Inhaling a deep breath, I step away from her and prepare. “Ready?
“Stop asking and do it.” She rolls her shoulders back.
The rope sails through the air and I hold my breath until it clears her shoulders. I gently tug on the end and it tightens, but doesn’t constrict to the point of pain.
“You okay?” I’m already moving to free her.
“I’m fine. Thanks for indulging me.”
I meet her gaze and she smiles at me.
“Next time I tie you up, I’d rather use something softer. Like a silk scarf or velvet.”
Her eyes widen into a surprised expression I see on the horses when something spooks them.
“Something I said?”
“I want there to be a next time,” she whispers, and then clears her throat. “Yes, please.”
My eyebrows lift in surprise. “I’ve never done that with a woman.”
Images of her golden skin on white sheets, her dark hair splayed on my pillow, and her hands tied with a soft ribbon float through my mind. My body reacts and stirs at the thought of her willingly giving me control.
“What are you doing now?” I ask, my voice suddenly raspy.
The damn triangle clangs, signaling the stampede for lunch.
“Guess we’re eating lunch.” She frowns as she steps out of the loose rope.
“Or I could throw you over my shoulder and carry you back to my cabin.” Silently I chant for her to pick my option.
“Tempting, but I don’t want to be the kind of friend who ditches my friend because of a hot cowboy. Today was monumental for Mara. We need to celebrate.”
“I respect that.” At least mentally. My body is about to stage a revolt. It’s a good thing my dick doesn’t have a mind of its own or the capability to overrule rational thought.
“Thank you.” She kisses my cheek, lingering the pressure of her lips on my skin.
The shadow of the barn provides us some privacy, so I circle my arms around her and pull her closer. Ducking my head near her ear, I inhale the sweet floral and spice scent of her. “You might not thank me after lunch. Prepare yourself.”
She gives me a quizzical expression. “Why?”
“Don’t worry. It’s me who’s about to get hooeyed.” I slip my fingers between hers and curl our hands together.
“Mind if I wash up first? I’m a little horsey.”
“You’re perfect just as you are.” I give her a quick kiss. “But I agree about the stench. We’ll stop at the bathrooms.”
Her horrified expression makes me laugh. “I’m kidding about the smell. Come on, we don’t want to be late.”
“What does hooeyed mean?” Zoe asks as we step onto the porch of the dining hall.
“It’s a roping term when three of the calf’s legs are tied together. Same thing as a half-hitch, but hooey’s more fun to say.”
“I agree.” She squeezes my fingers as if she senses my nervousness.
I return her grip. Guiding her through the screen door, I’m careful to not let it slam shut behind us. Less to do with Tammy’s wrath and more to avoid drawing attention to us.
Only a few people stand in line for the buffet. A lot of the team is out on day rides or on their way back from the Saturday overnight trips. Less than half the tables are full. We easily spot Mara sitting with Jeb. Zoe gives her friend a wave and I glower at Jeb, silently telling him to mind his manners.
He frowns. I’m not a master at reading lips, but it looks like he mouths “boyfriend” to me. Poor Jeb. Shot down once again.
As the line moves forward, I keep an eye on the swinging door to the kitchen. The sound of conversation and silverware scraping on plates fills the room. No one stares at me or Zoe. There’s no whispering or pointing. Everything seems normal.
Then the door opens and Tammy pushes through with a fresh tray of rolls.
When she sees me, her eyes immediately focus on where my hand is wrapped around Zoe’s.
“Sweet corn and honey!” she shouts and promptly drops the tray on the floor. “Well, fuck.”
Bread bounces and rolls across the worn wood planks. “Language, Tammy.”
“I tried!” She sets down the tray. “You can’t scare an old woman like this. I could have palpitations.”
I laugh as she dramatically clutches her chest.
“Don’t you mock your elders,” she scolds. “Now introduce me to your friend.”
“Zoe, this is Tammy. Tammy, this is Zoe. She and her friend Mara just finished their first riding lesson.”
“Good for you!” Tammy hugs Zoe, pulling her away from my grip as she turns her to get a better look. “Aren’t you a pretty one. Where’d he find you?”
Zoe glances at me nervously.
“I picked her up hitchhiking.”
“Oh, that’s dangerous. Please tell me he’s joking. Buzz has a weird sense of humor and I can never tell if he’s serious.”
“It’s partially true. Our ride ditched us and Justin showed up like a knight in shining armor to rescue us.”
Tammy looks me over. “He did? Isn’t that nice of him?”
“I can be nice,” I protest.
“Can and do are two different things.” Tammy steers Zoe toward the food. “We’re out of rolls, but you should try my green enchiladas with chicken. Unless you’re a vegetarian, then we have salad and some beans. I swear I don’t put lard in them. Or I can make you a cheese quesadilla. Do you eat dairy?”
Never in my life have I heard Tammy be so accommodating about food. She’ll make vegetarian and gluten free options for the catering side of things, but her typical policy is if you don’t like it, don’t eat it. At least until she decides she likes someone.
There’s no way she’s already to the point of liking Zoe. Not after meeting her forty seconds ago.
Zoe takes a plate and puts a little of everything on it. Either she’s hungry or being polite.
I heap three enchiladas, rice and beans on my own plate, then pour more green sauce over the top.
“What do you want to drink, hon?” Tammy asks.
“Arnold Palmer, like usual,” I answer her.
She’s focused on Zoe and her tone is exasperated when she speaks. “Not you. You drink the same thing every day. Why would I bother asking?”
“I’ll have the same,” Zoe says. “Point me in the right direction and I’ll get it for us.”
“You go sit. I’ll bring it over.” Tammy shoos her away.
I remain standing near the buffet with my mouth open.
“You catching flies?” Tammy brushes past me.
“Who are you?” I ask her.
“Hush. I’m being welcoming to your friend.” She winks and gives me a knowing smile. “Or should I say girlfriend?”
My eyes dart to Zoe, hoping she’s out of earshot of Tammy’s teasing. “We just met.”
“Does it matter? When was the last time you held hands with a woman in this dining hall?”
“College? That summer I dated the Italian exchange student?”
“Wrong. Never.” She moves to pinch my cheek, something she hasn’t done since I was a kid. “I’m so happy I could burst.”
I squint at her. “What date did you have in the pool?”
“Never you mind.”
“How much money will you stand to make?” I call after her as she ignores me and hurries back into the kitchen.
She can run, but she can’t hide. A smile tugs at my mouth as I weave my way through the tables to where Zoe and Mara sit.
“You survive?” Zoe asks when I sit next to her.
“Barely. You?”
“Tammy seems nice. Motherly.”
Jeb chokes on his water. “If your mother is a mountain lion. Don’t mess with her.”
“She’s not that—” I cut myself off. “No, she is that bad. But if she loves you, she does it fiercely.”
“Zoe’s the same way.” Mara grins at her friend.
Chapter 20
Zoe
> I owe Mara a thank you cake or some gratitude cupcakes after she happily agreed Justin should bring me home.
Because the man not only drove me, but is giving me one hell of a good-bye kiss in front of the condo.
We’re basically making out in the middle of the day on a charming side street with tourists and snobby residents passing by. Pretty sure public sex is frowned upon by the hoity and the toity around here.
Justin creates a breath of distance between our mouths. “I don’t want your neighbors to call the cops on me.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it. I don’t even live here.” As the last word leaves my mouth, I mentally try to pull it back in like it’s tethered to me by a string.
“What the hell?” He leans away from me. Or as far as he can get with my hands in his back pockets.
I release my grip, and he creates polite distance between our bodies while waiting for me to explain.
“I’m dog and house sitting. The condo belongs to my best friend, Sage, who’s gone for a month. I could never afford a condo in Aspen. On my own.” I let it all spill out.
With his arms crossed, he leans against the wall. “You said you had a roommate.”
“I did. In my last place. Only he was also my boyfriend.”
“The jerk?”
I nod.
“How long ago?”
“At the end of the ski season. He went back to Chicago at the beginning of May. I stayed until our lease was up in July. When Sage and Lee come home, I’ll be homeless.”
“No, you won’t. You can have a cabin on the ranch. I think we have an empty one or two. If not, I’ll make a couple of the guys bunk together.”
“You can’t do that.” I’m stunned he’d offer me a place.
“It’s my family’s ranch, so I can. You’re not going to be without a place to live.”
“I’ve been looking for a roommate situation down valley.”
“How’s that going?” His mouth turns down.
“I think a lot of them are creepy men who want a maid who they can also have sex with. Or girlfriends who split the rent.”
“You’d rather pay rent to a weirdo than take one of my cabins?” He twists his mouth and nods. “I’m not sure whether or not I should be insulted or impressed with your stubborn independence.”
“Don’t be insulted. Can we continue this conversation while I walk the dogs?”
He nods, but doesn’t move.
“I’ll be right back.”
Inside, I dash down the hall to the bathroom and splash water on my face as I wash my hands. I give myself a sniff—I’m definitely horsey—and decide to apply more deodorant. My cheeks are flushed in my reflection and my once neat braid is loose and messy. I’m thoroughly a mess.
Untying my hair, I switch to a messy bun and accept this is how I’ve looked the entire time I’ve been with Justin today. No point in trying to fix myself up now.
I release the hounds from their crates and leash them up. For a minute, I imagine Justin leaving the second I dashed inside. A guy like him who loves the simple life doesn’t need all my baggage. I’m sure the homelessness and housesitting fibs are the final straw.
But there he is, standing in the same spot I left him, staring out at the street, completely at ease.
“You stayed.”
Excited to see him again, Hunter and Nell try to jump on his legs. I feel the same way.
He didn’t run away.
“Where else would I be?” He gives me a sweet smile. “You can’t chase me away that easily. Don’t you remember our conversation at dinner the other night? Complicated is my family’s motto. Do I wish you didn’t lie to me? Absolutely. But I understand not wanting to dump out your personal luggage to a stranger.”
“I promise I’m not keeping any other skeletons from you.”
He nods. “Good.”
He might be a keeper after all.
Justin’s kisses are my new favorite thing. Unfortunately, he’s out of town again. I’m left with the memory of his last good-bye kiss and a phone full of text messages. I’m going to need new batteries soon. I mentally add them to my shopping list.
Good news is it’s Wednesday and that means he’s back for the Snowmass rodeo. Mae and Mara have agreed to come with me. For the record, there was zero arm twisting involved to get them to agree.
After working all morning, I’m driving down valley to do some grocery shopping and pick up more dog treats. Either those dogs are manipulating me for cookies, or Sage didn’t leave enough supplies.
My phone rings and I glance at the screen. The number is unfamiliar but local. I hit the screen on the dash and answer.
“Is this Zoe Saragossa?” a woman’s voice asks after I answer.
“Yes?” I echo her tone.
“This is Emily Mays. From Ashcroft Ranch.”
I’m on a winding stretch of 82 where I can’t pull over, but I really, really need to focus on this call. Ahead I spot a bus stop and pull into it so I can concentrate.
“Hi.” My voice cracks.
“I’m so happy I caught you. We’re thrilled to be able to offer you a residency at Ashcroft for the late summer session.”
“For next year?” My heart races at the prospect of spending part of next summer there.
“It’s extremely short notice, but we have an opening for this year. Starting in a week. Are you available the beginning of August? The board was unanimous when we reviewed your portfolio. That rarely happens.”
The rush of blood in my ears makes it almost impossible for me to hear and process her words.
“Hello? Are you there? Hello? Did we lose the connection?” Her voice sounds far away.
“I’m here.” The words come out all breathy.
“If you have time, maybe we could meet in person and I can give you a tour. I’m available this afternoon. I realize you may be unavailable, but please consider joining us.” It almost sounds like she’s begging.
“I can come by the ranch in an hour.”
“Perfect!” Her voice becomes chipper. “Wonderful. I’m in the main office. I’ll see you when you get here.”
We say our good-byes, and I pinch my thigh to keep from screaming until I hang up.
Then I let out the loudest howl of happiness ever.
I even dance in my seat, pumping my arms in the open air of the sunroof.
The loud horn of the bus honking behind me douses my solo car party with a bucket of harsh reality. Waving, I ease away from the bus stop and back into traffic. Groceries and dog treats will have to wait. I need to get home and change out of my cut-offs and halter top. Because I’m going to Ashcroft.
I scream again and blare the radio.
Miley Cyrus and I are singing a kickass duet of “Party in the USA” as I drive back into Aspen. I crank up the volume, blasting music with my windows down. When Miley tells me to put my hands up, I do. Because we’re a couple of girls living our dreams.
This girl right here is going to be an artist in residence at Ashcroft Ranch for the whole month of August.
An entire month to create and live in the studio again. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. August is the start of the slow down before off season. My manager won’t give me a hard time about being gone, and the other therapists will be happy to not fight for hours. If my regulars need an appointment, I can make time.
When Miley breaks into the chorus, I let loose … not caring I’m stuck in traffic and people are probably staring.
I’m tempted to stand up and yell my good news, but somehow I doubt anyone will be as excited as I am.
The cars to the left of mine move ahead and I have lane choice regret. I check my mirrors and glance to my left to see if I can slide over. Putting on my blinker, I slide closer to the middle. The big gray truck flashes their lights to let me know I can cut over. I wave out the sunroof. They honk and I pull forward. Once I have enough space between us, I check out the kind stranger through my rearview mirror.
Le
aning his forearms on the steering wheel, Justin grins back at me.
I have to hit the brakes hard to avoid hitting the car in front of mine. Feeling sheepish, I meet Justin’s eyes again in the mirror. So close and we’re trapped in our vehicles. It’s been a whole three days since we’ve seen each other. Seventy-two hours feels like a month.
As we creep forward, my phone rings. His name appears on the screen. I hit accept and meet his eyes again.
“So you’re a big Miley Cyrus fan?” His deep voice fills my car.
“You saw that?” My cheeks heat and I wonder if he can see.
“Saw and heard. I even have video of it on my phone.”
“Noo!” I screech. “Delete!”
“It’s adorable. When I’m missing you, I can watch it.”
“And remember I’m a goofball?”
“What made you so happy? Or are you Miley’s number one fan?”
I grin. “I want to tell you in person.”
“Can you give me a hint?”
The low timbre of his voice makes it difficult to resist him.
“No.” I tease and watch as he pouts out his full bottom lip.
“Fine. Come up to the ranch and tell me there. I need to get ready for the rodeo.”
“I want to, I really do, but I can’t. I have to be in Snowmass in less than an hour.”
“Is that a hint?”
“Maybe.”
“This seems entirely unfair to see you and not be able to kiss you.” He groans. “Now I’m going to have to get through an entire competition tonight before we can spend time together?”
There’s a slight edge of frustration or maybe even desperation to his voice. Ahead, traffic has completely stopped.
I shove the car into park and undo my seatbelt. With full knowledge I’m about to create a bigger traffic mess, I jump out and run over to his truck.
Shock and then understanding covers Justin’s face when he sees what I’m doing. He leans out the truck’s window at the same time I climb on the running board and press my lips to his.
Our kiss is brief, but worth it. Horns behind and next to us start honking as I jog back to my car.
Wild for You Page 15
