Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 128313 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128313 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
“Have Phillip watch for them,” Leon said. “Tell security to be extra vigilant too.” The car behind us was filled with security. Jasper had decided to assign us all a personal guard. They kept their distance, but they were always watching. Jasper had assured me they had signed NDAs. If they caught or suspected anything between me and Jasper, at least it wouldn’t be the end of the world.
Jasper signaled to the driver to go, and we made our way to the bar deep in Mexico City. I’d been to Mexico a few times as a child. Daddy would buy cattle here sometimes, and we caught the odd rodeo down this way too. Even as a kid, Canyon had a magical connection with horses. He would enter all the competitions where cowboys raced to be the fastest to back an unbroken horse. Canyon used to clean up there. It was how he began helping others with troubled horses. Fast-forward a decade later, and he was so sought after, he spent much of his time traveling around the US and South America, helping people who had unruly horses or worse, had been traumatized in accidents. His wait list was a mile long.
As if reading my mind, Leon said, “Jasper told me about Canyon, Hallie.” I turned to face my trainer. The movement made my thigh press against Jasper’s. The others were unable to see when he placed his hand on my leg and left it there. Shivers broke out along my spine. Hell, even just holding my leg elicited an erotic response.
“Yeah, he’s incredible,” I said, forcing myself to speak when Leon looked at me expectantly. “We grew up together. He’s a year older than me, but his daddy was my daddy’s right-hand man on the ranch I grew up on.” I saw sympathy flash in Leon’s eyes. He knew my whole story, of course. “When my daddy passed, Canyon’s daddy took over the ranch. Canyon helps too when he can, but he’s more in demand than ever.” I shook my head. “He hates the fame he’s acquiring in the horse world and the press that he’s been reluctantly getting, but hell, seeing him work with damaged horses is awe inspiring.”
Leon and Jasper shared a long look. “What?” I asked.
“We were wondering, if he had time, if he would maybe look at Dahlia?” Jasper said.
I exhaled quickly. “How did I never think of that?” But then my heart sank. “Only, Canyon barely leaves the Americas. He’s only just started taking on work in South America.” Disappointment swirled in my gut. “He’s a rancher through and through. Doesn’t like to leave his home for long. His parents are getting on and struggle to run the ranch without him. Plus, the amount of work he gets here is more than he can handle anyway.”
Jasper’s hope fell if the dropping of his shoulders was any indication. “Nice thought, though,” he said, but then left it at that.
I glanced at Leon. “We’ll figure something out. I’ll speak to Canyon. He might know someone closer to home who could help us.” I thought of Genny and Lady Dahlia, and my heart sank. I could see the pain on Jasper’s, Atticus’s, and Leon’s faces as another prayer for Genny and Dahlia’s recovery was shattered.
“I know Canyon, he’ll help in any way he can,” I said, knowing it was true. Canyon would be able to recommend someone. I was sure of it.
The car came to a stop, and suddenly the door was being opened. “Howdy, folks,” Canyon said, playfully putting on his thickest country-bumpkin accent. He took my hand and led me out of the car. I gave him a hug, and he whispered, “Nice to see you in real clothes again, Hals.”
Everyone else got out, and I followed Jasper’s gaze as he took in the sight before us. Music was playing, the night was balmy warm, and local ranchers wearing cowboy hats milled around, eating the most delicious food from the food trucks that made a u shape, with benches for dining in the center.
“Move aside, boys,” Sage said. “There’s some tacos al pastor with my name on them and a Mexican Coke bottle I’m about to wrap my expert lips around.” Sage made her way to the taco truck, causing a wave of men to follow her pendulum hips as she did. When I flicked a glance to Atticus, he was smirking at her antics. They were the definition of cat and mouse.
“Fajitas, Hals?” Canyon asked.
“You know me so well,” I said. Jasper and Leon followed Sage to the taco truck, and Atticus beelined for the burritos. In seconds, he had two beautiful Mexican women laughing at whatever he said. I swear, the English accent was an aphrodisiac to most people.
Jasper and Leon talked, heads together, with Jasper looking up and checking on me every two minutes. I bit my lip to stop smiling when the hunger in his gaze made my nipples hard.