Rafael Pederos is awakened in the middle of the night by his wheelchair-bound sister Pearl. Someone’s in the barn where they shouldn’t be. Rafael tells her to call the cops as he storms out to chase off the rustlers, but he’s too late. They’re already gone, and they’ve taken four pregnant mares with them. Now the future of the Pederos Ranch is up in the air.<br><br>This is where Chad Masters comes in. As a detective-ranger, he swears to track down the missing mares. But that’s easier said than done when he realizes there’s something about Rafael he can’t resist. Now if he can just get past the gruff exterior and teach Rafael how to love again.

Stolen Hearts

“He was merely having some lemonade,” countered Pearl. She poured a glass for her brother and wheeledover to the railing. He took it with a muttered thanks, drinking it down in one go. Meanwhile, Pearl scratched the velvety nose of the gelding, cooing to him.


“Of course,” Chad said. A rancher’s work was never done, he remembered that from his youth. He put onhis Stetson, tipping the brim to Pearl. “Thank you for the mighty fine lemonade, ma’am.”


“You’re welcome. Both of you be back by six, or you’ll miss dinner,” she playfully threatened as Chad headed off, following after the silent, sullen Rafael.


Chapter 8