Free The Millionaire Cowboy's Secret by Karen Whiddon Page A

later.” The two vets looked at each other. “Call us if you need anything else, okay?”
    Ignoring the weariness that threatened to overwhelm him, Matt thanked both men. “I really appreciate you two coming out here so early in the morning.”
    After the vets climbed into their pickup truck and drove off, Matt went to speak with the fire chief. On the way there, he spotted the sheriff’s cruiser, which meant most likely the fire had been arson.
    Hell, he thought, scratching his head, what else could it have been? There was nothing, absolutely nothing, that could have caused such a blaze.
    After talking with the fire department—who strongly agreed with Skylar’s assessment of arson—and answering the sheriff’s questions, he and the remaining stable hands finally got all the mares put into either stalls or small runs with three-sided enclosures. That’d have to do until he could rebuild.
    Spraying more water on what had now become smoldering embers, the fire department continued to work. They weren’t going anywhere until they were sure no hot spots remained.
    Stumbling up to the house, banking a simmering fury that threatened to blaze up inside him, Matt focused on ordinary details. He made a mental note to call the insurance company later. Next up, he wanted a shower. He couldn’t wait to wash away the soot and grim and acrid odor of smoke. And then he figured he’d better eat something before he began what promised to be a very long day.
    He made it up three of his patio steps when a figure detached itself from the shadows and stepped in front of him.
    Instinctively he dropped into a battle stance.
    “It’s only me.” Skylar’s husky voice didn’t sound the least bit apologetic.
    Relaxing slightly, he exhaled and dipped his chin in acknowledgment. Eyeing her, he couldn’t help wondering how on earth she still managed to look so gorgeous and sexy after a few hours straight from hell. “What are you doing here? I’d have thought you’d be on your second or third cup of coffee by now.”
    “I had enough.” Dropping one slender shoulder in a graceful shrug, she studied him. “I took another shower and saw you staggering across the yard. I came to see if I could help you with anything else. You look awful.”
    “Thanks. I feel pretty crappy.” Dragging a hand through his hair, he wasn’t surprised to find soot on his fingers. “Though I appreciate your offer, I’ve done all I can for now. I’m running on fumes. I need to go take a shower and get some breakfast. I suggest you do the same.”
    Opening her mouth as though she were about to speak, she apparently thought better of it. “All righty, then. See you later,” she said, giving him a small, jaunty wave as she strolled away.
    Despite his exhaustion, part of him stood at attention as he watched her go. Where she got her energy, he didn’t know. As for him, he was done in.
    Turning, he went inside, heading straight to a hot shower, dropping his filthy clothes in a heap on the floor. After a hot shower, he made a quick trip to the kitchen, where he grabbed a steaming mug of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal.
    He’d barely finished eating before sound from outside had him pushing away his plate. Standing, he took a deep breath. As he did, the enormity of what had happened hit him.
    Moving toward the window, his entire body sore and aching, he grimaced. Another kink in his plan, he thought, realizing there would have to be an investigation. His ranch would be crawling with law-enforcement and fire department personnel, as well as insurance adjusters and investigators. There’d be no deals with Diego Rodriguez or anyone else for a few weeks at least.
    “Damn,” he cursed. All his carefully laid plans were now in freakin’ ashes, just like his barn.
    Whoever had done this had to have known what would happen. This would not only put a damper on his ability to con Diego Rodriguez into believing he wanted to sell him ammo, but the delay would play