Beyond the Ridge Read online

  Table of Contents

  Synopsis

  By the Author

  Acknowledgments

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  About the Author

  Books Available from Bold Strokes Books

  Synopsis

  Coal Davis is a horse rancher who has been raised in a family where money and power have ruled her life, and not in a good way. She has returned home after her grandparents’ death to accept a new family role that she does not want. Unfortunately, that role requires her to have to deal with her father or risk the loss of a program that sick children depend upon.

  Jay DiAngelo is the contractor hired to work on the home Coal Davis has inherited. With her dark hair and honey eyes, being a contractor isn’t her only skill. She lives from paycheck to paycheck trying to pay off a debt that could cost her a home that is very special to her. Working in the town of Woodside is a risk, since a relative has tarnished her family name. But pride is everything to Jay, and since she’d never ask for a handout, she’d rather take the risk and chance going hungry than beg for help.

  Both have a lot to lose. A relationship would be risky, but if they can overcome the obstacles keeping them apart, they could build something priceless.

  Beyond the Ridge

  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  Beyond the Ridge

  © 2015 By L.T. Marie. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-62639-289-2

  This Electronic Book is published by

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, New York 12185

  First Edition: January 2015

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

  Credits

  Editor: Cindy Cresap

  Production Design: Susan Ramundo

  Cover Design By Sheri ([email protected])

  By the Author

  Three Days

  One Touch

  Secrets and Shadows

  Second to None

  Beyond the Ridge

  Acknowledgments

  This story has had quite a history. It’s been a ten-year process so I thought it would be fun to share the journey with you, the readers.

  When it comes to romance, I would have to guess that most stories start with at least one if not both leading characters. This has been true for all my stories, with the exception of this one. Beyond the Ridge actually started with Dax, a purebred stallion who belongs to the character, Coal Davis. I’ve always had a love for animals, and writing a story where an animal has a strong connection with one of my characters was a joy.

  I completed my first draft of Beyond the Ridge in 2004. Since then, there have been dozens of drafts (and I do mean dozens) and too many changes to count. In 2008, I adjusted the storyline to coincide with the gay marriage ruling in California. Like many others, I was excited during this time and even more excited that I had a story that could go along with its outcome. So you can imagine my disappointment when the ruling was overturned a few years later.

  In late 2009, I submitted Beyond the Ridge to BSB. They took it into consideration but decided that they would rather initially publish another story I had submitted. So I shelved Beyond the Ridge and worked on what became my first BSB release in 2011, Three Days.

  I’ve released four books since then, and have learned so much from many of the key players at BSB. After that first release, I’ve tried to apply many of the lessons taught to me by Rad, Vic, and now Cindy to Jay and Coal’s story because I never gave up on the dream of publishing this book. As I’m writing these acknowledgments, it’s hard to believe that after all this time, it will actually be put in print. I’m excited that their story will finally be told, but like all stories, it would have never been possible without the help of some key individuals.

  First off, I’d like to thank Rad for giving me the chance to tell this story. I enjoy being a part of BSB, and I hope this story makes you proud.

  To Vic for guiding me early on with a round of edits that really helped pull the story together.

  To Cindy for helping me fine-tune my craft. I know there will be many more adjustments in the future, but I’m looking forward to the process with you.

  To my wife for encouraging me to write this story all those years ago. All I can say is, I did it!

  And finally to my readers for continuing to read my stories, listen to my audiobooks, and reach out to me with all your good thoughts. All I can say is You Rock!

  Dedication

  To Tina

  My constant companion, my lover, and my best friend. I’m looking forward to a lifetime of laughs with you.

  Ti Amo

  Chapter One

  Coal Davis extended her hand to Julio, the person who had been responsible for taking care of her horses in her absence. She looked forward to resuming their care even though that meant returning to the life she’d tried so desperately to escape.

  “Good-bye, Julio. Thanks for everything.”

  “You no need to thank me, Ms. Davis,” Julio said, his thick accent making his you sound like ju. “You say good-bye to your momma for me.”

  “I sure will. Here’s the money she promised plus a little something extra from me.”

  “You no have to do that.” His eyes glinted when she handed him a few folded up hundred-dollar bills. He quickly pocketed the money and folded his hands around her hand, shaking it vigorously. “I love taking care of your horses. But thank you. Gracias, Ms. Davis.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  She climbed to the top of the fence and hooked the toe end of her boots through the wooden slats waiting while his truck exited the property. Once she could no longer hear the sputtering of his tailpipe, she closed her eyes and relished in the sound of silence. Nature’s music had always been a soothing balm to her soul and a strong reminder of all that she had missed in the past few years while finishing up her MBA in the bustling city of New York. Country-style living fueled her blood. It made her appreciate the simpler things in life, especially since her life tended to be riddled with complications. As she inhaled the pungent scent of manure warming in the afternoon sun and gazed out over the familiar landscape of lush green pastures and wide-open spaces, she had to admit she missed the picturesque setting. But as she stared up the dirt path that led to her parents’ home, what she didn�
�t miss was being under her family’s constant scrutiny.

  The reason she’d chosen to finish school in New York City was that it gave her a form of escape. The three-thousand-mile separation had been equivalent to standing on the viewing side of a one-way mirror with the bonus of her family, her father mainly, not being able to stare back. For once in her twenty-seven years, she didn’t have to worry about the Davis name and all that applied to it. The possibilities for a new life were as open to her as flowers welcoming spring. She’d been given the chance at freedom, acceptance, maybe even love, although with her disastrous relationship track record she’d be cautious of that journey in the future. But as she sat there wondering how it all changed so quickly, the only thing she felt was trapped.

  A distinctive whining alerted her that her large purebred stallion, Dax, was close by. He’d always been the one constant in her life that made growing up a Davis bearable. When she was sad, lonely, or craved escape, she’d saddle up her horse and ride into the hills for hours. As she grew older, those rides turned into all-day adventures, usually resulting in a secluded picnic and a nap below a willow tree. There’d been countless times on those rides when she thought of never returning to the life she’d been born into. But unlike her dreams of leaving everything behind, reality was not that simple.

  Her whistle caught Dax’s attention as he quietly grazed on the long blades of grass a few yards away. The well-known signal triggered him into action, and she admired the raw power he projected as he picked up speed and glided effortlessly over the earth to greet her. She dug into her pocket and pulled out one of his favorite treats as he stopped in front of her and prodded her with his head.

  “That’s all you’re getting for now,” she said, scratching behind his twitching ears. “Go play with Oak and Willow.”

  Dax nudged her again to no avail and snorted, making her laugh at his persistence. His wide-set eyes were dark, almost mysterious as they locked on Coal’s. She could almost see his eyes crackle with intelligence, and when it became apparent she would win the test of wills, he turned away from her and raced to join the other horses. It had torn at her heart having someone else take care of him while she was away, and she was thankful that she could once again spend time with her stallion. His companionship was essential now more than ever, especially since she had few people in her life she could talk to about her family without fear of it somehow getting back to them.

  After giving her black Stetson a pat to secure a few of the loose strands that had strayed into her eyes, she tilted her chin toward the afternoon sun, enjoying the radiating warmth. She could have stayed perched in that position for hours, but a vibration against her leg notified her of an incoming call. She pulled her smartphone out of her pocket and checked the caller ID.

  “Hey, Mom.”

  “Hello, dear,” Jane Davis said. “Are you home?”

  “Actually, I’m hanging out by the barn.”

  “Good. I was starting to think you were avoiding me.”

  Not you. Just Dad. “Sorry. I’ve been busy since I got back. You know, with the house and all.”

  “That’s exactly what I want to talk with you about. I’ll take the golf cart and meet you in five minutes.” Her mom hung up without waiting for a response leaving Coal to wonder what could be so important that her mother needed to come down to the barn to talk instead of having her travel up to the house. Her best guess was probably because her dad was home, and privacy in Thomas Davis’s house wasn’t high on his priority list, unless it pertained to him.

  Being born a Davis had always been more of a blessing than a curse. Rules needed to be followed, and traditions were expected to be upheld. Being the only heir to the Davis name came with a lot of responsibility she didn’t ask for or want. She never complained about growing up wealthy, especially since past experience had taught her that she had access to many of the luxuries a lot of children could only dream of having, including health. Being wealthy, though, came with a price sometimes, be it friendships or sexual relationships. Sadly, she’d learned long ago that her last name represented a dollar sign to most people, and she’d learned to resent it. But what she hated most was that her family responsibilities were always placed above her happiness and were constantly being thrown in her face.

  Her entire life was about obligation—obligation to school, family, and now to the one thing that threatened to alter her existence. She was sick of all the accountability, and learned firsthand that money could buy anything or destroy it. While growing up, she’d thought she’d learned many lessons about the almighty dollar, but until a few days ago, she didn’t understand the full scope of the ugliness that money and power brought with them.

  Why her, she thought as she gripped the fence harder and felt pieces of wood splinter underneath her fingers. Why did her grandparents tether her to her father? It would have been so much easier if they’d just left him everything. Maybe then this guilt over making a decision she so didn’t want to make wouldn’t be keeping her up at night. But after the shock of the news wore off, she’d realized that had been their plan all along. One thing the Davis family knew how to do was pack on the guilt.

  Fuck ’em, she thought. She had other things to dwell on such as the remodeling of the generations-old family home, the only gift from her grandparents that wasn’t tied to her father in any way or riddled with stipulations. Mental plans began to form as she decided what to do with the two-thousand-square-foot home that was badly in need of repair. In addition to rebuilding the front porch and adding a back deck off the master bedroom, the interior floors needed refinishing and the old single-pane windows needed to be replaced with something more energy efficient. She didn’t mind a little hard work and looked forward to a little hammering and some demolition to take her mind off her family problems. Eventually, she’d have to hire someone to do the things she couldn’t, but she’d cross that bridge when she came to it.

  Her house was situated a few miles down the road to the right of the forked path adjacent to the pasture. Her parents’ house followed the left fork, their path lined by hundred-year-old willow trees. The only reason she’d accepted the house was to repair it and sell it in the near future after the other financial matters were settled. No way could she fathom living this close to her father any longer than she had to. Just the thought caused her anxiety to flare to unhealthy levels. A few months tops and then she’d need to make some very tough decisions.

  Many of the finer touches she planned for her home would make it warm and inviting, unlike the large Colonial-style home that she referred to as a prison while growing up. True, her mother had an eye for textures and patterns and kept the home stylishly updated, but it wasn’t the decorations or furniture that made her avoid the house like the plague.

  She gazed at what she could make of the far left bedroom window of her parents’ home. She’d plotted many escapes from that spot and recalled dreaming of Prince Charming riding in on his horse and carrying her away to a faraway place and a different life. That fairy tale seemed amusing to her after all these years especially since Prince Charming’s face had changed quite considerably since the last time she thought about that particular fantasy. Now she imagined dark hair, smoldering eyes, and of course, he would be a she.

  Ha! What would Daddy think of that happy ending?

  She was about to hop off the fence when a sleek Jaguar approached from the front gate. As the sporty silver rocket shot past her, it kicked up dust and spooked the horses.

  “I hope he chips his paint,” she said. Dax appeared by her side and she grabbed his reins to steady him. “Did you see that car, boy? Obviously one of Daddy’s friends.”

  Thomas Davis had many friends, most of them living within the city limits of Woodside. He was born and raised in the area and had always loved the opulent community. Woodside was known for housing some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and some of the richest people in California. With its large plots of open land, Woodside also offered many of
these people the privacy they required. There tended to be some older money as well, families who had lived in the community since the days of farms and cattle ranches. These were the people like her grandfather, who had made their fortunes early on. Due to the staggering home prices within the small community, outsiders were only seen when they were employed for jobs as gardeners or hired help. She’d learned long ago that mixing in with people below her social class was frowned upon by her family. She’d lost many friendships throughout the years because of this fact, most people staying clear of her once they met her father.

  No one could quite measure up in his eyes, whether it was due to their personalities or their family’s social status. She could recall a dozen lectures from him about the values of society and how her role would be important to carry on the family name. Of course she didn’t agree with most of his ideals, which tended to be an ever-present source of contention between them.

  The few people that had passed his litmus test always had an agenda attached to their friendship. All, that is, except for her best friend, Angel, who happened to be the daughter of her father’s best friend. Finding out that people wanted to be friends with her because of her social status or the political power that her father brought to the table made her wary of other people’s motives and led to a number of trust issues that she didn’t know if she could ever overcome.

  “Hi, sweetie!” Jane Davis brought the golf cart to a stop next to the fence as Coal hopped off of it landing within a few feet of her. Her mom hadn’t changed much over the last year, and she still marveled at her mother’s youthful good looks, finding it hard to believe she would be turning sixty next month. Hopefully, those genes carried over to her. God knows she didn’t get her height. “Why didn’t you come up for lunch?”