Montana Bred: Montana Cowboys

by Hildie McQueen

  When Jenna took a long breath, Bennett held his and waited. She snuggled closer and dug her face into the side of his neck. "Good morning."

  Enjoying her lush body against his, Bennett slid his hand down from her hip over her curvy bottom. "Good morning."

  "I need to get going. Lots of things to accomplish today."

  For a moment, he was stunned. She'd not said anything about quitting. Not yet, anyway. "My driver can take you. Will you stay for a bit longer? We can go to breakfast."

  Jenna giggled. "You really need to find a friend. This cannot continue. I've been laying here trying to decide if I should quit or not. It doesn't feel right to work for you after this.” She lifted her head and looked down at him.

  He'd never noticed the sprinkling of freckles across her nose. Unable to stop himself, he kissed her. "You can't quit."

  "Yes, I can,"

  "Not yet. I want you to stay in bed just a bit longer."

  She attempted to push away, but he cupped her butt and proved to her why she should stay by lifting his hips and pushing his hardness into her.

  "Oh!" Jenna straddled him and before long, both were lost in a race toward reaching culmination.

  Across from each other, they ate breakfast delivered quietly and efficiently once he called and asked for it. They sat in the front area on the couch and ate the pancakes then washed them down with coffee.

  "These are delicious," Jenna exclaimed and swooned. “I need to find out where these pancakes came from.”

  Bennett loved her enthusiasm, hoped she'd not bring up their work relationship again. He had a lot to think about, but one thing was for sure, he would not lose Jenna.

  "What time is the driver picking me up?" Jenna leaned over and kissed his cheek. I really have to get going. The dogs will miss me."

  He'd miss her. "Maybe next time you can stay a couple days."

  When she let out a breath, he waited for what she'd say next. "I'm considering this a one-time thing. You know, like an embarrassing fan girl moment."

  If ice water was poured over him in that moment, it would have felt comforting compared to the frigidness that overtook. "Is that what this was? You slept with me because of the concert?"

  Her eyes widened. "Of course not. I was joking." She pushed her food around on the plate.

  Bennett was unable to believe he'd allowed it to happen again. Women threw themselves at him after shows all the time. He'd rarely taken anyone up on their offer. Yes, he'd invited Jenna to his bus and, yes, he’d hoped for her to spend the night, but not because he was famous. No, he'd wanted her to stay because of hope that she was interested in him away from the stage.

  How stupid he was. They'd not known each other long enough. It was a dumb move.

  "I'll see about the driver.” He walked off of the bus not seeing anything. The car could have run him over before he noticed. Anger and hurt battled for supremacy over the other and all Bennett could do was lean against the back of the bus in the precise location he knew was not visible from any of the windows.

  Facing her after today would only remind him of how dumb he was. The idea of any woman loving him without his career affecting the decision was impossible.

  He'd not allow her to quit. After all, he needed her. Not just because she was an able manager, but because the constant reminder not to allow a woman close enough to hurt him was exactly what he needed.

  "Sir?” An older man walked toward him. "Did you call for a car?"

  Jenna stepped out of the bus after Bennett knocked and called out that the car was there. He hugged her and kissed her temple. "Thank you for staying. Keep in touch daily to let me know how things are going."

  Unfortunately, Lacey and another man chose that time to show up. They pulled up in a black car and, after a quick greeting, went past Bennett and inside the bus. "Let's hurry. We have much to discuss," the man called out before disappearing into the bus.

  "I better go." Bennett smiled at her, but his gaze remained flat. "Have a safe trip home."

  "I didn't...never mind." Jenna didn't quite know what to say as she wasn't sure of her feelings at the moment. One thing was sure, she'd hurt him. "I'll call you tomorrow."

  He held the door open and after a curt nod, went to the bus. As she drove off, the buses began pulling out, followed by the black car that had brought his management team.

  Bennett would return to Alder Gulch in six weeks. She’d better know how she felt about him by then or else she'd ensure all the projects were done and in good hands.

  Either she'd be there ready to fight for him or she'd be gone.

  Chapter Eleven

  Autumn was Jenna's favorite season. The changing leaves accompanied by the cooler air always put her in a mood for baking and cleaning. This night, she'd baked an apple pie. After a large serving of pie and vanilla ice cream, she sat out back on a rocker watching four of the dogs run around in circles chasing each other.

  Her dog, Sunny, had finally arrived from The Gambia. After sniffing and growling at the other dogs, she'd firmly planted herself on a dog bed and fallen asleep. Poor thing, after so many hours of travel and pills to relax her, the dog needed rest.

  The sun was setting on a busy day, which was to be followed by an even busier one as four horses were to be delivered. The state-of-the-art stables were finally completed, along with two large corralled areas. Next, the training areas would be done, which were to be completed in another couple weeks.

  Jenna remained. And although her conversations with Bennett had become easier over time, he'd remained conservative and businesslike each time they spoke. If she'd not been present at the time they'd slept together, she would never believe it happened.

  He'd actually been there overnight one weekend, but she’s not seen him, as she now went to her parents’ house once in a while on Saturdays. Often she took the smaller dogs and left the other three with Regina.

  He'd left her a note thanking her for a job well done along with a bonus check for booking two well-known clients.

  Other than that, she'd not seen his face other than on television or the computer screen. It was pathetic to admit, but she'd begun stalking him on social media and entertainment news. She scoured both daily for any news about him.

  Jenna decided to stay and face Bennett when he returned home in another week. She'd made up her mind.

  As crazy as it was, not even knowing him well, she'd fallen in love. What she felt for Bennett Cole would only deepen with time. Of that, she was sure.

  Also, she decided that this time there would be no losing. No matter what it took, she'd prove to Bennett she loved him.

  She’d fallen for the real man, the one who lost his pants in the creek and who enjoyed fighting with his cousin. She loved the Bennett here in Alder Gulch, who didn’t mind getting dirty with dogs and played his guitar at night.

  Whether he remained a singer or decided to retire to live there on the modest farm did not matter to her one bit.

  If only he'd forget her stupid statement, then things would be easier. However, like her dad often said, "Nothing great is ever easy."

  Rain began falling just as Jenna drove up to her family ranch. She slowed when a pickup truck coming in her direction flashed its lights. Her heart rate picked up at instantly knowing who drove the truck.

  For the last few weeks coming late had proved perfect for avoiding running into Ryan. However, today she wasn't in luck. The truck stopped beside her car and the window rolled down.

  Jenna took a breath and presented a brave smile to his, "Hey stranger."

  "Hello, Ryan. Heading over to see my parents..." before she could finish telling him that she better go, he interrupted.

  "Your dad told me you're working over at the Cole ranch. Wish you'd come back and work here. They miss you."

  The fantasy of punching him square in the face allowed her to keep her temper in check. "Really? I would return, however, I am perfectly happy working at the Coles’. This place is in your capable han
ds. Nice to see you can be loyal in that respect."

  She rolled the window up and drove off, annoyed at her shaking hands. Ryan remained as attractive as she remembered. The tragic events that pushed her to leave the country came flying back. When she rounded the large ranch house, she stopped but didn't get out of her car. Yes, she’d hired someone because he'd seemed nice and she believed in giving people a chance.

  When the stalls had caught fire and a horse was injured, it had been horrible. But later, to find out the guy she'd recommended was the one who'd started the fire was hard to accept. She'd put lives of not only the animals, but also her family, in danger by bringing the guy into the fold.

  Two weeks later, the other shoe fell when she'd overheard a telephone call between Ryan and an acquaintance. He was confronting the woman about seeing someone else. His side of the conversation left no room for argument. He was cheating.

  When she'd snatched the phone away and demanded to know who was on the other end, it was the beginning of an embarrassing downward spiral. Jenna began following Ryan, showing up at his apartment at odd hours after telling him she'd not come over. Although he promised to end the relationship with the other woman, it was never true.

  Down deep, Jenna knew. But it took a horrible night out with friends for her suspicions to be confirmed. Jenna left the restaurant after saying goodbye to her friends and headed to meet Ryan at a coffee house. He didn't show up and when she'd drove to his apartment, he was not there, either.

  She'd given up and headed home when she saw a truck that looked just like his parked at a small eatery. Everything happened so fast. Jenna had walked in on him with the woman. There was screaming, drinks thrown and the evening ending with the manager dragging her out of the place.

  Ryan had not come to help her when she'd been thrown out with threats to call the police if she didn't leave the property.

  Embarrassed beyond belief at what she'd done, Jenna had gone to stay at a hotel for two days. In that time, she contacted a friend who'd gone to work in Africa. She booked her airline tickets and returned home to pack. The only explanation she gave her poor, bewildered parents was that she needed to get away. Her mother guessed she and Ryan broke up and begged her to reconsider such a drastic action but, in the end, Jenna left.

  The decision had turned out to be a good one. Although the rehashed memories played, Jenna could only shake her head at how different things felt now. She didn't want Ryan anymore. Although she was not happy to see him, it was more because she was embarrassed and angry that she'd not acted differently.

  Rapping on the passenger window made her jump. She motioned for him to get into the car and a wet Ryan climbed in and sat down. His dark brown gaze met hers. "I never apologized. I tried to, but you left so fast. I’m sorry, Jenna, for how things went down. I’m so sorry. I was wrong."

  "Yes, you were," Jenna said with a long sigh. "I can't believe how I reacted. My emotions were all over the place."

  "Can't say I blame you. Don't know what I was thinking.” Ryan reached for her hand and held it between his. "I'm so sorry. My actions were horrible. When I think back, I realize it was out of fear. I never felt like I deserved you, so I sabotaged our relationship."

  What he said didn't matter anymore. "What's done is done. I hear you're getting married."

  Ryan nodded. "To someone else. That thing with her didn't last."

  "Friends?" Jenna pulled her hand from between his and held it out for a shake.

  They shook and Ryan's gaze lingered on her face for a moment. "You are, as always, so beautiful. You will always be the one that got away for me."

  There was wanting in his gaze when it met hers, but Jenna wasn’t stirred in the least.

  “Good night, Ryan. Congratulations on the engagement.”

  Over dinner, she told her parents what had transpired between her and Ryan. It was strangely liberating not to have to avoid him anymore. Her parents exchanged looks then her mother put her fork down.

  "Honey, I think Ryan made a huge mistake. He really hated what happened and told us what occurred. Too late, of course, he ended things with the girl and tried to get in touch with you. He said you blocked him from emails and calls. I don't blame you."

  "If I didn't block him, I would have taken him back and that is not acceptable. He cheated on me and then lied to me about ending it. I won't stand for that."

  "Good for you," her father said with a firm nod. "Now tell us about your new boss.”

  Oh boy. Jenna cut her steak and forked a large piece into her mouth to get more time. She had to tell them the truth. There was no way she could keep up the lie of not disclosing who her employer was. Hopefully, her parents didn't know who he was.

  "I work for Bennett Cole. He's gone most of the time, so I work alone with the four employees for the most part."

  There was a stunned silence. Finally her father found his voice. "The superstar? The singer that wins all the awards?"

  "Yep.” Jenna added sour cream to her baked potato, keeping her gaze lowered. "That's the one. Pretty nice guy, but I did have to sign a confidentiality agreement. I'm not supposed to discuss our working relationship and what goes on at the ranch. Anything he does when he's there is off limits, too."

  "Wow," her mother finally said. "I'd love to meet him one day."

  Hopefully, she would be able to introduce Bennett to her parents. If things went as she hoped, they'd work things out and become a couple. Then her parents would meet him.

  Jenna refused to think about the other alternative. Her returning to work with her parents, once again, brokenhearted.

  “I’ll see what I can do, Mom.”

  Chapter Twelve

  "Great tour everyone, thank you. Time to get take a break and spend time with family.” Bennett lifted his beer to a chorus of "here, here”.

  Although he planned to spend the break in Billings, first he'd stop in Alder Gulch to check the progress of the stables and how the newly arrived horses got along. His own horse, Harvey, was now at the stables and it was part of his plan to ride each of the three days he planned to remain there.

  Somehow, he'd avoid time alone with Jenna. Other than daytime discussions and walkabouts, Bennett would spend his free time at Sully and Elle's home. He'd considered sleeping there, but it would bring questions. It was best to sleep in the loft, away from everyone.

  "Coming out to eat?” Tucker asked. "We're going to a BBQ joint that's dark, dank and greasy. You should be okay."

  Just like his band to consider him when choosing a last place to eat. "Thanks, sounds good. Let's go."

  Dinner was rowdy, with great food, and the beer was flowing. The owners, a middle-aged couple, took pictures for their wall, but other than that, they were left alone. The other customers, mostly older locals, didn't seem impressed by his presence. One brave woman stood and took a couple steps toward them, but was tugged back by one of the owners and sent back to her seat.

  It was almost two in the morning when Bennett finally lay back on his bed. He'd not told Jenna what day he'd return. A part of him wanted to just show up, but it wasn't fair. If she were any other employee, he'd ensure to keep her informed of everything.

  They'd talked a couple times weekly and it had been cordial, with an easy rapport that surprised Bennett. Although they steered clear of any personal remarks, the sexual tension remained. The huskiness of her voice sent his body on full alert. Her soft chuckles brought back memories of their pillow talk.

  He wasn't over her. As a matter of fact, he wanted her more than ever.

  Yet, years in the entertainment industry had shown him that women who fell in bed with someone famous would grow disenchanted over the long run when getting to know the real person.

  Although he'd dated other celebrities, the relationships had turned sour quickly after dealing with confusing, busy schedules and so much publicity. Now, although he wished for an easy relationship with someone not in the business, Jenna seemed to be perfect.

 
He'd not counted her out yet, not by a long run. But he had to be sure of her reasons.

  That she remained at the ranch was perplexing. Did she remain because she loved the job or because she had hopes of more with him?

  He checked the messages on his phone and there were two texts from Jenna.

  Letting you know my dog arrived from The Gambia. So now there are five dogs at the ranch.

  Need your approval for the contract on the new bunkhouse if all looks good. The crew is scheduled to arrive next week.

  Hope all is going well. When are you coming to check things out?

  There was a picture attached of a tan and white dog. He didn't recognize the breed, must have been one specific to Africa.

  Why had she really gone to Africa for over a year? It seemed a strange place for a woman from Montana from a large, successful ranch.

  On a whim, he Googled the clinic she'd worked at and found it fascinating. There were pictures of the German veterinarian along with several local women who assisted in trapping dogs for care. There were several pictures of Jenna. In one, she was holding four puppies and smiling broadly. The caption mentioned that she'd caught the puppies and was successful in finding them all homes.

  There were other pictures, mostly of her holding dogs at the clinic. The most compelling photo was of Jenna holding a puppy up against her chest, her face wet with tears.

  The caption explained that after weeks of trying to help, the dog had died during the night.

  It was clear she loved animals and by the now growing herd at his ranch, she loved dogs.

  Bennett laughed when his phone dinged and a picture of the five dogs sitting in a straight line appeared. Not only was she a dog lover, but Jenna trained them as well. He let out a sigh. Maybe he'd consider staying at the ranch longer.

  Perhaps there was a way to test Jenna and find out if she was interested in him as a person or if their night together had been a result of seeing him in concert.