Her Christmas Surprise Read online

  Beau stared at her. “You’re pretty game today.”

  “You told me she won’t bite, and she was perfect yesterday.”

  He grabbed the reins and entered the stall. “Did you want to do this today?”

  Simone shook her head. “Not today, but I’ll watch, if that’s okay. Maybe I’ll try another time.”

  He offered her the reins once they were on the horse, and she took them. Yesterday was such a positive experience, and she hoped today would be the same.

  She strolled through the stables, head held high, as if to say, look at me, I’m leading a horse! Blaze shoved her shoulder, but Simone continued to walk toward the small paddock they’d used previously.

  She didn’t ask Beau for instructions, just followed yesterday’s lead. Blaze followed her around until Simone attempted to remove the reins. She couldn’t work it out and felt deflated.

  “It’s easy, once you know how,” Beau told her. She nodded and watched, then he let her do it. Blaze took off in a trot, then moved into a canter.

  “She loves running about,” she said.

  Beau stared at the horse running around, enjoying herself immensely. “She does,” he said quietly. “I’m afraid she’s been neglected for way too long.”

  Simone stared at him, not saying a word.

  He straightened his shoulders and continued to stare at the horse. “She was my mother’s horse. No one has ridden her since she died nearly a year ago.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Simone said, then moved in and hugged him. His arms came up around her.

  She was supposed to be comforting him, but she felt comfortable in his arms. Her head resting on his shoulder, she felt as though this was where she was meant to be.

  “Don’t let Mrs Simpson see you,” Beau quipped.

  Simone laughed. “She might flick her kitchen towel at you again!”

  She pushed back and gazed into his face. He looked contented. More content than she’d seen him since she arrived.

  He was smiling too. He didn’t do that often. He seemed to absorb himself in his work, and not much more. He only let his guard down at night when the family sat around the fire. She’d been invited to spend her time with them, but most of the time, she refused.

  She didn’t want to intrude.

  She moved to the fence and stared out across the range. “It’s so beautiful here,” she said. “I could take in this view forever.”

  “I hope you do,” Beau said, as he slipped his arm around her shoulders.

  She sighed. “I guess it’s up to your father. I’ve been here for quite a few weeks now, and he hasn’t said anything to me. My trial time must just about be up.”

  He squeezed her shoulders. “I’m certain you’ll be fine.” He turned to face her. “Do you like it here, Simone?” he asked. He’d never asked the question before.

  She didn’t hesitate. “I love it. It feels like home, and everyone is so nice.” She didn’t dare tell him she’d never had a real home. Moving from foster home to foster home most of her childhood after her parents died in a plane crash, had totally ruined her life. At least in her eyes.

  When she turned eighteen, she was let loose to fend for herself. That hadn’t worked out so well, and she’d been living basically homeless ever since.

  Her rundown car was her main possession, and even that was pretty terrible.

  “I love my room too,” she said. “Even if I do have to close the curtains when I’m dressing.” She laughed, and Beau pulled her in for another hug.

  “I love that you like it here,” he whispered. “I’m so glad we met.”

  She closed her eyes and reveled in his nearness. She didn’t want to move out of his arms, but she had to. They had a visitor – Blaze was pushing her face between them, wanting to get in on the action.

  They both laughed at her antics. “Can she stay out here all day,” Simone asked.

  He rubbed his hands over the animals back. “Afraid not. It’s way to cold. She needs to go back in now.” He lifted the reins. “Want to give it a try?”

  She was eager to try and knew Beau would help her if needed.

  She lifted the reins, showing Blaze what she was about to do, as Beau had instructed her. She slipped them on and began to lead the horse back into the stables.

  “You two were meant for each other,” Beau said quietly. “My mother would be so happy.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  Simone finished plaiting her blonde hair, then shrugged on her sweater, and finally her jacket.

  She took a deep breath.

  Today she was going to have her first horse-riding lesson.

  Beau would meet her at the stables, which meant she’d have time to spend with Blaze.

  The walk to the stables seemed to take forever without him at her side. She pulled her jacket around herself against the icy cold Montana weather.

  Blazed whinnied as she approached, and Simone reached into her deep pockets and pulled out pieces of apple.

  The horse rubbed her head against Simone’s shoulder, then the side of her face.

  “Hello girl,” Simone said quietly, not wanting to startle her. Blaze whinnied again and was rewarded with more apple.

  Feeling a little more game, she reached for the reins and entered the stall. She would walk the horse out to the paddock, ready for Beau when he arrived.

  He had an early start but would be back soon.

  Blaze didn’t seem to mind.

  The reins securely in place, they walked outside. She began to follow their usual pattern when he arrived.

  Simone stopped where she was and stared. Stared at the cowboy standing in front of her. Her heart began to race. She’d never seen him atop his horse, and it set her on fire.

  This was a different Beau to the one she’d seen before. She’d seen him in his cowboy outfit, and even seen him with his cowboy hat. But atop a horse was a whole new perspective.

  Whoa!

  She fanned her face despite the nip in the air.

  He smiled a slow smile. “You’re being adventurous.” He nodded in the direction of Blaze.

  Phew! She thought he’d read her mind. “I’ve done it enough times now, I can manage.” She wasn’t so sure about the riding part though.

  “Let me fix Storm up and I’ll be back.” He dismounted the horse and led him into the stables. His stall was next to Blaze’s stall, but Simone knew once he’d rested, Beau would let him into the paddocks.

  She continued to walk the horse, and finally took her back to the stables, only to see Beau brushing his horse down lovingly.

  She knew how much Blaze enjoyed a good brushing, and it was clear Storm did too.

  When he was done, Storm took himself into his stall ready for a feed.

  “Right. Time to saddle up your horse.” Her horse? Until now she’d been his mother’s horse. Her heart beat triple time. “She’s not my horse,” she said quietly. “Blaze will always be your mother’s horse.”

  He shook his head, but Simone was certain he knew in his heart she was right.

  He put the saddle blanket on, then the saddle. Was it the same saddle his mother used, Simone wondered?

  He reached for a riding helmet, and they left the stables. “We’ll stick to the paddock today,” he said. “When you feel more confident, we’ll venture further out.”

  She swallowed. Further out? How far further out? The Silver Shoe Ranch was huge.

  “Put your left foot in the stirrup,” he said, putting the reins in her hands. “And grab hold of the saddle horn. That’s it. Now swing your other leg up and over.”

  She stared at him. Was he for real? That sounded impossible.

  She gave it a go, and almost landed on her butt. He grabbed her before she hit the ground.

  He stood laughing at her.

  “It’s not funny,” she said half heartedly, her hands on her hips.

  “It really is. Try again,” he said more seriously.

  “That’s it. Do a little bounce as you
put your second leg over.” She looked at him as though he was crazy. “Seriously. It helps.”

  He grabbed hold of her hips to help her over. Warmth spread through her, and she lost her concentration, falling sideways, right into his arms.

  He wrapped them around her. “Simone…”

  She looked up into his face, and he lifted his hand, touching her cheek. His head slowly moved toward hers until their mouths were only an angel’s wings apart. She could taste his breath, he was so close.

  “Beau, I…”

  He lightly brushed her lips with his own. His hands went up around her back. She moved closer, and his lips covered hers.

  She leaned into him, then as their lips separated, she rested her head on his shoulder. It felt good there, the warmth of his body warming hers despite the cold.

  All thought left her. All she wanted to do was stand there with Beau. The world around them disappeared. There was peace and quiet, nothing was going to interrupt their time together.

  Suddenly, Blaze whinnied, and they jumped apart.

  Simone looked up into his face. His eyes burned into her, and her heart beat increased once again.

  “Ready to try again,” he said, as though nothing had happened between them.

  She heard laughter in the near distance and spun her head in that direction. Sitting on the paddock fence were several of the cowboys – how much had they seen?

  She felt the color creep up her face. “Maybe we should give up today?” She knew that was not Beau’s way, but she felt incredibly embarrassed. Especially if they had seen everything. That kiss. She felt flushed just thinking about it.

  He took the reins from her. “Nope. No way.” He stood beside Blaze. “Watch carefully. This is how you mount a horse.”

  She watched as his foot went into the stirrup, as he grabbed the saddle horn, while holding the reins. “Watch this other leg. This is the important bit.”

  She stepped back to get a good look. In one swift movement, Beau was atop the horse. Then just as quickly he was off again.

  “Now you try it.”

  It seemed easy enough.

  She stepped forward and took the reins from him. She talked gently to Blaze before attempting to mount her again.

  Beau held her hips again. Heat surged through her. “You can let go. I won’t fall,” she said. But what she really meant was ‘you do things to me’.

  He dropped his hands quickly, and she let out the breath she’d been holding.

  Before she realized, she was sitting upright in the saddle, atop her horse.

  “Well done!” Beau was smiling broadly, and she couldn’t help herself – she was smiling too.

  Her hands were sweating inside the thick gloves, but not from the warmth. She was sitting on a horse – on Blaze. Oh my.

  “Are you ready to ride her?” He stared at her, waiting for her answer.

  She shook her head. “Okay. We’ll take it easy today then.” She breathed a sigh of relief. “Give me the reins and I’ll walk you around the paddock. Tomorrow though, you ride properly.”

  Simone bit her lip. She wasn’t sure if she was ready for that. She passed over the reins, and Beau moved forward. Blaze automatically followed him.

  “Mother loved this horse,” he said quietly. “I can see you love her too. She can be cantankerous and doesn’t let just anyone ride her.”

  He looked back at her. “You’re one of the chosen few.”

  Simone was surprised. “I haven’t seen her like that.”

  “That’s because she likes you.”

  She looked up to see Mr Hadley standing at the edge of the stables, motioning for them to come in.

  “Ooops, I guess our time is up,” she said. “Now how do I get off?”

  * * *

  Mr Hadley sat at his big desk in the study.

  Simone sat opposite him, Beau leaning against the back wall. She was certain she was about to be sacked, and asked Beau to come in with her.

  “You don’t need to be here, Beau,” he said, glaring at his son.

  Beau smiled. “You’re scary, Dad. I’m her moral support.”

  Mr Hadley did not look impressed.

  “Alright,” he said abruptly. “Let’s get on with it then.” He shuffled some papers around his desk, then stared at Simone.

  “You’ve been here a while now,” he said, more gently this time. “How are you finding it?”

  She was taken aback and wasn’t sure how to answer. “I, uh,” She licked her lips. Her mouth was suddenly dry. “I like it,” she finally got out. “I love the peace and quiet. I don’t particularly like the early mornings, but the rest is good.”

  He leaned back in his chair. Beau put his hand to her shoulder, as though warning her to brace herself.

  Mr Hadley cleared his throat. “The job is yours if you want it,” he said abruptly.

  Simone was certain she’d heard wrong. “When do you want me to leave, Mr Hadley?” she asked, tears welling up in her eyes. “I,” She didn’t know when it had happened, but this place had become home. Her real home, and now she had to leave. A tear rolled down her cheek.

  Beau squeezed her shoulder. “You’re not leaving,” he said, a smile on his face.

  “The job is yours, Simone,” Mr Hadley said again. “And for goodness sakes, call me Vern.”

  “Thank you, Mr Hadley. Er, Vern,” she said, her voice breaking.

  “Mrs Simpson has taught you well. You’re an excellent cook, and the boys all love what you bake.” He motioned to the door. “Now go and enjoy the rest of your day off. Tomorrow is one of those early starts you hate so much.” He grinned, and Simone realized he was joking with her.

  Beau pulled her to her feet and brushed his lips across hers.

  “Get a room,” Vern said. “On second thoughts, don’t. It’s taken forever to get someone to come all the way out here. I don’t want to lose her.”

  Beau laughed and pulled her out of Vern’s study.

  “Another riding lesson to celebrate?”

  “No, I think I’ve had enough for today.” She headed toward the kitchen. She felt like doing some baking – one of her favorite things to do.

  * * *

  Against her better judgement, Beau had convinced her to go for a ride.

  A real ride this time, not just a stroll around a paddock. She’d done all her chores for the morning and waited in the stables for him.

  She was getting braver as time went on, and even put the reins on Blaze. Then she gave her a brush down. Blaze seemed to enjoy it.

  “Ah, spoiling the horse, eh?” Beau’s voice broke into her thoughts. He dismounted, then brushed Storm down, and moved him into his stall. “He’s worked hard today. We’ve been fixing fences up in the back paddock.

  Simone felt deflated. “He’s probably too tired to ride then.” She’d been looking forward to today, despite her anxiety.

  Beau waved her concerns aside. “I’ll be riding Jock. Storm has worked pretty hard today. He won’t be happy, but he needs to rest.”

  Blaze stepped forward and shoved at his shoulder. “Hello girl,” he said. “You’re going to have a ball. Your first time out of the front paddock for nearly a year.”

  “I’ve packed a lunch, as well as a few muffins.”

  Beau brightened up. “Can’t wait.”

  Simone had no idea where they were going, but it would be her first real ride. Out into the open that was.

  “Saddle her up,” he instructed, and reached for a saddle. “Do you remember how?”

  She bit her bottom lip. “I think so. Maybe.” She shook her head. “I’m not sure.”

  Beau stood beside her. “Go ahead and I’ll watch. I don’t want to risk you falling off.”

  He stood silently and watched as she nervously saddled the mare. “That’s great. Just tighten the cinch a little more, so there’s not so much movement.”

  She did as he said, seeing her mistake.

  “Perfect. Grab the helmet and you’re ready to g
o.”

  They left the moment Jock was saddled. Beau grabbed some bottled water from the refrigerator in the stables and put it in his saddle bags.

  “Let’s go.”

  Simone followed him, and they headed out. She had no idea where they were going but was sure it wouldn’t be too far away. This was very new to her.

  They’d been traveling less than half an hour when Beau brought Jock to a halt. “This is a spot where we used to have family picnics. It’s a bit over-run now but will work for us today.”

  She nodded.

  “You don’t want to ride too far your first time.” He patted his backside. “Gets a little tender until you’re used to riding,” he said, grinning.

  “You can dismount now,” he said as he climbed down from Jock’s back.

  Simone stared at him. “I’m scared,” she said bluntly.

  He grinned at her and was quickly by her side. He put his hands to her waist and she felt warmth fill her body.

  “Okay, down you come.”

  As she dismounted, he held tightly to her waist. They suddenly came face to face. Closer than Simone anticipated. She felt his breath against her mouth as she leaned over to dismount. He lifted her off and leaned in slowly.

  His hands slid around he waist and he pulled her closer. Their lips met in an explosion of stars. His breath was ragged and so was hers.

  She’d never felt this way before. About anyone.

  She quickly pulled back and rested her head on his shoulder. She had feelings for Beau that she knew she shouldn’t have.

  He was the boss’s son, and she had no right to fall for him. But it was too late. Her heart was leading her head instead of the other way around.

  She put her hands to his chest and pushed herself away. “I’d better organise the food,” she said, busying herself with the task.

  She’d even brought along a small blanket to lay on the ground.

  Beau grinned at her, as though he knew what she was doing. Avoiding the fact they were falling in love.

  Correction: had already fallen in love.

  She’d only been there a little over a month, and her life had changed forever. Not only because of the wonderful gig she’d landed, but because of this wonderfully caring and loving man she’d met.