Bobby Estrada is tired of school, rules, and boredom. He wants to have adventures. Eventually he arrives in southwestern New Mexico on foot, tired, and hungry. Orr and Jase, the mule men, give him a job mucking corrals. Six months later he has grown up, learned a lot, and bought a young mule to train. That’s when some exotic visitors show up.<br><br>Doyle O’Brien, an Irish aristocrat, is dedicated to caring for his young niece for whom he became guardian after her parents were killed in a tragic accident. She was also injured. Young Fiona loves horses and rode well before she became partially paralyzed. When Doyle hears mules are safe and reliable if properly trained, he decides to try to find a small one Fiona can eventually ride. She immediately falls in love with Powwow, the young mule Bobby has begun to train.<br><br>In Doyle, Bobby sees his dream prince come to life. In time the O’Briens must go home, taking Powwow. Bobby is determined to go, too. Can an Irish aristocrat and a young Latino cowboy find common ground beyond the lust that sizzles between them and make a modern fairy tale come true?

A Mule for a Princess

Orr stuck around through the whole process while they led Powwow up a special ramp and secured her in the big crate. He helped Bobby load the gear and make sure everything was tied down for safety. Then it was time for Bobby to strap in and prepare for takeoff. He waited at the open door, near where Orr stood, just outside.


“Er, thanks for everything, Orr. None of this would be happening if you hadn’t given me a chance last fall. I was kind of a shit bird and it prob’ly showed. In spite of that, you let me stay, you and Jase. You’re great guys, and I know I could still learn more, but I feel like I need to do this.”


“It’s a great opportunity, Bobby, and you’d be a fool not to take it. Play your cards as they come and you may make this into something really great. Give it a chance, anyway. But stay in touch, ‘cause if you ever get back this way, you’ve got a place, okay?”


Chapter 13