Big Sky Seduction

by Daire St. Denis

  “You know, I can shower back at the hotel.”

  “You don’t mind?”

  Yes.

  “No. Just need to grab something from upstairs.” She wanted to bring the box of clothes, figuring there was something more fitting for a country fair and rodeo inside that box than what she’d brought from Chicago, but she was distracted by Dillon’s strange behavior.

  A few minutes later, they were headed back to Half Moon Creek. The road to town was becoming familiar and Gloria recognized more than one landmark as they drove—the old barn just past the washed-out bridge, the wind-twisted tree that marked the next turnoff. The cattle-crossing sign that was the last sign before turning toward Half Moon Creek.

  With ten miles left to go, Gloria placed her hand on Dillon’s thigh, slowly sliding her hand higher, making small circle as she went. Just when she was about to reach the top, he stopped her. “What are you doing, Red?”

  “This is my way of asking you to come up to my room at the Gold Dust.”

  “You know those walls are paper-thin.” He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. He smiled, and to her relief, it appeared genuine. “I hate to tell you, but you’re loud.” He placed her hand back in her lap. “You want to broadcast what we’re up to, for the whole county to hear?”

  “Well,” she hedged. “You could always invite me to your place.”

  “Tempting, but I live in a trailer. Sound proofing isn’t much better there.” He patted her leg. “Besides, I’m riding tomorrow. I need an early night and if memory serves, sleeping beside you is not conducive to a full night’s sleep.”

  Too soon, Dillon stopped in front of the hotel, got out and opened her door. “I’m riding at noon. I hope you’ll watch.”

  “Of course I will.”

  “Can I carry this up?” He indicated the box on the backseat.

  “I’ve got it, thanks.”

  “Okay.” He leaned in and kissed her softly on the cheek before retrieving the box and passing it to her. “See you tomorrow, Red.” He went back around to the driver’s side, got in and drove off, leaving Gloria to wonder, what the hell is going on?

  * * *

  GLORIA SAT IN the bleachers with Sage beside her and her father on the other side of Sage. The fact that her father and Sage were holding hands did not go unnoticed. She smiled to herself, despite feeling less certain about her own love life at the moment. But once the bull riding began, Gloria started to wonder if she’d been overreacting to Dillon’s distant behavior last night. She’d never seen anything like it. Men riding these enormous, muscle-bound animals that were intent, not only on bucking them off, but on potentially goring them to death once they were on the ground. The riders’ bodies were jerked and whipped around as if they might snap in two at any second. No wonder Dillon’s back ached all the time. No wonder he wanted to rest last night.

  When they called Dillon’s name—five-time national champion—as the next rider, Gloria’s stomach roiled with a combination of excitement and worry.

  Placing her hand on Gloria’s knee, Sage said, “He’ll be fine.”

  How had she known Gloria was worried?

  The horn sounded, the gate opened and Dillon came out riding the biggest bull she’d ever seen. The thing didn’t just buck, it twisted in the air, kicking and turning, jumping and spinning. A millisecond before the eight-second horn sounded, Dillon got bucked off.

  The crowd groaned in unison. Quick as a flash, the rodeo clown distracted the bull while one of the riders removed the belt around the bull’s middle, corralling the animal out of the ring while Dillon slowly climbed to his feet, waving his hat at the crowd as he limped slowly out of the ring.

  The next rider was Dillon’s brother Colton. Though his bull was smaller, its moves were even more dramatic, leaping high into the air and kicking almost vertically. Colton easily completed the eight seconds before jumping off to a thunderous applause.

  “That boy’s a show-off,” Sage said with a chuckle, as Colton did a running flip in the ring after his ride.

  Gloria tapped Sage’s arm. “I’m going to go see how Dillon’s doing.”

  “You do that.”

  She found him out behind the rodeo ring, sitting on a bench, drinking a bottle of water.

  “Hey,” she said, as she approached. “You okay?”

  “I’ve been better.” He tried to smile but it was more of a grimace than anything. “I’ve got to stretch out my back before my next ride tomorrow.”

  “You can’t be serious,” Gloria said. “You’re not riding again.”

  “That’s right, old man.” A young carbon copy of Dillon approached from Gloria’s right. “Listen to the woman. She knows what she’s talking about.”

  Dillon stood, groaning. “Colt, this is Gloria.” He jabbed Colton in the shoulder with a playful punch. “Gloria, this is my pain-in-the-ass brother. Colton.”

  “Howdy, miss.” He removed his hat and grinned, revealing an adorable dimple in his right cheek. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

  Gloria shook his hand. “I bet you break a lot of hearts.”

  “You’re going to make me blush.” He winked before settling his hat back on his head in a move that reminded her of his older brother. “And you are a stunner. When you tire of the old stock—” he indicated Dillon with a movement of his chin “—think about giving the better Cross brother a try.” He laughed before walking off with a loping, bowlegged stride.

  “He is something else.”

  “Yep.” There was fondness and amusement in Dillon’s tone. “Please don’t blame me for his upbringing, I had no part in it.”

  “Yeah, right.”

  His chuckle turned into a groan as he leaned on the fence post. “Listen, Red. I gotta go take some pain meds before I seize up any worse than I already have. I’ll catch up with you later, okay?”

  “Yeah, sure.”

  He kissed her cheek and moved off toward the first-aid tent, walking slower than she’d ever seen him move before.

  She touched her cheek. That was twice he’d done that, just a little peck on the cheek, nothing more. She frowned and then caught herself. The man was in pain, of course he wasn’t feeling amorous. It was nothing to worry about.

  Still...

  Gloria spent the remainder of the day checking out the fairgrounds that a couple of days ago had been an empty field and now was filled with colorful tents, amusement park rides, food booths and stages. It was a wonder to her. Animals, food, art and amusement all in one place for one weekend only. She’d spent part of the afternoon with her father and Sage, until it was Sage’s turn to man a concession stand and her father chose to stay and help.

  By six o’clock, she was exhausted and completely full, having sampled two of the ten chilies in the chili competition, eaten beef on a bun and topped it off with a candy apple.

  She loved it. Gloria only wished she could share the experience with someone.

  Not someone, Dillon.

  All day, her gaze surveyed the crowd, looking for him, but she hadn’t seen any sign of him since his ride, no message from him, either.

  It was three blocks back to the hotel, and Gloria headed there, intent on freshening up, but found the hotel and saloon packed with people crowded inside and out where a tent had been set up. At one end, was a stage where an attractive woman with long, dark hair and a tight, short skirt sang a mean rendition of Carrie Underwood’s “Little Toy Guns.”

  “Gloria, over here.” Max Ozark, the real estate agent, was sitting at a table where there was still an empty seat. “You look like you could use one of these.” He handed her a red plastic cup filled to the brim with beer.

  “Thanks, Max.” She sipped the cool draft, not even realizing how thirsty she was.

  “So, did
Dillon tell you?”

  “Tell me what?”

  “We’ve got an offer. It looks good.”

  The beer turned to acid on her tongue and she set the cup down. “No,” she said. “He didn’t.”

  “He’s going to sign on Monday.”

  Monday? That meant her work was done. She could go home.

  Gloria pushed the beer away just as Max said something else, but she was unable to make it out because suddenly the crowd went crazy with applause as the singer finished the song.

  “Hey y’all, I’m in the mood for a duet.”

  “I’ll sing with you, Char!”

  “Thanks, Eddie. But, I actually had someone special in mind.”

  “I’m special, Char!”

  “You certainly are, Walt.”

  The crowd lit up with laughter. This was what it was like, living in a small town where everyone knew everyone. Normally she would have enjoyed the banter between members of the community, but now it only made her feel left out.

  “How about my high school sweetheart?”

  More cheers went up from the crowd.

  “Dillon Cross, you out there?” She put a hand to her forehead and searched the crowd. “There you are! Come sing with me. It’s been too long, darlin’.”

  From the other side of the tent, Dillon made his way to the stage and Gloria felt as if someone stabbed her from behind. The second he was onstage, Char wrapped her arms around him and hugged him. Close and for much too long.

  “This is an oldie, but a goody,” Char said, once she finally released Dillon. She nodded to the man working the karaoke machine and an old Kenny Rogers-Dolly Parton tune started up.

  Gloria felt as if she’d been turned to stone. This was Char. Kenny’s ex-wife. And she sang to Dillon as if she meant every word she said. Smiling at him, flirting with him.

  And Dillon sang right back.

  Let’s just say that I’ve done things that make it impossible for me to keep this place. Things I can’t take back, things I can’t even ask forgiveness for.

  Had something happened between Char and Dillon? Was Dillon still in love with her?

  Oh, God. Gloria stood, needing to escape.

  Making her way through the crowd was no easy feat as she twisted one way and then another, feeling a strange affinity for the bulls who only wanted to buck the person off their backs.

  “Miss Gloria.” A familiar Louisiana drawl stopped her. “You are looking as pretty as ever.”

  Thad was there, scrubbed and shaved, wearing a new shirt and a lopsided grin.

  “Hi, Thad.” Gloria squeezed his arm as she tried to ease past but Thad held on to her elbow.

  “You remind me of Sue, you know that?”

  “I remind you of a dog?”

  “Sure. Smart, loyal. The kind of companion a good man needs.” He let her arm go to adjust the collar of his shirt. “Did I ever tell you the story about how Sue trapped a mountain lion?”

  “Yes.” Gloria smiled, or tried to.

  “Thought I did. It’s a good story, ain’t it?”

  She felt her brows pull together when she realized that Thad wasn’t looking at her, but was gazing up at the stage where Dillon and Char were singing.

  “All right, miss. Have a good night and I’ll see you when I see you.”

  20

  GLORIA NEEDED SOME SPACE. She needed room to breathe and figure things out so she walked up and down the streets of Half Moon Creek. The place was deserted because everyone was at the fairgrounds or the saloon.

  Could she have been wrong about Dillon? Was Char the reason he’d been acting so distant the past couple of days?

  It’s not you at all. I’m just distracted. The fair brings back lots of...memories.

  As in memories of Char?

  Gloria didn’t know what to think, the only thing she knew was that she loved Dillon, she didn’t want to leave Half Moon Creek, and now chances were Dillon was in love with another woman.

  Approaching the hotel from the alley in hopes of avoiding the crowd, Gloria ran into the one person she least wanted to see. Char stood out on the back stoop, smoking.

  “Excuse me,” Gloria said, trying to step past to get inside.

  Char stepped in front of her. “You must be Gloria.” Smoke wafted into Gloria’s face as Char spoke.

  “And you’re Char.”

  Char dropped the cigarette and ground it beneath the heel of her boot, all the while scrutinizing Gloria. “Nice dress.”

  Looking down at herself, Gloria realized she was wearing Char’s clothes. Oh, God. She wanted to rip the dress off right this second and burn it. She elbowed past Char and mounted the steps to the hotel.

  “You know you’re nothing more than a bet, right?” The other woman spoke from right behind her.

  Gloria stopped and turned. “What?”

  “Didn’t Dillon tell you?” She flipped her hair. “He and his cousin made a bet about you. His cousin didn’t think you’d fuck him. Dillon said you would.” She laughed as if it was a big joke.

  “Where’d you hear that?” Gloria asked, her teeth clenched. White-hot rage whipping through her.

  “Dillon’s little brother.”

  It couldn’t be true, could it?

  As if she was reading her thoughts, Char put a hand to her heart. “Don’t believe me? Ask Dillon. I’ve known him forever and the man can’t tell a lie to save his life.” She winked. “He and his cousins were always making bets when they were kids. Far as I can see, the man hasn’t changed at all.”

  Gloria fisted her hands so tight, her fingernails bit into her palms as she struggled to control herself.

  Adjusting the microscopic skirt she wore, Char said, “By the way, I’m moving back. I always liked Kenny’s ranch and I heard you fixed it up real nice.”

  “If you liked it so much,” Gloria said quietly, “why’d you leave?”

  “Now that’s the question, ain’t it?” Char jostled herself in front of Gloria. “I married the wrong cowboy.” She licked her full, pouty lips. “I was Dillon’s first and I plan on being his last. Know what I mean?”

  Of course Gloria knew what she meant—the woman had absolutely no subtly. Gloria had the urge to slap the fake smile right off the woman’s face. But then, another idea came to her.

  You remind me of Sue.

  Straightening her shoulders and holding her head high, she said in the sweetest voice she could muster, “My work’s done here and I’m heading back to Chicago.” She paused. “The ranch has an offer and Dillon plans on selling, so you better act fast before it’s too late.”

  Char’s eyes widened. “Thanks for the heads-up, darlin’.” She patted Gloria’s cheek. “You’re okay.”

  It took everything in her not to turn her head and bite.

  * * *

  WHERE THE HELL was she? She wasn’t up in her room, she wasn’t in the saloon or the tent. He hadn’t seen her all day and he’d left his phone at home so he couldn’t text her. Catching sight of Colton standing in the beer line, he worked his way over to him and tapped him on the shoulder.

  “You seen Gloria?”

  His brother’s typical cocky grin looked sheepish. “Yeah.”

  “Where is she?”

  Colton rubbed his cheek. “Dunno. She kind of stormed off.”

  “Why?”

  “Probably because she asked me if she was a bet.”

  Dillon shook his head in disbelief. “What? How the hell would she have known to ask that?”

  “I may have accidentally said something to Char the other night
and then...well. You know Char.”

  “Dammit.” Dillon pushed past his brother, his stomach in knots. Surely Gloria wouldn’t believe the thing about the bet, but then, what else had Char told her? Everything?

  “By the way, Char’s looking for you,” Colton called after him.

  His vision became infused with red as he elbowed his way through the crowded tent, pausing when he saw Sage and Andy slow dancing to a fast song on the dance floor. He bulldozed his way over to them, putting a hand on both their shoulders at once.

  “You seen Gloria?”

  Sage nodded. “Yep. She asked to borrow my truck.”

  “Why did she want your truck?” Was she on her way to Butte, intent on flying back to Chicago?

  “Something about staying out at the ranch one last time.”

  Dillon didn’t wait to hear another word. He pushed his way through the mob, not caring when people complained about his rough exit.

  A sense of panic filled him as he drove along the dark road. Visions of a truck flipped over made him drive slowly, scanning the ditches along the side of the road. For all she was independent, Gloria didn’t know the first thing about driving these country roads alone and at night. When he got to the ranch, he breathed a sigh of relief to see another truck, except as he parked beside it, he realized it wasn’t Sage’s and he didn’t recognize it.

  Shit!

  Had something happened?

  He ran up the step, wrenched the door open and collided with a woman on the other side. Her arms wrapped around his neck and her mouth met his, wet and tasting of secondhand smoke.

  Dillon jerked back. “Dammit, Char, what are you doing here?”

  “What do you think?” She grabbed his shirt and pulled him close, rubbing her chest against his. “I’m coming home.”

  “This isn’t your home.”

  “But it could be. It’s a nice place, Dilly. We could be happy here.” She gyrated some more, as though she was an exotic dancer and he was a pole.

  Not sexy.

  “Don’t you remember how good we were together?” Her voice took on a petulant tone. He recognized it as the voice she used to get whatever she wanted. God. How could he have been so blind for so many years?