Stacy's Destiny (The Town of Pearl 2)

Curtis left the room, and the moment the door closed, Barry leaned back in his chair and glared at the door. What was going on with Stacy and the DA? Who was this woman that appeared out of nowhere with accusations that could land him of interest to the DA? He felt that nervous sensation in the pit of his stomach. There wasn’t anything he could do until he was notified or charges were filed. In the meantime, if he could locate Stacy, then he could grab her and head out of the country. If the cops couldn’t find him, then they couldn’t charge him.

* * * *

The first two days on the ranch and Stacy was learning a lot about the hard work and responsibilities. She finished cleaning up from lunch and had prepared dinner already. The chicken, tomatoes, and peas would have to cook in the oven for a bit, but she had plenty of time.

She walked down the porch steps and over toward the horse-training stables. Charlie was walking a very large brown mare toward the training circle.

“Howdy,” he stated toward her, and she smiled and waved. She loved the Texas accents and the way the cowboys spoke. They were always gentlemen in front of her, too. It was nice and a welcome compared to what she was used to.

“What are you doing?” she asked as she cautiously approached, being sure to keep her distance. The mare was beautiful but quite large, and she knew nothing about horses. Charlie looked at her suspiciously then patted the mare’s neck.

“This is Lucy. She’s just a little over a year. Would you like to pet her?” he asked, and she shook her head.

“Ya ever been near a horse, Stacy?” he asked.

“No. I’ve never seen a mare this close up before,” she confessed. He stood confidently by the mare and reached a hand out to her.

“Well she’s actually not a mare. You see a female horse under the age of three is referred to as a filly,” he informed her.

“Oh. That’s interesting.” She replied but was still hesitant.

“Take my hand. She won’t bite. Lucy’s a real sweetheart,” he offered, and then they heard Eric’s voice.

“I was looking for you, Stacy. I wanted to see if you were up to taking a ride?” he asked.

Stacy unconsciously stepped backward toward the house as she shook her head.

“No…that’s okay, I was just admiring the color on this filly. Lucy is really beautiful and big,” she rambled on, and both Charlie and Eric smiled at her. Eric walked closer to her and wrapped his arm around her midsection from behind. He whispered into her hair and against her ear,

“Don’t be scared. Almost all of our horses are gentle as can be. Lucy is a gem.”

“I’ve never been this close to a horse, Eric. She’s so big,” Stacy stated.

Eric chuckled softly against her neck. The sensation warmed her belly and made her insides tighten. She found herself weakening in his embrace. He kissed her cheek and began walking her forward. She planted her feet and suddenly realized what he was doing. “Eric, let me do this myself,” she stated firmly, and he slowly released her. He walked forward toward Lucy and caressed the filly’s neck and hair. The way his long, thick fingers got lost between the butterscotch locks had her insides burning with sexual desire. He was so hot, and everything about him screamed sexuality and macho male. Damn, did she have it badly.

Slowly she moved closer. All the while, both Eric and Charlie were patient with her. She reached out and touched the neck. The feel of solid muscle and hard, textured hair hit her fingertips but when she reached the mane of hair it was soft and thick.

“Wow, she’s so muscular.” The horse made a noise, and Stacy jumped but remained touching it. The horse turned its head and exhaled, hitting Stacy with a hot breath.

Charlie and Eric chuckled.

“She likes you, Stacy,” Charlie stated as Stacy smiled then caressed the neck again.

“How about we take a ride? I have Lightning all saddled up.”

“Do I have to ride one myself? I’m not ready for that,” she stated, sounding terrified. Charlie laughed as he began to lead Lucy toward the training circle.

“Lightning is big enough for both of you, Stacy. Eric will take good care of you,” Charlie said then smiled as he walked further away.

“Come on, darling. It will be a lot of fun, I promise,” Eric stated as he took her hand and led her to the stables.

Once there, he helped her mount the very large and intimidating stallion. It was a magnificent horse with a shiny onyx coat and a fierce voice when it grunted and exhaled.

She sat alone on top of it, uncertain of where to hold the horse until Eric placed her hands in position. He was over six feet tall, so Eric’s head was a little past the mount’s head. It was another indication of how large Eric and Max were in comparison to her. It also made her belly quiver and an excitement build inside of her. She was in love with Max and Eric.

“What’s that little gleam in your eye, woman?” Eric teased, and Stacy blushed then turned away. She nearly fell off of the horse.

“Whoa, honey. Be still. I’m just going to walk the two of you out further and then get on up there with ya, okay?” he stated, and she nodded her head. The horse moved, and sure enough, she felt her body rock slightly side to side. It was just as she expected.