Free Loving You (Love Wanted in Texas) by Kelly Elliott Page A

running around playing cowboys and Indians.”
    Everyone laughed.
    “I’m sorry I didn’t put the name together when you mentioned Llano.”
    Walker lifted his hand. “Nah, don’t even think twice about it.”
    “Your fathers have some pretty good racehorses. We worked together a number of years ago.”
    “Yes, sir, they do. I’ve always been interested in that side of the business as well, hence the reason I’m here today.”
    Scott nodded his head. “Then let’s get right to business. From what you’ve told me about Lady’s lineage, I’d say you’ve got a great start in her.”
    “I have a feeling. I know that might be crazy to hear, but something tells me with the right stud, she could foal a real racehorse.”
    Scott grinned from ear to ear. “Then, son, do I have the stud for you. Let’s go meet Whiskey. He’s in the main barn right behind the house.”
    “Whiskey and Lady . . . what a combo,” I mumbled under my breath as Colt laughed.
    We walked behind Walker and Scott and made our way to the barn. “So, you work here, Colt?”
    “Yeah, horses have always been my kind of thing since I was young. Don’t get me wrong, I love the cattle business, but this is where my heart is.”
    “I admire you for following your dreams.”
    Colt smiled weakly and asked, “You haven’t?”
    “Oh, there were a brief few months where I declared I wanted to do something other than ranch. It’s in my blood though, and it didn’t take me long to come to my senses.”
    Colt placed his hand on my shoulder and gave me a slight push. “Once that shit is in your blood you can’t get it out.”
    With a nod, I agreed. “Amen to that.”
    Lifting his gaze to in front of him, Colt lit up and smiled like a man in love. Turning, I saw a beautiful girl with blonde hair round the corner coming out of the barn. The way she looked at Colt, I knew that must have been his wife.
    “Lauren, this is Walker Moore,” Scott said as Lauren shook Walker’s hand.
    Why did she look so familiar to me?
    Turning to me, her smile dropped as she gasped. “This is Jase Morris. Jase, my daughter, Lauren. She is the one really in charge.”
    Her eyes looked me over as her mouth snapped shut for a brief moment before she flashed a brilliant smile and said, “What a crazy thing fate is. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you formally, Jase.”
    Frowning, I looked over at everyone else with a confused expression before focusing back on Lauren. “I’m sorry?”
    The air around me instantly changed as I saw her walking out of the barn. When our eyes met, she came to a stop.
    “Taylor,” I whispered as her eyes widened in shock.
    Her mouth opened and shut quickly as she looked around. Lauren walked up to her and said, “I told you that, girl; fate has a way of taking care of things.”
    My eyes snapped over to Walker who wore a huge grin on his face.
    Clearing her throat, Taylor asked, “Wh-what are you doing here?”
    I couldn’t help but look her over quickly. She looked tired. Focusing back on her beautiful green eyes, I smiled. “Walker wants to breed a horse and asked me to drive along with him. What are you doing here?”
    “Taylor works for us now.”
    My head snapped over to look at Lauren. “Here?”
    She nodded her head and wiggled her eyebrows. “She’s even going to be staying in the hunter’s cabin . . . isn’t she, Daddy?” Lauren asked as she turned to her very confused father.
    All eyes went to Scott. “Um . . . yes she is, but do the two of you know each other?”
    “Yes,” Taylor said sharply.
    Colt clapped his hands together causing both Taylor and I to jump. “So, let’s look at that horse and let Taylor and Jase catch up, shall we.”
    With a tip of my hat, I silently thanked Colt and stole a look at Walker. His eyes widened and he silently pleaded for me to talk to Taylor.
    “I think I’ll head in with them in case Walker has any questions,” Lauren said.
    Taylor reached out to grab Lauren. “Wait!”