Cal Hoke, an onsite pretty boy veterinarian at Riding Ranch in Stockton County, Oklahoma, has a secret he will never share with his ranch hand coworkers: he happens to be in love with the ranch owner, Pax Raulton. Straight and sexy Pax is a chiseled, handsome, aggressive businessman at Riding Ranch. For years he has raised and sold thoroughbred Palominos. Pax is a private man who minds his own business on the ranch. When he suffers a head injury caused by one of his prized horses, he spends days in recovery due to amnesia. Pax cannot remember a single detail from his past. Under Cal’s personal care and tender touch, Pax is provided with the help he needs to overcome his amnesia. As this healing process takes place, Cal learns Pax has a secret of his own, a secret that will change the two men forever. But something lurks in Pax’s history that he has forgotten, a dangerous and charmless someone with the potential to shred Pax’s world with ease. Is the bond between Pax and Cal strong enough to keep them together when the dark secret is exposed? Or will the two cowboys be forced to end their romantic ride together?

Stockton County Cowboys Book 2: Riding Cowboys

September 29. The day offered a cold, heavy rain. It signaled the start of autumn, which I’d always enjoyed. It was mid-afternoon and I was alone in the barn with Angelo, a beautiful and manageable Palomino to be sold—hopefully at a high price—the following week. I was brushing Angelo and whispering endearments to the majestic beast when Pax found me. He admired my patient, caring work, telling me, “You’re very good with the horses. They love you as much as you love them.”


The barn was chilly and my hands were turning red with the early cold, but I really didn’t care. I kept my eyes on Angelo’s flank. I replied to Pax’s comment with a firm, emotionless “I’ll miss him when he’s gone.”


Chapter 7