The Cowboy's Rules: 2 (Cowboys After Dark:) Read Online Free PDF Page A

cook, but to prepare so much food.”
    “We’ll just have to wait and see how she does,” he smiled.
    “It’ll be weird having a bunch of people running around the place,” Cassie frowned.
    “It can get a bit hectic, but I have Marty, and Jeb and Tommy, and in the middle of the week they all take off for a day-long trail ride; it all works,” he assured her. “Mindy has already left on her five week tour so she’s out of the fray.”
    “That’s something at least,” Cassie remarked. “It’s such a long time.”
    “Back when I was doin’ the shows I’d travel for even longer stretches. Can’t say I miss it, ‘specially now,” he smiled at her.
    “And this mayhem starts on Sunday!”
    “Yep, the first group arrives on Sunday. It’s only six days, and that’s why I wanna get this ring and barn done fast, so you can have your own little world; you and Hannah and your three horses out of the madness.”
    “Four horses, don’t forget Maverick.”
    “Right, of course, Hannah’s horse would be better off up there as well,” he nodded.
    “Can I supervise the work?” she asked.
    Chad laughed out loud.
    “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Marty will do the gradin’ for the ring, and I’m bringin’ in a local crew to get the barn up. It’s just a prefab deal, but I’ve checked it out and it doesn’t just look good, it’s solid, and it goes up fast.”
    “Why can’t I oversee everything?” she pressed. “I mean, if the barn’s for me and-”
    “Cassie, these things are pre-made,” he interrupted. “It’s like puttin‘ together a giant jigsaw, you’ll only be in the way. It’s been ordered and they’ll be arrivin’ tomorrow mornin’ first thing.”
    He stared at her, the message clear, and she silently nodded her acquiescence, then taking his arm she pulled him from the desk.
    “Thank you for all this, Mr. Douglas. It’s just wonderful,” she smiled, and lifting her chin and bringing her hands to his face, she held him still as she kissed him gently.
    “Mmm, girl,” he breathed as they broke apart, “it’s worth all the trouble for kisses like that.”
    “Hey, Mickey, you gonna keep me company up at the new barn?” she asked, calling to the dog laying on his pad by the fire.
    The dog sat up and barked several times.
    “I think that was a yes,” Chad smiled. “He’s not crazy about the commotion of the clinics. He might like to hang with you and Hannah.”
    “I’d love it. You come on up whenever you want,” she said firmly.
    The dog barked again and they both laughed.
    “He is so special, Chad,” Cassie said softly. “I love him to bits.”
    “Yeah, he is, and so dang smart. I never thought I’d own a dog smarter than me, but I do.”
    As if understanding what his master had just said, Mickey sat up in a begging position.
    “Oh, my, gosh,” Cassie laughed. “Mickey, you are way too adorable. If any of those people give you any trouble you come and get me.”
    Dropping to his paws the dog trotted over, and unable to resist Cassie broke her hug with Chad and crouched down to make a fuss of the incredible little canine.
    “Now I’m jealous,” Chad chuckled.
    “You have reason to be,” Cassie smiled, “I’m tempted to run away with him. He can’t spank me.”
    “You’re right, but I can, and if you don’t get your body back next to mine I’ll do just that,” he warned.
    Giggling, Cassie stood up and sank against him.
    “There’s no place I’d rather be,” she sighed.
    “That’s my girl. Now I have work to do, and if you want to ride you’d better get in the ring. I think the boys will be startin’ up soon.”
    “Shoot, okay, thanks. I’m running,” she replied hastily, and moving quickly from the office she headed to the bedroom to change.
    Chad stared down at the plans; it all made sense that Cassie’s horses should live next to the house, and he would move Bailey there as well.
    The small cabin that was about to become their home,