Firelight: Stargazer Ranch Mystery Romance, #2

By Suzanne Cass

"Again And Again Absolutely Awesome Read from this Author…"

She's a ticking time bomb.

His past is tearing him to pieces.

Together they make an explosive combination.

Emily Hillenbrand believes every day is a gift and should be lived to the fullest. But she carries a secret that could destroy her plans to survive on her own terms.

Tom Coulston is hiding from a past heartbreak. He's drawn to Emily's vivacious nature; he's beyond salvation, however, and is no good for this sweet-natured woman.

Together, they'd make an explosive combination, if only they let themselves feel.

They all thought they'd caught the arsonist threatening Stargazers Ranch, but now more strange happenings have them all on edge and wondering if there is a copycat firebug at large. Tom is desperate to protect Emily; he can't go through the agony of losing another woman he loves. When she agrees to leave the ranch, little does Emily know she's walking straight into danger.

Tom will have to overcome tragedy and risk it all as the depraved criminal stalks them both and everything goes up in flames…

**Each book in the Stargazer Ranch Series can be read as a STANDALONE.

While the characters overlap, each book tells a different, separate story with a happy ever after ending.**

• Language: English
• Publisher: Suzanne Cass
• Release date: Aug 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201821067

Suzanne Cass

Suzanne Cass has always had a fascination with the tough resilience of people who live in our amazing red-dirt country of Australia. Much of her adolescence was spent working as a jillaroo in the Snowy Mountains, forming her love of enigmatic, outback heroes in wild, passionate, dangerous stories. When not writing about the characters inhabiting her head, Suzanne can be found roaming the Perth beaches with her border collie, or encouraging her two sons from the sidelines as they play their respective sports. Her debut novel, Island Redemption won the Romance Writers of Australia award for best unpublished romance novel of 2016. Chasing Bullets is her second published book. For more action romance info and upcoming release dates, free books, or to sign up for the latest newsletter: VISIT HER WEBSITE INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

Book preview

FIRELIGHT

Suzanne Cass

Firelight

Storm Cloud Press, Perth Australia

Copyright © 2020 by Suzanne Cass

Edits by Tanya Saari

Cover by Vikncharlie

All rights reserved.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission in writing from the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organisations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Family, they are all that matters, in the end.

CHAPTER ONE

SHE WASN’T GOING to cry. She wasn’t. Emily Hillenbrand swiped at yet another disobedient tear. Shoot. This was the last thing she needed. She had to pull herself together. She had a job to do. But her eyes were drawn back to the cell phone resting in her palm. The text read:

This is driving me crazy, keeping your secret. Mom still cries every time your name is mentioned. And Dad has gone all quiet, like an angry bull about to charge. You need to come home. NOW. Please, sis. It’s killing them.

More tears formed as she re-read her sister’s text. The last thing she wanted was to hurt her family. Her chest ached at the thought her mother was reduced to tears because of her, their youngest daughter. But they’d refused to understand. Refused to let her go.

She missed her family so much. Perhaps she should go back for a visit. But a part of her feared that if she ever returned, they would never let her go again. And she needed this. This was life. This was what made her strong.

A slight shuffling noise came from the stall at the end of the barn, bringing Emily back to the present. Moonbeam, one of the resident milking cows, mooed quietly, and stuck her head over the half-door to stare at Emily. She couldn’t help it; Emily smiled at the cow’s quizzical, brown eyes. At least the cow didn’t judge. Which was probably why Emily found herself hiding out in the barn after the text had come in this morning. This old barn had been built before the farm had turned into the luxurious Stargazer Ranch, and it was one of those classic, red, wooden Montana barns with a high, domed roof, always warm and welcoming inside. It housed the ranch’s milking cows, as well as a couple of goats, also used for their milk.

Emily dug around in her jeans pocket and found a tissue to blow her nose. She needed to put Paula’s text to the back of her mind and pull herself together. She tugged on the loose band holding her hair in a ponytail. Quickly she re-tied it, making sure there were no red strands hanging loose around her face. It was the same hair her mother and sister had. From the back, people said they couldn’t tell them apart. Sometimes, Emily thought about cutting it all off, a pixie cut like her friend, Cat’s, but she wasn’t sure if short hair would suit her.

Em, are you in there? a voice called through the wooden-slatted walls.

Shoot, it was Tom. He’d come looking for her. Just what she didn’t need. She swiped at her face again, hoping to erase all signs she’d been crying.

Em. If you’re in there, please answer me.

She jumped as his voice echoed loudly in the lofty rafters, then quickly tucked her phone into the back pocket of her jeans.

He spotted her standing in the corner near the sacks of grain and came over. We’ve been looking for you. A deep frown marred his brow. The horses are all saddled, and the guests are waiting in the stable.

Shoot, sorry, Tom. I lost track of time.

Are you okay? He took two steps closer, studying her face. I was worried about you. It’s not like you to just disappear. And, you know… We’re all still a little on edge.

A stab of guilt pierced her stomach. There’d been no fires in over a month now, and the arsonist who’d been targeting the ranch was safely shut away in jail. She could still hardly believe that shy, geeky Preston had harbored a dark side. No, wait, she had to remember that his real name was Alex, Alexander Donovan. He’d been using a false name the whole time he’d worked here. She’d been so shocked when they’d discovered it’d been him lighting the fires all along, she’d come to think of Preston—Alex—as a sort of friend when he’d worked as the mechanic on the ranch. It just went to show, you never truly knew what was going on in someone else’s head.

Sorry, she apologized again. I didn’t mean to scare you. I just needed—

Wait, have you been crying? He took another step nearer.

What? No. Of course not. Emily resisted the urge to scrub at her eyes, keeping her gaze lowered.

Tom didn’t answer, instead he did something that paralyzed her completely. Using his thumb, he tilted her chin up, and then ran it gently over her cheek. Really? Because these look an awful lot like tears, he said, holding up a wet thumb for her to inspect.

She couldn’t move. Couldn’t respond. His touch had turned her into a babbling fool, with no words. She’d been fighting this losing battle against her growing feelings for him for months, now. Tom stared down at her and she stared back, devouring his features with her gaze. Buckskin cowboy hat pulled down so low she couldn’t see his eyes in the dim light of the barn. But their indigo blue was fixed in her memory. He had such a direct way of looking at her, it always turned Emily’s insides to mush when he aimed that piercing gaze her way. A few blond strands escaped from beneath his hat. He’d let his hair grow out, and it now curled at the nape of his neck; said he was too busy to go and see the barber in town. A light scruff of week-old beard covered his strong jaw and square chin. But it was his lips that captured her attention this morning. Full and turned up at the corners, as if he always found something amusing to smile about. His mouth was alive, and she wondered for the hundred-millionth time what he’d taste like if she kissed him.

Em, he said quietly. I hate to see you upset. His caring tone had her stomach doing somersaults. Not only was he standing way too close, but it almost sounded like he was genuinely concerned for her well-being. What if she were to step into his arms? Take the comfort his warm eyes were offering?

Mmm, she said, still staring at his mouth.

Moonbeam gave a loud moo, bringing Emily back to reality with a thud.

Thanks, Tom, she said, adding a briskness to her voice she didn’t feel. We should get back to the stables. Can’t keep the guests waiting.

Sure, he replied, but his gaze remained concerned. If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m right here.

She nodded mutely, willing him to step out of her personal space. Then she might be able to breathe properly again.

Tom turned on his booted heel, and she followed his red-plaid shirt, out of the barn and into the morning sunshine.

They walked in silence. Emily groped for a topic that’d divert him from asking her more about her crying in the barn. That was a great party last night, huh?

Dean had put on a big barbecue to welcome in the first day of summer. It was also to thank all his staff, and the firefighters who’d helped fight the wildfire that’d threatened the ranch four weeks ago.

Yeah, it was really good. Tom slowed his steps as they crested the small rise and Stargazer Lodge appeared, nestled into the shallow valley below, surrounded by lush, green pastures, with the odd Black Angus cow dotted around. The stables were off to the side, and she could just make out the shapes of the saddled horses waiting in the yard.

I can still hardly believe Levi asked Cat to marry him. In front of everyone like that! It’d shocked her when Levi got down on one knee and proposed to Cat, the ranch mechanic and her best friend. Shocked her in a good way. But Cat had only moved in with Levi the day before, and even though Emily could see how much in love they were, it was still too soon, in her eyes.

He’s got balls, I’ll give him that much. Tom laughed. He must’ve been pretty sure she’d say yes.

Emily threw him a look and was glad to see the intense concern was gone from his eyes. Familiar, easy-going Tom was back. She knew how to deal with this version.

Even I was holding my breath, Emily admitted. But I was so happy for them. They’re going to make it, I just know it.

Really? He raised a thoughtful eyebrow in her direction as they continued to walk toward the stables. I thought perhaps that might’ve been why you disappeared this morning.

What? She wasn’t sure what he was getting at.

Not that I think you begrudged them getting engaged, he countered quickly. More like, you’re sad to be losing your best friend.

Emily considered his words for a few seconds. It’d never occurred to her before, but it was true. Up until yesterday, when Cat moved in with Levi, they’d shared a cabin on the ranch. But Cat was still one of her best friends, that would never change. And even though Cat was now living in town with Levi, the local park ranger, Emily still got to see her most days.

No, that’s not why… She bit her lip and pushed thoughts of Paula’s text into the recesses of her brain. I wish them all the happiness together, I really do.

Tom flicked her a quick glance from beneath the brim of his buckskin hat. So do I. Levi’s a good guy. I’d work with him any day. I know he’d have my back. And I’d have his. He’ll do right by Cat.

Tom was referring to the time he and Levi had ridden through a wildfire to rescue Cat and two guests. They’d been stuck halfway up Canyon Peak, with the fire hot on their tails. Tom had brought the two guests down safely, but Levi and Cat remained trapped up on the mountainside. They’d survived by diving into a freezing lake as the flames roared past. Tom had been full of praise for Levi’s actions, but Emily knew Tom had been just as courageous and determined; he deserved as much credit for the rescue. It was one of the many things she liked about Tom, his humility, the way he got things done without any fuss or fanfare. She’d never tell him this, but she’d been terrified for him while he was up on the burning mountain. Worried sick. Had hardly wanted to let him out of her sight for days afterwards.

That fire had been lit by Alex Donovan, in an insane bid to kill Cat. And when that plan hadn’t worked, he’d tried to burn Cat and Levi in their home. But the couple had fought their way free, with the help of Levi’s tame raccoon, and now Alex would spend the better part of his life in jail.

Sorry I wasn’t there to help saddle the horses, she said. Counting heads, she could see twelve horses standing around the yard, reins looped over the pommel of their western saddles.

Steph gave me a hand this morning. He waved off her apology. Two of the guests asked if they could do a day ride over to Lake Como this morning, so Steph will take them. That leaves you and me to take the other seven on the cattle drive.

Great. I’ll make sure to thank her. The cattle drive had been organized last night. These other two must’ve come in this morning, asking for something different. Gordon, the activities manager, was pretty good with his schedules, making sure everyone knew where they needed to be and what they’d be doing that day. There were four staff who handled the horses. Her, Tom, Steph and another cowboy, Dale. Dale was Dean’s nephew and had come over from Dean’s other property in Australia—they called them cattle stations over there—for a year’s work experience. Stormcloud Station was run by Dean’s sister in Queensland. Dean encouraged his staff to ask for an exchange, if they ever wanted to gain more experience working in a different environment. One day, Emily might just take him up on that offer.

In the height of summer, the horse staff were run off their feet leading trail rides or cattle drives for the guests. Even in winter, there was the odd guest who wanted to brave the cold and snow and go out on the horses. More often than not, the riding staff helped out with the other winter activities as well, like cross-country skiing, dog sledding, or snowshoeing.

Steph had been here for many years and was a dyed-in-the-wool cowgirl, born and bred on the land. Well respected, she had a great rapport with the horses and the guests loved her slightly gruff, country manner. She was older than Emily, she guessed by at least ten years, which put her at around thirty-five. And while she was friendly and helpful—all the staff got on well together—Emily found her hard to talk to, at times. Steph was seeing a ranch hand on the neighboring property, Brambly Ranch, and spent most of her free time over there.

Tom stopped walking and put a hand on her shoulder, halting her in her tracks. One last time, Em. Are you sure you’re okay? Because, if you need the day off, or some personal time, I can get Dale to come with me. There was that empathy in his blue eyes again. Her breath hitched in her throat. His fingers were burning a brand into her shoulder, through her shirt.

She licked her lips. Thanks, Tom. I appreciate your concern, I really do. But I’m fine. I promise.

He pierced her with that indigo gaze, and she managed to keep her stare level and calm, meeting his eyes.

Sure thing, he said finally, and took up a soft whistle as he made his way toward the guests waiting inside the stable door.

CHAPTER TWO

TOM COULSTON FLICKED the reins impatiently. Pablo gave a twitch of his tail but turned left as he’d been asked. He really shouldn’t take it out on the horse, but Tom couldn’t figure out why he was so angry. The piebald took it all in his stride, one of the reasons Tom loved riding him. The big horse was calm, efficient, and reliable. Readjusting his seat in the saddle, Tom took a deep breath. He was on the job, he needed to get his head back on straight.

Tom was known for his loud, happy whistle while he was riding, but he couldn’t seem to raise it this morning.

Wow, it’s just so gorgeous out here. Estelle slowed her horse until it came alongside Tom’s. I’ve never been to the mountains before, I should’ve done it years ago, the older woman gushed. She and her husband, Stewart, were both on their first cattle drive. And while Estelle had ridden horses before, this was the first time in his sixty-six years Stewart had even come close to a horse. Tom glanced over and had to hide a grimace as he watched Stewart flop around in the saddle. Poor guy. The things some men did to please their wives. They might’ve been better taking one of the gentler hiking trails, or even going out with the group who were riding the four-wheelers today.

Yes, it’s nice out here. There’s always something different to look at, Tom agreed.

It must be great to live here. Are you Montana born and bred, Tom? This time, Estelle actually batted her eyelids at him. He swallowed a sigh. Was she kidding? She was old enough to be his mother. This was nothing unusual, but today he wasn’t up for it.

No, ma’am, I’m not, he replied with a smile. I think I’ll go talk to your husband; he looks like he could do with a hand. Clicking his tongue, Tom urged Pablo to turn around. It was no secret Tom had been born in the town of Casper, Wyoming. He’d often regale the guests with stories of his early life, how he grew up helping his father in the hardware store. But today, he didn’t want to think