Howdy, Ma'am

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  “Smells great.”

  “Thanks, it’ll be ready soon.”

  While waiting, she stood behind the sofa and watched the rider. “Oh! Ouch-hurt-pain.”

  “Yeah, it did hurt.”

  She went closer to the TV. “You?”

  He tried to look around her and pointed to the screen. “Look.”

  “Oooh, my. I didn’t recognize you with the hat. Do you have to wear a helmet?”

  “No, there are no rules, but I do because I was thrown up against a damn horn inside the chute. I got knocked out cold.”

  “And I’m going to photograph you getting knocked out cold?”

  “Yeah. I mean, no, I hope you don’t have to.” He rewound the DVR. “Look. See how I flew off the bull and hit the ground?”

  “Uh huh.”

  “Can you videotape some rides so I can see in slow motion? I want to actually see what I’m doing wrong.”

  Slow motion? “Sure, I can. As long as I can get in there and have free reign of you, I can get whatever you want.” Hmm, reign over Caulder McCutchen. How many women wish they could say those words?

  He stood in front of her, towering above, his warmth making her feel all cuddly again. He looked secure and sexy in his own innocent way. Luckily, the oven timer went off as he took a step closer. Velia put the cheese on the board and surrounded it with bread slices. The fruit went on a separate plate, situated in fancy arrangements. She reached for a bottle of Chianti Classico and grabbed two, tulip shaped glasses. “You’ll have a second glass of wine, or should I make coffee?”

  “I’ll have one more glass.”

  Setting the tray on the table, she noticed Caulder leaning around her to watch the show. She sat beside him. “Dig in.”

  She cut the first slice of cheese and it oozed out onto the board. She tore a slice of bread and put it on her fancy plate. Caulder followed suit. “Have you ever had Brie before?”

  “Sure, in France.” He dove into his food.

  “You’re a world traveler.”

  “Kind of, yeah. My parents traveled when we were kids. Chase and me always complained about the long flights, or the cruises, but when we got to where we were going, we never complained. Especially on the topless beaches.” He chuckled. “A good way for a young boy to get educated in human anatomy.”

  “Hey, I had to learn in science books, no fair. I learned a lot more in my first college art class. And when I took more photography classes, there were real nudes. I must say it was quite pleasurable although embarrassing.”

  “I modeled once. You never photographed me, did you?”

  “Oh, no, I would have remembered you.” Velia smiled. “You’re full of surprises.”

  “I’m sorry… I made another joke. I never modeled nude.”

  “Lucky you. I almost asked you to pose for the camera.”

  “Really?” Caulder took a gulp of wine.

  “No. It’s a joke. I don’t want to see my boss with his clothes off.” Oh, damn, what a joke, and a lie. One Caulder didn’t have to know about.

  When a commercial came on, he helped her carry the dishes and wine bottle to the kitchen. She stood back in awe as he loaded them into the dishwasher. When done, he took her hand and they went back into the living area.

  “My publicist will be in town next week. Can you meet with us?”

  “Time and day?” She grabbed her calendar but became engrossed with the interview on TV, with the reporter and Caulder.

  “Five thousand and ten at thirteen o’clock.”

  “Sure, I’ll try to make it.”

  “Umm, ma’am, if you try to make it then, I think you’ll be too old to click the button on your camera. Hell, by then, you can probably blink to take a picture anyway.”

  “What?” She faced him. “What are you talking about?”

  “You agreed to meet my publicist in five thousand and ten at thirteen o’clock.”

  “Oh.” She rolled her eyes. “I guess I wasn’t paying attention.”

  “I’m usually more impressive.”

  “You are!” She pointed to the TV. “Your interview. I enjoyed watching.”

  “Thank you.”

  “And once again, you’re being the jokester.”

  “I can’t help myself.” He snickered. “You weren’t paying attention.”

  “Why do you have to joke so much? Some people might think it’s annoying.”

  “Well, let me tell you something.” He took another drink of wine. “Once upon a time, I never spoke unless spoken to. I was shy and withdrawn, and my parents put me in an acting program, hoping to bring me out of my bashfulness.”

  “What? A shy child in an acting program?”

  “Don’t knock it, it worked. I was around kids who I didn’t know, and I stopped being shy. In fact, one day I said something funny and everyone laughed. I got the lead part in a play.”

  “Amazing.”

  “Yes it is. I could have been an actor.”

  “Interesting. I loved to audition and act when I was a kid myself. But I only did it for the attention not because I wanted to.” She turned off the TV. “Why didn’t you pursue acting?”

  “Actually I make more money doing what I’m doing. I’ve done some stunt fill-ins though.”

  “Bull riding is much more dangerous.” Velia poured a half glass of wine and thought she better limit it tonight, too.

  “I know.” He smiled when he said it. “I live for it, though.”

  “So, you’re saying you like a challenge?”

  “Maybe. You haven’t figured it out yet?”

  “Since I’ve learned a little bit about bull riding, I have more questions. Do you have a favorite bull, or is one more of a challenge than another?” Velia sat on the edge of the sofa, making sure not to miss a word.

  “There’s a couple I’d love to stay on, and a couple I’d like to have a chance with. We get to draw for a ride sometimes and can pick our bull. I haven’t gotten to choose the one I want yet because I’m low in seniority.”

  “I’m sure you’ll be able to soon.”

  “That’s where you come in. Not many people outside the circuit have heard about me, and others don’t have a lot of confidence I can win the championship.”

  “I have confidence. Wait till they see my photos.”

  “Still, I have a long ways to go. It will take a lot more than photos.”

  “I beg to differ. Look at Edward who loves you, and is rooting for you to win. He’s one old man in a small town.”

  “Okay, I know I have my fans, but it’s not the same.”

  “I’ve seen the women in the stands. They certainly know who you are. There’s no doubt at all, and if you don’t believe me, go ahead and watch the audience. When they pan the crowds, take a good look. How can you not know those women are drooling over you?”

  “I know they are, but I’m not interested in them.” Caulder stood and pushed his hair back from his face. “I’m not looking for a woman to mess up my life right now. Besides, those buckle bunnies would go with any of the guys. No, I’m looking to be the Jeff Gordon of bull riding, not worry about every woman who swoons in the stands.”

  “Then you should get a male photographer.”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’ll look for one tomorrow.”

  “I’m kidding!”

  “So was I.” Caulder smiled a broad smile, almost as wide as his cowboy hat if he had one on. “Besides if I had a man traveling around with me, what do you think they would say?”

  “Nah, they wouldn’t say that about a manly man like you.”

  “Yes, even a manly man like me.” He set his wine glass on the table. “You still have the job, Ms. Armano.”

  “Good. I truly want this job.”

  “Okay, then.”

  “Okay, then.” Velia smiled, diverting her eyes, because she knew it wouldn’t take much to get lost in those blue pools of beauty.

  He glanced at the clock on the far wall. “It’s about time I leave. Tha
nk you for the food.” He turned toward the door but glanced over his shoulder. “I’m still waiting to enjoy another authentic Italian dinner while sitting across the table from you.”

  “I’ll grant your request before it’s time for us to leave.” She attempted to pick up the last two glasses, but Caulder turned around and carried his own to the kitchen. “Will I be the only woman there…I mean traveling with you?”

  “Well, yeah, the only one traveling with me. Didn’t you listen when I said I didn’t want a woman messing up my life? You’re not the only woman though. Most of the guys are married or have girlfriends, some have fiancées.”

  “And what do they do while their mate is riding and preparing?”

  “Sit in the stands and look pretty. Some drink too much, sipping beer in the stands all night. Some get hit on, most get hit on. They hang out and wait till it’s over.”

  “I’m glad I won’t be doing those things.”

  “Sometimes you might be in the stands. I’ll need shots from the stands. Take a lot of the crowd when I’m riding. I want to see their reactions.”

  “I surely won’t be getting drunk.” She closed the dishwasher. “So, I guess I have to wear my jeans?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” His eyes brightened. “Especially if they’re the ones you had on the other night.”

  “Caulder, I do declare you’re flirting with me.”

  “Nah, but they looked good. You looked good. Hey, I’m a man!” He moved closer. “You’re a hot-looking woman, and the guys are going to bother the hell out of me because of you. Those who aren’t attached will be hitting on you, so be prepared.”

  “Can’t we tell them I’m married?”

  “If you want. It’s your call.”

  “We can say I’m getting a divorce.”

  “Then they’ll think I’m the reason. We won’t say anything. I best be going now.” Before Caulder exited the door he turned. “I’m excited to take you back home. I think you’ll like my parents. Good people. After all, they put up with me, didn’t they?”

  “How do they feel about your job?”

  “Half scared most of the time. It’s hard for them to come to shows.” He put his hand on the knob. “If they come to a show, please photograph them.”

  “Of course. It goes without saying.” Velia folded her arms.

  “Thank you. I’ll be in contact.”

  Velia followed him down the stairs to see him out the main door. “Thank you for coming. I think this evening did us both good.”

  “Yeah, and you didn’t take off in an ambulance.” Caulder cupped her chin and his voice lowered. “Something a woman would never have to worry about with me. I’m a gentleman and would never strike a lady.”

  Velia backed away. She had to admit his touch was mind-blowing—warm and sensual, special—and the flow of heat shimmying down her spine proved it. “Thanks again. You’ll keep in touch?”

  “I plan to. I will.” He reached out again, but she backed away.

  “I’m sorry.” He didn’t say more, just turned, and walked away. She watched him go down the walk and continued to stare as he got into his Escalade.

  She tiptoed upstairs and sat down to plan her grocery list. The anniversary dinner would be amazing for her beloved Alice and Edward. Fifty years. Miraculous in itself to imagine being with one person for so many years. It was almost inconceivable these days. Who knew when they said I do if it would last. Most people today couldn’t even stay together for three years. At least Velia didn’t last much past the normal time of a bad marriage—six years and most of it agonizing to the core.

  The anniversary dinner would be great fun. And she would invite Caulder. “Yes, it would be fantastic with him there.” The more she got to know him before they traveled together would make it more comfortable for both of them. “Why not get to know him now?”

  Her mind drifted to the magic of his touch. He touched her a lot. She wouldn’t mind being wrapped in those strong arms. But what would be the cost of getting involved? Especially with someone she had to work with, her boss. Would it ruin their working relationship? We don’t even have a working relationship yet. It would be best to keep it professional. “Ma è bellissimo!” She repeated it in English, sometimes slipping into Italian without realizing. “He’s so damn handsome!”

  If only his touch didn’t feel so good—so right, like warm silk brushing her skin.

  It had been years since she felt a pleasant touch from a man and even longer since she felt a gentle touch from a man. If he was so gentle and bold when he hardly knew her, what would he be like when they spent many waking moments together?

  Velia put her pad of paper away and prepared for bed. When she turned down the covers, she realized how much she craved cuddling next to a warm body. She missed the love, missed the warmth, and missed the companionship connected to love. It would come again one day. It would happen sometime in the future. For now, she would pour herself into her work for the next nine months. Take it a job at a time, one photo at a time, and one view of Caulder at a time.

  She crawled into bed and pulled the covers around her shoulders. She would get to know Caulder. Maybe they would be the best of friends. Maybe—

  Chapter Ten

  Alice looked happy and proud in her new anniversary outfit. Her sister arrived a day earlier, and Edward’s brother would arrive today. Velia had most of the food cooked, and Alice made some of Edward’s favorite dishes. Aromas throughout the whole house smelled wonderful with a mixture of sausages and sweet desserts and enough food for a boat full of longshoremen. That’s what Edward had been before he first laid eyes on Alice. They met in New York and Edward teased about picking her up on the street. To this day, they shared a special relationship.

  Their daughter would come with her family, and the grandkids were bringing friends. The party would be at the VFW hall, set to start at two o’clock. Caulder said he would come and help get some of the food transported, but Velia told him she would already be at the hall making sure the last minute touches were put on her desserts and steam tables, and everything else. She fussed about her food.

  Velia busied herself alone when she heard the back door open.

  “Howdy, ma’am. How’s it all going here?”

  She jumped and sucked in a deep breath.

  He grasped her arms. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay. I still have moments where I’m frightened. I never know if Justin is going to pop in and do something awful. I don’t trust him, and I don’t think him being behind bars could keep him from harming me. I’ll be glad when we’re gone.”

  “You’ll be safe when you’re with me. None of the other guys on the circuit with us will let anything happen to you.”

  “Justin wouldn’t have the slightest idea what I’d be doing. But, of course, if he called, then Brian might tell him, not knowing if he was a potential client. He wouldn’t know.”

  “You take the class you were talking about?”

  “I did and passed with perfect scores. Now, I have a question. How can I carry a weapon with me on a plane?”

  “Most of our flights are chartered. We’ll find out what to do. Here I said I’d be protecting you, and in reality, you’re protecting me.”

  Velia punched him in the arm. “Shucks, cowboy, I still need you to protect me.”

  “Well then, ma’am, that’s what I’ll be doin’.”

  “Oh!” She placed her hand on her heart and swayed side to side. “Where have you been all my life, Caulder McCutchen?”

  “I’ve been right here.” Caulder spun around and pretended to dance with a partner, singing, “I’ve been ridin’ bulls all the while waitin’ for you, waitin’ for you.”

  “Beautiful, you can sing, too.” Velia giggled.

  He took her hand, placed it on his shoulder, and danced around the room. “I don’t have time for this, Caulder.” Velia laughed nervously the whole time. Even though Caulder looked like a rough and rowd
y cowboy, he still had an aristocratic air. He said his family traveled all over the world. He drank fine wine, ate Italian and French food. There was more to this man than met the eye. “I can’t wait to meet your family.”

  “Why?” He spun her around and danced across the floor. “You dance like a pro by the way.”

  “Thank you, kind sir. You do as well. I’m beginning to think you like to act like a cowboy, but there is a lot more to you. Something you’re keeping to yourself.”

  “Nah, I just like to have fun, and I have the means to do what I choose. You’ll see. You’ll be treated very well traveling around with this wanna-be cowboy.”

  “So, you’re going to be my sugar daddy?”

  “Only if that’s what you want.” He dipped, holding her in position, and stared into her eyes. “If you want me to, but I’ll expect something in return.”

  She enjoyed being held in his arms even if it was a dance dip. “What, Mr. McCutchen, might something mean?”

  “You probably don’t want to know.”

  She stood up and released herself from his hold. “We should talk.”

  “What? Talk about what?” He rolled his eyes to the ceiling and swept his fingers through his hair.

  Velia went to the tables and adjusted the centerpieces, making sure the flowers were perfect. Then she grabbed a broom and started sweeping sand from the entrance carpet. “This will be a mess when people start coming inside.”

  “Talk about what, Velia?” He took the broom.

  “Um, the perks I suppose.”

  “The perks are a fun year and a lot of money for you.”

  “Do you expect love?” She gulped, knowing it had to be asked. “Sex?”

  “I think not. Why would you even ask?”

  “Well, I guess the sugar daddy part.”

  Caulder dropped the broom and took her face in both hands. He leaned close. “Miss Velia, I promise to show nothing but respect for you. Even though I look into your eyes and see things I shouldn’t even imagine, I have the utmost respect for you. Please never fear me or think I want anything more than a photographer.”

  She swallowed the lump. “I’m sorry for even bringing it up. I had to know.”

  “I understand and it’s important you got it off your chest.” His gaze dropped to her cleavage and back to her eyes. “Clear?”