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    Ridge
    Ridge
    Ridge
    Ebook133 pages1 hour

    Ridge

    By Stephanie Payne Hurt

    4/5

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    About this ebook

    The oldest son of the Cauthen brood and the hardest of all the siblings. After two tours in Iraq, he returns to the 5 Oaks Ranch to take his place in the business. But he struggles with nightmares and the memories of everything he’s seen in the last seven years. Always the toughest of the siblings, he’s turned hard edged and even harder to get close to. When the new veterinarian comes in and starts to chisel her way through his stone façade Ridge tries to ignore the electricity that sparks between them. Find out what happens to the Oldest of the Cauthen siblings from the 5 Oaks Ranch.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherStephanie Payne Hurt
    Release dateMay 11, 2015
    ISBN9781310872723
    Ridge
    Author

    Stephanie Payne Hurt

    Stephanie Payne Hurt has been writing stories since she was a teenager, but only started publishing her work in 2012, 30 years later. The romance genre drew her in at an early age. Since 2012 she's published over 35 Romance novels/novellas.Stephanie is a busy lady. She's a Children's Minister, Accountant, wife, and mother along with a blogger and writer, along with starting a publishing service called Horseshoe Publishing alongside her publisher. It's been an exciting ride and she looks forward to what the future holds for her writing.Currently, she writes romance ranging from Christian, Contemporary, Suspense and Cowboy. Her work is available at many online retailers, on her website, and in a bookstore in Zebulon, Georgia near her home.Come by and visit her at http://www.stephaniehurtauthor.com/ and subscribe to get updates and release dates, also her monthly newsletter!

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    • 5/5
      The first in a series that makes cowboy love stories so sweet

    Book preview

    Ridge - Stephanie Payne Hurt

    RIDGE

    1st book in the Five Oaks Ranch Series

    By: Stephanie Payne Hurt

    Ridge©2015 Stephanie Payne Hurt

    Smashwords Edition

    Five Oaks Ranch Series

    Horseshoe Publishing

    Cover Designer: Kaleigh Payne

    Any person mentioned in this book is not based on any person, living or nonliving.

    This book is a work of fiction. This book should not be copied in any

    Form or used in part or whole without the permission of the author or publisher.

    To sign up for Stephanie’s newsletter to receive updates on upcoming events, new releases and so much more, go by her website at www.stephaniehurtauthor.com!

    While you’re at it, join her Street Team and get free books, be the first to receive chapters from unpublished works and win cool prizes from Stephanie’s treasure chest of swag!

    Chapter 1

    Ridge stood looking out at the cattle as it grazed in the far field. It was good to be home, but he couldn’t quite get his head on straight. That’s when he saw the lone horse out in the field. It was out of place and he realized it was one of their prize Stallions.

    Anger surged in him as he urged his horse into a run across the large expanse of pasture. If one of those longhorn cattle came near enough to gore that Stallion they’d be out a lot of money. His mind kept going over who was in charge of the horses this morning when he headed out. Then he remembered that it was Maggie. Shaking his head as he easily jumped the fence and gained on the skittish Stallion. Evidently the horse realized he was in the wrong place.

    Once he neared the horse he saw the dangling rope. Grinding his teeth and jumping off his horse he grabbed the rope and reached up to tie it to the horn of his saddle. He stepped up into the saddle and started for the barn. He’d have her hide for this. She knew how to tie a proper knot. Where was that girls mind at?

    When he neared the barn he saw his little sister brushing her mare. She looked up and their eyes locked. Hers was the first to dart away. She knew instantly that he was angry. The horse he was leading toward her was one of the prize Stallions that her father had paid a lot of money for.

    Stepping around the back of her horse, she gazed over the horses back timidly, dreading his wrath. Maybe if she put the horse between them it would be better, but the anger in his eyes was growing. Finally she walked out of the stall and reached up for the rope that he handed her.

    Maggie, what were you thinking? Do you have any idea where this horse was when I found him? Not giving her time to respond, he continued with a loud, booming voice full of anger. He was out in the pasture with the longhorn cattle. What if one of those bulls decided to tear open this Stallion? How’d he get loose? You know how to tie a knot. He slowly dismounted his horse and stood in front of his sister. Grabbing the rope he tied it in a proper knot and slipped it over the hook on the side of the stall.

    I’m sorry Ridge. I don’t know how he got loose. I swear I tied the knot tightly. She edged away from him as he continued to stare at her.

    He reached up and pulled his cowboy hat off to wipe the sweat from his forehead. How could he stay mad with her? With a quick motion he pulled her into his embrace. Just be glad it was me that found him and not dad. He’d have you cleaning out stalls with your hands. He reached up and pulled her ponytail.

    She made a face just thinking about that punishment. Thanks Ridge for not ratting on me this time but I’ll do better. I guess I was distracted with the new horse and all. Looking over her shoulder at her new mare she smiled. But you’ve got to admit she’s worth the distraction.

    He laughed and pushed her gently back toward her mare. Well, distraction or not, don’t let it happen again or I’ll have you using your toothbrush on the bits. As she giggled he rolled his eyes and headed over to brush his horse down, his heart melting slightly at the sound of her giggle. That was one of the many things he’d missed while in Iraq.

    His mind went back to that bad place that haunted his dreams and woke him in a cold sweat every night. The sand ate into his feet as he stood with his back against the jeep. He held his gun against his body in complete silence, waiting on the enemy to move closer. The cries from his injured fellow soldiers filled the air, causing his heart to pound loud in his ears.

    Suddenly a loud explosion rattled the air, the next thing he woke in a hospital room. Then he was brought back to the stable when he felt a slight shiver run up his spine. Turning he realized a woman was in the stables that he didn’t know.

    Maggie was talking with her as he walked up. The woman was stunning in her jeans and t-shirt, as she stood talking about the new mare. Both women looked up when he stopped beside Maggie.

    Ridge have you met the new vet yet? She asked in a sweet telling voice. He looked down at her with a warning in his eyes, letting her know he was aware of the slight hint in her voice.

    The woman stepped forward and extended her hand. I’m glad to finally meet the town’s hero, Ridge Cauthen. Thank you for all you’ve done for this country. She said in almost an exhale as she took in his gorgeous face and lean, muscular body.

    He took her hand sheepishly as he grinned down at her. I’m just a normal man doing what he had to do.

    Suddenly embarrassed, she said, I’m sorry, I didn’t say my name, it’s Mallory Rutger.

    Good to meet you Mallory. He tipped his hat and spun on his booted heel, heading back out of the stable. One thing he’d learned while at war, when that tingle went down your spine, you needed to take cover and felt it strongly when he was in the presence of Mallory Rutger.

    Chapter 2

    Maggie knew her brother was still having nightmares with her room beside his, every night he’d cry out in strangling terror. She turned back to Mallory with a sorrowful grin. Sorry, he’s still having some issues from what happened over there.

    Mallory watched his back as he turned and walked out of the stable with slumped, defeated shoulders. That’s alright, I can’t even imagine what he’s seen or been through. It’s good he’s finally home so he can heal. Her heart went out to him and his struggles.

    When Ridge reached the edge of the barn he leaned on it with his shoulder. As his gaze scanned the landscape in front of him, it became evident that he belonged here. So why was he torn with so much confusion? He’d thought that once he arrived back home he’d be healed mentally and physically. This ranch had always made him relax and feel renewed.

    Straightening back up, he headed toward his truck. Opening the door he stepped in and sat down. Where he was headed he didn’t know all he knew was getting away for a little while was needed. Maneuvering the truck out of the yard he headed up the drive and out of the gates of the Five Oaks Ranch.

    Twenty minutes later he pulled into the little diner on the edge of town. It had been in this town for over fifty years and a favorite of all the Cauthen brood. Several people waved at him as he entered and made his way to a booth in the back.

    The waitress walked over and smiled with evident interest in the handsome, virile cowboy sitting in her work area. He only looked down at the table as she stared at him in awe. Finally she found her voice and took his order.

    Just after his coffee arrived, Chase and Luke sauntered in. They walked straight over to his booth and sat down across from him. He scowled at them, thinking so much for some alone time. Why was it that his family was always near? Loving them was easy, but sometimes a man needed time alone and this was one of those times, or so he thought.

    What are you two doing here? His voice gravely with irritation at the two men in front of him.

    Chase grinned and motioned for the waitress to bring them coffee. We eat here often; it’s not only here for you. The humor in which he spoke only infuriated Ridge.

    If you wanted to be alone, this was not the place to come to. Luke leaned forward, Especially during the lunch rush. Luke pointed out with a smirk.

    Ridge groaned and put his hand over his face in frustration. I had to get away from the ranch for a bit. Was that too much to ask? The pointed look he gave his brothers would’ve made anyone else run for cover, but not the Cauthen brothers, it only made them grin broader.

    Chase winked up at the waitress as she brought over their coffee. Well hello Rachel, how’s it going today?

    Blushing she looked around the table at the three handsome men before she spoke. I have to say my day is getting better and better. All we need is Oakley and I’d be in sheer heaven. Clearing her throat, she turned to Ridge. You’re food will be out in a moment.

    Chase was enjoying the uncomfortable look on Ridge’s face. They definitely needed to find a woman for Ridge. Maybe if he had someone for himself he’d calm down a notch. Looking back up at Rachel, Will you get me a BLT on wheat and what about you Luke? He turned

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