The Bull Rider's Manager

by Lynn Collins

  All she had to do was get Hunter to sign the contract and she’d have enough of a boost in her income to put her mother into the home. Not the most charitable of thoughts, but Barb had realized long ago the day would come. Her mom’s attacks were coming on faster and faster, leaving the woman drained each time she returned to some sort of clarity.

  No, Barb wasn’t doing her mom any favors by ignoring the problem. She just wished the world wasn’t sitting on top of her shoulders. At least just for one night.

  With one last glance in the mirror, she left the hotel room, slipping her cell in her purse. She still hadn’t heard from Jesse, either. That man kept her on her toes. Last year, when James had stayed on as part time manager of his brother, she hadn’t had this problem. This year, James had turned all the management over to her so he could help Lizzie more. Half way through the season and she felt like she was dragging Jesse to every event. The boy seemed distracted even when he was present. Maybe he had girl problems. Not having James at his beck and call must have put a hole in his social circle. Barb smiled thinking about James and Lizzie, sitting at home cuddled on the couch. Star crossed lovers that were finally meant to be together. Too bad the happy ever after ending didn’t work for everyone.

  Coming out of the elevator, she glanced around the lobby. Men in tight jeans, button-down collared shirts, and Stetsons crowded the ornately decorated room. For a town that prided itself on flash and garnish, the hotel looked like it could have been downtown Chicago or New York based on the cold, modern lobby. The only nod to the rodeo that weekend in their convention center was the full-sized black stone statue of a rider on a bucking horse placed strategically in the middle of the lobby area.

  “Barb?” a male voice called out.

  She glanced toward the voice. Adam Wainscott, owner of Wainscott Honda, another of her sponsors, held up a longneck bottle. Barb walked over to Adam and his sidekicks. The man never showed up at events alone. He loved an entourage. Time for a little marketing schmooze.

  “Adam.” She put her hand on his upper arm and embraced him in a slight hug. “I didn’t know you were coming into town this weekend. You should have called. I could have gotten you tickets.”

  Adam put his arm around Barb. “Now, see boys, that’s what a sponsorship pays for, service like this.”

  The salesmen chuckled at the slight innuendo.

  Barb kept her smile but wanted to slug Adam in the too round gut. “Seriously, do you need tickets to the events? Jesse’s riding Sunday.”

  “Nah, my secretary took care of all that. I just came up to show the guys what a real boys’ weekend is like. These two sold more Hondas last month than the rest of the staff combined. I’m real proud of them.” He nodded toward the dining room. “Why don’t you join us for some dinner?”

  The two men standing with Adam nodded enthusiastically, reminding Barb of the little dog on the dashboard of her mom’s car growing up. The head and tail had bounced as they drove down the road, the plastic dog happy to be along for the ride.

  “I’ll have to take a rain check, Adam. I already have plans.” Barb scanned the room again for Hunter. Seriously, why was she always searching for the men in her life? Earlier Jesse had kept her waiting, tonight it was Hunter’s lateness that was allowing Adam’s salesmen to stare at her breasts like they had x-ray vision. She wanted to tell the men they were just boobs. That half the population had them. More than half if you counted the man boobs on men like Adam. But she kept her mouth shut.

  “Who’s the lucky man? I might have to arm wrestle him for you.” Adam pulled her just a little too tightly and way too close to him. She didn’t know if she’d ever get the smell of his cheap cologne out of her dress.

  “I am.” Hunter’s voice came from behind them and Adam quickly dropped his arm, releasing Barb.

  What a complete chicken shit.

  Barb stepped back and put her arm around Hunter who softly enveloped her into his arm. She smiled, pleased he’d followed her lead. “Adam, I’d like you to meet Hunter Martin.”

  Adam tipped his hat like he really was some sort of cowboy. “I didn’t know you were dating, Barb.”

  Hunter didn’t flinch. “We’ve been incognito for a while. You know how the press can be with celebrity couples.”

  The three men glanced at each other, a question forming on each face.

  “Of course,” Adam said quickly. “Well, I’m sure our table’s ready by now. Tell Jesse we’ll be rooting for him come Sunday.” Adam ushered the two men away from Hunter and Barb. As they reached the dining room entrance, one of the men turned back and stared. Their voices carried over the marble lobby so Barb could hear the conversation.

  “Who is he?” a salesman asked Adam.

  “Idiot,” Adam responded. “I can’t believe you don’t know him.”

  Barb watched as the men disappeared into the restaurant. She turned to Hunter, smiling. “Nice touch with the celebrity thing. Now Adam will have to have his secretary Google you when they get back.”

  “Think he’ll be disappointed when he finds out I’m a marketing director for a dairy company?” Hunter smiled down at her.

  Suddenly Barb was too aware of Hunter’s arm still wrapped around her waist. Standing there next to one another and holding on like a couple in love. Barb dropped her arm and stepped out of Hunter’s embrace.

  “He’ll get over it.” Barb nodded to the hotel’s dining room. “Ready for dinner?”

  Hunter put his hand on her arm and led her to the concierge’s stand instead. “Sorry, but I made other plans for us.” He nodded to the concierge stand. “Let’s check and see if our limo’s ready.”

  Barb frowned. “We come to a rodeo and you hire a limo?”

  “I told you Dad forced my hand on this trip. I’m just making sure the old man pays for the pleasure of your company tonight. We’re heading to the best steak house in town. I hope you have an appetite.” Hunter glanced at Barb, his gaze dropping down and covering her entire body. “Although how you’re going to eat in that dress is beyond me.”

  “It’s Lycra,” Barb teased. “One size fits all.”

  “Don’t play with me. I think my heart just stopped for a second.”

  “I take it you like the outfit?” Barb slowly twirled.

  “If he doesn’t, I do.” The concierge smiled, holding the door open for the couple.

  Hunter shook his head. “I can’t leave you alone for a second without every Tom, Dick, and Harry coming on to you.”

  “Hey, I’m José, not Harry.” The concierge laughed. “You’d better keep this one close, Mr. Martin, she’s a gem.”

  Barbara laughed. She hadn’t received this much attention in forever. Maybe she should dress up a little more often, rather than her normal uniform of jeans and tank tops. She slipped into the back seat, sliding over as Hunter followed her. When he shut the door, she was acutely aware of the heat of Hunter’s body, warming her own. Tonight, he’d wore a suit, black and perfect, the fabric soft when the jacket edge caressed her arm. A touch of casual, his blue silk shirt was unbuttoned and he had foregone the tie. She slipped into the far corner of the seat to give him some room, keeping herself from reaching out and sliding her hand on his leg.

  He noticed her movement and a slight smile crossed his lips.

  “You look amazing tonight as well. I didn’t realize we were playing dress up.” Barb tried to lighten the mood that had turned seriously sexual as soon as the limo door had closed. They were alone. Together.

  “Well, for you not planning on playing, you picked the right outfit. Man, I thought those goons were going to throw you over their shoulders and carry you off to their cave.” Hunter straightened his suit jacket. “I would have rescued you, my lady.”

  “I think you did. Adam and his guys are fine. A little typical salesman attitude for my taste, but honestly, they are good guys. At least Adam is. When you get to know him.” Barb played with the strap on her purse. Her sponsors rarely met each other. She was g
ood at scheduling time with each company representative so that they thought they were number one on her time priorities. She’d have to check in with Adam next week and smooth any ruffled feathers. Of course, Hunter hadn’t said he was a sponsor, he’d said they were dating. Whether that was better or worse, Barb couldn’t decide. She filed the thought away and decided just to enjoy the evening. For once.

  “So where are we going?” Barb looked out the window at the busy street. Traffic was backed up but instead of the sedans, taxis, and crossovers she’d see in San Francisco, pimped out pickup trucks dominated the road. She wondered if the town’s traffic was always this way or if this was due to rodeo week. She’d often imagined what a town looked like after the rodeo. Living in Shawnee had taught her that what she saw was probably not normal town behavior for either the businesses or the people milling the streets.

  “I told you, the best steakhouse in town. Or, at least, according to José. Cottonwood Creek. I hope you don’t embarrass me and order a salad. We’ll probably be escorted out.”

  “Nothing wrong with salad.” Barb gave him a wicked smile. “But if Martin Dairy is picking up the tab, I’m in for the steak. Or maybe surf and turf. Depends.”

  “That’s my girl.” Hunter leaned forward, staring out the window. “I think we’re here.”

  The limo pulled to the curb and the driver opened the door. Hunter stepped out then held his hand for Barb to follow. It was official – she was in some sort of fairy tale. She smiled and slipped out of the limo.

  “We’ll text you when we order dessert so you can swing back around for us. Plan on at least an hour or two. I’ll keep you on the clock so go grab something to eat.” Hunter patted the driver on the arm.

  “Yes, sir.” The driver tipped his hat and closed the door behind them.

  “We could have taken a taxi.”

  “What’s the fun in that? We can do a taxi in Boise. This way the driver gets a full night of pay for one trip.” Hunter took her arm and led her to the door of the restaurant. “And I’m a great tipper.”

  Barb just shook her head. Hunter Martin better be planning on Martin Dairy being Jesse’s new sponsor for all the money they were spending tonight. She pasted on her best sponsor smile and walked with him into the dining room.

  The woman on Hunter’s arm looked amazing. Even better, she was funny and smart and quick to laugh. All qualities he looked for in a woman. Or at least qualities he would appreciate if this weren’t just a sponsor dinner. If they were on a real date. And if he were looking for a relationship. Which he wasn’t.

  No, Kati needed him. At seven, she needed stability in her life after his brother had dragged the little girl from state to state, exploring the country. John and Rachel had been free spirits, roaming the country on that Harley, at least until Kati had been born. Then they’d upgraded to a Land Rover, but still traveled. Right after the accident, Kati had lived with Hunter and his dad at the ranch. Then Hunter had bought the new house in her old neighborhood. For the last six months, she’d barely talked when either man was around.

  So when Kati had called to wish him a safe flight, he’d assumed his dad had prompted the call. But it didn’t matter. Kati had called.

  Thinking of home, Hunter patted his jacket pocket to make sure he’d brought his phone. He didn’t want her to call and not reach him. She needed to know he was there for her. Not like her mother and father. He didn’t know what John and Rachel had been thinking leaving Kati alone that night. A quick ride on the cycle and the little girl had woken up to a new reality where she was an orphan.

  “Something wrong?” Barb was watching him. He realized he hadn’t said a word since they’d sat down at the table.

  “Not a thing.” He picked up the menu and pretended to study it while he watched Barb. No, the woman was off limits for many reasons. His and hers. But God, she was amazing to look at. When he’d seen her surrounded by those goons, he’d wanted to deck every one of them. Especially the heavy set one with his arm around Barb. She’d looked uncomfortable, but apparently this Adam hadn’t seen that.

  Sometimes he didn’t understand his gender. Not at all.

  “Are you ready to order?” A waitress stood by their table, dressed in a way too short skirt, looking more like a Vegas casino girl than the old west saloon gal the costume was supposed to imitate.

  He nodded to Barb. “Ladies first. Or should I order for you?”

  A wicked smile crossed her face and not for the first time that day, Hunter wondered what the woman was thinking. He hoped the thought was about him. Or him naked. Or them both naked.

  “Not in this lifetime, Mr. Stuck-in-the-Fifties.” Barb proceeded to order a porterhouse with lobster, the loaded baked potato, and a salad on the side.

  “Sounds good, I’ll have the same. But make my porterhouse rare. And ranch for the salad, please.” He handed the menus back. “Bring us a bottle of zin. Not too sweet, but not dry. You chose.”

  The waitress shook her head. “I don’t drink, so I’ll have the sommelier pick for you, okay?”

  “Whatever works, just don’t let him take forever with the wine.” He smiled at the waitress to soften the words then turned back to Barb. “I like a girl who doesn’t just eat salad.”

  Her laughter tinkled in the candlelight. “I do eat my share of salads, believe me, but if Martin Dairy can afford a limo to take us to dinner, I guess they can afford a real meal.” She shook her white linen napkin open and laid it on her lap. “Besides, the last meal I had was toast and jam at my mom’s this morning before I met you at the airport. Just nudge me if I’m using the wrong fork. They like their silver here.”

  “Fine dining places always put way too much stuff on the table I can count on José for great recommendations every time I’m here. Any place that brings rolls when you set down is all right in my book.” Hunter tossed a warm roll to Barb. “Catch.”

  Barb’s eyes widened but she managed to grab the roll with one hand. She sat it on her bread plate and carved a dollop of butter with her knife.

  “Nice form.”

  Barb’s eyebrow rose. “In addition to barrel racing, I was captain of the girls’ baseball team.”

  “Talented.” Hunter finished buttering his own roll and took a bite.

  “Small school. I don’t think there was a girls’ sport team that Lizzie and I weren’t on. I hated volleyball, but Liz loved it. She hated basketball, but played anyway so we’d have enough players to set a team.” Barb took a bite of her roll, her eyes rolling in pleasure. “These are good.”

  “Told you.” Hunter wondered what he’d have to do to get that same reaction.

  “Do you like to gamble? Is that why you visit Vegas so much?” Barb’s tone sounded light, like she was trying for non-judgmental. She knew he was worth a hunk of change.

  “There’s a ranch outside town for kids who’ve lost their way. Either foster kids or just kids angry enough to get in trouble early.” Hunter took another roll, avoiding Barb’s eyes. He figured his answer had surprised her. “Martin Dairy supports the ranch. I come out here probably every other month to help out. Or I did. Lately, things at home have been complicated.”

  Barb nodded but to his surprise didn’t ask about the complications. A man stood at the side of the table with a bottle of wine in his hands. He poured a taste of the wine for Hunter.

  “Is this what you were looking for sir?” the man asked politely.

  Hunter took a sip then nodded. “Perfect.”

  The sommelier smiled then poured each a glass. “Your waitress will know what wine to bring if you need a second bottle. Have a good night.” The man walked away.

  Hunter held up his glass. “To a perfect night.”

  Barb hesitated then held up her own. “To making new friends.”

  Hunter hoped the comment wasn’t meant to limit their involvement because right now, at this moment, there was nothing friendly in his feelings for the beautiful woman sitting across from him. Visions of hot sweaty sex
filled his mind with Barb in the starring role. Kissing those full lips, touching those perfect breasts, her long legs. Nope, his feelings were not a bit friendly. They were all pure lust.

  Two hours later, the limo driver was still not answering. Hunter frowned. “I hope he’s all right.”

  Barb shook her head. “No wonder everyone likes you, you’re Mr. Pollyanna. The guy probably took a run after he dropped us off and now is trying to get that finished up before he comes back for us.”

  Hunter shook his head, matching her movement. “Cynical for such a young lady.” He took her arm. “Let’s go wait in the bar so they can rent out our table again.”

  “See, ever thoughtful.” Barb stumbled on her heels. “Oops, sorry, not used to wine, I guess.”

  “What about tequila?”

  Her smile told him everything he wanted to know, but she answered anyway. “Line up the shot glasses, I take mine with lime and salt.”

  He adored her laugh. He loved her body. Yep, Barbara Carico was definitely the total package. And there was only one thing wrong with her – she’d come into his life at the wrong time. Hunter put the shot glass to his lips and tipped back his head to drown out the voice that was telling him he needed little Miss Carico.

  When the limo finally arrived two hours later, the couple had decided on two more stops. First stop, the Clark County Courthouse, then a chapel with a minister who channeled Elvis. This time, the driver stayed with them, delivering a very drunk and happy Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Martin back to the hotel.

  3

  Bright sunlight filled the room, burning Barb’s eyes. Her mouth tasted like she’d chewed on an old cowboy boot all night. What had they been drinking? Barb sat up, pulling the covers around her naked body. Nothing unusual there, she didn’t believe in nightgowns, especially those lace and feathers one’s old boyfriends had tried to buy her. She slept better naked and if she had a visitor, her choice made it that much more fun.

  Barb glanced at the clock. Almost ten. Man, she must have tied one on after they left the restaurant. Wait, no, it was in the restaurant bar where they’d started doing tequila shots. Fruit and salt optional. Hunter hadn’t been unable to reach the limo driver so they’d sat in the bar talking and…