Dream Kisses (Romance on the Ranch Series #1)

by Clay, Verna

They returned to camp and he excused himself when the photographer called his name. Sarah started cleaning up the table. While she was packing supplies back in the box, Chrissie and the other two models walked over. Rosie and Diane each selected a sandwich to nibble on. Chrissie said, "That Curley guy should have sent a green salad. I told him that's what I wanted for lunch."

  "The turkey is really good, you should try it," said Rosie.

  Chrissie gave her a disdainful look and directed her attention to Sarah who was tossing discarded plates in a trash bag. "So, Sarah, how much of the shoot did you see?"

  "Just a couple of minutes."

  "Sage and I look good together, don't we?"

  "Yes, you pose well together." Sarah looked at the other models. "All of you."

  Chrissie said slyly, "We do other things well together, too…better than well."

  Rosie and Diane snickered.

  "Yes, he told me about that." Sarah tried to sound catty but it came off as sounding lame.

  Chrissie had cornered the market on catty and shot back with, "We just do it for each other."

  Sarah and the other models looked at her dumbfounded.

  The photographer called to Chrissie. Before she left, she turned to Sarah and winked. "I guess we've had a common experience." Then she twirled and pranced away like she was on a Paris runway.

  "What a bitch," Rosie said.

  "You got that right," Diane agreed.

  "What do you say we give her a run for her money—cozy up to Sage the rest of the day? Who knows, maybe one of us might get lucky."

  The girls started walking away, ignoring Sarah who was once again tossing trash in a bag. Rosie stopped and turned around, "Hey Sarah, thanks for cleaning up."

  Before Sarah could think of a witty retort, the leggy beauties were out of earshot. Slinging uneaten sandwiches back in the ice chest, she didn’t hear Newt until he was behind her.

  "Hey Sarah, you mad at them sandwiches?"

  "Oh, sorry, Newt. Guess my mind is elsewhere."

  Newt looked from her to the retreating figures of the models. "Don't let em get ta ya. Sage can't stand the lot of em."

  Sarah shrugged as if she didn't care.

  Newt helped her finish cleaning and packing. He waved to a nearby crewmember. "Can I get some help hauling this stuff back to my truck?"

  "Sure thing, Newt."

  Sarah grabbed the box of supplies and started toward the trail. When Newt started to object, she gave him a steely look. He closed his mouth to whatever he'd been about to say. After the truck was loaded, he opened the passenger door for her.

  "I've decided to stay and watch. Sage said its okay."

  "You actu'ly want ta stick around?" Newt sounded incredulous.

  Sarah grinned, "Guess I'm a glutton for punishment."

  The old cowboy shook his head and climbed into his truck. Sarah waved when he backed out. She returned to the top of the crest and, instead of following the trail to the bank of the river, sat on a boulder near the trailhead and watched the scene below. Newt was right to think her crazy, and she was right when she'd said she was a glutton for punishment. Sage and the models were back in rare form. The poses were sexy, provocative, sensual, and heartbreaking for Sarah to watch. Surrounded by beautiful women, a successful designer, and an attentive crew, Sage was in his element. She felt like the ugly stepsister. Even though he complained about modeling, it was an exciting world he fit into. Her world consisted of lonely days tapping on a computer while attempting to create, in words, scenes like the one unfolding in real life below. If, by some miracle, Sage had lasting feelings for her and wanted to stay in contact, could she handle his world? And if they continued their relationship, how long until he realized just how boring Sarah Carter was? Her heart was already suffering; did she want to prolong the inevitable?

  For the next two hours Sarah sat on her perch pondering her dilemma. When the photographer called a wrap, Sage spoke briefly with the designer and the photographer. Then he walked to the large tent and said something that made the crew laugh. Chrissie approached him, smiled, and placed a hand on his chest. While she was talking, the other models joined them, and she stepped possessively closer. Rosie, almost as tall as Sage, leaned to whisper in his ear.

  Sarah sighed and looked away. When she glanced back he was walking toward the trail. He'd almost reached the top when she stood. He stopped a few feet from her. "Come on. Let's get the hell out of here."

  The drive back was quiet and Sarah stared out the window. When they reached the gate at the edge of the pasture, Sage got out and opened it and then got back in the cab. Instead of putting the truck in gear, however, he just sat there. Sarah chewed her lip. He turned to face her. "I don't know what's going through your head, honey, but if you think I have anything going with those women, you're wrong. I don't fool around with multiple women. I'm monogamous. But I guess that's something you'll just have to take my word on."

  Sarah was saved from having to respond when the walkie-talkie sounded. "Sage, this is Beaner. You there?"

  He sighed and reached for the device. "Yo Beaner, this is Sage. What's up?"

  "Sorry to bother you boss, but Ned went to town for supplies and Newt's not answering. Me and some of the guys are at the boundary of the north pasture and there's another break in the fence. We got cows crossing the main road and cars stopped."

  "Shit! I'm on my way. I'll stop and get Curley. You keep radioing everyone. Tell them to get their asses over there pronto."

  "Righto boss. Over and out."

  Sage switched the channel on the walkie-talkie. "Curley, this is Sage, pick up quick!"

  Curley's voice crackled back. "What's up?"

  "I'll be at the dorm in ten minutes. Meet me out front. We got escaped cows. I need you to go with me."

  "I'll be waitin'."

  Driving past the gate, Sage jumped out and closed it, and then jammed the truck toward the ranch. On the way, the walkie-talkie sounded again and he spent the rest of the ride giving instructions.

  When he stopped in front of the dorm and Sarah opened her door, Newt's voice came over the walkie-talkie. "Boss, pick up."

  Sage said, "Hold on, Newt." Reaching across the seat, he circled her wrist. "We'll finish our conversation later."

  Sarah nodded. "Don't think about that right now, you just go take care of business."

  He reached to caress her cheek. "Maybe I'll see you later tonight?"

  She looked down and didn't respond, and he dropped his hand. She stepped out of the truck and Curley jumped in. Newt's voice sounded again. "Ya still there, boss? I hope yer finished being pretty boy, cause we got cows thinkin' they're cars."

  Sarah didn't hear Sage's response because the truck peeled out in a cloud of dust.

  Inside the dorm, the dudes were gathered around the big screen TV watching John Wayne shoot-it-out with a gang of angry hombres. They didn't even notice her. Back in her room, she picked up her laptop and wrote the ending to Dream Kisses. At least her characters would have a happily-ever-after. For herself, she knew what she must do.

  Tarah walked along the river's edge, her heart heavy and broken. After spending one last glorious night with Gage, she'd left Liberty Ranch in the middle of the night to return to her parents' humble home. Gage lived a life of wealth and prestige that she could never fit into. She would always be plain Tarah Casey, daughter of poor potato farmers barely eking a living. Gage deserved a wife of beauty and polish—someone who could make him proud.

  Staring across the river, she picked up a stone and tossed it into the calm water. Suddenly, another stone skipped behind the one she'd just tossed. Tarah jerked around. Leaning against a tree, Gage watched her with such intensity she couldn't breathe. Slowly, he stepped away from the tree and walked toward her. He said…"

  A tear dripped onto her keyboard when she typed the last word in Dream Kisses. She closed the laptop, put it in her briefcase, and lay back on her bed, allowing her tears to freely flow.

  Chap
ter 22: Fling

  Later that night, when Sarah saw Sage's truck parked at the side of his house, she walked over and knocked on the door. She hoped Julie was still up.

  Julie opened the door. "Hi, Sarah, come on in. You know you don't have to knock. Dad just got back from chasing cows," she snickered. "He asked if you'd come over. When I told him no, he looked disappointed. He'll be glad you're here."

  "Did they round up all the cows?"

  "Yeah, he wouldn't have come back if they hadn't. Can I get you some tea or lemonade?"

  "No, but thanks for asking." Sarah felt awkward.

  "You wanna sit down til Dad gets out of the shower?"

  "Yes. Umm, Julie?"

  Julie looked questioningly at her.

  "I just want you to know…well, I think the world of you. You're a sweet girl and you have enriched my life."

  Julie studied Sarah's face. "Thank you. I feel the same way about you."

  Sarah stepped toward Julie and hugged her. Julie hugged her back. Not wanting to get emotional, Sarah released her and sat on the couch, trying to make small talk. "What did you do today? Did you do some trick riding for the dudes?"

  "Yeah. I even tried some new moves I've been practicing with Precious Pudding."

  "Really, what kind of moves?"

  For the next half hour Julie happily described her latest achievements. Neither of them realized Sage was watching from the hallway until he said, "Hello Sarah."

  Sarah's heart jumped into her throat. "Hello. I heard you were able to round up all the cows."

  "Finally."

  Julie looked from Sarah to her father. "I think I'll turn in. Dad, just as a reminder, Tooty and I are going to the movies tomorrow. Her mom's picking me up early."

  "Okay, honey. Have fun." He didn't remove his eyes from Sarah's.

  After Julie left, Sarah walked to stand in front of him. Silently, she lifted a hand to caress his cheek. Standing on tiptoe, she followed with her mouth skimming his five o-clock shadow.

  "Do you want me to shave?" he whispered in her ear.

  "No." She moved her mouth to his, teasing it with tiny nips.

  Pulling her into a tight embrace, he cupped her bottom and pulled her up against him. "Let's go to bed, Sarah, my love."

  For the next few hours, Sarah loved Sage with every atom of her body and emotion of her soul. When they lay spent in each other's arms, he smoothed his hand over her hair and kissed her forehead. Softly, he said, "Thank you, Sarah."

  After Sarah was sure Sage was asleep, she quickly dressed and reached into the pocket of her Levis for the note she'd written earlier. Going to his dresser, she set the envelope on top of his Stetson. Turning for a last look, her eyes lovingly caressed his face before she tiptoed to the kitchen to grab his truck keys off the peg. Running back to the dorm, she quietly slipped into her room and grabbed a suitcase. After hauling it to the bed of the truck, she returned for the other one. Finally, with her heart hammering, she made her last trek to the dorm to retrieve her travel case, laptop, and purse. Glancing around her dorm room, she silently bid goodbye to Lazy M Ranch. Slinking through the hall and great room, she went back to the truck and prayed no one would hear the engine turn over. Slipping the truck into gear, she backed away from the house and turned down the long drive. When she was out of sight of the house, she punched the gas pedal. At the Shop Til You Drop Truck Stop, she parked in the back and walked to the payphone to call a cab.

  * * *

  Sage stretched and yawned and then grinned when he remembered his night of passion. He was in love with Sarah Carter a.k.a. Mims Murphy and as soon as he was free of the disaster he'd created for himself, he was going to take her somewhere special and tell her.

  He rolled over intending to suggest they shower together. Her side of the bed was empty. Maybe she was already in the shower and he'd surprise her. He sat up and scratched his chest. When he started toward the bathroom, he noticed something on top of his hat. Walking naked to his dresser he felt a tingling of foreboding. He reached for an envelope and ripped it open. Reading Sarah's words made him want to pound his fist in the wall.

  Sage,

  We've had a fun fling, but now it's time to move on. Our worlds are as different as night and day. For me, the thrill of your world would soon wear thin. For you, the sameness of mine would drive you stir crazy. Reality has reared its head and it's time to accept who we are. I borrowed your truck. You'll find it at Shop Til You Drop Truck Stop. The key is on top of the passenger tire. Thanks for all the great research and I wish you a happy life. I'll never forget you or Julie.

  —Mims

  Sage crumpled the note and threw it across the room. Their relationship had only been a "fling" for her?

  Chapter 23: Declaration

  Six Months Later

  Sprawled across her bed, Julie devoured the pages of the book Tooty had secreted to her the previous day. She read the last word and closed it. Smoothing her hand over the cover, she reached and set it on the bedside table before rolling onto her back and placing her hands behind her head. After a few minutes of staring at the ceiling, she grabbed the book back up. She was on a mission. Checking the barn first, she found her dad brushing Jackel.

  He paused and said, "Hey, Julie, what have you been doing all day? You usually spend your Saturdays riding or hanging out with Tooty."

  She stopped a few feet from him with her hand behind her back. "Dad, I'm going to ask you to do something and you have to promise you'll say yes."

  "How can I say yes to a request like that?"

  "You can say yes because you trust me."

  Her father studied her face. "Okay, since you put it like that. What do I have to do?"

  She pulled her hand from behind her back and shoved the book Dream Kisses at him. "You have to read this."

  He took one look at himself on the cover and went back to brushing Jackel. "I don't want to read it. It wasn't right the way she just up and left."

  "Dad, you promised. And I promise you won't be disappointed. You probably don't know this, but Sarah named her characters Tarah and Gage." She let that tidbit of information sink in. "And besides, the way you've been moping around since she left, maybe reading the story will give you closure." Oh, that last line was brilliant. Now he'd have to read it. She grinned inwardly when he reluctantly accepted the paperback.

  * * *

  Sage watched Julie walk away and grimaced when he looked at the book. Crap. Now he was curious. Giving Jackel a final pat, he tucked the novel in the waistband of his Levis, grabbed his hat, and headed toward the house.

  Dawn's light peeked through his curtains when he read the last page. He finally understood Sarah. At precisely nine o'clock, he was in town and waiting for the library to open. Heading to the bank of computers, he called up the internet and found Mims Murphy's website. He searched her site until he found her schedule.

  Two weeks later, he entered the Annual Romance Writers' Convention in San Francisco. According to Mim's website she and several other authors were speaking at the gathering. He located the intricately carved double doors of the auditorium and, inhaling deeply, stepped inside. He was about to turn heads, and he knew it.

  The woman at the podium stopped speaking. Behind her, another woman sitting beside Sarah, pointed, and heads in the audience turned. Sage stepped forward until he was in the aisle. A middle aged redhead in an aisle seat shouted, "Oh, my God!" The young blonde beside her gasped and covered her mouth. An elderly lady on the opposite aisle stood and squealed, "It's Gage Garrett from Dream Kisses!" By then, the entire audience had turned to look at him.

  Dressed as he had been for the cover of Dream Kisses, he slowly stepped forward, purpose accentuating every step. Several women began fanning themselves with their program sheets. He reached the first row and stopped again. Glancing down, he winked at a lady rapidly fanning her pink face with her purple program, and she fell backwards against her neighbor.

  Returning his gaze to a stunned Mims Murphy
alias Sarah Carter alias Tarah Casey, his silence charged the atmosphere. The only sound was the squeak of a chair. Finally, he started to speak and someone shoved a microphone in his hand. He looked at it and shrugged. Lifting it, he said in a deep timbre,

  "Tarah Casey what were you thinking to leave me? I can't sleep, I can't eat, I can't live without you. I'm wasting away, day by day. I no longer possess my heart; it has been stolen by you. I, Gage Garrett, am but a shell of a man without you. I am begging you to return to Liberty Ranch…Lazy M Ranch…and make me whole."

  Silence reined when he finished his memorization of Gage's words from the last chapter of Dream Kisses, with the words, "Lazy M Ranch," added. He now said, "Sarah Carter, because I'm on the cover of your book, I once jokingly asked what I was doing in those pages. I read Dream Kisses and now I know. I was falling in love with you. Will you marry me and have my babies?"

  At his words, several women swooned and the convention turned into pandemonium. Sage vaulted onto the stage and Sarah jumped from her chair, running and launching herself into his arms. Sissy Johansen grabbed a microphone and said, "Sarah, I told you he gave you that look." The audience went wild.

  Epilogue

  Sage entered the kitchen with a four year old twin under each arm. "I think the two of you need to tell Mommy what you've done."

  Sarah glanced at her husband who was trying, but failing, to maintain a stern look. A grin threatened to expose his disciplinary action as being totally faked. She looked from Preston's apprehensive expression to Toby's wide smile.

  Sage continued, "Seems they were watching Ann decorate the dorm for Julie and Jacob's wedding reception tomorrow and wanted to recreate the crepe paper look in our bedroom…with toilet paper."

  "Yeah, Mommy, it's beautiful. We covered everything," Toby said proudly.

  "We'll clean it up," Preston offered.

  Sarah's mouth gaped.