“What about Caulder?”
“What about him? I’m in charge of my life.”
“Well, I thought he looked at you in a special way when we were in Santa Fe.”
“Yes, he does look at me in a special way.” She shrugged. “It seems the impossible happened. We fell in love.”
“Wow, that’s amazing. Your life will never be the same with a guy like him. Talented, rich, a celebrity…it’ll be a different life for sure.”
How many times had the idea of a different life crossed her mind in the last week? A different life for sure. She wasn’t the only one who realized it.
“I’m really happy for you two. Congratulations.”
“Well, I’m not sure congratulations are in order, Brian. I have a lot of things to think about.”
“Don’t be like me and let this go. I let Shannon go when I should have held on to her. I’m lucky we got hooked up again.”
Velia thought about his statement. She loved Caulder, but her whole life had changed, and would keep changing. Is it really what she wanted? She barely had a life to herself before meeting him.
“Think about it, Velia. That’s all I have to say.”
She looked him square in the eye. “I will.” She meant it.
* * *
After going through the most recent photo shoot, Velia needed a break. She called some of the friends she made in the past year and a half. They wanted her to have dinner and go to the bar afterward. At first she said no, but then called Becky back to tell her she could. She needed some time to herself, to act like a single woman and have fun with the girls. After lunch with Brian, he took her home.
Velia lay across her bed when she got back and pulled up a light blanket. She’d be partying late, so why not close her eyes for a few minutes. If Caulder hadn’t come to mind she probably could have fallen asleep. She remembered her phone was still off. “More bitching?” she said when she turned up the volume, expecting to have a slew of messages from him, but nothing. She told him to be with his family and stop worrying about her. He must have listened.
She dressed in brown pants and a russet colored, short-sleeved sweater. Fawn colored heels topped off her wardrobe. On the way out she grabbed a cardigan the color of her shoes. She drove to the restaurant and parked close to the front, shuddering to think how frightening it would be if Justin hadn’t gone back to Chicago and, in fact, knew she wasn’t with Caulder. What if he knew she had returned to Tucson? Why would he be here anyway? He should be out of jail and probably would get back home as fast as he could. She played the logic over in her mind as she positioned her gun-purse strap over her head and across her chest. As she sat talking to herself, Becky pulled up beside her, and she must have looked like a crazy woman.
They walked in together and Patricia and Brenda were already there, drinks and menus in front of them. “Tell us about your cowboy!” said Brenda as soon as she sat down.
“I don’t want to talk about him.”
“What?” asked Patricia. “You don’t want to talk about him? Well, girlfriend, we want to know about him.”
“Yeah,” agreed Becky. “We’ve been watching the shows and can’t believe what a hunk he is. Oh, yes, you’re going to talk about him.”
“I don’t want to talk about Caulder McCutchen tonight.”
“We’ll talk about him then. You listen. We do it often anyway. He’s so fricking hot in those chaps. Girl, I don’t know how you get photos without drooling.”
“Who said I don’t drool?” Velia began to laugh.
“Now you’re talking,” said Brenda.
The girls went on and on about Caulder being a hot commodity on the market these days, and their conversation wandered to his gorgeous body, wondering if he was as stacked in the front as those pants and chaps made him look.
“Okay, girls, I can’t let you all go on like this about my cowboy.”
“Oh, now, he’s your cowboy?” Patricia took another chug of beer. “All of a sudden he’s yours?”
“Uh huh—”
“She hasn’t had that much to drink and she’s claiming him.”
“It’s true. He is my cowboy now.”
They stopped talking and stared across the table as their dinner arrived. When the server left, they still remained silent, their eyes fixed on her. “Now?” asked Brenda.
“Yes.” Velia dabbed her lips with the napkin then folded her hands in her lap. “It seems…” She took a big drink of wine. “It seems Caulder and I have fallen in love.”
“With each other?” Becky downed her wine and poured another.
“Of course, with each other.”
“I’m happy. You deserve it,” said Brenda. She turned to the other girls. “But I don’t believe a word she says.”
“Well, if you really watched the shows, you’d know.”
“Okay, you caught us. We don’t watch all the shows, only the ones in the beginning.” Brenda reached across the table and touched Velia’s hand. “I think my husband gets a little jealous watching me slobber all over myself when I watch the guys.” She started laughing. “Girl, I don’t know how you stay sane surrounded by all those guys in chaps.”
“Brenda, hush so she can tell us the truth.” Patricia peered at Velia. “Truth?”
Velia smiled. “Truth. Caulder and I were attracted to each other from the beginning. I tried to deny it, but his coaxing didn’t help. It’s true. I have fallen in love with the hunk.”
“Damn, girlfriend, you and a cowboy. Bet you got pictures we’ll never see.”
Velia hoped she wasn’t blushing, and she’d blame it on the one-glass-of-wine-limit if they said anything. “He’s not a cowboy and only plays the part. It would be kind of weird for a bull rider not to be a cowboy.”
“He looks like a cowboy.”
“It takes more than chaps and a cowboy hat. I really don’t know what he is, but he insists he’s not a cowboy.”
“How come you’re not with him now?”
“It’s a break from the show.” She noticed Brenda cocking her head and looking over her shoulder. “What is it?”
Brenda nodded toward another table. “A guy over there seems to be interested in us.” She nodded to the man at the other table. Velia started to turn around, but Brenda grabbed her hand. “No, don’t turn now. He’ll know we’re talking about him.”
Velia turned anyway then swung her head back around. “Oh, no!”
“What is it, do you know him?”
“Unfortunately, yes. It’s my ex-husband’s lawyer. Now he’ll know I’m here. This isn’t good.” She sensed someone beside her and didn’t want to look, but she had no choice. His hand went to her shoulder, clenching. She wriggled out of his clutch.
“Hi, ladies, nice to meet you.” He shook each hand, smiling as innocent as a month old babe. Then he spoke to Velia. “What a surprise to see you here. Tsk tsk, Ms. Armano. I never would have thought to find you in town. Thought you’d be off with the rich cowboy.”
“He’s not a cowboy!” Becky shot him a hateful glare.
“Okay, then, I figured you’d still be with the bull rider. It didn’t last very long, huh? So sorry.”
Velia stood. “Girls, I have to get going. Great to see you all and I’ll call you tomorrow.” She pushed out her chair and left, unzipping a side of her purse in case she needed a quick draw.
Blake Pemberton reached her by time she got to the parking lot. “You know, Justin will be happy to hear you’re not with the dude anymore.”
“I’m not with him this instant, but I’m still with the dude. What does it matter to Justin?”
“He wants you back, always has.”
“Mr. Pemberton, you have no idea what I went through with him. If you accept spousal abuse, then you’re no better than him.”
“Hey, I get paid to do a job. That’s all.”
“Then leave this alone.” Bringing up her family wasn’t something Velia usually did, but she was angry and tired of living in fear.
“You remember my father’s men? If you value your career…” She hesitated. “…and life, then I’d forget you ever saw me here.”
She got in her car and called her father’s number. “Justin’s lawyer saw me here in Tucson. I think I did something I shouldn’t have done.”
“What is it you did?”
“Well, I sort of threatened his career, and maybe his life.”
“You brought out your gun?”
“Ah, no, maybe worse… I brought out you.”
* * *
Velia was almost happy to be going back to Chicago in a couple days. If only Justin didn’t approach her before then, she’d be okay. She had no idea where Justin stayed, or why he remained in Tucson. Sitting in front of Alice and Edward’s, she hit the contact button on her phone and wrote down the number. She dialed star 67 so her number would be blocked and called the number to what used to be her home.
Justin answered.
She hung up and took a deep breath. At least he went back to Chicago. When she arrived, she would be with her family. For now, he wouldn’t know she would be going back to Chicago. Maybe he doesn’t even care. Oh, joy, time to call Caulder and it probably wouldn’t go as smoothly as the call to her father. Her phone rang as she held it at the ready. “Hi, Caulder, how are you, sweetie? I picked up my phone to call you.” Better to start on a positive note.
Chapter Thirty
Brian and Shannon dropped Velia off at the airport. She had a little over an hour for her flight to Chicago after she got through security. Finding a coffee shop was first on her agenda. She’d be in Chicago by 8:00 p.m.
Upon landing she waited for her luggage and almost jumped on the carousel when a hand gripped her shoulder. She turned so fast she almost fell over. “Wha—what are you doing here?”
“I thought you’d be glad to see me.”
“I am, but you didn’t have to come.”
“My plane arrived an hour ago. I missed you.”
Velia jerked her suitcase off the carousel and pushed past him. “I don’t know why you think you had to come babysit me.”
Caulder took the suitcase and sat it down amongst the crowd of people trying to walk around them. He grabbed her shoulders and made her face him. “You think that’s why I’m here?”
“Why else?”
“Didn’t you hear me say I missed you?”
She tried to squirm away but he held her firm.
“Everything okay here?” Her father’s voice startled her. She broke free and hugged him and her mother.
Ric shook Caulder’s hand. “I didn’t know you were coming. Good to see you again.”
Velia took her suitcase before Caulder could grab it, but he succeeded anyway.
“Caulder isn’t supposed to be here. I’m as surprised as you are.” She shot him a spiteful glare. “Apparently he doesn’t think I’m safe without him.” Did she catch the glint of a smile on her father’s face? She continued walking. “You all think this is funny.”
Lidia put her arm around Velia and walked to the car ahead of Caulder and Ric. “Now, don’t be angry with him for worrying over you. If I had a diamond for every time your father worried over me, I’d own most of Africa.”
“You’re a rich woman anyway, ma.”
“You know what I mean. Go easy on him.”
Velia glanced back at Caulder and noticed him watching her hips as she walked then his eyes shot to hers. The look on his face didn’t harbor the usual jovial expression. She spat the words right at him, “Something bothering you?” She got in the car waiting at the curb, swallowing hard as she tried to shake her bitch.
Her father sat beside her mother, leaving the seat next to her open to Caulder. The driver closed the door and they headed to her parent’s home. “Do you have a hotel room?” She didn’t want to cave in because her anger still ruled.
“Velia, he will be staying with us, sì. No more talk of a hotel room.”
“He might want to stay at a hotel.”
“Thank you, Mr. Armano, I’d be pleased to stay with your family.” Caulder tossed her a condescending glare.
Velia wrinkled her nose, wanting to throw a few four-letter words his way, but she had too much respect for her parents.
“Justin came into the restaurant the other night.” Ric waited.
“I wish he’d move out of Chicago, out of the United States!”
“He will be dealt with if he causes you any problems. All I need is an excuse.” Lidia poked him in the ribs. “Shh…”
Caulder grasped her hand and held tight when she tried to pull away. “His lawyer probably told him he saw you. Maybe he thinks you left the show for good and will continue in Tucson.”
“That’s exactly what I’m going to do anyway.”
“What?” Caulder stared angrily into the side of her face because she wouldn’t turn and look at him.
“Be smart, Velia.” Her mother grasped her free hand.
Caulder released her.
She knew he listened intently as her mother tried to talk some sense into her. What made her so angry? The shock of seeing him at the airport caught her off guard, and it took her back to childhood when she always had someone watching over her. She took a deep breath and grasped his hand. She didn’t say anything but gave a squeeze.
Velia’s mother had a light dinner brought to the dining room. The maid dished out the food and brought in a bottle of red wine. After examining it for flavor, Ric nodded and she poured everyone a glass. At the end of dinner, Lidia brought in a dish of tiramisu for everyone. “Shall we take this to the parlor?”
Caulder whispered to Velia. “You have a parlor?”
She nodded and went ahead of him when he swept his hand forward.
Lidia touched her arm. “Could you help me in the kitchen for a moment, dear?”
“Of course.” Velia followed her mother. “I’m beginning to calm down. Don’t lecture me.”
“No lecture at all. I wanted to ask where your Caulder would be sleeping.”
Velia looked to the floor to hide her blushing cheeks. “This is embarrassing.”
“But, I do need to know, do I not?”
“Sì, but I think he should have his own room.” Velia poured her mother a glass of wine and sat at the counter. “I can’t share a room with him in front of you and papà.”
“Fine, dear. I’ll have Elizabeth ready the spare room.”
Velia gulped her wine. “Thank you.” She went back into the parlor where her father sat with Caulder. “And what are you two talking about?”
“Championships.” Caulder raised his glass toward her. “Whether or not I’ll get it this year.”
She sat beside him on the leather sofa, enjoying the warmth from the fireplace. “If not this year then next for sure.” Velia touched her glass against his and smiled. “Salute.”
Caulder nodded, “Grazie! Let’s take one show at a time. I told your father about the invitational in Brazil and why it wasn’t necessary for me to be there.”
Velia would have liked to go, but she understood he chose not to for a good reason.
Ric stood and took hold of Lidia’s hand. “Time for bed. You two kids enjoy the rest of the evening.” On the way out, he slipped a disk in the Blue-Ray player and winked as he left the room. He stepped back, saying, “There’s another bottle of wine in the bar. Savor to the last drop. Buona notte.”
“Good night.” She turned to Caulder. “Is my father trying to get me drunk?” She peered at him and smiled.
“Or he’s trying to get me drunk so I’ll go right to sleep. I’m sure he doesn’t want me to ravish his daughter.” He pulled her into his arms. “Velia, I honestly missed you.”
“You sure?”
“Okay, I missed you and worried. That jacked up ex-husband of yours can’t be trusted.”
“Are you saying Roy can’t take care of me?”
“I’m saying I should be the one.” He kissed her lips.
“Well, I’m saying I should be
taking care of myself.” Velia wanted more tasty kisses. As usual his warmth and complete persona went straight through her, warming her in places wanting to be heated.
“We both know that’s not going to happen in this lifetime.”
“True. We both might as well get used to it. I’ll always be watched by one of my father’s men, if not my father himself.” She twisted around and kissed him. “And, you know what?”
He closed his eyes. “Mm, keep kissing me like you just did.”
“And do you know what?”
He opened his eyes. “What?” He sighed.
“You might as well get used to being watched, too, even if it will be from afar. My father likes you. He’ll make sure you’re safe as well.”
“Hmm, I’m not sure if I should be glad or mad.”
“I’d be glad if I were you.”
“Okay.” He looked around the room. “This house is huge. You didn’t tell me you lived in a mansion.”
“Oh, stop, it’s not a mansion. It’s just a rather large house.”
“I’m glad I make enough money to keep you in what you’re used to.”
“I would never expect you to keep me in anything.” She sat forward on the edge of the sofa. “I plan on contributing to my own happiness as far as having what I want.”
He pressed his fingers against her lips. “Shh, you know what I meant. Stop fighting me. I can give you anything you want in life. If you do want to work and take care of yourself, I’d never stop you from doing what you want.” He cupped her face with both hands and kissed her forehead. “Please know I am capable of giving you a great life.”
It had been awhile since she had to swallow the lump down, but she did now. This man with his cheek pressed against hers was serious about wanting to take care of her and give her everything. She sighed.
“Velia?”
She came out of her muse. “Yes?”
“Where am I sleeping?”
“In the spare room,” she whispered. “I can’t sleep with you in my parent’s house.”
“I understand.” He hugged her. “The wine is making me sleepy. Could you lead me to my room?”
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