Howdy, Ma'am

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  “Where’s the guys?” Velia asked, tucking a camera into one of her bags.

  “Hey, it’s a good night when no one is left here. The injuries weren’t bad tonight. They all got released to leave. Time to move on.”

  “Ah, that’s great.”

  He turned to leave.

  “Doc Jim?”

  He swung around and removed his hat. “Yes, ma’am?”

  “Have you seen Caulder?”

  “Nah, I thought he headed back to the hotel. Maybe not.”

  “Oh. Thank you.” She found herself alone. She decided to take a cab back to her room. When she walked out front carrying a smaller camera in one hand, her tripod under her arm, and her camera bag in the other, she found it difficult to hail a cab. Fortunately, one stopped and the driver got out and came around to help. Before she stepped inside, she saw the long leg of a cowboy getting in a cab ahead of them, and the brunette got in right behind him. Slowly, she sat down on the seat and told the driver where to take her. So much for games. It looked like she lost this game. It wasn’t a second later her door opened and Caulder climbed in. “You’re leaving without me?”

  “I...I thought you left.”

  “You know I always escort you back to the hotel.”

  Velia looked directly into his eyes. “No, Caulder. I don’t know.”

  He wrapped his arm around her. “Yes, I always escort you to the hotel, or bus. Where ever it is we need to be after a show.” He pulled her against him. “Now, you know.”

  The cab pulled around the one in front. “I thought...”

  A neatly trimmed eyebrow cocked. “You thought?”

  “I thought you might have had a date.”

  He removed his arm from around her shoulders.

  Dammit, did she hurt his feelings again? The rest of the ride went on in silence. Thankfully, it wasn’t too far. She took a deep breath. Hurting his feelings? What was wrong with her? That’s old stuff when she couldn’t think for herself. She’d grown and respected herself too much now to be burdened with guilt.

  At the hotel, Caulder carried her equipment. He held the entrance door and they entered the lobby. All the while he hadn’t spoken. When they arrived at her room, he opened the door for her, took the camera equipment inside, and set it on the dresser. He tipped his hat. “Good night. Sleep well.” He went out the door, but before closing it, he turned. “We leave at 6:00 a.m. I assume you’ll be ready when I come for you.”

  “Caulder?”

  “What is it?”

  “Congratulations on your win tonight. It was an awesome night.”

  “Thanks. Did you get pictures?”

  “I did.”

  “Good.” Again he tipped his hat then left.

  Velia ran hot water in the tub and let the bubble bath trickle from the bottle. As it filled, bubbles turned to thick, white foam, and the water steamed when she stepped inside. She burrowed down in the hot water with nothing exposed from her chin down. Resting her head against the bath pillow, she closed her eyes. The tub was long enough to stretch her legs. She wriggled her toes and circled her ankles to loosen her calf muscles. Boots aren’t as comfortable as they look.

  She giggled. In her mind’s eye, she saw Caulder holding her tight as they made love in the straw. She could be under him right now if stubbornness didn’t rule. She popped her eyes opened. “I’m not stubborn.” It wasn’t because of stubbornness. It was because she didn’t want to be tied to another human being. She wanted to be her own independent person. Right?

  After a deep sigh, she closed her eyes again and imagined her fingers squeezing his shoulders and massaging sore muscles. She knew the heat of his skin, hot beneath her hand, and the swirling water from the whirlpool tub swept her away. Being one sexy man, certain things about him excited her so. The way he twisted his head to keep his hair from his eyes. Yes, pleasurable. Then there was his simple little grin, innocent in its own way, yet, so sexy in another erotic way. Picturing his lips on her breasts didn’t help when her peaks began to harden at the thought. She slipped beneath the water, but remembering to breathe didn’t take her mind off Caulder McCutchen. Relaxing against the pillow a second time didn’t deter her thoughts. Blushing, she could hardly imagine how she almost attacked him in the stable. Whatever took over back there didn’t help her plight.

  Caulder’s blue eyes came to mind, and she kept seeing how close they were when he kissed her, sucked her bottom lip, darted his tongue against hers. “Dammit!” She rose from the water, grabbed her towel, and stood in front of the mirror with it wrapped around her. Her tender nipples pressed tight against the terry. She dropped the towel and watched as water droplets dripped from her hair and ran over her breasts. He could be kissing them right now. Velia pressed her fingers against her temples. She wanted to scream. Her head throbbed; her nerves trembled. “I can’t go on like this.” Staring at herself in the mirror, she knew what she had to do—

  Going to bed would keep her out of trouble.

  Slipping beneath the covers, she glanced out the window at the glow of the city lights. Really all she had ever known. He could take his black sky and twinkling stars. Let his full moon shine for him. Yes, city lights were all she ever knew, and she could be fine with city lights. She closed her eyes and thought of her mother, suddenly missing her. She thought of returning to Italy to see her cousins. How hard it must be on them without their own mother. “Oh, Zia Dafne, why didn’t you get out before this horrific thing happened?”

  * * *

  The following morning, Velia sat on the bed, ready and waiting for Caulder. They were due at the airport early. When he finally knocked, she opened it then sat in the occasional chair across from the bed.

  “Mornin’.”

  “Good morning, Caulder. Did you sleep well?”

  “Well enough I guess.” He reached for her biggest piece of luggage. “Ready?”

  “We need to talk.”

  He dropped the bag and sat on the bed. “Again?”

  “It’s not like we’ve done a lot.” Velia got up and went to the window. She peeked through the blinds, waiting for the lump to dissolve in her throat. She turned toward him, folding her hands in front of her. Dropping her head, she didn’t know where to begin.

  “What is it, Velia? We’re running late.”

  She slowly lifted her eyes. “I don’t think I can do this.”

  “It’s only been two shows. Give it a damn chance.” He stood and paced the short distance to the door.

  “I thought about it all night long.” She sighed loud enough to be heard.

  Walking across the room to the chair, he caught her hand before she could sit. “Why do you want to quit? Is it me? Because if it’s me, I’ll pretend nothing happened between us. I need you.” He wrapped his arms around her. “I need a photographer.”

  “I can’t concentrate when I’m with you.” She pulled out of his arms. “I can’t concentrate when I’m not with you. I’m driving myself insane.”

  Caulder dropped his arms and slipped his hands into his pockets. “Why don’t you stop fighting it then? Accept what you feel for me, what I feel for you. It shouldn’t be this fucking hard.” He grasped her arms. “It’s so simple.”

  “Maybe it’s simple for you. You have no idea what I’ve been through these past six years.”

  “Nor do you know what it’s been like for me. It hasn’t been a slice of pie.”

  “I understand. Maybe it’s the reason we rushed into something. It’s been long for both of us. We’re lonely.”

  “I’m lonely, true. But I didn’t rush into sex with you because I’m lonely. I rushed into it because of what I feel for you. Not because I wanted a one-night stand or an affair. I have a hard time fighting it.” He turned away and sat on the bed again. “But you must know I will if I have to.”

  “Then what, Calder? What about me? I told you I can’t concentrate when I’m with you.”

  “Or without me—”

  “Right, so what a
m I to do?” she said, splaying her fingers out in front of her.

  “Stop fighting your bullshit emotions!” He swept his hands through his hair. “Can we just go?”

  “I don’t know. This is harder than I thought it would be.”

  “You can do this. We have to go.” He picked up her luggage again. “Are you with me?”

  She took the heavy bag from him. “Not today.”

  “Not today. It’s that effortless for you. Leave and go your way like this never happened? After all you planned before you left—giving Brian a job, your arrangements with Edward and Alice, with me?”

  “I guess. I feel the need to go to Italy and see my little cousins. They need family right now. Maybe I do, too.”

  “Make your choice, Velia.” He glanced at his watch. “We’re running out of time.”

  “I’m not running out of time.”

  He went to the door then right back to her. He took a deep breath and pushed a lock of hair behind his ear. “We have a contract. I’m holding you to it, or I’ll sue for breach.”

  “You’d sue me? You’d keep me from helping my cousins’ mental state?”

  “Fucking excuses!” He took another deep breath. “If I have to. I need your skills, and you signed a contract.”

  “Great! If this is how you want to do it, fine. I’ll hold up my end of the bargain.” She dropped her luggage, and it landed with a thud. She moved closer to him. If ever there could be a hateful glare, she had it. “But you remember I’m continuing on this mission because you leave me no other choice.” She moved even closer. “This is only a business deal.” Her bravery increased, and she proved it with her index finger as she jabbed it into his chest. “And don’t forget it!”

  Caulder picked up her bag. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “And stop calling me maa’aaaaamm!”

  “Yes, ma’am. I mean, yes, Ms. Armano…ma’am.” He smirked and tried not to smile.

  Velia glared right back. Go ahead, I dare you to crack a smile. She seethed, watching him try to hold it in.

  Caulder strode to the window. Lifting both hands, he pushed his hair back from his face. “Damn women drive me nuts sometimes.” He lowered his voice, “This hot-blooded, Italian spitfire more than most.”

  She grabbed her jacket and slipped her arms into the sleeves. “I do believe I’m ready then.” She gathered her purse, laptop, and carry-on bag and went out the door ahead of him. They didn’t speak in the elevator, and when two other riders and their wives stepped on, Velia reached in her purse and pulled out a brochure, pretending to read. No one spoke to her other than hello, and when they spoke to Caulder, he gave a short answer.

  * * *

  On the plane, Velia reclined the seat and closed her eyes, wanting nothing more than to go to sleep. It had been a long night, and she hardly slept much thinking about him, the shows, the job she had to do, and her little cousins. Before she knew it, the city faded into a grey sky. It wasn’t until then she fell asleep.

  She had barely slept before turbulence jolted her awake. She held her eyes closed, hoping to doze off. Thoughts of Caulder lingered. How could he sway her the way he did? Her mind had been made up, and he made her change it. Of course, the threat of a lawsuit didn’t help. She didn’t want a lawsuit; it would kill her credibility. It angered her. Maybe anger would chase the attraction away. This gig would be all business now. She’d be fine if her body didn’t betray her again when she watched him through the lens. I’ll use a fisheye lens. Then he’ll look all distorted... I wish!

  The warmth of his hand beside hers on the armrest spoke to her. She removed her hand and entwined her fingers in her lap. Something about him drove her insane. And she’d wipe the thought of his tenderness and extraordinary scent out of her mind.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The flight to Tampa, Florida, wouldn’t take long. The quick lunch helped since she hadn’t eaten breakfast. Delicious and nothing like what they would have had on a commercial jet. She wondered what it would be like on the bus when the joyous moment occurred. Velia took out her laptop and looked over the pictures Brian sent. So nice having internet 25,000 feet in the air. He did a great job as usual. His work looked professional grade. A brainstorm hit her upside the head. Why couldn’t Brian do this and she could continue with her business and life? She removed her seat belt and went to the lounge where she picked up the sky phone and dialed his number.

  “Velia? Wow! How exciting to hear from you. I’ve got tremendous news, but I wanted to tell you later when you were in the hotel.”

  “I have news, too.”

  “I have to tell you before I burst. I’m engaged!”

  “What did you say?” Her voice faded.

  “I’m engaged. I couldn’t be happier.”

  “You’re engaged, Brian?” She sighed.

  “Yes, and, of course, I want you to do the pictures, but it won’t be until after your tour. We’re planning on November so don’t make any plans after you wrap up the season with Caulder. You’ll love her.”

  “As long as she’s not a bridezilla. How’d this happen so fast?”

  “She’s wonderful. She’s an old girlfriend right out of the past. We hooked up via social media and, well, found love again.” He hesitated. “What did you have to tell me?”

  “Never mind. How are things? Besides the wedding plans, I mean.”

  “Great. Alice is scheduling a lot of jobs. She had a great idea for a fundraiser at the senior center. I’ll tell you all about it later.”

  “Okay. Oh, by the way. You’re doing a wonderful job with the pictures. I love what you’ve done with the children’s photos. You have a real calling.”

  “Hey, thanks. It means a lot coming from you.”

  “Talk to you later. Keep up the good work.”

  “I sure will.”

  She hung up, containing her anger so she didn’t slam the phone down. Dammit, he’s getting married. No way would he want to leave his bride-to-be and tour for almost a year, even for Mr. Caulder McCutchen. Velia rested her elbows on the table and leaned her chin into her cupped hands. She peered out the window at nothingness. She would have to endure the tour for the remaining months. Or be sued. She sat up straighter. Again reaching for the phone she dialed her mother’s number. “Ma, I’ve never been a quitter before.”

  “I know you’ve never been a quitter. What brings this on, bambina? Where are you?”

  “I don’t know, 30,000 feet up maybe.” She heard her mother suck in her breath. Velia explained the whole situation. She wanted to hear her voice and needed some sensible advice. Even if it meant revealing her feelings for Caulder. Her mother’s gentle words would lead to the right decision.

  * * *

  Caulder seemed to be asleep when she slipped in beside him. She laid her head against the seat and hooked her seatbelt. She glanced at him and her gaze remained on his face. He didn’t take the time to shave this morning. A dark stubble covered his jaw line, and she wanted to reach over and run her fingers over its scratchiness. His chin had a subtle cleft in the center, masculine, and she wanted to run her lips over it. Speaking of lips—his were slightly parted, calling out to be caressed. She wanted him to lift his long eyelashes so she could see the blue of his eyes, the sexy gleam when he looked at her. One stubborn lock of hair remained over his forehead dropping nonchalantly over one eye. She’d love to brush it aside.

  He took a deep breath, opened his eyes, and found her eyes fixed on him. “You’re back.”

  “I’m back.” She rested her hand on his. “I’m sorry about earlier. I’ll continue the tour, and it won’t be under duress. I choose to stay.”

  He grasped her hand and lifted it to his lips. “Thank you. We’ll make this work somehow.”

  This time she did reach over and touch his scruffy beard, cupping his chin, and sliding her fingers beneath his jaw. He looked at her with sleepy eyes, and she said, “You look damn rowdy with a beard, cowboy.” Her gaze drifted to his chin. She smiled, but
it was a secret smile only she knew the reason for. She continued looking into his eyes, thinking. Whatever happens from this point on happens. When the tour is over, she’ll weigh her options.

  The plane rapidly descended. Velia clenched the armrest and leaned against the seat, holding her breath. She pulled her seatbelt tighter and went back to clutching the armrest. Caulder clasped her hand. “You okay?”

  She nodded and closed her eyes. “Tell me when it’s over.”

  He hooked his arm through hers and held tight.

  When the plane touched down, she exhaled and turned to him. “Thank you for holding me.”

  “You’re welcome.” His gaze lingered.

  The pilot welcomed them to Tampa and exclaimed the weather was a balmy seventy-two degrees and sunny.

  After waiting for their luggage, Caulder hailed a cab. “We have a photo shoot and dinner tonight. I’ll be busy for most of the evening.”

  “A photo shoot?”

  “Yeah, we have to do it as a group.”

  “Will I be going with you?” She searched in her purse for her brush and found it on the bottom.

  “Not for this one. It’s really not necessary. They won’t let you take pictures, so it would be boring for you.”

  “Dinner?” She ran the brush though her hair and pulled it back into a ponytail.

  “It’s the guys tonight. Something we always do when we’re in Tampa.”

  “Okay. What am I to do?” She wished she hadn’t said it…she sounded like a mindless beauty queen.

  “The ladies usually get together and do something. Hell if I know what it is. Join them.” He took his wallet out when the driver stopped the cab and came around to open the door.