Plenty of hot sex, hot spankings and lots of romance.

As one who usually reads and writes heavy BDSM books, I found Maggie Carpenter’s treatment light and refreshing. Simon, thank heavens, is NOT your usual stuffy, it’s-all-about-me billionaires, but a human with doubts and insecurities along with his self confidence. And Belle Somers, well, you just want to give her a hug.

The story is entertaining but the strength is in the characters. The author makes them come alive for you and they stay with you long after you turn the last page. A fun read I recommend for anyone who wants to escape with a glass of wine and a good book.

This is another wonderful read by Ms. Carpenter and I full believe readers will love Simon as much as I did. I am eagerly waiting for the third act of their story and anticipating Simon’s revenge. :) Want to find out what I am talking about? Pick up this read and find out!

Of all the dominant-submissive books I’ve read, this one is by far the most clever and the most captivating. The story is strong. It’s not just words wrapped around spanking scenes. It’s so believable, you can feel the emotions of the characters. And you’ll never expect the ending! Dr. Montgomery is simply irresistible, too. If I could find his office, I’d make an appointment.